Closest Airport to Atlanta: Your Practical Guide to Flying In and Out of the City

When people search for the closest airport to Atlanta, they’re usually trying to decide where to land, where to depart from, or how to plan ground transportation. For Atlanta, the answer is straightforward—but there are a few useful nuances that can save you time and stress.

Below is a clear guide to the nearest airports to Atlanta, Georgia, how far they are from key parts of the city, and when you might choose one over another.

The Primary Airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

The closest and main airport for Atlanta is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

• Full name: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Airport code: ATL
• Location: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Distance from Downtown Atlanta: About 7–10 miles (roughly 10–20 minutes by car in light traffic)
• Type: Major international hub, primary airport for the entire Atlanta metro area

For almost every traveler coming to or leaving from Atlanta, ATL is the default and best choice. It’s the city’s main commercial airport, with extensive domestic and international routes.

Why ATL Is the Closest and Most Practical Option

ATL is not only geographically close to the city center—it is also:

• Directly connected to MARTA (Atlanta’s rail transit system) via the Airport Station at the Domestic Terminal
• Served by a dense network of highways, especially I-75, I-85, and I-285
• The largest and busiest airport in the region, which usually means:
  • More flight options
  • More airlines
  • More competitive fares on many routes

For anyone staying in or near Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, College Park, East Point, or Hapeville, ATL is by far the most convenient choice.

At-a-Glance: Closest Airports to Atlanta

Here’s a quick comparison of airports commonly considered by people traveling to or from Atlanta:

*Drive times vary significantly with Atlanta traffic and time of day.

Only ATL offers major commercial airline service for most travelers.

Getting to and from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting and staying in-town, how you get to ATL depends on your neighborhood, schedule, and budget.

MARTA: Easiest for Many In-Town Travelers

MARTA Rail connects directly to the airport:

• Airport Station: Located at the Domestic Terminal, at the end of the Red and Gold lines
• Direct access from:
  • Downtown (Five Points, Peachtree Center, etc.)
  • Midtown (Midtown Station, Arts Center)
  • Buckhead (Buckhead, Lenox)
  • Doraville, Chamblee, Brookhaven, and areas along the Red/Gold lines

✅ Best for:

• Avoiding parking costs
• Avoiding traffic at rush hour
• Travelers staying near a MARTA station

If your international flight uses the International Terminal (Concourse F), you can still use MARTA to the Domestic Terminal, then ride the airport shuttle between terminals.

Driving, Rideshares, and Taxis

If you prefer to drive or use a car service:

• From Downtown Atlanta: Usually 10–20 minutes off-peak, 20–40+ minutes at rush hour
• From Midtown/Buckhead: Often 20–30 minutes off-peak, longer with heavy traffic

🚗 Options include:

• Driving and parking at:
  • ATL’s Hourly, Daily, Economy, or Park-Ride lots
  • Nearby long-term parking facilities around Camp Creek Parkway and Airport Boulevard
• Rideshares (app-based services):
  • Pickups usually follow clearly signed instructions at the airport
• Traditional taxis:
  • Taxi stands are located at the airport terminals

For people who live in suburbs like Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Decatur, or College Park, driving or rideshare is usually the fastest option, especially with luggage.

Other Atlanta-Area Airports (For Private, Charter, and General Aviation)

If you’re not flying on a commercial airline, you may be looking for the closest non-commercial airport to Atlanta. Several general aviation airports serve the metro area.

DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK)

• Name: DeKalb–Peachtree Airport
• Code: PDK
• Location: 2000 Airport Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341
• Distance to Midtown Atlanta: Around 10–12 miles

PDK is one of the busiest general aviation airports in Georgia. It serves:

• Private aircraft
• Corporate and business aviation
• Charter flights
• Some flight schools and aviation services

It’s especially convenient if you are based in or visiting Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, or the northern metro area and you’re flying private or charter.

Fulton County Airport – Brown Field (FTY)

• Name: Fulton County Airport – Brown Field
• Code: FTY
• Location: 3952 Aviation Cir NW, Atlanta, GA 30336
• Distance to Downtown Atlanta: About 8–10 miles west

FTY is another general aviation airport, commonly used for:

• Private pilots
• Corporate operations
• Charter and air taxi services

It’s especially convenient for those in Westside Atlanta, West Midtown, Cascade area, or near I-20 and I-285 on the west side.

Cobb County International Airport – McCollum Field (RYY)

• Name: Cobb County International Airport – McCollum Field
• Code: RYY
• Location: 1723 McCollum Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144
• Distance to Downtown Atlanta: Roughly 25–30 miles northwest

This airport primarily serves Cobb County and northwest suburbs such as Marietta, Kennesaw, and Acworth. It focuses on:

• General aviation
• Business aviation
• Charter operations

Gwinnett County Airport – Briscoe Field (LZU)

• Name: Gwinnett County Airport – Briscoe Field
• Code: LZU
• Location: 600 Briscoe Blvd, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
• Distance to Downtown Atlanta: Around 35–40 miles northeast

LZU serves Gwinnett County and nearby suburbs like Lawrenceville, Duluth, and Snellville. It is almost entirely general aviation and private/charter.

Which Airport Should You Use in or Near Atlanta?

Here’s how to quickly decide:

If You’re a Typical Airline Passenger

• Use:Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Why:
  • Closest major airport to Atlanta’s core neighborhoods
  • Only airport in the area with extensive commercial airline service
  • Strong ground transportation options (MARTA, rideshares, taxis, shuttles)
  • Easiest to reach from most Atlanta hotels and attractions

If You’re Flying Private or Charter

• Closest options to central Atlanta:

  • DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK) – convenient to north metro, I-85, and GA-400
  • Fulton County Airport – Brown Field (FTY) – convenient to west side and I-20/I-285

• Suburban or regional options:

  • Cobb County International (RYY) – northwest suburbs
  • Gwinnett County Airport (LZU) – northeast suburbs

Your choice usually depends on where you’re staying or based and where your aviation provider operates.

How “Close” Do You Need the Airport to Be?

When people ask for the closest airport to Atlanta, they may mean different things:

1. Closest to Downtown/Midtown Atlanta

   • Answer: ATL (for commercial), FTY/PDK (for general aviation)

2. Closest to a Specific Neighborhood

   • South Atlanta / College Park / East Point / Hapeville: ATL is extremely close
   • Buckhead / Brookhaven / Chamblee / Dunwoody: ATL for airlines; PDK for private
   • West Midtown / West End / Cascade: ATL for airlines; FTY for private
   • Marietta / Kennesaw: ATL for airlines; RYY for private
   • Decatur / East Atlanta Village: ATL for airlines; PDK is the nearest GA field

3. Closest for International Flights

   • The primary international gateway is still ATL, via its International Terminal (Concourse F).

Practical Tips for Using ATL Efficiently

A few locally relevant tips help you move through ATL more smoothly:

• Plan for traffic:
  • Morning rush (roughly 7–9 a.m.) and evening rush (4–7 p.m.) can significantly add time to your drive from parts of the city like Buckhead, Midtown, or the northern suburbs.
• Consider MARTA for big events:
  • During events like big games, conventions, or concerts, roads can clog, but MARTA to Airport Station often stays reliable.
• Know your terminal:
  • Domestic flights: Use the Domestic Terminal (North or South).
  • Most international flights: Use the International Terminal, but you can still reach any concourse from either side via the Plane Train once you’re inside security.
• Allow extra time if you’re unfamiliar:
  • ATL is large and busy. First-timers, families with children, or anyone with tight connections should err on the side of arriving earlier.

Key Takeaway

For anyone asking, “What is the closest airport to Atlanta, Georgia?” the direct answer is:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the closest and primary airport for Atlanta and the one almost all commercial passengers should use.
• Nearby general aviation airports like DeKalb–Peachtree (PDK) and Fulton County Airport (FTY) mainly serve private and charter flights, not typical airline passengers.

If you live in, are visiting, or are planning a trip to Atlanta, start by assuming you’ll fly through ATL, then choose your ground transportation—MARTA, rideshare, taxi, or car—based on where in the metro area you’re coming from or going.