Navigating the North Terminal at Atlanta’s Airport (Hartsfield-Jackson)

If you search for “Atlanta Airport n Terminal”, you’re almost certainly looking for information about the North Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re flying in for a visit, understanding how the North Terminal works makes getting in and out of the airport much easier.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to the North Terminal: where it is, which airlines use it, how to get there, and what to expect once you’re inside.

North vs. South Terminal: The Basics

Hartsfield-Jackson has two main terminal areas on the domestic side:

• North Terminal – primarily for Delta Air Lines check-in and a few partners
• South Terminal – for most other domestic airlines

Both terminals connect to the same Domestic Main Terminal building and share:

• The TSA security checkpoints on the domestic side
• Access to Concourse T and the Plane Train (which takes you to Concourses A–F and the International Terminal)

Think of North Terminal and South Terminal mainly as check-in and baggage drop-off sides of the same domestic terminal.

Where the North Terminal Is Located

Address for Atlanta’s main domestic terminal (including North Terminal):
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

On airport signs and GPS, you will see:

• “Domestic Terminal – North” for the North Terminal
• “Domestic Terminal – South” for the opposite side

The North Terminal:

• Faces I-85 and Camp Creek Parkway side of the airport
• Has its own curbside drop-off and pickup levels
• Connects directly to parking decks and ground transportation areas

Which Airlines Use the North Terminal?

Airline assignments can occasionally change, but in general:

• Delta Air Lines – Primary user of the North Terminal for domestic flights
• Select Delta partner or codeshare airlines may also direct you to North Terminal check-in, depending on routing and ticketing

Most non-Delta domestic airlines (such as American, United, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, JetBlue, etc.) typically check in at the South Terminal.

If you live in Atlanta, you’ll most often use North Terminal when:

• You’re flying Delta within the U.S., Puerto Rico, or nearby destinations
• You’re dropping off or picking up someone flying Delta domestic

Always confirm with your airline, e-ticket, or boarding pass in case of any gate or terminal changes.

Arrivals vs. Departures at the North Terminal

The North Terminal is split vertically by level:

• Upper level – Departures (Ticketing / Check-In / Curbside Drop-Off)
• Lower level – Arrivals (Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation)

Departures (Upper Level – Check-In)

If you’re leaving Atlanta:

• Follow road signs for “Domestic Terminal – North Departures”
• You’ll find:
  • Delta check-in counters
  • Bag drop areas
  • Self-service kiosks
  • SkyCap / curbside check-in options (airline-specific)

From check-in, you’ll proceed to TSA security checkpoints located in the central domestic terminal area, shared by both North and South sides.

Arrivals (Lower Level – Baggage Claim)

If you’re arriving in Atlanta and your airline uses the North Terminal:

• Follow signs to “Baggage Claim – North”
• You’ll find:
  • Delta baggage claim carousels
  • Airline and airport information desks
  • Restrooms, rental car shuttles, and ground transportation connections

Quick North Terminal Overview (At-a-Glance)

Getting to the North Terminal From Around Atlanta

Driving and Parking

From most parts of metro Atlanta, you’ll connect to I-85 South or I-75 South:

• Follow signs for “Domestic Terminal”
• Then watch for “North Terminal” or “Delta” directional signs

Parking options near the North Terminal generally include:

• Domestic North Parking Deck – Closest structured parking to North Terminal
• Hourly / Short-Term Parking – Best for drop-offs, pickups, and quick visits
• Park-Ride Lots – Usually lower cost, connected by airport shuttles

Signs in the deck and walkways will lead you directly to the North Terminal doors.

Using MARTA (Atlanta’s Rail System)

If you’re coming from Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead Atlanta, MARTA can be one of the easiest ways to reach the airport:

1. Take MARTA’s Red or Gold Line to the Airport Station (south end of the line).
2. The station exits into the Domestic Terminal, near the main atrium.
3. Follow signs for “North Terminal” or “Delta” inside the building.

You won’t need a shuttle between MARTA and the North Terminal—everything is connected indoors.

Rideshares, Taxis, and Shuttles

If you’re using a car service from somewhere in Atlanta:

• Set your destination as “Atlanta Airport Domestic Terminal – North” or “Delta Departures” if the app provides that option.
• For rideshares and taxis picking you up, follow airport signs after arrival to the designated ground transportation areas on the arrivals level.

Hotel and off-airport parking shuttles typically pick up and drop off at marked shuttle zones near the Domestic Terminal; you can walk to North Terminal from there via covered walkways.

Inside the North Terminal: What to Expect

Check-In and Bag Drop

In the North Terminal departures hall, you’ll find:

• Self-service kiosks to check in, print boarding passes, and tag bags
• Full-service counters for:
  • Bag check
  • Changes to your reservation
  • Special assistance and customer service

If you’re an Atlanta resident who flies Delta regularly, you might also use:

• Priority check-in lines (for elite status, first class, or certain credit card holders)
• Curbside check-in if offered and staffed during your arrival time

Security Checkpoints

From the North Terminal, you’ll walk toward the central domestic atrium and TSA checkpoints. Options may include:

• Main security checkpoint – open to all passengers
• PreCheck or other expedited lines – if you are enrolled

Atlanta’s airport can be busy, especially early mornings, holidays, and Mondays, so locals often allow extra time, even if they’re familiar with the layout.

Getting From the North Terminal to Your Gate

Once you’ve cleared security from the domestic side (North or South), the layout is the same for everyone:

1. You’ll arrive in or near Concourse T, which is connected directly to the main terminal.
2. If your gate is not on T, follow signs to the Plane Train (underground automated train system).
3. The Plane Train connects to:
   • Concourse T
   • Concourse A
   • Concourse B
   • Concourse C
   • Concourse D
   • Concourse E
   • Concourse F (International)

Look at your boarding pass or airport monitors to see which concourse and gate you need.

Even if you checked in on the North Terminal, your gate could be on any domestic concourse (T–D) and sometimes E or F depending on routing.

Baggage Claim and Ground Transportation at the North Terminal

When your flight lands:

1. Follow signs to “Baggage Claim – North” if you arrived on a North Terminal airline.
2. Monitors list flight numbers and carousel assignments.

From North Terminal baggage claim, you can reach:

• Rideshare pickup areas (follow “App-Based Rides” signs)
• Taxi stands
• Rental car center shuttles
• Hotel and off-airport parking shuttles
• MARTA Airport Station (walk through the domestic terminal atrium area)

If you’re an Atlanta local picking up visitors, have them look for:

• The signage for “North Terminal Arrivals / Baggage Claim”
• The correct door number where you plan to meet on the arrivals curb

Domestic vs. International: Which Terminal Do You Use?

Many people in Atlanta ask whether they should use the North Terminal or the International Terminal (Concourse F) when dealing with overseas flights.

Here’s the general pattern:

• Domestic flights (within the U.S.) on Delta:

  • Check in at North Terminal
  • Depart from T, A, B, C, or D (sometimes E/F depending on routing)

• International departures:

  • Some flights check in at the International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal), especially long-haul routes
  • Others, especially same-plane services or connections, may still board from domestic concourses
  • Check your ticket to see which terminal is listed

• International arrivals:

  • You’ll typically arrive into International Terminal (Concourse F or E), clear customs, then can:
    • Exit via the International Terminal, or
    • Take airport transportation to the Domestic Terminal (North/South) if needed

If your trip involves both domestic and international segments, your airline and itinerary will specify where to check in and which terminal to use.

Tips for Atlanta Locals Using the North Terminal

If you live in Atlanta and frequently use the North Terminal:

• 🕒 Build in buffer time. Morning business flights, Sunday evenings, and holiday periods can be very busy through the domestic security checkpoints.
• 🚗 Know your parking options. The Domestic North deck is closest, but park-ride lots and MARTA can be more predictable at peak times.
• 🧭 Use terminal signs, not just apps. Airline apps are helpful, but gate changes happen; concourse and gate info inside ATL is updated constantly.
• 📲 Coordinate pickup points. When picking up friends or family, choose a specific door number or pole marker on the North Arrivals curb to avoid confusion.

Key Phone and Contact Resources

For stable, airport-wide questions related to the North Terminal and other services, common public-facing contacts include:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (General Information)
  Phone: 1-800-897-1910 (often used for airport-wide information)

• City of Atlanta – Department of Aviation (Airport Administration)
  Office location (administrative, not for check-in):
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Suite 4000
  Atlanta, GA 30320

For flight-specific questions (delays, lost items on board, seat changes, etc.), contact your airline’s customer service directly or use their official app or website.

By understanding how the North Terminal fits into the overall layout of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you can move through the airport more confidently—whether you’re an Atlanta local catching a quick domestic flight or a visitor trying to navigate Delta’s home hub for the first time.