Concourse A at Atlanta Airport: A Local’s Guide to Hartsfield‑Jackson’s Busiest Concourse

If you fly in or out of Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) regularly, chances are you’ll pass through Concourse A at some point. It’s one of the airport’s main domestic concourses and a major hub for Delta and its partners, with a steady flow of Atlanta residents, commuters, and visitors connecting across the country.

This guide breaks down how Concourse A works, what you’ll find there, and how to move through it efficiently when you’re traveling to, from, or through Atlanta.

Where Concourse A Fits in Atlanta Airport

Hartsfield‑Jackson is laid out in a straight line:

• Domestic Terminal (North & South)
• Concourse T
• Concourse A
• Concourse B
• Concourse C
• Concourse D
• Concourse E (international & some domestic)
• Concourse F (international terminal)

All concourses, including Concourse A, are connected by the Plane Train (underground automated train) and walkable tunnels.

Domestic vs. International

• Concourse A is primarily used for domestic flights.
• You’ll typically end up in Concourse A if:
  • You’re flying Delta or a partner airline on a U.S. route.
  • You’re connecting between two domestic flights within the Delta network.
• International flights are usually handled through Concourse E and F, but you may connect between an international arrival and a domestic departure in Concourse A.

Getting to Concourse A from Around Atlanta

Most Atlanta-area travelers will start at one of three points:

1. Driving and parking at ATL
2. MARTA (Atlanta’s rail system)
3. Rideshare, taxi, or shuttle

From the Domestic Terminals (North & South)

Once you’ve passed security in the Domestic Terminal:

1. Follow signs for Plane Train.
2. Ride the train to the Concourse A stop (it’s the first stop past Concourse T).
3. You can also walk via the underground Transportation Mall, but the Plane Train is faster for most people.

Atlanta tip:
If you’re a frequent Atlanta flier with TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, you’ll usually go through South Security or CLEAR lanes at the Domestic Terminal, then head straight to the Plane Train for Concourse A.

From MARTA

• Ride MARTA to Airport Station, the end of the Red/Gold lines.
• The station exits directly into the Domestic Terminal.
• Go up to the main terminal level, pass through security, then take the Plane Train to Concourse A.

This is a popular option for in-town Atlanta residents coming from Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or Doraville.

From the International Terminal (Concourse F)

If you check in or arrive through the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F):

• After clearing U.S. customs (if arriving) or security (if departing), follow signs to the Plane Train.
• Ride toward the Domestic side until you reach Concourse A.

Travelers from Gwinnett, Stonecrest, or the eastern suburbs sometimes prefer the International Terminal because it’s closer to I‑285 on the east side, but you can still easily reach Concourse A once you’re inside.

Layout of Concourse A: What to Expect

Concourse A is a long, straight concourse with gates on both sides and a central corridor lined with food, shops, and seating.

Gates and General Layout

• Gates are numbered A1, A2, A3… down the length of the concourse.
• Middle area: more dining options, busier foot traffic, good for grabbing food on a connection.
• Ends of the concourse: typically quieter with more open seating.

If you live in Atlanta and fly often, learning roughly where your usual gates fall (front, middle, or end) can help you decide where to stop for food or which restroom to use before boarding.

Food, Coffee, and Shopping in Concourse A

Concourse A offers a mix of quick-service spots, sit‑down options, and grab‑and‑go stands—useful whether you’re dashing between connections or waiting out a delay.

Typical Options You’ll Find

You can usually expect:

• Coffee & breakfast
  • Major coffee chains and stands for:
    • Fresh coffee
    • Breakfast sandwiches
    • Pastries and snacks
• Fast-casual and grab‑and‑go
  • Sandwiches, salads, burgers, pizza, and wraps
  • Pre-packaged snacks for your flight
• Sit‑down restaurants and bars
  • Full-service or bar-style spots for:
    • Burgers
    • Southern-inspired dishes
    • Comfort food and American fare
• Shops
  • Newsstands and convenience stores
  • Travel essentials (chargers, headphones, neck pillows)
  • Bookstores and souvenir shops with Atlanta and Georgia-themed items

Atlanta tip:
If you want Atlanta-specific snacks or souvenirs (like local sports team gear or Peach State gifts) and don’t see them in Concourse A, you can hop on the Plane Train one stop over to another concourse, shop quickly, and ride back—just keep an eye on boarding time.

Restrooms, Water, and Seating

Travelers using ATL regularly care most about three things: bathrooms, water, and a place to sit. Concourse A does fairly well on all three.

Restrooms

• Multiple restroom areas run along the concourse.
• Look for:
  • Family restrooms
  • Accessible restrooms
• Some locations are busier (near central food areas); walking a bit toward the ends often means shorter lines.

Water

• Water fountains and bottle-filling stations are located near many restrooms.
• Bringing an empty reusable bottle through security and filling up in Concourse A is common among Atlanta-based frequent fliers.

Seating and Charging

• Most gate areas have:
  • Standard seating
  • Some powered seats/tables or charging poles
• The ends of the concourse tend to be quieter if you need to work or make calls.

Wi‑Fi, Power, and Working from Concourse A

For locals treating ATL like a mobile office between flights, Concourse A is workable but can get busy.

• Wi‑Fi: Free airport Wi‑Fi is available throughout ATL, including Concourse A.
• Charging:
  • Power outlets at some seats
  • Charging bars/tables in certain gate areas
• Best working spots:
  • Quieter gates at either end of the concourse
  • Some restaurant/bar counters if you buy food or a drink

If you travel frequently for business from Atlanta, you may want to identify a “go‑to” quiet gate area in Concourse A to set up with your laptop during longer layovers.

Lounges Near or Connected to Concourse A

If you’re an Atlanta-based frequent flier, you may have access to airline lounges connected to or near Concourse A.

You’ll typically find:

• Delta Sky Club locations nearby (often between concourses or reachable in a few minutes by Plane Train or short walk)
• Lounge amenities usually include:
  • Quieter seating
  • Workspaces
  • Snacks and beverages
  • Restrooms and sometimes showers

If your boarding pass lists Concourse A, check the airport’s current map or your airline’s app to find the closest lounge and walking times.

Using the Plane Train from Concourse A

The Plane Train is the fastest way to move between concourses at ATL.

From Concourse A, you can reach:

• Concourse T and the Domestic Terminal (one stop toward the front of the airport)
• Concourses B, C, D, E, F (continuing down the line in the other direction)

Travel times are typically short, but trains and platforms can be crowded during peak business hours, especially Monday mornings and Thursday/Friday evenings when many Atlanta-based travelers are commuting for work.

Walking Between Concourses from Concourse A

If you prefer to walk:

• Use the Transportation Mall (walkway) instead of the Plane Train.
• From Concourse A, you can walk to:
  • Concourse T in one direction
  • Concourse B in the other direction
• The walk is well-marked and includes moving walkways, public art installations, and clear signage.

This is a good option if:

• You have a long connection.
• You want some exercise between flights.
• The Plane Train is temporarily very crowded or delayed.

Security, Re‑Clearing, and Connections

If you’re just connecting through ATL and already screened at another U.S. airport:

• You do not go back through security to reach Concourse A.
• Simply follow “Connecting Flights” signs and take the Plane Train or walk to Concourse A.

If you’re starting your trip in Atlanta:

• You’ll go through security once in the Domestic Terminal.
• After that, you reach Concourse A without any additional screening.

International arrivals connecting to a domestic flight in Concourse A may need to:

1. Clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
2. Drop checked bags back off if required.
3. Go through TSA security.
4. Then ride the Plane Train to Concourse A.

Typical Connection Times Through Concourse A

Travelers based in Atlanta often ask how much time they need for connections involving Concourse A.

While every situation is different, common patterns are:

• Same‑concourse connections (A to A)
  • Often manageable in 30 minutes if flights are on time and gates aren’t on opposite ends.
• Nearby concourses (A to T or A to B)
  • Plane Train ride is short; 45 minutes usually feels comfortable.
• Farther concourses (A to D/E/F)
  • Aim for at least 60–90 minutes, especially if:
    • You’re unfamiliar with ATL
    • You’re traveling with kids or mobility limitations
    • You’re arriving from or departing to an international flight

When in doubt, Atlanta travelers often choose slightly longer connection times because ATL is large and can be busy at peak hours.

Special Considerations for Atlanta Travelers

Traveling with Kids

Concourse A can be crowded, so for Atlanta families:

• Use family restrooms where available.
• Keep kids seated away from the main walkway to avoid getting bumped.
• Look for quieter gates on the ends for:
  • Diaper changes
  • Feeding
  • Letting kids unwind a bit before boarding

Mobility and Accessibility

Concourse A is accessible for travelers with mobility needs:

• Elevators and escalators down to/from the Plane Train.
• Wheelchair assistance available via your airline (request in advance or at check‑in).
• Accessible restrooms along the concourse.

If you’re arranging travel for an Atlanta-based family member who uses mobility devices, you can coordinate wheelchair service through the airline, which will help them move between concourses, including A.

Early Morning and Late‑Night Flights

If you live in Metro Atlanta and take early morning flights:

• Concourse A shops and restaurants open gradually—not everything is open for the first departures.
• If you need a specific item (like a full breakfast or particular snack), you might want to buy it:
  • Before leaving home
  • At the main terminal food court area
  • Or confirm what’s open in your airline or airport app

For late-night arrivals, many concessions in Concourse A may be closed or limited, so plan ahead if you need food when you land.

Quick Reference: Concourse A at ATL

Key Takeaways for Using Concourse A at Atlanta Airport

• Concourse A is one of ATL’s main domestic concourses, especially for Delta, and a common touchpoint for both local Atlanta flyers and connecting passengers.
• From anywhere in Atlanta, you’ll reach it by:
  • Entering through the Domestic Terminal or International Terminal
  • Clearing security
  • Taking the Plane Train to Concourse A
• Inside Concourse A you’ll find:
  • Plenty of food, coffee, and convenience options
  • Free Wi‑Fi, restrooms, and water stations
  • Reasonable seating and some charging options
• For Atlanta residents and visitors alike, knowing how Concourse A fits into the overall ATL layout makes departures and connections smoother—especially during peak travel times.