Navigating the Delta Terminal at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

If you’re flying Delta into or out of Atlanta, you’re using the airline’s global hometown hub at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Knowing how the Delta terminal and concourses work can save you time, stress, and a lot of extra walking.

Below is a clear guide tailored to anyone living in Atlanta, visiting Atlanta, or connecting through ATL and flying Delta.

How the Delta “Terminal” Works at ATL

ATL is set up a little differently from many airports. Instead of one dedicated “Delta terminal,” Delta uses multiple concourses connected by an underground train.

  • The airport has:
    • a Domestic Terminal (split into North and South)
    • an International Terminal (Terminal F)
    • Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, and F

Delta operates primarily from:

  • Domestic Terminal South (check-in and baggage for most domestic Delta flights)
  • Concourses T, A, B, C, D (main domestic Delta gates)
  • Concourses E and F (many Delta international flights and some domestic)

Even if your ticket mentions “Delta Terminal,” at ATL that usually means:

  • Check-in: Domestic Terminal South or International Terminal F
  • Departure/arrival gates: Delta’s concourses (T–F), connected by the Plane Train

Where to Check In for Delta at ATL

Delta Domestic Check-In: Terminal South

For most domestic Delta flights:

  • Go to Domestic Terminal South
  • Address for GPS:
    Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Domestic Terminal South
    6000 North Terminal Parkway
    Atlanta, GA 30320

Inside Terminal South, you’ll find:

  • Delta ticketing and check-in counters
  • Self-service kiosks for check-in and bag tags
  • Delta baggage drop areas
  • Delta Sky Priority and Delta One check-in lanes (for eligible customers)

If you live in metro Atlanta and are being dropped off or parking for a typical Delta flight within the U.S., Domestic Terminal South is almost always where you’ll start.

Delta International Check-In: Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (F)

If your Delta flight departs internationally (for example, to Europe, Asia, or South America), your check-in may be at:

  • International Terminal – Concourse F
    2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd
    Atlanta, GA 30354

At the International Terminal (F), you’ll find:

  • Delta international ticketing and check-in
  • Baggage drop for many international flights
  • Passport control and customs facilities (for arrivals)
  • Delta Sky Priority and premium check-in options

💡 Local tip for Atlantans: If someone is driving you, choose International Terminal in your GPS only if your boarding pass or airline instructions specifically say Terminal F. Otherwise, use Domestic Terminal South for most Delta flights.

Understanding Delta’s Concourse Layout at ATL

All passengers, whether starting in Atlanta or connecting, will use at least one concourse for boarding.

Main Delta Concourse Areas

Here’s a simplified look at how Delta is spread out:

AreaPrimary Use for Delta Passengers
Domestic Terminal SouthDelta domestic check-in, baggage drop, security
Concourse TMix of Delta domestic gates, closest to main terminal
Concourses A & BMajor Delta domestic hubs, lots of flights & services
Concourse CAdditional Delta and partner flights
Concourse DMix of Delta and other airlines
Concourse EMany international flights; some Delta operations
Concourse FInternational Terminal; Delta international departures/arrivals

You’ll move between these concourses via:

  • The Plane Train (underground automated train)
  • Walkways in some sections (T to A, A to B are walkable, though it can be a long walk)

Security Checkpoints for Delta Flyers

Domestic Security: Terminal South

Most Delta domestic travelers will use security checkpoints in the Domestic Terminal:

  • Main South Terminal security – standard TSA lines
  • PreCheck lanes – for TSA PreCheck members
  • Additional options for eligible passengers:
    • CLEAR lanes
    • Sky Priority access

Once you’re through security at the Domestic Terminal:

  • You can walk directly to Concourse T gates
  • Or take the Plane Train to Concourses A, B, C, D, or E

International Security: Terminal F

If you check in at Terminal F for an international Delta flight:

  • You’ll use the security checkpoint at the International Terminal
  • After security:
    • You can walk to Concourse F gates, or
    • Take the Plane Train to other concourses (E, D, C, B, A, T, or back toward Domestic)

Getting Between Domestic and International Terminals on Delta

Because ATL is a massive Delta hub, many connections involve moving between domestic and international flights.

If You’re Connecting Domestic → International on Delta

Example: Atlanta to New York → Atlanta → Paris

  • You may arrive at Concourse B or C
  • Follow signs for International Terminal / Concourse F if your next flight is there
  • Take the Plane Train to Concourse F
  • If your bags are checked through, you typically do not pick them up in Atlanta—just go straight to your next gate

If You’re Connecting International → Domestic on Delta

Example: London → Atlanta → Orlando

  • You’ll usually arrive at Concourse E or F
  • You must:
    1. Go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection
    2. Collect your checked luggage and go through customs inspection
    3. Re-check your bag at the designated transfer belt
    4. Proceed to security, then use the Plane Train to your next concourse

💡 Plan extra time. International-to-domestic connections through ATL can take longer due to immigration and customs. Many travelers aim for at least 2 hours for these connections.

Delta Baggage Claim Areas at ATL

Domestic Delta Baggage Claim

For most domestic Delta flights:

  • Baggage claim is in the Domestic Terminal, often closer to Terminal South
  • You’ll follow signs from your arrival gate to:
    • Plane Train → Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation
    • Up to baggage claim level where carousels are labeled with flight information

If someone from Atlanta is picking you up, they should follow signs to Domestic Arrivals.

International Delta Baggage Claim

For Delta international arrivals (often at E or F):

  • You collect your luggage after passport control in the international arrivals area
  • If ATL is your final stop:
    • You’ll exit into the International Arrivals hall at Terminal F
    • Pickup is at International Arrivals / Terminal F

If you’re continuing on to another U.S. city, you’ll re-check your bag after customs and then continue via the Plane Train to your next concourse.

Delta Sky Club Locations at ATL

Delta has multiple Sky Club lounges across ATL, especially useful if you:

  • Have a long layover
  • Are working while traveling
  • Value quieter spaces with seating and refreshments

Delta Sky Clubs are typically located in:

  • Concourse T
  • Concourse A
  • Concourse B
  • Concourse C
  • Concourse D
  • Concourse E
  • Concourse F (often one of the larger international clubs)

Access is limited to eligible passengers (membership, certain credit cards, or premium cabin tickets). If you fly Delta often from Atlanta, you’ll see Sky Clubs near many groups of gates.

Ground Transportation for Delta Passengers in Atlanta

Once you arrive or before you depart, you’ll need to get between ATL and the city.

From the Domestic Terminal (Delta Domestic Flights)

At the Domestic Terminal, you’ll find:

  • Rideshare pick-up zones (marked areas for app-based ride services)
  • Taxi stands
  • Shuttle buses to:
    • Long-term parking
    • Off-airport parking lots
    • Some area hotels
  • MARTA rail station (Atlanta’s rapid transit system)
    • The station is connected directly to the Domestic Terminal, between North and South
    • Convenient if you’re heading to Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead

From the International Terminal (Delta Terminal F)

At Terminal F, you have:

  • Designated rideshare and taxi areas
  • Separate parking closer to the International Terminal
  • A frequent shuttle bus connecting:
    • International Terminal F
    • The Domestic Terminal (including the MARTA station)

💡 If you live in Atlanta and want to use MARTA but your Delta flight arrives at the International Terminal, you’ll need to take the free airport shuttle over to the Domestic Terminal and then walk to the MARTA station.

Parking Options for Delta Travelers

ATL offers several parking choices that work well for Delta passengers:

  • Domestic Terminal Parking Garages (South)
    Good if you’re flying Delta domestically and want the shortest walk.

  • International Terminal Parking (F)
    Best if you’re departing on a Delta international flight from Concourse F and know you’ll return to F.

  • Economy and Park-Ride Lots
    Usually more budget-friendly. Shuttles run between these lots and both the Domestic and International Terminals.

Many Atlanta-based travelers also use off-airport parking services around the airport, which offer their own shuttle buses to and from the terminals.

Tips for Atlanta-Based Delta Flyers

If you’re an Atlanta resident using ATL as your home airport, these Delta-specific habits can help:

  • Check your departure concourse in advance.
    Most Delta flights from Atlanta leave from A or B, but not always. Knowing your concourse before you arrive saves time and confusion.

  • Aim to arrive early.
    ATL is very busy, especially during:

    • Early mornings (6–9 a.m.)
    • Late afternoons and evenings
    • Holiday periods and major events in Atlanta
      Many locals give themselves 90–120 minutes for domestic flights and longer for international.
  • Use the Plane Train instead of walking long distances.
    Unless you like the exercise, the train is much faster between distant concourses (for example, from T to E or F).

  • Pay attention to Delta app notifications.
    Gate changes are common at large hubs like ATL. Checking the app on your way to the airport and after security can prevent frantic last-minute concourse changes.

Key Takeaways About the Delta Terminal at ATL

  • There is no single “Delta terminal”—Delta uses Domestic Terminal South and multiple concourses.
  • For most domestic flights on Delta:
    • Check-in: Domestic Terminal South
    • Gates: Concourses T, A, B, C, or D
  • For many international Delta flights:
    • Check-in: International Terminal (Concourse F)
    • Gates: Usually E or F, with connections across T–F
  • All concourses are linked by the Plane Train, making inter-concourse connections manageable even at this large airport.
  • Ground transportation, MARTA access, and parking are all structured around whether you’re using the Domestic or International side—important for Atlanta residents and visitors planning rides and pickups.

Understanding this layout makes ATL’s Delta hub far more manageable, whether you’re a first-time visitor to Atlanta or a local flying out every month.