How Many Terminals Are at Atlanta Airport? A Local’s Guide to ATL

If you live in Atlanta or fly through often, you’ve probably wondered how Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is actually laid out. People talk about terminals, concourses, and “the Plane Train” like it’s obvious—until you’re the one sprinting for a connection.

Here’s the clear answer:

Atlanta Airport has 2 main terminals and 7 concourses.

Understanding how those pieces fit together will make getting around ATL much easier, whether you’re heading out from your home in Midtown or flying in for the first time.

The Basic Layout: Terminals vs. Concourses

Terminals at ATL:

• Domestic Terminal (Atlanta side / I-85 side)
• International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal / I-75 side)

Concourses at ATL (A–F + T):

• Concourse T – attached to the Domestic Terminal
• Concourses A, B, C, D, E – in a line behind the terminals
• Concourse F – attached to the International Terminal

Every passenger uses one of the two terminals to start or end their trip, but most flights actually operate from the concourses.

Think of it like this:

• Terminals = the “front doors” where you check in, drop bags, go through security.
• Concourses = the “neighborhoods of gates” where you board your plane.

All concourses (T, A–F) are connected airside (after security) by the Plane Train and a long underground walkway.

How Many Terminals Does Atlanta Airport Have?

To answer the core question clearly:

• ATL has 2 passenger terminals:
  • Domestic Terminal
  • International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)

Both terminals serve arrivals and departures, but they are on opposite sides of the airport and have separate road access and parking.

Quick Terminal Overview

Domestic Terminal: Your Main Hub for U.S. Flights

If you’re flying to or from most U.S. cities, you’ll usually use the Domestic Terminal.

The Domestic Terminal is split into:

• North Terminal
• South Terminal

They are connected under one roof but have separate check-in areas and security checkpoints.

Who Uses North vs. South?

Airline placement can change over time, but in general:

• North Terminal
  • Often used by Delta Air Lines for domestic flights and some partner carriers.
• South Terminal
  • Typically used by other major U.S. airlines (for example, American, United, Southwest, etc.).

If you live in Metro Atlanta and are driving to the airport, you’ll most likely approach:

• Domestic Terminal from I-85.
• Follow signs for North or South depending on your airline.

If you’re not sure, your airline and terminal are printed on your ticket/itinerary. It’s worth confirming before you leave home, especially during busy travel seasons.

International Terminal: Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal

The International Terminal is officially called the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal and is located on the east side of the airport, accessible from I-75.

This terminal is home to:

• Concourse F (directly attached)
• Check-in for many international flights
• Customs and Border Protection area
• International baggage claim

When You’ll Use the International Terminal

You typically start or end at the International Terminal if:

• You’re departing from Atlanta to another country (not counting some pre-cleared destinations).
• You’re arriving in Atlanta from outside the U.S. and need to go through U.S. customs and immigration.
• Your airline’s confirmation or boarding pass lists Terminal I or Concourse F.

Even if your international flight uses Concourse E, you may still check in at the International Terminal, then take the Plane Train one stop to E.

Driving vs. Rideshare Access

• Driving yourself? Use I-75 and follow signs for International Terminal.
• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) pickups for international arrivals are usually at the International Terminal pickup area, separate from the Domestic Terminal rideshare zone.

This separation matters if someone is picking you up. From most Atlanta neighborhoods inside the Perimeter, the side of the airport (I-85 vs. I-75) can make a 15–25 minute difference in traffic.

How Many Concourses Are at Atlanta Airport?

Beyond the terminals, ATL has 7 concourses:

• Concourse T – attached to Domestic Terminal
• Concourses A, B, C, D, E, F – extend in a line eastward

All concourses are connected through:

• The Plane Train (underground people mover)
• A long pedestrian tunnel with moving walkways and art installations

You don’t have to go outside or re-clear security to move between concourses once you’re airside.

What Each Concourse Is Commonly Used For

Use patterns can shift, but in broad terms:

• Concourse T
  • Close to Domestic Terminal security.
  • Mix of domestic flights; convenient for quick in-and-out trips.
• Concourse A, B, C, D
  • Heavy domestic traffic.
  • Many Delta flights and other carriers.
• Concourse E
  • International-capable gates.
  • A mix of international and longer domestic routes.
• Concourse F
  • Directly connected to International Terminal.
  • Hosts many international arrivals and departures.
  • Home to customs, immigration, and international baggage claim.

Getting Around: Terminals, Plane Train, and Walking

Even though ATL has 2 terminals and 7 concourses, day-to-day movement is straightforward if you know these basics.

1. Security Checkpoints

You must clear security once before entering the concourses.

• Domestic Terminal: Separate North and South security checkpoints.
• International Terminal: Its own security checkpoint for passengers checking in there.

Once you’re through any security checkpoint, you can access all concourses T–F.

2. Plane Train

The Plane Train runs underground and stops at:

1. Domestic Terminal / Concourse T
2. Concourse A
3. Concourse B
4. Concourse C
5. Concourse D
6. Concourse E
7. Concourse F / International Terminal

Trains run frequently and rides between stops take just a couple of minutes. This is usually the fastest way to get from, say, Concourse B to Concourse F, especially during tight connections.

3. Underground Walkway

If you prefer to walk between concourses:

• There’s a pedestrian tunnel with moving walkways and art displays.
• It connects all concourses and both terminals.
• This can be a good choice if:
  • You have a longer layover.
  • You want to stretch your legs.
  • The Plane Train is very crowded.

Picking the Right Terminal: Common Atlanta Scenarios

1. You Live in Atlanta and Are Flying Domestic

• Check your airline.
• Go to the Domestic Terminal:
  • North Terminal if your ticket indicates that side or you’re flying Delta.
  • South Terminal if instructed by your airline.
• You will usually use Concourse T, A, B, C, or D for your actual gate.

2. You’re Arriving Internationally into ATL

• Your plane will likely arrive at Concourse E or F.
• You’ll go through:
  • Immigration / passport control
  • Baggage claim (international)
  • Customs
• If Atlanta is your final destination, you’ll exit into the International Terminal arrivals area.
• If you’re connecting to another flight, you’ll follow signs to:
  • Re-check checked bags (if required),
  • Take the Plane Train to your next concourse.

3. You’re Picking Up a Traveler

When someone gives you their flight number, pay attention to:

• Domestic arrival:
  • Go to the Domestic Terminal on I-85 side.
  • Follow signs for Arrivals / Baggage Claim.
• International arrival:
  • Go to the International Terminal on I-75 side.
  • Follow signs for International Arrivals.

🔎 If you’re unsure, you can call the airline or check the airport’s flight information before you leave home so you don’t end up at the wrong side of the airport.

Parking, MARTA, and Ground Transportation by Terminal

Parking

• Domestic Terminal Parking
  • Options usually include Hourly, Daily, Economy, and Park-Ride lots and decks.
  • Best for short trips, drop-offs, or frequent flyers living in Atlanta.
• International Terminal Parking
  • Parking decks and surface lots directly connected to the terminal.
  • Convenient if you’re flying internationally and want to avoid the Plane Train on arrival.

Parking locations and pricing can change, so many Atlanta residents check official airport updates before long trips.

MARTA (Atlanta’s Rail System)

• MARTA trains serve the Domestic Terminal, not the International Terminal.
• The Airport Station is located inside the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim.
• If you arrive/depart via the International Terminal but want to use MARTA:
  • Take the free airport shuttle between the International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal.
  • Then connect to MARTA at the Airport Station.

This is especially helpful for Atlanta residents returning from international trips who live near MARTA lines in places like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or Decatur.

Taxis and Rideshares

• Domestic Terminal:
  • Designated rideshare pickup zones and taxi queues.
• International Terminal:
  • Separate rideshare and taxi areas, clearly marked outside arrivals.

If you’re meeting a friend from in-town Atlanta, clarify which terminal you’re at so they drive to the right side.

Key Takeaways for Navigating Atlanta Airport

• Number of terminals at Atlanta Airport:2

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

• Number of concourses:7 (T, A, B, C, D, E, F)

• All concourses are connected after security by the Plane Train and walkways.

• Domestic Terminal: Most U.S. flights, plus access to Concourse T and Plane Train.

• International Terminal: Main hub for international arrivals/departures and Concourse F.

• If you live in Atlanta, the side you choose (I-85 vs. I-75) can significantly affect your drive time and pickup plans.

Understanding that ATL has two main terminals but one interconnected concourse system will help you move confidently through the airport, whether you’re a local flying out for the weekend or a visitor trying to make a tight Atlanta connection.