Atlanta Airport Transportation: How to Get To, From, and Around ATL

Navigating Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is easier when you understand your transportation options ahead of time. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, you’re flying in for a visit, or you’re trying to plan ground transportation for someone else, there are several reliable ways to get to and from the airport—and to move between its terminals.

This guide breaks down all major Atlanta airport transportation choices, with local tips that matter specifically in and around ATL.

Key Things to Know About Atlanta Airport Transportation

• Airport code: ATL
• Location: About 7 miles south of Downtown Atlanta, off I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285
• Main entrances:
  • Domestic Terminal: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr.): 2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354
• Major options: MARTA rail and bus, rideshare, taxis, shuttles, hotel vans, private cars, rental cars, and off-site parking shuttles.

Quick Comparison of ATL Transportation Options

*Costs vary based on distance, time of day, and demand. Use as a general guide, not a quote.

Getting to ATL by MARTA (Rail & Bus)

For many people living in or visiting central Atlanta, MARTA is the easiest and most predictable way to get to the airport.

MARTA Rail to the Airport

• Airport Station location: At the Domestic Terminal, inside the Ground Transportation area, at the west end of the terminal (near baggage claim).
• Rail line: The Red and Gold lines both terminate at Airport Station.

Common directions:

• From Downtown Atlanta (Five Points, Peachtree Center, etc.):
  • Take Southbound Gold or Red train directly to Airport Station.
• From Midtown (Midtown, Arts Center):
  • Take Southbound Gold or Red to Airport Station.
• From Buckhead/North Springs/Doraville:
  • Board Southbound on your line; stay on until the last stop: Airport Station.
• From East/West Line Stations (e.g., Decatur, West Lake):
  • Transfer at Five Points to a Southbound Gold or Red train to the Airport.

⏱️ Timing tip: In many time windows, trains run about every 10–20 minutes. Travel time from Five Points to Airport Station is typically around 15–20 minutes.

Using MARTA to Reach the International Terminal

MARTA rail only stops at the Domestic Terminal. To reach the International Terminal:

1. Ride MARTA rail to Airport Station (Domestic Terminal).
2. Follow signs for International Terminal / Shuttle.
3. Take the free shuttle from the Domestic side to the International Terminal.

This shuttle runs regularly and is designed for both arriving and departing international passengers who need to connect to MARTA or parking on the Domestic side.

MARTA Bus Options

Several MARTA bus routes connect neighborhoods and Park & Ride lots to rail stations that serve the airport. Common patterns include:

• Driving to a MARTA Park & Ride lot (like College Park or East Point), parking there, and taking rail to the airport.
• Using neighborhood buses to connect to a rail station, then continuing to Airport Station.

Public transit is especially useful if:

• You want to avoid parking fees at ATL.
• You’re staying near a MARTA corridor (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, some points south and east).

Rideshare Services at Atlanta Airport

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are widely used by people traveling to and from ATL.

Getting a Rideshare to the Airport

From most Atlanta neighborhoods, you can request a rideshare directly to:

• Domestic Terminal: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• International Terminal: 2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354

💡 Local tip:
If you’re unsure which terminal your airline uses, check your flight information. Most domestic US flights use the Domestic Terminal, while many international airlines use the International Terminal.

Picking Up Rideshare at the Domestic Terminal

The rideshare pickup at the Domestic Terminal is in a designated area of the North and South Economy Parking or a specific Rideshare/Passenger Pickup Zone, depending on current airport configuration.

• After you collect your bags, follow signs for “Rideshare” or “App-Based Rides”.
• The signs will guide you through the terminal and across the street/through the parking structure to the correct pickup area.
• Your app will often give zone letters or numbers to help your driver find you.

Rideshare Pickup at the International Terminal

At the International Terminal, rideshare pickup is typically outside the arrivals level:

• Exit baggage claim.
• Follow signs to “Rideshare” or “Passenger Pickup”.
• Your driver will meet you in the designated curbside zone indicated by your app.

Cost & Timing Considerations

• Travel times from Downtown Atlanta to ATL can range from about 15 to 35+ minutes, depending on traffic and time of day.
• During rush hours (morning inbound, late afternoon/evening outbound), expect heavier congestion on I‑75/I‑85.
• Expect surge pricing during major events, bad weather, and peak flight times.

Taxis at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

If you prefer a simple, regulated option without using an app, taxis are available at ATL.

Where to Find Taxis

• At the Domestic Terminal, follow signs from baggage claim to “Ground Transportation” and look for “Taxi” signage.
• At the International Terminal, taxis are usually available outside the arrivals level, in a marked taxi queue.

Flat-Rate Taxi Zones

For many popular destinations, Atlanta taxis use flat-rate pricing based on zones, for example:

• Downtown Atlanta
• Midtown
• Buckhead

Outside those zones, fares are generally metered by distance and time.

Taxis can be a good option if:

• Your phone battery is low or you don’t want to use apps.
• You prefer the predictability of posted flat rates for central Atlanta areas.
• You want to avoid surprises from rideshare surge pricing.

Hotel Shuttles to and from ATL

Many hotels near ATL and along major nearby corridors offer complimentary airport shuttles for guests.

Where Hotel Shuttles Pick Up

• Domestic Terminal:

  • Follow signs to Ground Transportation / Hotel Shuttles.
  • Shuttles generally depart from designated lanes outside the terminal.

• International Terminal:

  • Some hotels send shuttles directly to the International Terminal; others require you to transfer via the Domestic–International shuttle.
  • Check your hotel’s instructions when you book or before you travel.

Common hotel clusters with airport shuttles include:

• Airport area hotels along Sullivan Rd, Virginia Ave, Old National Hwy, and Riverdale Rd.
• Some Downtown and Midtown hotels may provide shuttle or car services by arrangement, though it is less common than among airport-area hotels.

📝 Practical tip:
Always confirm shuttle hours with your hotel—some only run at certain times, which matters for very early morning or late-night flights.

Private Car, Limo, and Shared Ride Shuttles

For business travelers, groups, or special occasions, you may prefer pre-arranged private transportation.

Private Car & Limo Services

Private vehicles can be:

• Sedans or SUVs for individuals or small groups.
• Vans or minibuses for larger groups.

Common use cases:

• Corporate travel between ATL and Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead offices.
• Events in convention areas or stadiums (like near Mercedes-Benz Stadium or Georgia World Congress Center).
• Family groups traveling with a lot of luggage.

Pickup usually occurs at:

• Designated limo or pre-arranged pickup zones in Ground Transportation areas, or
• Curbside in a specified lane, based on your provider’s instructions.

Shared Ride & Regional Shuttles

Some services offer shared ride vans from ATL to:

• Outlying Georgia cities (e.g., Athens, Macon, Columbus, Augusta),
• Popular destinations in North Georgia or nearby states.

These typically run on schedules, so advance reservations are important. They can be cost-effective for solo travelers heading to a city that’s too far for a rideshare but not worth a rental car.

Rental Cars at Atlanta Airport

If you’re planning to explore beyond central Atlanta or stay for multiple days, a rental car can be useful.

Getting to the Rental Car Center (RCC)

ATL’s Rental Car Center (RCC) is located at:

• 2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy, College Park, GA 30337

To reach it from the Domestic Terminal:

1. Follow signs for “SkyTrain to Rental Cars”.
2. Board the ATL SkyTrain, a free, automated people mover.
3. Ride about 5 minutes to the Rental Car Center station.

From the International Terminal, you may:

• Take a shuttle to the Domestic Terminal, then the ATL SkyTrain to the RCC, or
• Follow current airport signage, as service patterns sometimes route directly between International and the RCC.

Driving Away from ATL

From the RCC, you can access:

• I‑285 (Perimeter) to circle around Metro Atlanta.
• I‑85 for direct routes north toward Midtown, Buckhead, and beyond, or south toward Newnan and LaGrange.
• I‑75 for routes north toward Downtown, Marietta, Kennesaw, or south toward Morrow and McDonough.

Consider a rental car if:

• Your accommodations are in the suburbs or exurbs, away from MARTA rail.
• You’re visiting multiple locations across Metro Atlanta.
• You need flexibility for day trips (e.g., to Stone Mountain, Lake Lanier, North Georgia mountains).

Parking at ATL: On-Site & Off-Site Options

For Atlanta-area residents or long-term visitors with a car, parking logistics matter as much as the drive itself.

On-Site Parking at ATL

The airport offers multiple options, with separate facilities for:

• Domestic Terminal (North and South)
• International Terminal

Common on-site choices:

• Hourly Parking: Close to the terminal; better for short stays (pickups, drop-offs, very short trips).
• Daily/Deck Parking: Covered decks with a daily rate.
• Economy Parking: More budget-friendly, a bit farther from the terminal but still walkable or with short shuttle rides.
• Park-Ride Lots: On-airport lots served by airport shuttles to the terminals.

On-site parking is convenient if:

• You prioritize being close to your departure terminal.
• You’re taking a shorter trip and don’t mind slightly higher daily rates.

International Terminal Parking

The International Terminal has its own parking deck and Park-Ride lots with shuttle service. This is helpful if:

• You depart and return solely via the International Terminal.
• You want to avoid transferring through the Domestic side with luggage.

Off-Site Airport Parking

Many private off-site parking lots around ATL offer:

• Lower daily rates than on-airport parking.
• Shuttles that run regularly between the lot and ATL terminals.

Typical pattern:

1. Reserve a spot (optional but often helpful during busy travel dates).
2. Park at the lot.
3. Ride the shuttle to your terminal (Domestic or International).
4. On return, call or wait at a designated pickup spot at Ground Transportation.

These can be cost-effective for week-long or longer trips, especially if you live in the metro area and drive yourself to the airport.

Moving Between ATL Terminals and Concourses

Once you’re at the airport, it helps to understand how to move around inside ATL.

Domestic vs. International Terminals

• Domestic Terminal: Split into North and South sides, serving most US airlines and domestic flights.
• International Terminal: Handles many international departures and arrivals. Some international flights still use the Domestic concourses, so always check your itinerary.

The terminals are connected through:

• Free domestic–international shuttle buses outside the secure area.
• The Plane Train and concourse walkways inside security (for passengers remaining airside).

Plane Train and Concourses

After passing security:

• Use the Plane Train (underground people mover) to travel between concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, and F and the Domestic Terminal.
• Concourse F is the primary international concourse, connected to the International Terminal.

This system is important if you:

• Land into one concourse and depart from another.
• Transit from a domestic to an international flight (or vice versa) entirely within ATL.

Tips for Choosing the Best Option for Your Atlanta Trip

When deciding between MARTA, rideshare, taxi, car rental, or shuttles, consider:

1. Where you’re staying or living

   • Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead: MARTA rail is often the fastest and cheapest, with rideshare or taxi as backup.
   • In-town neighborhoods (Grant Park, Inman Park, West End, Old Fourth Ward, etc.): Rideshare or taxi is usually easiest, sometimes combined with MARTA if near a station.
   • Suburbs (Marietta, Alpharetta, Peachtree City, Snellville, etc.): Rideshare, taxi, or driving and parking at ATL or a MARTA Park & Ride are common.

2. Time of day and traffic

   • Peak traffic on the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) can add significant time.
   • MARTA avoids freeway congestion between central Atlanta and the airport.

3. Budget

   • MARTA is typically the most economical for central-city trips.
   • Rideshare/taxi costs can add up on longer routes or during high-demand times.
   • Off-site parking often saves money for longer trips if you drive yourself.

4. Luggage and group size

   • Larger groups sometimes find private vans, shuttles, or a single SUV rideshare more economical per person.
   • With very heavy or bulky luggage, direct options like taxi, rideshare, or private car can be more comfortable than transit.

5. Comfort with public transit

   • If you’re comfortable navigating trains and signs, MARTA + airport signage is straightforward at ATL.
   • If you prefer step-by-step, door-to-door service, rideshare, taxi, or private car offers more simplicity.

Useful ATL Airport Contact & Location Details

While specifics can evolve, these core references tend to remain stable:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Domestic Terminal
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport – International Terminal
  (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
  2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd
  Atlanta, GA 30354

• Rental Car Center (RCC)
  2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy
  College Park, GA 30337

For current operating hours, parking status, and ground transportation updates, refer to the airport’s official customer service channels or the MARTA customer information line before you travel, especially during holidays or severe weather.

With these options and local nuances in mind, you can choose the Atlanta airport transportation method that best matches your schedule, budget, and comfort level—whether you’re heading home to an in-town neighborhood, catching a conference Downtown, or starting a road trip from the world’s busiest airport.