Atlanta Airports: A Local Guide to Flying In and Out of Metro Atlanta ✈️

Atlanta is one of the busiest air travel hubs in the world, and that has a direct impact on how locals and visitors move in and out of the city. Whether you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are connecting through, it helps to understand the major airports in and around Atlanta, how to get to them, and what to expect when you travel.

Main Airports Serving Atlanta

Metro Atlanta is primarily served by:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – the major commercial airport and global hub
• DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK) – major general aviation airport for private and corporate flights
• Several smaller general aviation airports around the metro area

For almost all commercial airline travelers, ATL will be your airport. The others matter if you’re flying private, doing flight training, or need aviation services outside the airline system.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Address:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 North Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320

Airport code: ATL
Type: Major commercial airport (domestic and international)

Why ATL Matters for Atlanta Travelers

Hartsfield–Jackson is one of the world’s busiest airports and a major hub for both domestic and international flights. For people in Atlanta, that means:

• Frequent nonstops to most major U.S. cities
• Extensive international options, including Europe, Latin America, and some African and Asian destinations
• Competitive fares on many routes due to high traffic and airline competition

If you are flying in or out of Atlanta on a commercial airline, you are almost certainly using ATL.

Layout: North Terminal, South Terminal, and Concourses

ATL’s layout can be confusing if you’re new, but it follows a consistent pattern.

Terminals:

• North Terminal: Primarily handles check-in and baggage for several domestic carriers (for example, many non-Delta airlines).
• South Terminal: Mainly used by Delta Air Lines for check-in, ticketing, and baggage.

Concourses (A–F and T):

• Concourse T: Closest to the main terminal; a mix of airlines and some Delta flights
• Concourses A, B, C, D: Heavy domestic traffic, especially Delta
• Concourse E & F: Handle most international flights
• Concourse F: The International Terminal, with its own entrance and parking

You move between concourses via:

• The Plane Train (underground automated train) – fastest option
• Walkways with moving sidewalks – useful if you prefer to stay on foot

Domestic vs. International at ATL

Domestic flights generally use:

• North or South terminals for check-in
• Concourses T, A, B, C, and D

International flights may:

• Depart from or arrive at Concourses E or F
• Use the International Terminal (Concourse F) for ticketing, check-in, and customs on some routes

If you are picking up someone on an international flight, confirm:

• Whether they will exit into the International Terminal (on the east side of the airport)
• Or into the Domestic Terminal (if they connected from another U.S. flight)

This is a common point of confusion for families and rideshare pickups.

Getting To and From ATL

One of the benefits of Atlanta’s main airport is the variety of transportation options.

MARTA to the Airport

The MARTA rail system directly connects to the Domestic Terminal at ATL.

• Station: Airport Station (Red and Gold lines)
• The station is inside the Domestic Terminal, easy to access from baggage claim.

MARTA is often:

• Faster during rush hour than driving
• Less expensive than parking on-site, especially for multi-day travel

If you are going to or from Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, MARTA can be a straightforward choice.

📝 Tip: If you’re arriving internationally at Concourse F and want to use MARTA, you may need to take a shuttle or airport transport to the Domestic Terminal to access the MARTA station.

Driving and Parking at ATL

If you’re driving:

• The airport is located just off Interstate 85, south of Downtown.
• Signage for Domestic and International terminals splits well before you reach the airport, so keep an eye on exit signs.

Common parking options include:

• Hourly parking: Closest to the terminals; best for quick drop-offs or pickups
• Daily parking: Slightly farther but often more economical
• Economy & park-and-ride lots: Require a shuttle ride to the terminal; usually the most budget-friendly on-site choice
• Off-airport parking: Private lots and decks near the airport with shuttle service

🧠 Local note: During peak travel periods (holidays, summer weekends, major events), on-site parking lots can fill early in the day. Many locals reserve off-airport parking in advance when flying during busy times.

Rideshare, Taxis, and Pickups

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.):

• ATL has specific pick-up zones for rideshare, usually well-marked from baggage claim areas.
• For the Domestic Terminal, there are designated areas within the parking structures.
• For the International Terminal, look for rideshare signage curbside.

Taxis:

• Taxi stands are located outside baggage claim areas; you can usually find flat-rate zones for trips to central Atlanta neighborhoods like Downtown and Midtown.

Drop-off and pickup by friends/family:

• Use the curbside areas for quick drop-offs.
• For pickups, many locals coordinate via phone and use cell phone lots to avoid circling while waiting.

Security, Timing, and ATL Travel Tips

Because ATL is so busy, planning your timing is important.

How Early Should You Arrive?

While requirements vary by airline, many Atlanta travelers aim for:

• 2 hours before departure for most domestic flights
• 3 hours before departure for most international flights

Traffic, parking, and security lines can sometimes be slow, especially:

• Early mornings (roughly 5–9 a.m.)
• Late afternoons and evenings
• Days before and after major holidays

🏃 Practical tip: If you’re checking bags, using economy parking, or traveling with children, give yourself extra time beyond your airline’s minimum.

Security Checkpoints

Both the North and South terminals have TSA security checkpoints. In general:

• You can use either checkpoint, regardless of what airline you’re on, as long as it’s in the main Domestic Terminal.
• After clearing security, you reach the central atrium and the Plane Train to all concourses.

Programs that may help frequent travelers:

• TSA PreCheck – Expedited screening at designated lanes
• CLEAR – Identity verification to access security lines more quickly, where available
• Global Entry – For expedited re-entry to the U.S. at international arrivals, where supported

Enrollment for these programs is typically done online with final steps at designated enrollment centers, some of which may be located at or near ATL.

Services and Amenities at ATL

Because of its size, ATL offers a wide range of amenities that can make travel more manageable.

Food, Shopping, and Lounges

You’ll find:

• Local and national restaurants in the atrium and across all concourses
• Shops for travel essentials, gifts, and books
• Airline lounges (primarily Delta and partner airlines, plus some independent lounges in select concourses)

If you have a tight connection, you can usually find quick food options near most gates. For longer layovers, many travelers head to:

• Concourse E or F for more spacious international areas and additional dining
• The main atrium for a wider variety of shops and restaurants

Accessibility and Family Services

ATL typically offers:

• Wheelchair assistance through airlines (request in advance or at check-in)
• Family restrooms in many concourses
• Nursing rooms or pods at select locations
• Play areas and sometimes kid-friendly zones, depending on funding and airport updates

You can confirm exact locations with the airport’s customer service desks or information screens once inside.

DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK)

Address:
DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK)
2000 Airport Road
Atlanta, GA 30341

Airport code: PDK
Type: General aviation (no major scheduled airlines)

PDK is the second-busiest airport in Georgia by aircraft movements, but it focuses on:

• Private aircraft
• Corporate jets
• Flight training and aviation services

When PDK Matters to Atlanta Residents and Visitors

While you won’t find typical commercial airline flights here, PDK is important if:

• You or your company uses private or charter flights
• You are considering flight training or aircraft rental in the Atlanta area
• You live in nearby neighborhoods like Brookhaven, Chamblee, or Doraville and need to understand local noise and traffic patterns

Several fixed-base operators (FBOs) and charter companies operate at PDK, offering services such as fueling, hangars, and aircraft maintenance. These are typically used by pilots, aircraft owners, and business travelers flying privately.

Other Airports Around Metro Atlanta

Depending on where you live in the metro area and what kind of flying you do, you may also encounter smaller general aviation airports.

Here is a simple overview of notable airports in and around Atlanta:

These regional airports do not handle regular commercial airline service like ATL, but they serve:

• Private pilots and aircraft owners
• Charter flights
• Air ambulance and some public service operations
• Aviation maintenance and training schools

If you just need a standard airline flight, you’ll almost always be using ATL. If you’re arranging a charter flight, doing flight lessons, or seeking a quieter option for private operations, these smaller fields may be relevant.

Choosing the Right Airport for Your Needs

Most people only have to decide how to use ATL, not which airport to use. Still, understanding the differences can help:

Use ATL if you:

• Are booking commercial airline flights
• Want the widest destination choices
• Need access to international travel
• Prefer direct MARTA access from the city

Consider PDK or other regional airports if you:

• Are flying private or charter
• Need flight training near your home or office
• Are coordinating corporate or VIP travel and want to avoid the crowds of ATL

Practical Tips for Atlanta Air Travelers

To make flying in and out of Atlanta smoother:

• Plan extra time for traffic, especially if you’re coming from northern suburbs during rush hour.
• Decide on your terminal (Domestic vs. International) before you leave home; this affects your driving route and parking choice.
• Use MARTA when staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead to avoid parking hassles.
• Check your concourse and gate before heading to the airport; ATL is large, and some walks can be long.
• Consider off-peak flights if you want a quieter airport experience and potentially shorter security lines.

Understanding Atlanta’s airport options—especially how Hartsfield–Jackson works and where it sits in the city—can save time, stress, and money, whether you call Atlanta home or you’re just passing through.