Navigating the Delta South Terminal at Atlanta Airport: A Local’s Guide to ATL

If you’re flying Delta into or out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), you’ll almost always be dealing with the Domestic Terminal South, commonly called the Delta South Terminal. For Atlanta residents, frequent business travelers, and visitors connecting through the city, understanding how this terminal works can make your trip much smoother.

This guide walks you through where the Delta South Terminal is, how to get there, what to expect inside, and how it connects to the rest of Atlanta.

Where Is the Delta South Terminal at Atlanta Airport?

Delta’s main domestic check-in area is located in the:

• Domestic Terminal – South
• Street address for the airport:
  Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  6000 N Terminal Parkway
  Atlanta, GA 30320

At ATL, the airport is split into two main landside areas:

• Domestic Terminal – At the west side of the airport; this is where you’ll find North and South check-in areas.
• International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Terminal) – On the east side, accessed separately via I-75 and Terminal Parkway.

Within the Domestic Terminal, the South side is Delta’s territory. If you’re flying Delta or Delta Connection on a domestic route, this is almost always where you’ll check in and drop bags.

Airlines and Flights at the Delta South Terminal

In Atlanta, the Delta South Terminal is mainly used for:

• Delta Air Lines (domestic flights)
• Delta Connection regional flights (domestic)

Some key points:

• Most domestic Delta flights depart from the Concourse T, A, B, C, D, or E gates.
• Even if your gate is in another concourse (A–E), you still check in and drop bags at the South Terminal when flying domestic on Delta.
• International Delta flights typically use the International Terminal for check-in, but many still operate from Concourses E and F.
  • If you’re starting your trip in Atlanta on some international routes, you may still check in at the South Terminal depending on the airline instructions on your ticket. Always follow what’s on your booking or boarding pass.

Getting to the Delta South Terminal from Around Atlanta

By Car

For drivers coming from Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, you’ll typically:

• Take I-75/85 South toward the airport.
• Follow signs for Domestic Terminal.
• As you approach the terminal, follow signs for South Terminal / Delta.

If you’re using a GPS app, you can plug in the main airport address or search for:

• “Domestic Terminal South – Delta”

Once inside the airport loop road:

• North Terminal is on one side of the Domestic building.
• South Terminal (Delta) is on the opposite side; follow the clearly posted “South Terminal” or “Delta” signs.

Parking Options for Delta South Terminal

Common parking choices used by Atlanta travelers flying Delta:

• Domestic South Economy Parking – More budget-friendly, a short walk or shuttle ride from the terminal.
• Park-Ride Lots (A, B, C) – Long-term parking with shuttle service to the Domestic Terminal.
• Hourly Parking – Closest to the terminal, above or adjacent to the check-in levels; convenient for drop-off/pick-up or short trips.
• Off-site private lots near the airport – Often used by locals for multi-day trips, with their own shuttles to the Domestic Terminal.

When possible, note which lot you used; ATL is large and parking areas can be confusing after a long trip.

Rideshare, Taxis, and Drop-Off

From anywhere in the Atlanta metro—Decatur, Sandy Springs, Marietta, or the Southside—you can:

• Use rideshare (Uber, Lyft), taxi, or car service to the Domestic Terminal South departures level.
• Tell your driver: “Delta, South Terminal” to avoid being dropped at the North side.

Drop-off and pick-up are separated by level:

• Upper level – Departures (check-in counters).
• Lower level – Arrivals (baggage claim).

MARTA: Getting to the Delta South Terminal by Train

The MARTA rail system connects directly to ATL, and this is often the simplest way from intown neighborhoods.

• Take MARTA’s Red or Gold Line to Airport Station, which is the end of the line on the south side.
• Airport Station is attached to the Domestic Terminal.

Once you exit the MARTA station:

1. Walk up the escalators/elevators into the Domestic Terminal main atrium.
2. Look for overhead signs directing you to “South Terminal / Delta”.
3. It’s a short indoor walk to the Delta check-in counters.

This route is especially convenient if you’re coming from:

• Downtown Atlanta (Five Points, Peachtree Center)
• Midtown (Arts Center, Midtown Station)
• Buckhead (Buckhead, Lenox, Lindbergh Center)
• Doraville, Chamblee, Brookhaven, and other north-line stations

Layout: What You’ll Find in the Delta South Terminal

Check-In and Bag Drop

The Delta South Terminal check-in level includes:

• Delta check-in counters for:
  • Domestic economy
  • First Class and Premium
  • Sky Priority
  • Self-service kiosks
• Bag drop for travelers who have already checked in online or via the Delta app.

Tips:

• 🕒 Arrive early: For most domestic flights, many Atlanta travelers aim for 1.5–2 hours before departure, especially at busy times.
• Use self-service kiosks to print bag tags quickly if you’ve checked in online.
• Follow signs for “Sky Priority” if your ticket or status allows; that line is usually shorter.

Security Checkpoints

From the South Terminal check-in area, you’ll head to the main TSA security checkpoint:

• Domestic North and Domestic South both feed into common security areas.
• After security, you’ll end up in the Concourse T / Airport Atrium area, from which you can move to other concourses.

Travelers from Atlanta often note that:

• Early morning and late afternoon can be busier.
• CLEAR and TSA PreCheck lanes may be available, which can speed things up if you’re enrolled.

After Security: Getting to Your Gate from the South Terminal

Once you’ve cleared security from the Delta South side, you’ll enter the Concourse T area:

Concourse Access

From here, there are two main options:

1. Walking – You can walk directly into Concourse T.
2. Plane Train (People Mover) – An underground automated train that connects all concourses:
   • Concourse T
   • Concourse A
   • Concourse B
   • Concourse C
   • Concourse D
   • Concourse E
   • Concourse F (International)

Delta operates heavily out of:

• Concourse T and A – Often domestic and some short-haul routes.
• Concourse B – A major Delta hub concourse.
• Concourse C and D – Mixed carriers, including some Delta flights.
• Concourse E and F – Many international flights, including Delta.

Follow monitors and signage for your gate number and concourse. For example, if your boarding pass says B19, you’ll take the Plane Train to Concourse B and follow the signs to gate 19.

Services and Amenities in the Delta South Terminal Area

Food and Shops (Pre- and Post-Security)

In and around the Delta South Terminal and connected concourses, you’ll find:

• Quick-service restaurants (fast food, coffee shops, grab-and-go).
• Sit-down options in the concourses, including local and national chains.
• Newsstands and convenience shops with snacks, drinks, and essentials.
• Retail stores offering travel gear, electronics, books, and magazines.

Atlanta-based travelers often recommend:

• Eating after security, where there are more options along the concourses.
• Picking up water and snacks before boarding, especially on shorter flights where you may not get a full service.

Delta Sky Club

If you have access (membership, credit card benefit, or eligible ticket), there are Delta Sky Club lounges in several concourses connected to the South Terminal security area, including:

• Concourse T
• Concourse A
• Concourse B
• Concourse F (for many international flights)

These lounges typically offer:

• Quiet seating
• Snacks and beverages
• Wi-Fi
• Workspaces

You don’t need to leave the secure area; just walk or take the Plane Train to the concourse where the lounge is located.

Baggage Claim and Arrivals at the Delta South Terminal

When you arrive in Atlanta on Delta:

1. Deplane at your assigned concourse (T, A, B, C, D, E, or F).
2. Follow signs for “Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation / Domestic Terminal”.
3. Take the Plane Train or walk toward the Domestic Terminal.
4. Once you reach the main terminal area, follow signs specifically for:
   • “South Baggage Claim (Delta)” for domestic Delta arrivals.

On the lower level of the Domestic Terminal South, you’ll find:

• Baggage carousels for Delta flights.
• Ground transportation signs for:
  • Rideshare pick-up zones
  • Taxis
  • Hotel shuttles
  • Shared shuttles
  • Rental car center shuttle

Getting from the Delta South Terminal to Other Parts of ATL and the City

Rental Cars

The Rental Car Center (RCC) is not inside the terminal building but is connected by train:

• From the lower level near baggage claim, look for signs for “Rental Cars”.
• Take the ATL SkyTrain from the station just outside the terminal.
• The SkyTrain takes you directly to the Rental Car Center, where major agencies are housed.

MARTA Back to the City

If you’re heading to Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead after arrival:

1. From South Baggage Claim, follow signs for “Ground Transportation / MARTA”.
2. Take the escalator/elevator up toward the Airport MARTA Station.
3. Board a Northbound train (Red or Gold Line) toward Atlanta.

From there, you can connect to buses, walk, or use rideshare from your arrival station.

Rideshare and Taxis

• Look for dedicated signs for “Rideshare” or “App-Based Ride Services” from the Domestic Terminal South arrivals level.
• Follow the marked walkways to the appropriate pick-up area.
• Traditional taxis are available from taxi stands close to baggage claim exits.

Domestic vs. International: When the South Terminal Is (and Isn’t) Used

Because Atlanta is a major international gateway, travelers often need clarity on when to use the Delta South Terminal versus the International Terminal.

When You’ll Typically Use the Delta South Terminal

• You’re starting your trip in Atlanta and flying Delta domestically (for example, ATL to LAX, MCO, DCA, or JFK).
• You’re connecting through Atlanta on Delta from one US city to another.
• Your Delta itinerary or email confirmation lists “Domestic Terminal – South” as the check-in location.

When You May Use the International Terminal Instead

• You’re flying internationally on Delta or a partner airline and your ticket indicates check-in at the International Terminal.
• You’re arriving from outside the United States, clearing customs, and then connecting.

Even when you’re using the International Terminal, you may still transit via the same concourses (especially E and F). The Plane Train connects the Domestic and International sides airside, so once you’re past security, you can move between them without exiting.

Quick Reference: Delta South Terminal at ATL

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Using the Delta South Terminal

• Check your terminal before you leave home. For most Atlanta-based Delta trips, it will say “Domestic Terminal – South,” but verify on your booking or app.
• Allow extra time during peak traffic hours. I-75/85 and the airport loop can be congested, especially weekday mornings and late afternoons.
• Use MARTA if you’re coming from intown. It bypasses traffic and drops you directly inside the Domestic Terminal.
• Know your concourse and gate early. Once through the South Terminal security, go straight to the Plane Train if your gate is not in Concourse T.
• For pickups, coordinate clearly. Let your ride know you’re at Domestic South (Delta) Baggage Claim so they don’t end up on the North side.

Understanding how the Delta South Terminal at Atlanta Airport fits into the overall ATL layout makes navigating one of the world’s busiest airports far less stressful. Whether you live in the Atlanta area or you’re just connecting through, a bit of preparation goes a long way in getting you from curb to gate—and back—smoothly.