Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport: Your Complete Local Guide

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the busiest airports in the world and a major gateway for Atlanta residents, visitors, and connecting travelers. Whether you live in the metro area, are flying in for a visit, or planning a trip out of Atlanta, understanding how ATL works will make your travel day much smoother.

Where the Airport Is and How It’s Laid Out

Official name: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Location: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
Main phone (airport information): (800) 897-1910

ATL sits just south of downtown Atlanta, straddling the line between the City of Atlanta and Clayton County. It’s directly connected to the city by interstate highways and MARTA rail.

The Two Main Sides: Domestic vs. International

Hartsfield-Jackson has one airport, two main “sides”:

• Domestic Terminal
  • Split into North (Delta ticketing) and South (other airlines)
  • Connected to Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E via the Plane Train
• Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
  • Also known as Concourse F
  • Handles most international arrivals and departures
  • Has its own separate entrance, parking, and drop-off area on the east side of the airport

You can move between domestic and international terminals inside security via the Plane Train, or outside security by free shuttle.

Getting to ATL from Around Atlanta

Driving and Highways

For most Atlanta-area drivers, you’ll reach ATL via:

• I-85: Main interstate serving the Domestic Terminal
• I-285 & Camp Creek Parkway: Popular approach from the west and north of the city
• I-75 & I-285 (east side): Common route to the International Terminal

Look for signs marked “Domestic Terminal” or “International Terminal” well before you reach the airport so you don’t miss the correct exit.

MARTA to the Airport

For many Atlantans, MARTA is the easiest way to get to ATL, especially during rush hour.

• Airport Station:
  • Located inside the Domestic Terminal at the west end, just steps from the baggage claim area.
  • Served by both the Red Line and Gold Line trains.
• Typical approach:
  • Take any north-south MARTA train (Red or Gold) and ride it to the Airport end-of-line.
  • You exit directly into the Domestic Terminal atrium.

If you’re flying from the International Terminal, you still arrive at Airport Station, go through security on the domestic side, and then take the Plane Train to Concourse F (International).

Ride Share, Taxis, and Shuttles

Ride share (Uber, Lyft, etc.):

• Domestic pickup:
  • Typically in a dedicated Rideshare Pickup Zone near the North and South economy parking garages; follow airport signs once you exit baggage claim.
• International pickup:
  • Usually from the lower level curbside outside the International Terminal.

Taxi services:

• Taxi stands are located:
  • Outside Domestic North and Domestic South baggage claim
  • Outside the International Terminal arrivals level
• Taxis offer flat fares to many in-town areas (such as downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead), which are posted at the stands.

Hotel and off-airport shuttles:

• Many Atlanta hotels (especially near Virginia Avenue, Old National Highway, and Camp Creek Parkway) run free shuttles.
• Shuttles generally pick up at marked zones outside the arrivals level at the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal.

Terminals, Concourses, and Getting Around Inside ATL

ATL is designed as a central terminal with parallel concourses connected by an underground train and walkways.

Concourses at Hartsfield-Jackson

• Domestic Terminal Atrium – Security checkpoint, ticketing, baggage claim, food court, and stores.
• Concourse T – Closest to the Domestic Terminal.
• Concourses A, B, C, D, E – Domestic and some international flights, depending on airline and route.
• Concourse F (International Terminal) – Primary international departures and arrivals.

You can move between these using:

• Plane Train (underground tram):
  • Stops at Domestic Terminal / Baggage Claim, T, A, B, C, D, E, and F
  • Fastest way to move between concourses
• Underground pedestrian walkway:
  • Connects all concourses with moving walkways and art installations
  • Useful if you want to stretch your legs or if the Plane Train is crowded

Airlines and Typical Uses of Each Side

While assignments can change, travelers in Atlanta commonly see:

• Delta Air Lines:
  • Dominant carrier at ATL
  • Uses most gates in the Domestic Terminal (North check-in) and multiple concourses.
• Other major U.S. carriers:
  • American, United, Southwest, and others typically check in at Domestic South.
• International airlines:
  • Usually operate from Concourse E or F (International Terminal side).

Always confirm with your airline, but knowing this general pattern can help you head to the right side of the airport.

Parking at ATL for Atlanta-Area Drivers

If you live in or drive from the Atlanta suburbs, parking options and prices can strongly influence your plan.

Main Types of Parking at ATL

Below is a simple overview of common parking options at Hartsfield-Jackson:

Domestic vs. International Parking

• Domestic Terminal Parking:

  • Multiple garages and economy lots adjacent or a short walk/shuttle ride away.
  • Clearly signed for North and South sides.

• International Terminal Parking:

  • A dedicated parking deck very close to Concourse F.
  • Useful if your trip begins and ends with the International Terminal.

If you’re being dropped off or picked up, using a Cell Phone Lot can cut down on circling and traffic.

Security, Checkpoints, and How Early to Arrive

Security lines at ATL can vary widely depending on time of day, day of week, and season.

General Timing Guidelines

Many local travelers find it helpful to arrive:

• Domestic flights:
  • 2 hours before departure is typical, more during holidays or peak morning business hours.
• International flights:
  • 3 hours before departure is usually recommended.

If you live in Atlanta and fly often, enrolling in TSA PreCheck or similar trusted traveler programs can significantly speed up security.

Security Checkpoints

• Multiple checkpoints are located in the Domestic Terminal atrium, serving all domestic concourses.
• The International Terminal has its own security check.
• Once you clear security at either side, you can use the Plane Train to move to any concourse.

Facilities, Food, and Services Inside ATL

Hartsfield-Jackson is large enough that many travelers treat it as a mini-city.

Dining and Shopping

• Full-service restaurants and quick-service options are available in every concourse.
• Local and regional flavors are often featured, so you can find Southern-style dishes, coffee shops, bars, and national chains.
• Shops include:
  • Newsstands and convenience stores
  • Travel essentials and electronics
  • Clothing and Atlanta-branded gifts

If you’re connecting through ATL, concourses A, B, and C are especially known for having a wide variety of food choices.

Wi-Fi and Power

• Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
• Charging outlets and stations are distributed at most gates and seating areas.

Airport Lounges

Multiple airline and independent lounges operate at ATL. Access depends on:

• Your airline and ticket class
• Membership or day pass rules

If you’re based in Atlanta and travel frequently, looking into lounge access can make long layovers more comfortable.

Traveling With Kids, Older Adults, or Special Needs

Hartsfield-Jackson is designed to be accessible and family-friendly.

Families and Children

• Family restrooms are located in most concourses.
• Some areas have play spaces or kid-friendly seating.
• Strollers are usually checked at the gate; confirm with your airline.

Accessibility and Mobility Assistance

• Elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms are located throughout the airport.
• Wheelchair assistance can be arranged through your airline when booking or at the check-in counter.
• The Plane Train and moving walkways offer accessible transportation between concourses.

For travelers living in Atlanta who need regular mobility support, it can help to note which entrances, parking decks, and drop-off lanes are closest to your airline’s check-in area.

Arrivals, Baggage Claim, and Meeting Passengers

Domestic Arrivals

• After landing, follow signs to Baggage Claim in the Domestic Terminal.
• Delta baggage claim is generally on the North side; other airlines on the South side.
• Drivers meeting passengers:
  • Can wait in a Cell Phone Lot until their passenger retrieves luggage
  • Then proceed to North or South curbside arrivals, depending on the airline

International Arrivals

• Most international flights arrive at Concourse F (International Terminal).
• Passengers:
  • Go through passport control and customs
  • Claim checked bags
  • Either exit at the International Terminal or transfer via re-check and the Plane Train for connecting flights
• Drivers meeting international passengers should use the International Terminal arrivals curb or the nearby parking garage.

Using ATL as a Local: Common Scenarios for Atlantans

Short Business Trips

If you live in Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown:

• Consider MARTA to avoid parking costs and rush-hour traffic.
• If you must drive, Daily or Economy parking is usually enough for 1–3 days.

Visiting Friends and Family

• Coordinate which Terminal (Domestic vs. International) and which side (North vs. South) they are flying through.
• Use a Cell Phone Lot and text or call your passenger once they have their bags.

Long Vacations

• For trips lasting a week or more:
  • Compare Economy or Park-Ride on-site parking with off-airport lots near the airport.
  • If you live near a MARTA rail line, public transit plus a rideshare from your station may be more economical.

Key Contacts and On-Site Services

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• General information: (800) 897-1910

Additional services you can find on-site:

• Lost & Found:
  • Items lost at security or in the terminal can be reported to the airport’s Lost & Found office.
• Airport Police and Emergency Services:
  • Available 24/7 within the terminal.
• Information Desks:
  • Located in the Domestic Atrium and various concourses to help with directions, connections, and basic airport questions.

Quick Tips for Using Atlanta’s Airport Efficiently

• ✅ Know your terminal and side (Domestic North, Domestic South, or International) before you leave home.
• ✅ Plan your route: choose between MARTA, driving, rideshare, or taxi based on time of day and traffic.
• ✅ Arrive early, especially during Atlanta’s peak morning and evening travel times.
• ✅ Use the Plane Train to move quickly between concourses once you’re past security.
• ✅ Check parking options in advance if you’re driving from anywhere in the metro area.

With a bit of planning, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport can be straightforward to navigate, whether you’re a local heading out of town or a visitor arriving to explore the city.