How to Drive from SpringHill Suites Buckhead to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Driving from SpringHill Suites Atlanta Buckhead to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is a straightforward trip across the city, but Atlanta traffic and airport layout can make it feel confusing if you’re not prepared. This guide walks you through the route, timing, parking, and local tips so you know exactly what to expect.

Key Facts at a Glance

Starting point:
SpringHill Suites Atlanta Buckhead
3450 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

Destination:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

Step‑by‑Step Driving Directions

The most common route from Buckhead to Atlanta Airport uses GA‑400 and I‑85. Always check your GPS or a maps app the day of travel, since construction and traffic can change the best option.

1. Leaving SpringHill Suites Buckhead

From the hotel on Roswell Rd NE:

1. Turn south on Roswell Rd NE toward Buckhead.
2. Use local streets (often via Piedmont Rd or Lenox Rd, depending on apps) to reach:
   • GA‑400 South toward downtown/Atlanta.

Your navigation app may give slightly different local streets, especially during peak hours, but you’ll almost always be funneled toward GA‑400 S.

2. Take GA‑400 South Toward I‑85

• Merge onto GA‑400 S.
• Continue heading south until GA‑400 feeds into the interstate system near I‑85.

In most cases, you’ll either:

• Merge directly into I‑85 South, or
• Transition via connector ramps that clearly sign “I‑85 S / Atlanta / Airport”.

Follow signs for I‑85 South.

3. Follow I‑85 South Toward the Airport

Once on I‑85 South:

• Stay on I‑85 S heading through Midtown and Downtown Atlanta.
• Continue following signs for “Airport / Hartsfield‑Jackson”.

You’ll pass near major landmarks like the Downtown Connector (where I‑75 and I‑85 merge) and continue south until you see clear signage for the airport exits.

Choosing the Right Terminal: Domestic vs. International

Before you reach the airport exits, be clear about which terminal you need:

• Domestic Terminal: For most major U.S. airlines and domestic flights.
• International Terminal (Concourse F): For many international departures and arrivals.

Exits for the Domestic Terminal

For the Domestic Terminal:

1. Stay on I‑85 South and watch for signs marked “Domestic Terminal / North Terminal / South Terminal”.
2. Take the appropriate exit to Camp Creek Pkwy / Airport / Domestic (exact exit numbers can change but are clearly signed).
3. Follow signs directing you to:
   • North Terminal (commonly used by Delta and some partners), or
   • South Terminal (other carriers).

Once off the interstate, stay in lanes marked for Passenger Pick‑up/Drop‑off, Hourly Parking, or Daily/Economy Parking depending on your plans.

Exits for the International Terminal (Concourse F)

For the International Terminal:

1. While still on I‑85 S, look for signs for “International Terminal / Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal”.
2. You’ll typically take a separate exit that directs traffic specifically to the International Terminal on the east side of the airport.
3. Follow “Arrivals / Departures / Parking” signs as you approach the terminal complex.

If you accidentally follow the Domestic Terminal signs but need the International Terminal, don’t panic—there is an internal airport shuttle system and signed routes, but it adds time. It’s easier to get the terminal right from the highway.

How Long the Drive Usually Takes

Driving time from SpringHill Suites Buckhead to Atlanta Airport depends heavily on when you’re on the road.

Typical Timing Estimates

• Midday, late evening, or very early morning:
  About 25–35 minutes in light to moderate traffic.
• Weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.):
  Often 40–60 minutes or more, especially if there are incidents on I‑85 or the Downtown Connector.
• Weekend mid‑day:
  Often smoother than weekday rush hour, but game days and big events can cause backups.

Because Atlanta traffic can change quickly, build in a buffer:

• Domestic flight: aim to be at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure.
• International flight: aim for 2–3 hours before departure.
• Then add your expected drive time + extra for parking or rental car return.

Parking and Drop‑Off Options at ATL

How you approach the terminal can change depending on whether you’re:

• Dropping someone off
• Picking someone up
• Parking your vehicle
• Returning a rental car

Quick Drop‑Off at the Curb

If you’re just dropping someone off:

• Follow signs for “Departures” at the Domestic or International Terminal.
• Pull to the curbside drop‑off lane.
• You usually cannot park or wait there; it’s for active loading/unloading only.

For pickups, you’ll typically use “Arrivals” lanes, but if you’re early, consider using Cell Phone Waiting Lots to avoid circling.

Short‑Term and Long‑Term Parking

At both terminals, you’ll see signs to different parking decks and lots:

• Hourly Parking
  • Closest to the terminal; best for quick pickups or short visits.
• Daily Parking
  • A bit farther but still walkable or shuttle‑served; suitable for multi‑day trips.
• Economy or Park‑Ride Lots
  • Lower cost, usually served by frequent shuttle buses to the terminal.

For the most up‑to‑date information, you can contact the airport directly:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Information)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main information line: (800) 897‑1910 (widely listed)

Note: Parking rates and locations may change, so it’s helpful to check shortly before traveling or call the information line if you’re unsure.

Returning a Rental Car on the Way to the Airport

If you rented a car in Atlanta, you’ll generally return it at the ATL Rental Car Center (RCC), just west of the Domestic Terminal.

How to Get to the Rental Car Center

1. From I‑85 S, still follow signs for “Airport / Rental Car Return”.
2. Ramps will direct you off the interstate and toward the Rental Car Center, which is separate from passenger drop‑off.
3. Once there, follow your rental company’s return signs.

After dropping off the car:

• Take the SkyTrain (an elevated people‑mover) from the Rental Car Center directly to the Domestic Terminal.
• If you need the International Terminal, you can use the airport’s shuttle system from the Domestic side.

Best Times to Leave Buckhead for the Airport

Because you’re starting in Buckhead, you’ll be navigating some of Atlanta’s busiest roads.

Morning Flights

If your flight is between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.:

• You’re competing with northside commuters heading downtown via GA‑400 and I‑85.
• Consider leaving 2–2.5 hours before boarding time (not departure), especially on weekdays.

Afternoon and Evening Flights

For flights in the late afternoon or early evening (roughly 3–7 p.m.):

• Expect congestion on the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) and feeder routes.
• Leave at least 1.5–2 hours before you want to be at the terminal, plus your buffer for check‑in and security.

Very Early or Late‑Night Flights

For flights late at night or very early in the morning:

• Traffic is often lighter, so 25–30 minutes drive time is more realistic.
• Still give yourself a cushion in case of road work or lane closures.

Alternate Routes if Traffic Is Heavy

Navigation apps often reroute around crashes or heavy congestion. A few patterns to be aware of from Buckhead to ATL:

• I‑75 South instead of I‑85 South
  Sometimes apps may route you across town toward I‑75 S; this can be useful if I‑85 is severely backed up.
• Surface‑street cut‑throughs
  In heavy traffic, side streets may appear in your directions (e.g., along Piedmont Rd, Peachtree St, or Metropolitan Pkwy). These can save time but demand more attention, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

If you’re not comfortable with complex surface‑street routes, you can set your navigation to prefer highways or simply ignore small time savings in favor of simpler directions.

Using Rideshare or Taxi Instead of Driving

If you would rather not drive or park at ATL:

• Rideshare services commonly pick up from Buckhead and drop off at both Domestic and International Terminals.
• Taxi services in Atlanta also run fixed or metered fares to the airport corridor.

When using rideshare:

• Set your drop‑off to “Domestic Terminal” or “International Terminal” based on your airline and flight.
• During peak times (rainstorms, rush hour, major events), allow extra time for your driver to reach you at the hotel.

Tips for a Smoother Trip from Buckhead to ATL

A few Atlanta‑specific tips to keep your airport drive less stressful:

• Check traffic before leaving: Use a navigation app and glance at I‑85 and GA‑400 conditions.
• Know your airline and terminal: That alone can save 20+ minutes of confusion once you’re near the airport.
• Watch signage carefully: ATL is heavily signed for Domestic, International, Rental Car Return, and Parking. Stay in the lane for your destination early.
• Plan for construction: Atlanta often has road work overnight and on weekends. Your app will usually catch this, but check for warnings.
• Have your documents ready: Especially helpful if you’re dropping off passengers; it keeps curb time short and less stressful.

By keeping an eye on traffic, knowing which terminal you need, and giving yourself a comfortable time buffer, the drive from SpringHill Suites Atlanta Buckhead to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is manageable and predictable—even in busy Atlanta.