Delta at Atlanta Airport: How to Navigate the Delta Terminal at ATL

If you are flying Delta in or out of Atlanta, Georgia, you will be using Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Delta’s largest hub and one of the busiest airports in the world. Knowing which terminal and concourse to use can save you a lot of stress, especially during peak travel times.

This guide walks you through how the Delta Atlanta airport terminal works, where to go for check-in, security, arrivals, connections, and what to expect if you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are connecting through ATL.

Quick Overview: Where Delta Flies at ATL

Delta’s operations at Atlanta are spread across multiple concourses, but everything is connected and fairly easy to move between once you know the basics.

Key points:

• Main Delta check-in and security:
  • Domestic: Domestic Terminal – South side
  • International flights on Delta: Usually check in at Domestic Terminal – South, then proceed to your assigned concourse (including Concourse F for some international departures)
• Delta domestic gates: Primarily Concourse T, A, B, C, D
• Delta international gates: Concourse E and F (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
• Airport code: ATL
• Address: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

All these areas are connected airside by the underground Plane Train and walkable corridors.

Terminals vs. Concourses: How ATL Is Laid Out

Understanding ATL’s layout makes navigating the Delta terminal much less confusing.

Terminals

ATL has two main landside terminals (before security):

• Domestic Terminal
  • Split into North and South sides
  • Delta uses the South terminal for most check-ins and baggage services
• Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F)
  • A separate terminal building on the east side of the airport
  • Used for many international arrivals and departures

From a traveler’s point of view, think of:

• Domestic Terminal – South = “Delta home base” for check-in and baggage drop
• International Terminal = Primary hub for international gates (Concourse F) and some clear immigration/arrival processes

Concourses (T–F)

After security, ATL has a central Concourse T plus concourses A, B, C, D, E, and F, all in a line.

• Concourse T: Attached to the Domestic Terminal; used for both Delta and a few other airlines
• Concourse A & B: Heavy Delta presence; many mainline domestic flights
• Concourse C & D: Mixed carriers, but many Delta Connection regional flights
• Concourse E: International flights, including Delta and partners
• Concourse F: International flights, Delta and partners; connected to the International Terminal

These are all connected by:

• The Plane Train (automated underground train)
• Walkable tunnels with moving sidewalks

You can move between any two concourses without re-clearing security, as long as you stay airside.

Flying Delta from Atlanta: Step-by-Step

1. Delta Check-In at ATL

If you’re departing from Atlanta, you’ll almost always start at the Domestic Terminal – South:

• Location: South Terminal departure level
• What you’ll find:
  • Delta check-in counters (full-service)
  • Self-service kiosks for check-in and bag tags
  • Bag drop for checked luggage
  • Agent assistance for schedule changes, same-day changes, and irregular operations

If you are flying internationally with Delta:

• Many Atlanta-based travelers still check in at the Domestic Terminal – South, then proceed to the appropriate international concourse (E or F) after security.
• In some cases, especially if you are dropped off or parking near the International Terminal, you may check in there instead. Always verify your departure terminal and concourse on your boarding pass or airline app.

📝 Tip: Arriving extra early during busy times (holidays, Monday mornings, Friday afternoons) is wise. The Delta check-in area at the South Terminal can get quite busy.

2. Security Checkpoints for Delta Flights

For most Delta flights, plan to go through security at:

• Domestic Terminal – South Security Checkpoint

If you are already at the International Terminal (Concourse F):

• You can clear security there and then ride the Plane Train or walk to other concourses if your Delta flight departs elsewhere.

Travelers from metro Atlanta can choose either terminal depending on traffic and parking, but your best default for Delta is the South Terminal security checkpoint.

Programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR (where available) can shorten wait times at busy hours, but lines can still build during peak periods.

3. Delta Departure Gates: Which Concourse?

Once you clear security, check your boarding pass or airport monitors for your gate. Delta flights depart from several concourses:

Typical Delta concourse usage at ATL

Keep in mind:

• Gate assignments can change, especially with weather disruptions or tight schedules.
• The Plane Train runs frequently and stops at every concourse, usually making it fast and painless to get around.
• If you choose to walk, you’ll find moving sidewalks and clear signage between concourses.

🕒 Time buffer tip: If you’re going from the Domestic Terminal security to concourse E or F, factor in extra time for a longer ride on the Plane Train or a 10–20 minute walk, depending on your pace.

Arriving in Atlanta on Delta

Domestic Delta Arrivals

If your Delta flight arrives from another U.S. city:

• You will usually arrive at Concourse T, A, B, C, or D.
• Follow signs toward Baggage Claim to head back to the Domestic Terminal.
• To exit:
  • Take the Plane Train to “Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation”
  • Or walk via the underground corridors to the Domestic Terminal

You can then proceed to:

• North or South baggage claim (check airport monitors for your carousel)
• MARTA station
• Rental cars, rideshare, taxis, or parking shuttles

Common for Atlanta residents: If someone is picking you up, they’ll meet you on the lower level arrivals curb of the Domestic Terminal.

International Delta Arrivals

If your Delta flight lands in Atlanta from outside the U.S., you’ll typically arrive at:

• Concourse E or F

You’ll then:

1. Go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (passport control and customs).

2. Collect your checked luggage if required by the process that day.

3. Follow signs for your next destination:

   • Connecting flights:
     • Re-check your bags as directed
     • Proceed to the connecting concourse via Plane Train
   • Atlanta as your final destination:
     • Exit into the International Terminal
     • Go to International Arrivals area for ground transportation or pickup

Many Atlanta-based residents prefer to be picked up at the International Terminal rather than the crowded domestic side when arriving from abroad, especially during peak times.

Connecting Flights on Delta at ATL

ATL is one of the most common connection points in the U.S., and Delta structures its schedule to support tight connections. Still, the airport is big, so it helps to know how connections work.

Domestic-to-Domestic Delta Connections

• You’ll remain in the secure area; no need to exit and re-clear security.
• Check your boarding pass or airport screens for your next gate.
• Use the Plane Train to quickly move between concourses.
• If you have a short connection (under 45 minutes), move directly to your next gate before stopping for food or shopping.

Domestic-to-International or International-to-Domestic

• You may connect between domestic concourses (T–D) and international concourses (E or F).
• For international arrivals, you generally must:
  • Go through immigration and customs,
  • Re-check bags if required,
  • Then re-enter the secure area for your onward flight.

🧳 Baggage tip: If Atlanta is your final destination after an international flight, you usually must claim your luggage in ATL, even if it was tagged to another city, then exit customs and continue to ground transportation.

Ground Transportation: Getting To and From the Delta Terminal

MARTA from the Delta Terminal

For Atlanta residents and visitors looking to avoid traffic, MARTA is one of the most straightforward options.

• The Airport MARTA Station is directly connected to the Domestic Terminal (near the South/North baggage claim area).
• MARTA’s Red and Gold lines serve the airport, connecting you to:
  • Downtown Atlanta
  • Midtown
  • Buckhead
  • North Springs and Doraville directions

From the Delta baggage claim area in the South Terminal:

1. Follow signs for “Ground Transportation / MARTA”.
2. Take the escalator or elevator down to the station.

This is particularly convenient if you live along a MARTA rail line or are heading to major hotels downtown or in Midtown.

Rideshare, Taxi, and Shuttle

From the Domestic Terminal – South:

• Rideshare (Uber, Lyft):
  • Follow airport signs for “Rideshare” from baggage claim.
  • There is a designated pickup area away from regular passenger traffic.
• Taxi stand:
  • Located near the lower level outside baggage claim.
• Hotel shuttles and parking shuttles:
  • Pick up at designated spots on the arrivals level; look for signage by hotel or parking company name.

From the International Terminal (Concourse F):

• Separate pickup zones exist for taxis and rideshare services.
• If a friend or family member is picking you up, the International Terminal is often less congested than the main Domestic arrivals area.

Parking Options for Delta Flyers at ATL

For people driving from around Metro Atlanta, parking is a major consideration.

Near the Domestic (Delta) Terminal

Common ATL parking options:

• Park-Ride Lots (Economy / Remote):
  • Usually a less expensive daily rate
  • Shuttles run to and from the Domestic Terminal
• Daily and Hourly Parking Garages:
  • Closer, walkable to the terminal
  • Higher daily rate
  • Hourly lots are best for short stays or picking up passengers
• Off-airport private lots:
  • Often a bit cheaper than on-site
  • Shuttle service directly to the Domestic Terminal

If you frequently fly Delta from Atlanta, it may be worth comparing long-term parking costs to alternatives like rideshare or MARTA, especially for longer trips.

Amenities and Services in Delta’s ATL Areas

Because ATL is Delta’s main hub, you will find a wide range of services spread across the concourses.

Food, Shopping, and Lounges

• Food:
  • Available in every concourse (T through F)
  • Options range from quick grab-and-go to sit-down restaurants
• Shops:
  • Newsstands, convenience stores, souvenir shops, and some apparel/tech retailers
• Delta Sky Club lounges:
  • Located in multiple concourses, especially T, A, B, and F
  • Access depends on your ticket type, membership, or elite status

If you have time before your flight and want more options, Concourse A and B are usually good bets for a variety of food and drink choices.

Accessibility and Special Assistance

Hartsfield–Jackson and Delta provide various accommodations for travelers who need additional assistance:

• Wheelchair assistance:
  • Requestable through your Delta reservation ahead of time or at the check-in counter.
• Service animal relief areas:
  • Located in or near several concourses and terminal areas.
• Accessible transportation:
  • Elevators and escalators throughout the terminal and concourses
  • The Plane Train is accessible and designed for travelers with mobility challenges

If you’re assisting a family member who needs special help, it can be worth arriving earlier and checking in at the Delta ticket counter to coordinate services.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Using the Delta Terminal

• Check your concourse and gate before leaving home.
  Gate changes at ATL are common; keeping an eye on your airline app or airport displays can prevent last-minute sprints.
• Use the Plane Train unless you specifically want the exercise.
  Walking the full span from Concourse T to F can take quite a while.
• Build in extra time for international flights.
  Between check-in, security, and potential lines at passport control, more buffer time is safer.
• Know where you’re being picked up.
  Coordinate with your ride: Domestic arrivals curb, International Terminal arrivals, or a MARTA station if you’re meeting downtown.
• If you live in Atlanta, consider travel time from different parts of the metro area.
  Southside residents might find the Domestic Terminal easiest, while some eastside residents find access to the International Terminal more straightforward depending on traffic patterns.

This is how the Delta Atlanta airport terminal setup works in practice: check in at the Domestic Terminal – South, clear security, and use ATL’s interconnected concourses and Plane Train to reach your Delta gate, whether your flight is domestic or international. With a bit of planning and familiarity with the layout, moving through Delta’s hub at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport becomes much smoother and less stressful.