Atlanta Areas Near the Airport: Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore Around ATL

If you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and wondering what’s nearby—places to stay, neighborhoods to visit, things to do, and how to get around—there’s a lot within a short drive. This guide focuses on Atlanta near the airport, with practical tips for locals, visitors, and anyone passing through.

Understanding Atlanta’s Airport Area

Hartsfield–Jackson sits at the southern edge of the City of Atlanta, straddling the border of Clayton County and Fulton County. When people say “near the Atlanta airport,” they usually mean:

• Airport-adjacent hotels and business parks (College Park, East Point, Hapeville)
• Nearby residential neighborhoods inside the city
• Shopping, dining, and quick attractions within a 5–20 minute drive

The main access roads include:

• I-85 and I-285 (Perimeter)
• Camp Creek Parkway
• Sullivan Road / Riverdale Road / Old National Highway areas

Knowing which side of the airport you’re on (north, south, east, or west) helps you choose the best neighborhood for your needs.

Key Areas and Neighborhoods Near ATL

1. College Park: Closest “City” to the Airport

College Park borders the airport and includes both residential streets and major hotel corridors.

Why people choose College Park near the airport:

• Very close to terminals (often 5–10 minutes)
• MARTA access from Airport Station into downtown and Midtown
• Mix of chain hotels, conference centers, and a growing local restaurant scene in Historic College Park

College Park highlights near ATL:

• Historic College Park (Main Street area)
• Georgia International Convention Center (GICC)
• SkyTrain access to some hotels and the Rental Car Center

This area is especially practical if you have an early flight, a layover with one overnight, or a conference near the airport.

2. East Point: Just North of the Airport

East Point sits just north of the airport and offers a mix of residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, and industrial areas.

Why East Point is useful for airport access:

• Fast drive to ATL via Main Street, I-85, or I-285
• East Point MARTA Station gives rail access into the city and a few minutes’ ride to the Airport Station
• Generally less hotel density than College Park, but close enough for quick access

Nearby hubs like Camp Creek Marketplace (technically near East Point) attract airport travelers with big-box stores, restaurants, and services.

3. Hapeville: Small-Town Feel Next to ATL

Hapeville is a small city tucked between I-75 and the east side of the airport.

Why Hapeville stands out:

• Feels more small-town and residential than the big hotel corridors
• Short drive to the Domestic Terminal via I-75 and airport access roads
• Local restaurants and murals in Downtown Hapeville
• Close to some major airline corporate offices and industrial parks

If you want to stay close to the airport but prefer a quieter, neighborhood feel, Hapeville is often appealing.

4. Camp Creek Parkway & Airport West

The Camp Creek Parkway corridor, northwest of the airport, is often called “Airport West” or the Camp Creek area.

What you’ll find along Camp Creek Parkway:

• Large shopping and dining hub at Camp Creek Marketplace
• Many mid-range hotels marketed as “Atlanta Airport West”
• Easy access to the airport via Camp Creek Parkway → I-285 → I-85 (usually 10–15 minutes depending on traffic)
• Proximity to East Point and parts of South Fulton

This area works well if you want to be near the airport but also want convenient, walkable access to restaurants and stores.

5. Southside Corridors: Riverdale Road, Old National Highway

South and southeast of the airport is a broad area covering parts of unincorporated Clayton County, Riverdale, and Old National Highway corridors.

What to expect:

• Mix of motels, budget hotels, and apartments
• Many fast-food and casual dining options
• Heavier car traffic and commercial strips

This area is typically chosen for cost-conscious stays or by people with family and business ties there. If you’re a visitor prioritizing convenience and clarity, College Park, Hapeville, or Camp Creek tend to feel more straightforward to navigate.

Quick Comparison: Main Areas Near Atlanta Airport

Times vary with traffic; rush hours around 6–9 a.m. and 3–7 p.m. can increase travel times.

Getting Between the Airport and Nearby Atlanta Neighborhoods

MARTA (Rail and Bus)

MARTA is Atlanta’s main public transit system, and it connects directly to the airport.

• Airport Station is inside the Domestic Terminal, at the west end of the terminal near baggage claim.
• Red and Gold Line trains run north from the airport through:
  • College Park
  • East Point
  • West End
  • Downtown Atlanta (Five Points, Peachtree Center)
  • Midtown and Buckhead (Gold line continues to Doraville; Red line to North Springs)

For neighborhoods right next to the airport (like College Park), MARTA is often the simplest choice if you don’t have much luggage.

MARTA also runs bus routes serving some airport-adjacent corridors. Schedules change occasionally, so it’s wise to check directly with MARTA for up-to-date route information.

Rideshare and Taxis

Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxis are all widely used around ATL.

• Pickups from the Domestic Terminal usually happen at the Rideshare Pick-Up area signposted near arrivals.
• Rideshare to nearby areas like College Park, Hapeville, or East Point is typically a short, lower-cost trip compared with going all the way to Midtown or Buckhead.
• For late-night arrivals or tight schedules, rideshare is often the fastest option.

Airport taxis are regulated, and flat rates may apply when going to certain parts of the city; exact fares vary with destination.

Rental Cars

The ATL Rental Car Center (RCC) is just off airport property but seamlessly connected:

• Access the RCC via the SkyTrain, a free automated train from the Domestic Terminal and Georgia International Convention Center area.
• From the RCC, you can drive directly to I-85, I-285, I-75, and local surface roads.

If you’ll be visiting multiple metro Atlanta areas beyond the airport, renting a car can be practical due to the city’s spread-out geography.

Where to Stay Near Atlanta Airport

There is a dense cluster of airport hotels around Hartsfield–Jackson, ranging from basic motels to full-service properties.

Common Hotel Zones

• Airport North / Main Terminal Area
  • Very close to the Domestic Terminal
  • Often includes business-oriented hotels, many with shuttle service
• Airport South / Sullivan Road / Riverdale Road
  • Mixture of mid-range and budget options
  • Typically closer to domestic and cargo entrances than to city attractions
• College Park and GICC (SkyTrain-connected area)
  • Hotels near the Georgia International Convention Center
  • Easy SkyTrain access to airport and rental cars
• Camp Creek / Airport West
  • Hotels surrounded by restaurants, shops, and big-box stores
  • Slightly longer drive, but more off-airport amenities

When choosing where to stay near the airport, think about:

• Flight time (closer is better for very early departures)
• Need for a free shuttle vs. willingness to use MARTA/rideshare
• Desire to explore: If you want to see downtown or Midtown, it might be worth staying there and just allowing enough transit time to the airport.

Dining and Services Near ATL

You don’t have to rely solely on airport food. The surrounding areas offer plenty of choices.

Near-Terminal & Inside-Airport Options

Inside ATL, both the Domestic and International terminals have a wide mix of:

• Quick-service restaurants
• Sit-down spots
• Coffee shops and grab-and-go stands

These can be useful if you’re staying at an airport hotel and don’t want to leave airport property.

College Park & Hapeville Restaurants

In Historic College Park and Hapeville, you’ll find:

• Locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, and diners
• Casual bars and spots that cater to airline staff, airport workers, and travelers
• More of a neighborhood atmosphere than in purely commercial hotel strips

These areas are good if you want a local feel without going far from the airport.

Camp Creek Marketplace Area

Around Camp Creek Parkway:

• Large open-air shopping centers with national chain restaurants
• Fast-casual options for quick meals before or after a flight
• Retail stores where you can pick up last-minute travel items, clothing, or electronics

This is one of the most convenient one-stop areas close to the airport if you need both food and supplies.

Things to Do Near Atlanta Airport

Even if you’re only in town briefly, there are a few attractions within a short drive of ATL.

Delta Flight Museum

Located near the airport on the north side:

• Preserves the history of Delta Air Lines and commercial aviation
• Includes restored aircraft and aviation exhibits
• Popular with aviation enthusiasts and families

Check current hours and any ticketing requirements directly before visiting, as these can change.

Porsche Experience Center Atlanta

Near the east side of the airport off I-75:

• Offers driving experiences on a test track (by reservation)
• Has exhibits related to Porsche history and technology
• Overlooks the airfield in some areas, blending aviation and automotive views

This is more of a specialty outing and typically requires advance planning and reservations.

Short Trips into the City

If you have more time:

• Take MARTA from Airport Station to Downtown or Midtown (no transfers needed for many major stops).
• Visit nearby city attractions such as:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail (requires a bus or rideshare from MARTA, but still manageable from the airport area)

For a layover that’s long enough (at least several hours outside of security), a quick MARTA trip into the city can be a solid option.

Practical Tips for Navigating Atlanta Near the Airport

• Plan for traffic. I-85, I-75, and I-285 can be heavily congested during rush hours. Build an extra 30–45 minutes into your schedule when traveling from the city back to the airport.
• Use MARTA when timing is predictable. For downtown and Midtown, MARTA can help you avoid highway congestion and parking hassles.
• Verify hotel shuttles. Many airport hotels offer shuttle service, but schedules, pickup points, and late-night availability vary. Call ahead or check current details with the property.
• Domestic vs. International terminals. The International Terminal (Concourse F) is on the east side of the airport and has separate road access from I-75. A free internal shuttle links it with the Domestic Terminal, but this can add time to your transfer.
• Know your side of town. If you’re visiting family or meetings in Southside or Clayton County, staying near the airport can make sense. If most of your plans are in Midtown, Buckhead, or the northern suburbs, consider staying closer to those areas and allowing enough time to reach ATL.

Key Takeaways for “Atlanta Near Airport”

• The main areas near Atlanta’s airport include College Park, East Point, Hapeville, the Camp Creek/Airport West corridor, and Southside commercial strips.
• You can get around using MARTA, rideshare, taxis, or rental cars, depending on where you’re heading and how much time you have.
• You’ll find a wide range of hotels, restaurants, basic services, and a few notable attractions within 5–20 minutes of ATL.
• For quick, airport-focused visits, staying in College Park, near the GICC/SkyTrain, or around Camp Creek Marketplace often offers the best balance of convenience and amenities.

This is the practical landscape of Atlanta near the airport, whether you’re landing for a few hours, staying overnight, or planning frequent trips through ATL.