Atlanta Airport Terminal Guide for Southwest Airlines Travelers

Flying Southwest Airlines from Atlanta and not sure where to go at the airport? At Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Southwest operates out of the Domestic Terminal, Concourse C. This guide walks you through exactly how to find Southwest, what to expect at the terminal, and how to move smoothly through the world’s busiest airport.

Where Is Southwest Airlines at Atlanta Airport?

Short answer:

• Terminal: Domestic Terminal (North or South check-in, depending on your ticket)
• Gates:Concourse C
• Airport address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

At ATL, airlines are grouped more by concourse than by “Terminal 1 / Terminal 2” like some other cities. For Southwest, the important piece is:

You’ll check in at the Domestic Terminal, then ride the Plane Train to Concourse C after security.

Domestic Terminal vs. Concourses: How ATL Is Set Up

It helps to understand how Atlanta’s airport is laid out:

• Domestic Terminal (landside)
  • Where you arrive by car, MARTA, rideshare, or shuttle
  • Ticketing, bag drop, and security checkpoints
• Concourses (airside)
  • Concourse T (attached to the Domestic Terminal)
  • Concourses A, B, C, D, E, F (accessed by the underground Plane Train)
  • Southwest uses Concourse C

Once you pass security, you can reach any domestic concourse (T through D) via the Plane Train, regardless of which security lane you used.

Finding Southwest Check-In at ATL

Arriving by Car or Rideshare

When driving or arriving in a rideshare (Uber/Lyft) from anywhere in metro Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, the suburbs), follow signs for:

• “Domestic Terminal”
• Then look for North and South terminals

Southwest typically checks in on the Domestic Terminal, North side, but Atlanta occasionally adjusts counter assignments. To avoid confusion:

• Check your Southwest confirmation email or app for the most up-to-date check-in location
• When you arrive curbside, look for the Southwest logo and overhead airline signs

If you’re dropped off at the wrong side (North vs. South), you can walk inside the building and follow signs to the correct area—they’re connected indoors.

MARTA Directions to Southwest

From most intown neighborhoods (Downtown, Midtown, Decatur, Buckhead), MARTA is often the most predictable option:

• Take the Red or Gold line to Airport Station (last stop)
• Walk straight off the train into the Domestic Terminal atrium
• Follow the overhead signs for Ticketing / Check-In
• Then look for signs for Southwest and proceed to their counters or kiosks

MARTA’s station places you between North and South Domestic Terminals, so you can easily walk to either.

Security: Which Checkpoint Should You Use?

At ATL, Southwest passengers can use any Domestic Terminal security checkpoint:

• Main Security (between North and South)
• North Security Checkpoint
• South Security Checkpoint

Once you’re through security, you can reach Concourse C with the Plane Train or by walking through the underground pedestrian tunnel.

📝 Tip for Atlanta locals:
Morning rush hours (around 6–9 a.m.) and late afternoon (3–6 p.m.) can be busy, especially on Mondays and Fridays. Give yourself extra time if you’re flying during those windows.

Getting to Concourse C (Southwest’s Concourse)

After security:

1. Go down the escalator to the Plane Train level.
2. Board the train and listen/watch for “Concourse C”.
3. Exit at Concourse C and go up the escalator to the gate level.
4. Look for your specific Southwest gate number on the monitors.

You can also walk between concourses using the pedestrian tunnel, but for most travelers, the Plane Train is faster.

Key Places and Services for Southwest Travelers

Here is a simple overview of where you’ll be spending your time if you’re flying Southwest from Atlanta:

Southwest Check-In, Bags, and Boarding at ATL

Check-In Options

For Southwest flights in Atlanta, you can:

• Check in online or via the app starting 24 hours before departure
• Print a boarding pass at home or use a mobile boarding pass
• Use self-service kiosks near the Southwest counters if you need to print a pass or make changes
• See an agent at the counter for:
  • Checked baggage
  • Special assistance
  • Travel with pets
  • Same-day changes or irregular situations

Baggage Drop

After you check in and tag your bag:

• Look for the Southwest bag drop area near their counters
• Hand off your luggage to an agent or place it on the designated belt as directed

Atlanta’s Domestic Terminal is busy, so give yourself extra time if you’re:

• Checking bags
• Traveling at peak hours
• Driving in from far outside the Perimeter (I‑285) where traffic can be unpredictable

Boarding Process at Concourse C

Southwest uses its group and position-based boarding system at ATL, just like at other airports:

• Groups: A, B, C
• Positions: 1–60 within each group

You’ll line up at marked poles (e.g., A1–A30, A31–A60, B1–B30, etc.) at your gate in Concourse C.

Dining and Amenities Near Southwest Gates

If you have time before your Southwest flight from Concourse C, you’ll find:

• Quick-service spots for sandwiches, burgers, salads, pizza, and snacks
• Coffee and bakery options
• Bars and casual dining with full menus and drinks
• Newsstands and convenience-style shops for:
  • Drinks
  • Snacks
  • Travel pillows, chargers, and last-minute items

You can also stop in the Main Atrium (just beyond security) for additional restaurants and shops before heading to the Plane Train.

📝 Local tip:
If you’re meeting friends or family before a flight, the Atrium is often easier than the gate area—more seating, more food options, and it’s directly connected to MARTA and parking.

Ground Transportation: Getting To and From Southwest Flights

From Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead

You have several reliable options to reach Southwest at ATL:

• MARTA Rail:
  • Often the most consistent during rush hour
  • Airport Station drops you directly into the Domestic Terminal
• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):
  • Follow signs to the Rideshare Pickup Zone at the Domestic Terminal when arriving back in Atlanta
• Taxi:
  • Taxi stands are located outside the Domestic Terminal
• Driving and Parking:
  • Options include Domestic Terminal parking decks, park-and-ride lots, and various off-airport parking around the ATL area
  • Follow signs carefully to avoid accidentally ending up at the International Terminal, which is separate

Returning to Atlanta on Southwest

When your Southwest flight lands at Concourse C:

1. Exit the plane and follow signs to Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation.
2. Take the Plane Train back toward the Domestic Terminal / Baggage Claim.
3. Go up to the Domestic Terminal and look for:
   • Baggage claim carousels assigned to your flight
   • Signs for rental cars, MARTA, rideshare, taxis, or passenger pickup

What If You Go to the Wrong Terminal?

Hartsfield–Jackson can be confusing, especially if you’re not used to it:

• If you accidentally arrive at the International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal) for a domestic Southwest flight, you’ll need to:
  • Take the free shuttle to the Domestic Terminal
  • This can add 15–30 minutes or more to your timeline, depending on wait times and traffic

📝 Atlanta tip:
When setting GPS from home or a hotel, make sure you choose “Domestic Terminal” or simply “Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Domestic Terminal”, not just “international airport,” to avoid misrouting.

Helpful Airport Contacts and Information

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • General Information Line: Often listed as a main public number via the airport’s official directory

For Southwest-specific issues (reservations, flight changes, baggage questions), use the contact information provided in your Southwest confirmation email or app, or visit the Southwest ticket counter in the Domestic Terminal.

Key Takeaways for Southwest at Atlanta Airport

• Southwest Airlines flies from the Domestic Terminal, Concourse C at ATL.
• Check in at the Domestic Terminal (typically North side), then proceed through any security checkpoint.
• Take the Plane Train to Concourse C for all Southwest departures and arrivals.
• Build in extra time for Atlanta traffic, peak airport hours, and baggage check.
• From anywhere in Atlanta—whether you live in-town or are visiting—knowing you’re headed to Concourse C in the Domestic Terminal will keep your trip on track.