Your Practical Guide to Atlanta Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport (ATL)

Atlanta’s Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the busiest airports in the world and a major hub for both domestic and international travel. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are flying in for a visit, or have a tight connection to make, knowing how the airport is laid out can save you time and stress.

This directory-style guide walks you through terminals, concourses, parking, ground transportation, services, and key contacts—all focused on what you actually need to know to navigate ATL.

Airport Overview: Layout & Main Areas

Airport name: Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Airport code: ATL
Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
Main phone (information): (800) 897‑1910

ATL is organized into:

• Domestic Terminal (North & South)
• International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal, Concourse F)
• Seven concourses: T, A, B, C, D, E, F
• Plane Train (underground people mover) connecting all concourses
• MARTA station for rail service into Atlanta

You can walk between some concourses via underground walkways, but most travelers use the Plane Train for speed.

Terminals & Concourses at ATL

Domestic Terminal: North & South

The Domestic Terminal is split into:

• North Terminal
  • Major tenant: many non‑Delta domestic carriers
  • Check‑in counters for airlines such as American, United, and others (subject to change)
• South Terminal
  • Major tenant: Delta Air Lines (primary hub)
  • Most Delta domestic check‑in and ticketing

Both North and South share:

• Security checkpoints
• Baggage claim areas
• Access to Concourse T and the Plane Train

If someone is picking you up, they’ll usually meet you at:

• North Terminal Arrivals (for non‑Delta domestic flights)
• South Terminal Arrivals (for most Delta domestic flights)

International Terminal: Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal

Address (for GPS/ride‑share):
2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354

Key points:

• Houses Concourse F gate area
• Many international airline check‑in counters are located here
• Has its own parking decks, arrivals, and customs/immigration
• Also connects to Concourse E via walkways and the Plane Train

If you’re departing on an international flight, your airline will indicate whether to check in at:

• Domestic Terminal (North or South) or
• International Terminal (F)

If you’re arriving from outside the U.S., you’ll clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection either at Concourse F or E (depending on flight assignment), then proceed to baggage claim and exit.

Concourses: Where You’ll Actually Board

Once you clear security, you’ll head to your departure concourse:

• Concourse T – Closest to Domestic Terminal; mix of airlines
• Concourse A – Heavy Delta presence; many domestic flights
• Concourse B – Predominantly Delta domestic
• Concourse C – Mix of domestic carriers, many regional flights
• Concourse D – Domestic carriers, often smaller or regional jets
• Concourse E – Primarily international, plus some domestic
• Concourse F – International Terminal; many international flights, customs

You can move between concourses using:

• Plane Train 🚈 (fastest for most travelers)
• Underground pedestrian walkways with moving sidewalks (good if the train is crowded or you prefer walking)

Quick Reference: Key Areas at ATL

Security Checkpoints & Screening

ATL has several TSA security checkpoints:

• Domestic Terminal North Checkpoint
• Domestic Terminal South Checkpoint
• Main (central) Checkpoint between North & South
• International Terminal Checkpoint (Concourse F side)

Tips:

• Your boarding pass may direct you to a specific checkpoint.
• If one line looks long, airport signage may point to shorter lines at other checkpoints.
• Programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR may have dedicated lanes (where available).

If you live in Atlanta and fly frequently, it’s common to time your arrival based on:

• Day of week (Monday mornings and Friday afternoons often busier)
• Season (holidays and summer can be crowded)

Parking at Atlanta Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport

ATL offers a variety of official parking options near both Domestic and International terminals.

Domestic Terminal Parking

Common options include:

• Hourly Parking (North & South Decks)

  • Closest to the terminals
  • Best for short visits, drop‑offs, and pickups

• Daily Parking (Garages & Surface Lots)

  • A short walk or shuttle ride from the terminals
  • Typically cheaper than Hourly parking

• Economy Parking Lots

  • Usually farther out, with shuttle service
  • Often used by locals leaving their car for several days

International Terminal Parking

Near Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal:

• International Park‑Ride
  • Remote lot with shuttle service to International Terminal
• International Hourly & Daily Parking Decks
  • Connected by short walkways to the terminal

If you’re dropping off or picking up someone on an international flight and you live in the metro area, checking in advance which terminal they’re using (Domestic vs. International) will avoid a long loop around the airport.

Ground Transportation: Getting To & From ATL

MARTA (Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)

MARTA Airport Station is located at the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim level.

• Lines: Red and Gold
• Direction to city: Northbound trains go to downtown Atlanta, Midtown, and Buckhead
• Good for:
  • Avoiding traffic and parking
  • Easy connections to Atlanta neighborhoods with MARTA access

If you’re staying near downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, MARTA is often one of the most predictable ways to get in and out of the airport.

Ride‑Share & Taxis

Ride‑share (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

• Domestic Terminal pickup: Designated ride‑share pickup area in the Ground Transportation center (follow airport signs)
• International Terminal pickup: Curbside or designated ride‑share zones, as posted

Taxis

• Available at designated taxi stands outside both Domestic and International terminals.
• Flat rates or metered fares to different zones in Atlanta may apply; check posted rate boards at the taxi queue.

Shuttles & Hotel Buses

• Many Atlanta‑area hotels operate courtesy shuttles to/from Domestic Terminal Ground Transportation.
• Regional shared‑ride shuttles serve surrounding cities and long‑distance destinations.

If you’re booking a hotel in Atlanta, it’s helpful to confirm whether they operate a shuttle and whether it picks up at Domestic, International, or both.

Rental Car Center (RCC)

The Rental Car Center is not in the main terminal buildings. Instead:

• Take the ATL SkyTrain from the Domestic Terminal (adjacent to the MARTA station).
• The SkyTrain is an elevated people mover that runs continuously.
• At the RCC, you’ll find most major rental companies serving Atlanta.

If you’re returning a rental car before a flight:

1. Return the car to the RCC.
2. Take SkyTrain back to the Domestic Terminal.
3. Proceed to your airline’s check‑in and then through security.

For international departures that use the International Terminal, some travelers prefer to:

• Check airline instructions—some may still recommend checking in at the Domestic Terminal and taking the Plane Train airside.

Passenger Services & Amenities

ATL offers a broad range of services across terminals and concourses.

Information Desks & Airport Assistance

• Airport information desks are usually located near baggage claim and key intersections in the terminals.
• Staff can help with:
  • Directions to concourses and gates
  • Lost property questions
  • Ground transportation guidance

Lost & Found

There are different lost‑and‑found points depending on where you lost your item:

• In the aircraft or at your boarding gate:
  • Contact the airline’s lost and found or baggage services desk.
• In general public areas of the airport (not aircraft):
  • Airport Lost & Found Office (typically run by airport management or security).
  • You can reach out via the main airport information line: (800) 897‑1910 for directions.

It’s useful to note your flight number, concourse, and approximate time when you lost the item, as this information helps staff route your inquiry.

Lounges

Several airline and independent lounges are located throughout ATL, commonly in:

• Concourse T
• Concourses A, B, C, D
• International Concourses E and F

Lounges typically offer:

• Seating and workspaces
• Snacks and beverages
• Wi‑Fi and charging ports
• Sometimes showers (especially in international areas)

Access rules vary by airline, ticket class, and membership.

Dining & Shopping

Spread across the terminals and concourses, you’ll find:

• Quick‑service restaurants (fast food, grab‑and‑go)
• Sit‑down restaurants and bars
• Coffee shops and bakeries
• Newsstands and bookstores
• Duty‑free shops (mainly in E and F)
• Travel essentials stores for chargers, toiletries, and snacks

If you live in Atlanta and use ATL regularly, you’ll notice:

• Concourse A and B often have the widest variety of food options.
• The International Terminal (Concourse F) includes higher‑end dining and expanded retail, catering to long‑haul travelers.

Accessibility & Special Assistance

ATL provides services for passengers who need extra assistance, including:

• Wheelchair assistance (requested via your airline)
• Accessible restrooms and elevators
• Tactile and visual signage for navigation
• Designated disability parking spaces in all parking facilities

If you or someone traveling with you needs additional support:

• Contact your airline in advance to arrange wheelchair or escort services.
• Allow extra time for pickup coordination at arrivals.

Tips for Atlanta‑Area Residents Using ATL

If you’re local to Atlanta or the metro area, these habits can help your airport trips go more smoothly:

• Choose the right terminal from the start.
  Confirm whether your airline and flight depart from the Domestic or International Terminal, especially for international travel.

• Use MARTA during rush hours.
  Morning and afternoon traffic on I‑75/I‑85 near the airport can be heavy; MARTA often offers a more predictable travel time.

• Consider long‑term and economy parking for trips over a few days.
  These lots typically offer better value than hourly decks, with regular shuttles.

• Plan your connection route in advance.
  If you have a tight connection, know your arrival concourse and departure concourse. Use the Plane Train to cut down on walking time.

• Allow extra time during busy seasons.
  Holidays, major Atlanta events, and peak travel periods can significantly lengthen security and check‑in times.

Key Contacts & Location Summary

• Airport Name: Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• General Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• International Terminal Address: 2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354
• Airport Information: (800) 897‑1910
• Local Transit: MARTA Airport Station (Domestic Terminal)

With this directory as a reference, you can move more confidently through Atlanta Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport, whether you’re a long‑time Atlanta resident, a first‑time visitor, or just passing through on a connection.