How To Get to Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson Airport: Local Directions, Tips, and Routes

Heading to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and want clear directions? Whether you live in metro Atlanta, you’re visiting, or you’re coordinating a pickup, this guide walks through every major way to reach Atlanta Hartsfield Airport and how it works specifically from an Atlanta perspective.

The airport’s address is:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 North Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320

Quick Overview: Main Ways to Get to ATL

Common options from around Atlanta:

• Driving via I‑75 / I‑85 (Downtown Connector)
• MARTA train (rail) directly to the airport
• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or taxi
• Hotel shuttles, shared shuttles, and private car services
• From nearby cities via interstates and regional roads

Here’s a fast comparison:

Understanding ATL’s Layout: North vs. South Terminals

Before you even think about directions, it helps to know which side of the airport you need:

• North Terminal

  • Primarily used by Delta Air Lines check-in and some partner airlines.
  • Main entrance visible from North Terminal Parkway.

• South Terminal

  • Used by most other domestic airlines (non-Delta).
  • Accessed via South Terminal Parkway.

• International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)

  • Separate entrance off Interstate 75 (I‑75) at Exit 239 (Henry Ford II Avenue / International Terminal).
  • Address:
    Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
    2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd
    Atlanta, GA 30354

If you’re unsure which terminal: check your airline and ticket first—this affects which interstate exit you want.

Driving Directions to Atlanta Hartsfield Airport from Key Atlanta Areas

From Downtown Atlanta (Five Points, State Capitol, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium)

Most drivers from Downtown use the Downtown Connector (I‑75 / I‑85):

1. Get onto I‑75/85 Southbound (Downtown Connector).
2. Continue about 7–10 miles south from central downtown.
3. Follow signs for Exit 239 for Domestic Terminal or International Terminal:
   • For Domestic North/South Terminal: follow signs for Airport / Domestic.
   • For International Terminal: take I‑75 Exit 239 and follow signs for International Terminal.

From most downtown spots (Five Points, Georgia State, Centennial Olympic Park), this is usually a 10–20 minute drive outside of rush hour, but you should allow much more during weekday morning/afternoon peaks.

From Midtown Atlanta (Georgia Tech, Atlantic Station, Piedmont Park)

1. Take I‑85 South from Midtown (via 10th St, 14th St, or 17th St access points).
2. Where I‑85 South merges with I‑75 South, stay on the Downtown Connector heading south.
3. Continue to the airport exits:
   • Follow signs for Domestic Airport / Hartsfield–Jackson.
   • Choose North Terminal or South Terminal closer to the airport based on your airline.

Traffic from Midtown can be heavy, especially around rush hours and events at Georgia Tech or Midtown office corridors, so buffer at least 45–60 minutes door-to-door when traffic is unpredictable.

From Buckhead (Lenox, Phipps, Peachtree Road Corridor)

Most Buckhead drivers use GA‑400 South or local roads to connect to I‑85:

1. Head south on GA‑400 or Peachtree Road until you can merge onto I‑85 South.
2. Continue on I‑85 South into the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85).
3. Stay on the Connector southbound until you reach the airport exits.
4. Follow signage for Domestic Terminal (North or South) or International Terminal via I‑75 and Exit 239.

From Buckhead, non-rush-hour travel might be 25–35 minutes, but during busy times it can be an hour or more, so plan conservatively.

From East Atlanta, Decatur, and I‑20 East Corridor

If you’re in Decatur, East Atlanta Village, Kirkwood, or along I‑20 East:

1. Take I‑20 West toward Downtown Atlanta.
2. Merge onto the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85 South).
3. Continue south and follow airport signage.
4. Use the appropriate exit for Domestic or International terminals.

From Decatur or East Atlanta, non-peak trips can be 20–30 minutes, but expect variable times depending on I‑20 and Connector traffic.

From the Westside (West Midtown, Georgia Tech West, I‑20 West Corridor)

If you’re coming from West Midtown, Howell Mill, or I‑20 West:

1. Take I‑20 East toward downtown.
2. Merge onto the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85 South).
3. Continue south until you see the Airport / Hartsfield–Jackson exits.
4. Follow signs for Domestic or International as needed.

From West Midtown, you can also use local routes (such as Northside Drive) to access the Connector, but the interstate is usually faster when not gridlocked.

From the Southside (College Park, East Point, Riverdale, Jonesboro)

If you’re already on the Southside, you may have a shorter drive:

• From College Park / East Point:
  • Use Camp Creek Parkway, Virginia Avenue, or local surface streets to access Airport Boulevard or the interstate spurs leading to the Domestic Terminal.
• From Riverdale / Jonesboro:
  • Take I‑75 North toward Atlanta, then follow signs for International Terminal (Exit 239) or continue toward the Domestic exits.

Southside residents often reach the airport in 10–20 minutes depending on distance and traffic.

Getting to the International Terminal Specifically

The International Terminal has its own entrance off I‑75, separate from the Domestic Terminal area:

• From Downtown / Midtown / Buckhead:

  1. Take the Downtown Connector south.
  2. Stay on I‑75 South when it splits from I‑85.
  3. Take Exit 239 (Henry Ford II Avenue / International Terminal).
  4. Follow signage for International Terminal / Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal.

• From Decatur / I‑285 East / East Metro:

  1. Use I‑285 to reach I‑75 South.
  2. Continue to Exit 239.

If you accidentally go to the Domestic Terminal but need the International side, there is an internal airport shuttle connecting the two areas, but it adds time. It’s usually more efficient to drive directly to the right terminal if you’re checking bags for an international flight.

Using MARTA to Reach Atlanta Hartsfield Airport

For many people in intown Atlanta, MARTA rail is the simplest and most predictable way to reach ATL.

MARTA Airport Station

• The Airport MARTA Station is located inside the Domestic Terminal, at the west end of the main terminal.
• After exiting the train, you walk directly into the Domestic Terminal baggage claim/check-in area—no shuttle required.

Main Routes to the Airport on MARTA

The airport is the southernmost stop on both:

• Red Line (North Springs – Airport)
• Gold Line (Doraville – Airport)

Common starting points for airport travelers:

• From Downtown (Five Points, Peachtree Center, Georgia State):
  • Take either Red or Gold southbound to Airport Station.
• From Midtown / Arts Center:
  • Board southbound Red or Gold.
• From Buckhead, Lenox, Brookhaven–Oglethorpe, Doraville:
  • Take Gold Line southbound.
• From Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Medical Center, North Springs:
  • Take Red Line southbound.

🕒 Timing tip: Many local travelers allow about 45–60 minutes total from an intown MARTA station to the airport, including time to walk into the station, buy fare if needed, and reach security.

MARTA From the International Terminal

The International Terminal does not have its own MARTA station. If you need MARTA:

1. Use the free internal airport shuttle between the International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal.
2. Enter the Domestic Terminal and follow signs to MARTA Airport Station.

Rideshare and Taxi Directions at ATL

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

If you’re heading to the airport by rideshare:

• Enter “Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport” in your app.
• Select Domestic or International if your app shows that option.
• Your driver will follow airport signs for the correct terminal.

If you are being picked up at ATL:

• Domestic Terminal pickups:
  • Rideshare pickup is typically in a designated rideshare area near the Domestic Terminal parking decks.
  • Follow in-terminal signage for Rideshare / App-Based Ride Services.
• International Terminal pickups:
  • Rideshare pickup is usually at the International Terminal curbside or designated area, clearly marked by signs.

Rideshare drivers almost always reach ATL by I‑75 / I‑85, depending on where they’re coming from.

Taxi Service

Taxis serving the Atlanta area routinely operate to and from ATL:

• From the city to the airport:
  • Most cabs will use I‑75/85 South from downtown or I‑85/Connector from Midtown/Buckhead.
• From the airport to the city:
  • Taxi stands are located just outside the Domestic Terminal and International Terminal arrivals areas, with clear signage.

You may see flat-rate zones from the airport to certain parts of Atlanta; you can confirm these with the driver before the ride starts.

Parking and Drop-Off Directions at Hartsfield–Jackson

Short-Term / Hourly Parking (Quick Drop-Offs & Pickups)

For fast drop-offs or pickups:

• Follow signs for Hourly Parking at:
  • Domestic North or Domestic South parking decks.
• These decks are closest to the terminal, ideal for walking a traveler to the check-in counter or meeting someone at baggage claim.

Long-Term Parking

If you plan to leave your car for multiple days:

• Follow airport signage for:
  • Economy Parking
  • Park-Ride or Remote Parking areas
• Shuttle buses typically run between long-term lots and the terminals.

Travelers from metro Atlanta often choose long-term airport parking when trips last more than a couple of days to avoid repeated rideshare or taxi costs.

Curbside Drop-Off

You can be dropped at:

• Departure level, outside either North or South Terminal.
• Curbside is intended for quick unloading; vehicles are not allowed to wait for long.

If you’re picking someone up and expect a wait, it’s usually better to:

• Use cell phone lots or
• Park in Hourly Parking and walk inside.

Directions to the Rental Car Center (RCC)

If you’re returning a rental car or picking one up:

• The Rental Car Center is located just west of the airport and connected by the SkyTrain (an automated people mover).
• Directions by car:
  • Follow airport signs for Rental Car Return / Rental Car Center rather than Domestic or International Terminals.
• Once you park or drop off your rental, you’ll use the SkyTrain to travel directly to the Domestic Terminal.

If you’re returning a rental car but departing from the International Terminal, you can:

1. Ride the SkyTrain to the Domestic Terminal.
2. Take the internal airport shuttle to the International Terminal.

Getting to ATL from Nearby Metro Atlanta Cities

Here are general approaches from major nearby areas:

• Smyrna / Marietta / Cobb County:
  • Use I‑285 South to connect to I‑75 or I‑85 toward the airport, or head into Downtown and follow the Connector South.
• Sandy Springs / Dunwoody:
  • Either take GA‑400 South to I‑85 South, then continue to the airport, or use MARTA Red Line directly to Airport Station.
• Stone Mountain / Tucker:
  • Use I‑285 or US‑78 to connect to I‑20 or I‑85, then continue toward the Downtown Connector and south to the airport.
• Fayetteville / Peachtree City:
  • Many drivers use SR‑74, SR‑85, or local routes to connect directly to ATL’s south side entrances without going through downtown.

When coming from the outer suburbs, give yourself extra time for:

• I‑285 traffic, which can slow heavily during peak hours.
• Construction zones or lane closures, which are common around key interchanges.

Practical Timing Tips for Atlanta Travelers

To avoid missing your flight when traveling from anywhere in Greater Atlanta:

• Domestic flights:
  • Aim to be at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure, plus travel time from home.
• International flights:
  • Plan to arrive 2.5–3 hours early, plus travel time.

Because Atlanta traffic can change quickly, many local travelers use:

• A traffic app or GPS to check current drive times via I‑75/85 before leaving.
• MARTA for more predictable timing if they live close to a rail station.

Key ATL Contact and Location Information

To double‑check directions, parking, or terminal details, you can use:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 North Terminal Parkway
  Atlanta, GA 30320
  Main information line (commonly listed publicly): (800) 897‑1910 or local contact numbers posted by the airport.

If you’re staying at an airport-area hotel in College Park or along Camp Creek Parkway, most hotels provide shuttles between the hotel and the Domestic Terminal—ask the front desk for exact pickup locations and times.

With this Atlanta-focused overview, you can choose the best route—driving, MARTA, rideshare, taxi, or shuttle—and head to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport with clear expectations about how to get there and where you’ll arrive.