Atlanta Airport Terminal Map & Layout Guide: How to Navigate ATL Smoothly

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is huge, busy, and very organized—once you understand its layout. If you live in Atlanta, fly often through ATL, or you’re visiting the city, knowing how the Atlanta airport terminal map and concourse layout works will save you time and stress.

This guide walks you through the overall layout, terminals, concourses, security checkpoints, Plane Train, and baggage claim, all with a practical, Atlanta-focused perspective.

Big Picture: How Atlanta Airport Is Laid Out

Instead of multiple disconnected terminals, ATL is laid out in a straight line:

1. Domestic Terminal – West Side (Main check-in for most U.S. flights)
2. International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Terminal) – East Side
3. Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, F – in a row between the two terminals
4. All concourses are connected underground by:
   • The Plane Train (underground people mover)
   • A walkway with moving sidewalks

Think of it like this:

• On the surface level:
  Domestic Terminal (North/South) — runways — International Terminal
• Underground:
  Plane Train + pedestrian tunnel connecting T–F

You can reach any airline gate from either terminal once you’re past security, as long as you have time to ride the train or walk.

Domestic Terminal: North vs. South

The Domestic Terminal sits at the western end of the airport and is split into two main sides:

Domestic Terminal North

• Home to:
  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Alaska Airlines
  • Spirit Airlines
  • Several other domestic and smaller carriers
• Includes:
  • Ticketing/check-in counters
  • Baggage drop
  • Security checkpoints
  • Access to Concourse T and the Plane Train

Domestic Terminal South

• Primarily used by:
  • Delta Air Lines (main check-in area for Delta domestic flights)
• Includes:
  • Large Delta ticketing/check-in hall
  • Baggage drop
  • Security checkpoints
  • Access to Concourse T and the Plane Train

You can walk between North and South inside the Domestic Terminal. If you’re getting dropped off and not sure which side to use:

• Check your airline first.
• If in doubt, pick the right airline side; if you’re wrong, you can walk across inside in a few minutes.

International Terminal: Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Terminal (Concourse F)

The International Terminal sits on the east side of the airport, separate from the Domestic Terminal road access.

Key features:

• Handles many international departures and arrivals
• Houses Concourse F
• Has its own:
  • Check-in counters
  • Parking (International Parking)
  • Security checkpoint
  • Customs and immigration facilities

Once you go through security at the International Terminal, you can still reach all other concourses (T–E) using the Plane Train or the pedestrian tunnel.

Important for Atlanta-area travelers

• If someone is picking you up from an international flight, pay attention to:
  • Your arrival concourse (E or F)
  • Which baggage claim you’re directed to (International Terminal vs. Domestic)
• Some international flights arrive at Concourse E but may route you toward the International Terminal for customs.

Concourses T–F: What’s Where

After security, ATL’s gates are in seven concourses, arranged in this order from west to east:

You move between them via the Plane Train or by walking underground.

Quick Concourse Overview Table

Note: Airlines can shift gates, but Delta has a strong presence in T, A, B, C, D, E, and F.

Security Checkpoints: Where to Enter

You cannot see the actual terminal map clearly until you pass TSA security, so it helps to choose the right checkpoint from the start.

Domestic Terminal Security

• Main Checkpoints:
  • One on the North side
  • One on the South side
• Both feed into the same post-security area connected to:
  • Concourse T
  • The Plane Train that serves all concourses

For most Atlanta-based travelers flying domestic:

• Use the side that matches your airline (North or South).
• If lines are long on one side and you have time, some travelers choose to walk to the other side.

International Terminal Security

• Located inside the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
• Best for:
  • International departures
  • Some travelers transiting globally via Atlanta

Once you pass through this checkpoint, you can still use the Plane Train to visit any concourse.

The Plane Train: Your Fastest Way Around ATL

The Plane Train is the airport’s underground people mover connecting:

Key points:

• Runs frequently (every few minutes).
• Stops at each concourse; stations are clearly labeled.
• Direction signs:
  • One direction toward Domestic Terminal / T
  • The other toward E / F / International Terminal

How Long Does It Take?

Times can vary slightly, but a general pattern is:

• 1–2 minutes between adjacent concourses once onboard.
• Extra time for:
  • Waiting for the train
  • Walking from the platform up to your gate

If you’re connecting from, say, Concourse B to Concourse E, you’ll likely ride through C and D on the way. Plan a few extra minutes per concourse crossed during tight connections.

Walking Between Concourses

If you prefer to walk or the Plane Train is crowded, there’s a pedestrian tunnel parallel to the train route.

• Located one level above the Plane Train in many areas.
• Includes moving sidewalks.
• Features artwork and exhibits, especially between some concourses.

Walking can be a good choice if:

• You have a longer layover.
• You want to stretch after a long flight.
• You’re moving only one or two concourses away.

However, if you’re going from T to F or similar long distances on a tight schedule, the Plane Train is faster.

Baggage Claim Areas: Where to Pick Up Your Bags

Your baggage claim location depends on:

• Domestic vs. international flight
• Which terminal your airline uses

Domestic Baggage Claim

• Located at the Domestic Terminal (West side).
• Divided near:
  • North baggage claim (for airlines using the North side)
  • South baggage claim (for airlines using the South side, like Delta)

If you live in or are staying in Atlanta and flew in on a domestic U.S. flight, you will almost always claim bags here.

International Baggage Claim

• Located at the International Terminal (East side), attached to Concourse F.
• Includes:
  • Customs and Border Protection area
  • Baggage carousel area for many arriving international flights

Some international arrivals use Concourse E, but passengers may still be routed toward the International Terminal for customs. Follow the posted arrival signs and airline instructions.

Ground Transportation Layout at ATL

Once you’re out of baggage claim, the ground transportation layout differs between the Domestic and International sides.

Domestic Terminal Ground Transport

You’ll find, in or around the Domestic side:

• Rideshare pickup zones (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
• Taxis
• Hotel shuttles
• Airport shuttles and regional buses
• MARTA rail station (public transit into Atlanta)

The MARTA Airport Station is directly attached to the Domestic Terminal, making it an easy option for:

• Travelers heading to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or other Atlanta MARTA stops
• Locals coming to the airport without parking

International Terminal Ground Transport

The International side has:

• International Terminal parking
• Rideshare and taxi areas
• Hotel shuttles serving that side

If you arrive at the International Terminal but want to use MARTA or meet someone at the Domestic side, free airport shuttles connect the two.

Parking Layout: Domestic vs. International

As an Atlanta-area driver, it helps to understand parking by which terminal you’ll use.

Domestic Terminal Parking

You’ll see options like:

• Hourly / Daily Parking Garages near the terminal
• Economy Lots
• Park-and-Ride lots with shuttle service

Best for:

• Domestic flights
• Short and long stays if you want Domestic-side access

International Terminal Parking

Closer to the International Terminal:

• International Parking Deck
• Designed for people flying in/out of Concourse F or certain Concourse E international operations

If you park at the International side but depart from the Domestic side (or vice versa), allow extra time for:

• Shuttle transfer between terminals
• Reaching the right check-in area

Local Tips for Using the ATL Layout Smartly

Here are some Atlanta-specific tips for handling the airport layout:

• Leaving from I-75/I-285 East or Northeast Atlanta?
  Sometimes the International Terminal access road is more direct for international flights than driving around to the Domestic side.

• Picking someone up?

  • Confirm if their baggage claim is at Domestic or International before you leave home.
  • Many Atlanta residents default to the Domestic side, but some flights (especially overseas) send passengers out through the International Terminal only.

• Connecting through Atlanta often?

  • Learn your usual concourses (e.g., Delta travelers often see T, A, B, or C).
  • This helps you mentally “map” your path when you land and see your connection gate.

• Traveling with kids or mobility concerns?

  • The Plane Train is generally easiest for long distances.
  • Wheelchair assistance can be requested through your airline at ATL.
  • Elevators are available near the Plane Train stations and in each concourse.

How to Read and Use the Airport Maps Once You’re There

While you can’t see every detail of the concourses until you’re inside, ATL posts clear maps and signage throughout the airport. Once you’re at the airport:

1. Check your boarding pass
   • Note your terminal and concourse (e.g., “Concourse B, Gate B12”).
2. Look up at overhead signs after security
   • Follow directions to:
     • Your concourse (T, A, B, etc.)
     • The Plane Train if you’re not already at your concourse
3. Use wall maps near the escalators and train stations
   • They show:
     • Your current location
     • Gate ranges in each concourse
     • Restrooms, food, and amenities

Since the layout is linear, once you know:

you just follow signs and either:

• Ride the Plane Train two stops back, or
• Walk through Concourse B along the tunnel.

Understanding the Atlanta airport terminal map and layout comes down to remembering a few core ideas: two main terminal sides (Domestic and International), seven concourses in a line, and the Plane Train tying everything together underground. Once you have that mental map, getting around ATL becomes much more predictable—whether you’re an Atlanta local heading out for a quick trip or a visitor connecting through the city.