Map of Atlanta Airport Terminals: How to Navigate Hartsfield‑Jackson Like a Local

Atlanta’s Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the busiest airports in the world, and its layout can feel intimidating if you’re not familiar with it. The good news: once you understand how the terminals and concourses are set up, ATL is actually one of the easiest airports to navigate.

This guide walks you through a mental “map” of Atlanta’s airport terminals—how they connect, what’s in each one, and how to move between them smoothly whether you live in Atlanta, are connecting through, or flying in for a visit.

Big Picture: How Atlanta Airport Is Laid Out

Think of ATL as a straight line running east–west underground:

Domestic Terminal (West) → Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E → International Terminal & Concourse F (East)

All of these are connected by:

• The Plane Train (underground people mover)
• A walkable tunnel with moving sidewalks and artwork

Key points:

• There are two main terminals:
  • Domestic Terminal on the west side
  • International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Terminal) on the east side
• There are seven concourses where the gates are:
  • T, A, B, C, D, E, and F
• You can move between all concourses without leaving security.

Terminals vs. Concourses: What’s the Difference?

At ATL:

• Terminals = where you enter the airport, check bags, and go through security
• Concourses = where you board your flight at the gates

You can check in at either:

• Domestic Terminal North
• Domestic Terminal South
• International Terminal

Then, once you clear security, you follow signs to your concourse and gate using the Plane Train or tunnels.

Domestic Terminal (West Side)

The Domestic Terminal is closest to downtown and most familiar to Atlanta residents.

Address (commonly used for GPS for domestic departures):
6000 North Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320

Domestic Terminal North vs. South

The Domestic Terminal is split into North and South check‑in areas.

• North Terminal
  • Check‑in for several domestic airlines (varies by carrier)
  • Closer to some long‑term parking garages
• South Terminal
  • Main check‑in area for Delta Air Lines
  • Heavily used by Atlanta‑based travelers on Delta

Both sides:

• Share a central security area
• Lead into Concourse T and the Plane Train station

If you’re being dropped off and not sure which side you need, you can:

• Check your airline confirmation for “North” or “South”
• Ask the driver to follow signs for North or South Terminal at the entrance road
• Use signs above the curb showing airline names

International Terminal (East Side)

The Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal is on the opposite side of the airport from the Domestic Terminal.

Common GPS address:
2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354

Key features:

• Dedicated to international departures and arrivals
• Houses Concourse F (gates F1–F14)
• Has its own security checkpoint
• Separate parking decks and curbside pickup/drop‑off

Important for Atlanta travelers:

• You do not need to go to the Domestic Terminal first if you’re flying out of the International Terminal; you can go straight to the international side.
• If you’re picking someone up on an international flight arriving at Concourse F, they’ll usually exit into the International Terminal arrivals hall.

Concourses at ATL: Where the Gates Are

After security, every passenger ends up in the Transportation Mall area, where you can:

• Walk underground
• Or board the Plane Train
  (stops at T, A, B, C, D, E, F plus the terminals)

Here’s a simple overview “map” in table form to keep the layout straight:

You can walk between concourses using the art‑filled tunnel if you prefer to avoid crowds or get some steps in.

Walking vs. Plane Train: How Long Does It Take?

The Plane Train runs frequently and is the fastest way to move across the airport.

Rough timing guidelines:

• One stop on Plane Train (e.g., T to A, A to B): typically just a few minutes
• Walking between adjacent concourses: often 5–10 minutes depending on pace
• Walking from Domestic Terminal to Concourse F: can take 25–30+ minutes, so most people use the Plane Train

If you’re connecting in Atlanta:

• For tight connections, use the Plane Train and follow “Flight Connections” and gate signs immediately.
• If you have time and want a break, the walkway has moving sidewalks and exhibits that highlight Atlanta and Georgia.

Domestic Terminal Details: What You’ll See and Do

Check‑In & Security

At the Domestic Terminal, you’ll find:

• Airline ticket counters and kiosks
• Bag drop lines
• Central TSA security checkpoint

Once through security, you’ll be:

• At the entrance to Concourse T
• Steps from the Plane Train station

Concourse T

Concourse T connects directly to the Domestic Terminal and includes:

• Gates for several domestic carriers
• Restaurants, coffee shops, and retail
• Direct exits back toward domestic baggage claim

If your boarding pass says “Gate T,” you often don’t need the Plane Train; you can walk straight from security.

Understanding Each Concourse: T Through F

Here’s what to expect as you move east from the Domestic Terminal.

Concourse A

• One of the busiest concourses
• Many Delta and partner flights
• Wide range of food and shopping options
• Connected via:
  • Plane Train: 1 stop from Domestic/T
  • Underground walkway

Concourse B

• Another major domestic hub concourse
• Heavy Delta presence
• Lots of dining and grab‑and‑go spots
• Quickly reached via Plane Train

Concourse C

• Mix of Delta and other domestic carriers
• Popular for shorter‑haul routes
• Easy transfer point for many Atlanta‑centered trips

Concourse D

• Mix of domestic flights and some regional jets
• Slightly narrower in parts, can feel busy at peak times
• Still fully connected by Plane Train and tunnel

Concourse E

• Handles many international flights plus some domestic
• Often used for transatlantic and long‑haul routes
• Has:
  • Customs and immigration facilities (used depending on arrival gate)
  • Connections directly to Concourse F and the International Terminal

Concourse F & International Terminal

• Main international concourse
• Directly attached to the International Terminal building
• Gates typically labeled F1–F14

If:

• You depart on an international flight using Concourse F, you can:

  • Check in at the International Terminal and go through security there
  • Or, if you’re already inside (connecting from another flight), just take the Plane Train to F

• You arrive internationally at F:

  • You’ll clear customs and immigration and exit into the International Terminal arrivals area.

Connecting Flights in Atlanta: How to Read the “Map” Quickly

For many travelers, ATL is a connection hub, especially on Delta. Here’s how to move confidently between flights.

Step‑by‑Step for Connections

1. Check your next gate

   • It will be listed on:
     • Your boarding pass
     • Overhead flight information screens throughout each concourse

2. Follow signs for the Plane Train

   • Look for overhead signs with the Plane Train icon
   • Get on the train toward the concourse letter for your gate (A, B, C, etc.)

3. Listen/watch for your stop

   • Announcements and screens show which concourse you’re approaching
   • Exit at your concourse and follow signs to your gate number

4. If you prefer to walk

   • Look for signs to the “Transportation Mall” or walkway
   • Use moving sidewalks between concourses

Domestic–to–International Connections

If you’re flying from Atlanta to another country:

• Your first flight might arrive at a domestic concourse (T–D).
• Your international flight might depart from:
  • Concourse E or
  • Concourse F

Use the Plane Train to get from your arrival concourse to E or F.

International–to–Domestic Connections

If your flight arrives from abroad:

• You might arrive at Concourse E or F.
• You’ll:
  • Go through passport control and customs
  • Recheck your baggage if necessary
  • Go back through security
• Then follow signs for:
  • Connecting Flights and
  • The Plane Train to your new concourse

For Atlanta residents returning home, you’ll follow signs to baggage claim and then to ground transportation (MARTA, rideshare, taxis, parking, or pickup).

Ground Transportation: How Terminals Connect to Atlanta Itself

Coming From or Going To Downtown Atlanta

• The Domestic Terminal is usually the easiest if:
  • You’re using MARTA (Atlanta’s rail system)
  • You’re taking rideshare or taxi
  • You’re being picked up by family or friends and arriving on a domestic flight

MARTA Airport Station is located at the Domestic Terminal, inside the Ground Transportation Center at the west end of the terminal.

From there:

• Northbound trains go toward downtown (Five Points, Peachtree Center) and onward to Midtown and Buckhead.

Reaching the International Terminal from Atlanta

If you’re departing from or meeting someone at the International Terminal:

• By car:
  • Use 2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354 in GPS.
  • Follow signs for International Terminal / Arrivals / Departures.
• From the Domestic Terminal:
  • There is a shuttle bus that links Domestic and International sides on the landside (outside security).
  • You can also move between the two airside (inside security) via the Plane Train if already checked in.

Baggage Claim: Which Side Do You Go To?

Understanding how baggage claim matches the “map” of ATL helps when you’re picking someone up.

• Domestic flights:
  • Luggage usually arrives at Domestic Terminal baggage claim on the west side.
• International flights:
  • If arriving at Concourse F, bags typically come out at the International Terminal baggage claim.
  • If arriving at Concourse E, procedures can vary depending on routing, but you’ll be guided to the correct customs and baggage area.

If you’re the person driving to the airport:

• Confirm with your traveler whether they’re landing on a domestic or international flight and which terminal they’ll exit from.
• Plan your pickup at:
  • Domestic Terminal: North or South lower level (arrivals)
  • International Terminal: Arrivals level entrance

Quick Tips for Navigating ATL’s Terminals and Concourses

Here are some practical reminders you can keep in mind as your “mental map”:

• Think in letters and directions

  • Terminals on the ends: Domestic (west), International (east)
  • Concourses in the middle: T, A, B, C, D, E, F in that order

• Use the Plane Train for speed 🚆

  • Especially for short connections or moving more than one concourse away

• Walk the tunnels for exercise or calm

  • Great option if you have time between flights and don’t want to squeeze onto a crowded train

• Check gate screens often

  • ATL is large; gates can change. Confirm your gate before you settle in.

• Know your pickup spot

  • Domestic arrivals: meet at North/South arrivals level
  • International arrivals (Concourse F): meet at International Terminal arrivals hall

• Allow extra time during peak Atlanta travel hours

  • Early mornings, Sunday evenings, and holiday periods can mean more crowds at security and on the Plane Train.

By keeping this simple internal “map” of ATL in mind—Domestic Terminal → T → A → B → C → D → E → F → International Terminal—you can move through Atlanta’s airport with much more confidence, whether you’re an Atlanta‑based traveler heading out, a visitor arriving in the city, or a passenger making a tight connection through the world’s busiest hub.