Your Guide to Starbucks at the Atlanta Airport (ATL)
If you’re flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and searching for a Starbucks, you’re in luck. ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world, and coffee is practically a necessity here—especially on early morning flights and tight layovers.
This guide walks you through where to find Starbucks in the Atlanta airport, which terminals and concourses usually have them, what to expect with lines and hours, and practical tips for Atlanta travelers and visitors.
Quick Overview: Starbucks at ATL
ATL is organized into:
- Domestic Terminal North
- Domestic Terminal South
- International Terminal (Concourse F)
- Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, F (connected by the underground Plane Train and walkable corridors)
Starbucks locations are primarily past security (airside) in several concourses, with some options in or near the domestic terminals.
Because exact store lineups and hours at ATL can change over time, it’s smart to:
- Check the airport’s “Dining” or “Maps” section for the latest locations.
- Allow for extra time during morning rush (5:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m.) and evening peaks (4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.), when lines can be long.
Where to Find Starbucks in Atlanta Airport
Below is a general layout of where Starbucks is commonly found around ATL. Specific storefronts may change, but these are the areas where travelers typically find them.
Domestic Terminal Area
Domestic Terminal North & South (Pre-Security)
You may find a Starbucks or similar coffee option in or near:
- The North Terminal check-in area (used by airlines such as Delta’s partners and others)
- The South Terminal check-in area (Delta’s main check-in side)
These pre-security spots are especially helpful if:
- You’re dropping someone off or picking someone up.
- You’re meeting a group before heading through security.
- You want coffee but aren’t flying.
✅ Tip: If you want the shortest wait, pre-security lines can sometimes be calmer than concourse locations during peak flight times.
Concourse T
Concourse T is the first concourse after security from the domestic terminals and a common place to grab coffee before a short regional flight.
What to expect:
- A Starbucks near central or mid-concourse areas.
- Quick-service setup with grab-and-go pastries and snacks.
- Often popular with early morning flyers, since many first departures leave from T.
If your flight departs from T or you have a bit of time before using the Plane Train, this is a convenient stop.
Concourse A
Concourse A is one of the busiest concourses at ATL, especially for Atlanta-based travelers on Delta and partner airlines.
Here you can typically find:
- A Starbucks near central gathering areas, sometimes close to escalators or restrooms.
- Heavy traffic in early morning and mid-day, especially Monday–Thursday.
This concourse is a good choice if:
- You’re connecting through ATL and land in A.
- You want coffee and a snack before a short regional hop.
Concourse B
Concourse B is another major domestic concourse, often as busy as Concourse A.
You’ll often see Starbucks:
- In or near the central corridor of Concourse B.
- With plenty of people in line between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m..
If you’re connecting between A and C, it can sometimes be faster to:
- Check the Starbucks in B while riding the Plane Train, rather than waiting for one specific concourse.
Concourses C & D
Concourses C and D serve a large mix of domestic flights. Coffee here can be essential during tight layovers.
You can typically find:
- At least one Starbucks-style location per concourse, often mid-concourse.
- Shorter or longer waits depending on the time of day and airline schedules.
These are convenient if:
- Your connection is short and you don’t want to ride the Plane Train back and forth.
- You’re traveling to mid-size or regional cities from Atlanta.
Concourse E (International & Some Domestic)
Concourse E handles some international and high-traffic routes. Travelers here often look for a sit-down space to regroup.
You’re likely to find:
- A Starbucks or similar coffee outlet close to central dining clusters.
- Plenty of travelers managing jet lag or early arrivals, so mornings can still be busy.
If you’re connecting to or from an international flight, grabbing coffee in E before continuing to your next domestic concourse can be a smart move.
Concourse F (International Terminal)
The Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F) is where many international arrivals and departures are handled.
Here you may find:
- A Starbucks or similar coffee shop in the main terminal area, usually near other dining options.
- A mix of travelers catching overnight or long-haul flights, so coffee demand can extend into late evenings.
This is especially useful if:
- You’re departing Atlanta for an international destination.
- You’re arriving in Atlanta early in the morning and need to wake up before heading into the city.
Sample Starbucks Location Patterns at ATL
The exact storefront list at ATL changes from time to time. This simple reference table summarizes where Starbucks is commonly found:
| Area of ATL | Starbucks Availability (Typical Pattern) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Terminal North (pre-security) | Often at or near ticketing/check-in areas | Pickups, drop-offs, meeting before security |
| Domestic Terminal South (pre-security) | Often at or near Delta check-in areas | Delta flyers, early arrivals, non-travelers |
| Concourse T | Usually at central or mid-concourse area | Short flights, quick coffee before boarding |
| Concourse A | Common, high-traffic location | Busy business travel days, early morning connections |
| Concourse B | Common, very high demand | Tight domestic connections, major hub routes |
| Concourses C & D | Usually at least one per concourse | Regional routes, mid-day and evening flights |
| Concourse E | Often near main food court area | International connections, long waits |
| Concourse F / International Terminal | Typically within main terminal/dining area | International departures/arrivals, late-night flights |
To confirm specifics on the day you travel, check ATL’s airport map or terminal directory when you arrive.
Typical Hours, Lines, and Wait Times
Hours
Starbucks locations at ATL generally:
- Open very early, often around 5:00–5:30 a.m. in high-traffic concourses.
- Stay open into the evening, with some shops adjusting hours based on flight schedules.
Because hours can vary:
- Expect earlier and later hours in Concourse A, B, and international concourses.
- Expect potentially more limited hours in less busy concourses or in slower travel seasons.
Lines and Peak Times
At ATL, Starbucks lines reflect the airport’s flight pattern:
- Peak morning rush: 5:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
- Mid-day surge: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
- Evening peak: 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
To reduce wait time:
- ⏰ Avoid the first 30–45 minutes after you exit security in the morning. Many travelers stop at the first coffee stand they see.
- 🚆 Ride the Plane Train one stop and check the Starbucks at a neighboring concourse, which may be less crowded.
- 🧾 Decide your order in line and keep your payment ready to keep the line moving.
Ordering Tips for Atlanta Travelers
For Tight Connections
If your layover at ATL is short:
- Check the gate monitors first, then look for Starbucks within 3–4 gates of your departure.
- If the Starbucks nearest your gate has a long line, consider:
- A smaller coffee stand nearby for a basic brewed coffee.
- Grabbing coffee before you board only if the boarding process has not begun.
If you live in Atlanta and know ATL well, planning to grab Starbucks at your departure concourse instead of pre-security can save time and stress.
For Atlanta Locals Flying Out
If you’re an Atlanta-based traveler:
- Leaving from the Domestic Terminal:
- You can stop at Starbucks pre-security if you’re meeting family or colleagues.
- If you arrive close to boarding time, head straight through security and look for Starbucks on your departure concourse.
- Leaving from the International Terminal (F):
- Aim to arrive at least three hours early.
- Get your coffee after clearing security, in or near the main dining area of Concourse F.
Mobile Ordering & Custom Drinks
At a busy airport like ATL:
- Highly customized drinks (multiple substitutions, extra steps) can sometimes make wait times feel longer.
- If you’re in a hurry, consider:
- Standard menu drinks or lightly customized options.
- Cold brew, drip coffee, or simple espresso drinks, which may be prepared faster than elaborately blended beverages.
Some airport Starbucks locations may offer mobile ordering, but availability varies and can change. Check your Starbucks app when you’re in the terminal to see which specific ATL locations appear.
Navigating ATL to Get to Starbucks
Using the Plane Train
Most Starbucks options at ATL are in concourses T–F, all connected underground:
- Follow signs to “Plane Train” from the Domestic or International terminals.
- The train stops at:
- T, A, B, C, D, E, and F.
- You can also walk between concourses via the underground corridor, which many travelers use to stretch their legs.
If you’re willing to ride one or two stops:
- You may find a shorter line or a more spacious seating area at another concourse’s Starbucks.
Moving Between Domestic and International Sides
If you’re:
- Arriving internationally and connecting to a domestic flight:
- You may find Starbucks in Concourse F or E before heading to your next gate.
- Departing internationally from Atlanta:
- You can use Starbucks in the Domestic Concourse during a connection, or wait until you reach Concourse F for another option.
ATL’s signage is generally clear; follow “All Gates / Plane Train” after security to access concourses where Starbucks is most frequently located.
Address and Key Airport Details
For navigation or pickup/drop-off planning, the main airport address is:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main information line: (800) 897-1910 (general airport info)
Directions from around metro Atlanta:
- From Downtown Atlanta: Typically via I-85 South to the airport exit.
- From North Atlanta (Buckhead, Sandy Springs): GA-400 South to I-85 South.
- From South metro communities: Use I-85 North or nearby surface roads connecting to the airport loop.
If you’re meeting someone at the airport and want Starbucks:
- Coordinate to meet at a pre-security Starbucks in the Domestic Terminal for domestic flights.
- For international arrivals into Concourse F, you may prefer to meet after customs and baggage claim, then find coffee in the International Terminal public area.
Alternatives if Starbucks Lines Are Too Long
At peak times, Starbucks lines at ATL can stretch far. If you’re mainly looking for caffeine and a quick bite, consider:
- Other coffee stands or local coffee vendors scattered through each concourse.
- Grab-and-go coolers with bottled coffee drinks.
- Basic airport cafés offering brewed coffee and pastries.
These options can be especially helpful if:
- Your boarding time is close.
- You’re traveling with kids or a group and don’t want to split up.
Key Takeaways for Finding Starbucks at Atlanta Airport
- Yes, ATL has multiple Starbucks locations, mostly past security in concourses T–F and in/around the domestic terminals.
- Expect very busy lines during typical rush periods; consider a nearby concourse for shorter waits.
- Use the Plane Train to access concourses quickly and check for Starbucks as you move.
- If you’re an Atlanta resident, planning which concourse Starbucks you’ll use before you leave home can make your departure smoother.
- For the most current, specific store list and hours, use the airport’s official maps and dining directory once you arrive at ATL.
This approach will help you get your Starbucks fix without adding unnecessary stress to your time in Atlanta’s airport.