Atlanta Airport Gates & Maps: How to Navigate Hartsfield‑Jackson Like a Pro

Navigating Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re connecting through multiple gates. With its long concourses and busy terminals, knowing how the gates are laid out and where everything is can save you time, stress, and a lot of walking.

This guide walks you through the Atlanta airport maps, gates, concourses, and train connections, with clear tips tailored to anyone living in Atlanta, flying out of ATL, or visiting the city through this hub.

The Basic Layout: Terminals, Concourses, and Gates

ATL is organized in a mostly straight line:

• Two main terminals:

  • Domestic Terminal (North & South)
  • International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)

• Concourses labeled T, A, B, C, D, E, and F

• Each concourse has its own set of gates (e.g., Gate A12, B32, etc.)

• All concourses are connected underground by:

  • The Plane Train (automated people mover)
  • A walkway with moving sidewalks and clear signage

You can move between any concourse without leaving the secure area, which is important if you’re making a connection.

Domestic vs. International: Where You’ll Start

Domestic Terminal (North & South)

If you’re flying most U.S. routes, you’ll probably use the Domestic Terminal:

• Domestic Terminal – North:
  Often used by Delta check-in (some areas), Frontier, Spirit, and other airlines, as airline assignments can shift over time.
• Domestic Terminal – South:
  Generally associated with Delta Air Lines for many domestic departures and check-ins.

From the Domestic Terminal, you’ll pass through security and end up at Concourse T or access the Plane Train to reach other concourses.

International Terminal (Concourse F)

The International Terminal is on the opposite side of the airport from the Domestic Terminal, at:

Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

Key points:

• Houses Concourse F and access to Concourse E, used heavily for international arrivals and departures.
• Has its own parking, check-in, security, and arrivals area.
• Some international flights arrive at or depart from other concourses, like E or even domestic concourses, depending on the airline and route. Always check your ticket or airline app.

Gate & Concourse Overview at ATL

Here’s a simple layout to visualize which gates are where:

Each concourse is a long “finger” with gate numbers increasing as you walk farther out. For example, A1 is closer to the train stop than A34.

How to Read Your Atlanta Airport Gate Info

When your boarding pass says something like “Gate B15 – ATL”, here’s what it means:

• The letter (B) = Concourse B
• The number (15) = Specific gate location along that concourse

To reach it:

1. Go through security at the appropriate terminal (Domestic or International).
2. Follow signs to the Plane Train.
3. Ride to the B concourse stop.
4. Follow overhead signs to the gate range (e.g., B1–B18).

📝 Tip: Gates frequently change. Check the airport monitors, your airline’s app, or text alerts after you pass security, especially if you have a long layover.

Using the Plane Train Between Gates

The Plane Train is the quickest way to move between concourses:

• Runs underground between:
  • Domestic Terminal (T)
  • Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, F
  • International Terminal
• Trains come every few minutes.
• Ride times between concourses are usually 1–2 minutes per segment.

This is the main tool for tight connections. If you land at Gate C30 and depart from Gate E4, you’ll likely:

1. Exit the aircraft at C30 and follow signs to the Plane Train (C station).
2. Board the train toward E/F.
3. Exit at E and walk to Gate E4.

🕒 Allow extra time if you’re changing from a domestic concourse (T–D) to E or F, especially during busy periods.

Walking Between Concourses

If you prefer walking or the Plane Train is crowded, there’s also an underground pedestrian walkway:

• Connects T, A, B, C, and D.
• Has moving sidewalks, artwork, and clear signage.
• Not always ideal if you’re in a rush, but useful if:
  • You have a long layover.
  • You want to stretch your legs.
• For Concourses E and F, most travelers still rely on the Plane Train, although there are walking paths within that end of the airport.

Domestic vs. International Connections: What to Expect

Connecting From Domestic to International

Example: Flying from Atlanta to Paris with a domestic connection into ATL.

1. Land at a domestic concourse (T–D).
2. Follow signs to:
   • The Plane Train, then Concourse E or F, or
   • The International Terminal if your boarding pass indicates F gates.
3. You typically do not leave the secure area for outbound international connections if you’re already in ATL and have a through-ticket.

Arriving Internationally into Atlanta

Example: Flying from London to Atlanta, then connecting to another U.S. city.

1. Arrive into Concourse E or F.
2. Go through:
   • Passport control/immigration.
   • Baggage claim and customs.
3. Re-check bags (if needed), then:
   • Go back through security, and
   • Take the Plane Train to your next domestic concourse.

Local Atlantans returning home will exit to the landside areas of the airport after customs and baggage, then head to parking, MARTA, rideshare, or pickup zones.

Where Airlines Commonly Use Gates at ATL

Assignments can change, but many travelers notice patterns like:

• Delta Air Lines:
  Prominent across T, A, B, C, D, E, and F, since ATL is a major Delta hub.
• Other U.S. carriers (e.g., Southwest, American, United, etc.):
  Often operate primarily from certain domestic concourses, commonly T, C, D, and sometimes portions of A or B.
• International airlines:
  Frequently use Concourses E and F.

Always double-check your airline and gate on your confirmation or boarding pass. If you’re an Atlanta resident flying a new airline for the first time, it helps to note their common concourse so you know which part of the airport tends to be busiest for that carrier.

Helpful ATL Map & Gate Tips for Atlanta Travelers

1. Knowing Where to Park or Be Dropped Off

If you’re driving to ATL from the Atlanta metro area:

• For domestic flights, use:
  • North or South Domestic Terminal entrances off Camp Creek Parkway or I‑85.
• For international flights, especially if your ticket shows an F gate or International Terminal:
  • Use the International Terminal access road from I‑75 or local routes.

Choosing the right terminal entrance avoids needing the terminal-to-terminal shuttle on the landside.

2. Plan Extra Time for Connections

Because ATL is busy and spread out:

• For domestic-to-domestic connections:
  • Many travelers aim for at least 45–60 minutes between flights.
• For domestic-to-international or international-to-domestic, especially with customs:
  • It’s common to allow 90 minutes or more, when possible.

This is especially important if you’re traveling with kids, mobility limitations, or heavy carry-ons.

3. Using Airport Signage

Once inside ATL:

• Overhead signs indicate:
  • Concourse letters (T, A, B, etc.)
  • Gate ranges (e.g., A1–A18 → left, A19–A34 → right)
  • Restrooms, food, and services near your gate
• Digital monitors throughout the concourses show:
  • Departures with gates and times
  • Gate changes or delays

If you’re unsure where a gate or concourse is, follow the letter and color coding on signs for the Plane Train and concourses.

Finding Services Near Your Gate

Each concourse has:

• Restrooms and water fountains
• Food and drink options, from quick snacks to sit-down spots
• Charging stations and seating areas
• Information counters in select areas

If you live in Atlanta and use ATL often, you may find your favorite food or coffee stops tend to cluster around particular concourses. For a tight connection, it’s often easiest to grab something near your gate rather than traveling to another concourse just for food.

If You Need Help at the Airport

ATL has several options if you’re lost or confused about maps and gates:

• Information Desks:
  Located in terminal lobbies and some concourses; staff can point you toward your gate or explain how to reach another concourse quickly.
• Airport Customer Service (General Info):
  Phone numbers are typically listed on airport signage and on printed materials at ATL. Staff can assist with directions, terminal details, and general questions.
• Airline Counters & Gates:
  Airline staff can clarify:
  • Gate changes
  • Boarding times
  • Whether you need to re-clear security when changing from one terminal to another

If you’re picking someone up, check your airline’s arrival terminal and gate area so you know whether to meet them at Domestic or International Arrivals.

Quick Reference: How to Get From One Gate to Another at ATL

• Domestic Terminal to Concourse T:
  Walk straight through security → you’re in Concourse T.
• Concourse T to A/B/C/D:
  Take the Plane Train or walk via the underground walkway.
• Concourse T–D to E/F (International side):
  Take the Plane Train to E or F.
• International Terminal (Concourse F) to Domestic gates:
  After security, use the Plane Train toward T/Domestic Terminal and exit at your concourse.
• Gate-to-Gate connection:
  • Note the gate letter and number.
  • Follow signs to the Plane Train.
  • Ride to that concourse letter.
  • Follow gate number signage to your exact gate.

Understanding the Atlanta airport map and gate layout makes flying through ATL much smoother—especially if you live in the Atlanta area and use Hartsfield‑Jackson often. Once you know how the terminals, concourses, gates, and Plane Train fit together, even tight connections become much less stressful.