Atlanta Airport Layout: How to Navigate Hartsfield‑Jackson Like a Local

Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) can feel massive and confusing at first glance, but its layout is actually very logical once you understand the basic structure. Whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re flying in for the first time, knowing how the airport is organized will save you time, stress, and a lot of extra walking.

Big Picture: How Atlanta Airport Is Organized

Atlanta’s airport is built in a straight line from west to east:

1. Domestic Terminal (West side)
2. Concourse T (connected directly to the Domestic Terminal)
3. Concourses A, B, C, D, E, F (in order going east)
4. International Terminal / Concourse F (East side)

Everything is connected by the Plane Train, an underground people-mover, and by a central underground walkway.

Think of it like a spine (the Transport Mall underground) with ribs (the concourses). You move east–west along this spine to reach any gate.

Terminals vs. Concourses: Key Difference

Many travelers use “terminal” and “concourse” interchangeably, but at ATL they’re not the same:

• Terminals = Main public buildings where you check in, drop bags, go through security, and meet rides.
• Concourses = Gate areas where you board and deplane.

ATL has two terminals:

• Domestic Terminal (West)
  • Split into North Terminal and South Terminal
• Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (East)

Concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F) sit in the middle, all connected underground.

You can land at one concourse and depart from another without leaving the secure area.

The Domestic Terminal: North vs. South

The Domestic Terminal is on the west side of the airport, off I‑85. It’s split into:

North Terminal

• Commonly used by:
  • Delta Air Lines check-in (some flights now at South as well—always confirm)
  • Several other domestic carriers’ ticket counters may also operate here.
• Main features:
  • Ticketing/check-in counters
  • Baggage claim
  • TSA security checkpoint
  • Ground transportation options (rideshare, taxis, MARTA, shuttles)

South Terminal

• Also serves domestic flights and is connected directly to:
  • Delta’s primary check‑in area (often the busier side)
• Main features:
  • Ticketing/check-in
  • Baggage claim
  • TSA checkpoint
  • Rental car and shuttle access

Good to know:

• North and South are in the same building, just different ends. You can walk between them landside (before security).
• Once you go through security at either North or South, you access the same secure corridor leading to Concourse T and the Plane Train.

The International Terminal / Concourse F

On the east side of the airport is the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal, connected directly to Concourse F.

This building has:

• International airline check‑in counters
• TSA and international security
• Passport control and customs (for arrivals)
• Its own parking and ground transportation pickup areas

When should you use the International Terminal?

• You’re departing on an international flight that uses Concourse F.
• You’ve been instructed by your airline to check in at the International Terminal.
• You’re being picked up after arriving directly from abroad and clearing customs in Concourse F.

Atlanta locals often use whichever side is:

• Closer to home (east vs. west side of town), and
• Recommended by the airline for check‑in.

If you arrive at the wrong terminal, you can move between Domestic and International by airport shuttle or driving around the loop, but it adds time.

Concourses T through F: What’s Where?

All flights depart from one of the seven concourses:

You can walk between adjacent concourses via the underground walkway or use the Plane Train to travel faster.

The Plane Train: Your Main Navigation Tool

The Plane Train is ATL’s underground tram that runs from:

Domestic Terminal → T → A → B → C → D → E → F → International Terminal

• Trains run frequently, usually every couple of minutes.
• Watch the overhead signs and train announcements for:
  • The next stop
  • Final destination (Domestic or International side)

How long does it take?

Approximate ride times (one way, from the Domestic Terminal stop):

• To Concourse T: ~1 minute (or you can walk)
• To Concourse A: ~2 minutes
• To Concourse B: ~3–4 minutes
• To Concourse C: ~5–6 minutes
• To Concourse D: ~7–8 minutes
• To Concourse E: ~9–10 minutes
• To Concourse F / International Terminal: ~10–12 minutes

⏱️ Tip: For most Atlanta connections, aim to be at your next gate 30–45 minutes before departure, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the layout.

Walking Underground: The Transportation Mall

If you prefer to walk (or the Plane Train is crowded), you can use the Transportation Mall, which is the long underground corridor connecting all concourses.

• Moving walkways help speed things up.
• Distance between concourses can feel long, but many locals use it to stretch their legs.
• Each concourse has:
  • Clear overhead signs
  • Escalators and elevators to the gate level

If you have a tight connection, most people choose the Plane Train. If you have more time or want to avoid crowds, walking can be a good option.

Arrivals, Baggage Claim, and Exits

Where you arrive and where you exit depends on whether your flight is domestic or international.

Domestic Arrivals

• You’ll land at Concourse T, A, B, C, D, or sometimes E.
• Follow the signs for:
  • Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation / Domestic Terminal
• Take the Plane Train or walk to the Domestic Terminal stop.
• At the top of the escalators, you choose North or South baggage claim based on your airline.

Once at baggage claim, you’ll find:

• Carousels for checked bags
• Exits to:
  • Rideshare
  • Taxis
  • MARTA rail
  • Hotel shuttles
  • Rental car center shuttle

International Arrivals

Where you exit depends on:

• Whether you’re arriving from abroad, and
• Whether Atlanta is your final destination or a connection.

Typical patterns:

• Arriving directly to Concourse E or F from overseas:
  • You go through passport control and customs.
  • If Atlanta is your final stop, you usually exit at the International Terminal side.
  • If you’re connecting, you may recheck bags and be directed back to the concourses/domestic side.

If someone is picking you up:

• Confirm whether you’re exiting at the Domestic Terminal or International Terminal, since they are on opposite sides of the airport.

Ground Transportation Layout

MARTA (Train to Downtown and around Atlanta)

• The MARTA Airport Station is directly attached to the Domestic Terminal, near the North Terminal side.
• From baggage claim:
  • Follow signs for Ground Transportation / MARTA.
  • It’s indoors and well-marked.

This is especially convenient if you’re headed to:

• Downtown Atlanta
• Midtown
• Buckhead
• Other stops along the Red or Gold lines

Note: MARTA does not connect directly to the International Terminal; passengers there typically use:

• Free shuttle between the International Terminal and Domestic Terminal/MARTA, or
• A rideshare/taxi service.

Rental Cars

Atlanta’s Rental Car Center (RCC) is in a separate building, connected by the SkyTrain (not the Plane Train).

• From the Domestic Terminal, follow signs to the “Rental Car Center / SkyTrain.”
• Take the SkyTrain (elevated train) a short distance to the RCC.
• All major rental car brands are located there.

From the International Terminal, most travelers:

• Use a shuttle or arrange rideshare/taxi based on airline guidance, then connect to the RCC if needed.

Rideshare, Taxi, and Shuttles

Each terminal has designated pickup zones:

• Domestic Terminal:
  • Clearly marked areas for:
    • Rideshare (app-based pickups)
    • Taxi stands
    • Hotel and parking shuttles
• International Terminal:
  • Separate lanes and pickup areas near arrivals.

Signs in baggage claim and outside exits point you directly to the correct lanes.

Parking and Drop‑Off Layout

Domestic Terminal Parking

Near the Domestic side, you’ll find:

• Hourly / Short-Term Parking
  • Closest to the terminal (good for drop‑offs, quick pickups).
• Daily / Long-Term Parking
  • Slightly farther but still walkable or shuttle-accessible.
• Economy Lots
  • More budget‑friendly; shuttle service to terminals.

International Terminal Parking

The International Terminal has its own:

• Short-Term Parking Garage
• Long-Term Parking Options
• Designated curbside drop‑off and pickup areas

If you’re an Atlanta resident dropping off someone on an international flight, driving directly to the International Terminal is often faster and simpler than using the Domestic side.

Local Tips for Navigating ATL Efficiently

1. Check your gate and concourse before you leave home.
This helps you decide:

• Which side (Domestic vs. International) to use, and
• How much extra time you need.

2. Use the Plane Train for tight connections.
Even if you like walking, ATL is large; using the train cuts down connection stress.

3. North vs. South doesn’t matter once you’re past security.
Pick the side your airline suggests, or the one with shorter lines.

4. If you’re meeting someone, confirm their exit terminal.
Ask:

• “Are you coming out at Domestic or International?”

5. Walking between concourses is straightforward.
If you have a long layover, consider walking the Transportation Mall between concourses to explore restaurants and shops.

6. For many Atlanta neighborhoods, MARTA is often the simplest option.
If you’re headed to Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, the MARTA Airport Station can be more predictable than driving during rush hours.

Quick Reference: How to Get From Point A to Point B

• Domestic Terminal → Your Gate

  • Go through North or South security → Follow signs to Plane Train → Ride to your concourse (T–F) → Walk to your gate.

• International Terminal → International Gate (F)

  • Check in at International → Go through security → You’re already at Concourse F.

• International Terminal → Domestic Gate (A–D)

  • After security, follow signs to Plane Train → Ride toward A–D.

• International Arrival → Downtown Atlanta (via MARTA)

  • Clear customs → Exit International Terminal → Take free shuttle to Domestic Terminal → Follow signs to MARTA Airport Station → Board train toward the city.

• Domestic Arrival → Rental Car Center

  • From your gate, go to Domestic Terminal via Plane Train → Follow signs for SkyTrain / Rental Car Center → Take SkyTrain to RCC.

Understanding the linear layout—Domestic Terminal on one end, International Terminal on the other, and concourses T through F in between—turns Atlanta’s airport from overwhelming to manageable. Once you know where you’re starting (Domestic or International) and which concourse and gate you’re heading to, navigating ATL is mostly a matter of following the signs and the Plane Train.