Navigating Hartsfield‑Jackson: Easy Guide to the Map of Gates at Atlanta Airport

Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is big, busy, and uniquely laid out. If you’re trying to understand the map of gates at Atlanta Airport, you’re really asking: How are all these concourses arranged, and how do I get where I need to go—fast and without stress?

This guide breaks down ATL’s gates, concourses, and how to move between them, with clear Atlanta-specific tips whether you live here, are flying in for a visit, or just connecting through.

The Big Picture: How the Gates at Atlanta Airport Are Organized

ATL isn’t laid out like many older airports where each airline has a separate terminal. Instead, it has:

• One main terminal complex
  • Domestic Terminal (North & South sides)
  • International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
• Seven parallel concourses with gates:
  • Concourse T (attached to Domestic Terminal)
  • Concourse A
  • Concourse B
  • Concourse C
  • Concourse D
  • Concourse E
  • Concourse F (attached to International Terminal)

All concourses are connected by the Plane Train (underground tram) and walkable tunnels.

Simple layout snapshot

Think of ATL from west (domestic) to east (international) like this:

Gate numbers within each concourse run in order (for example A1, A2, A3…), and the gate number plus concourse letter tells you exactly where to go.

Domestic vs. International: Which Gates Do You Use?

Domestic flights (most U.S. routes)

If you’re flying to or from another U.S. city (e.g., New York, Miami, Dallas, Los Angeles), your flight will usually use gates in T, A, B, C, or D.

• Check-in & security:
  • Use the Domestic Terminal (North or South).
  • After security, you’ll enter the T Concourse and can ride the Plane Train to A–D (and E/F if needed).

Atlanta residents flying out for work or a quick trip usually only need the Domestic Terminal unless their airline tells them otherwise.

International flights

International flights may use Concourses E or F:

• Departing from Atlanta on an international flight:

  • Many passengers check in at the International Terminal (F) for flights departing from E or F.
  • Some international flights still check in at the Domestic Terminal and use Concourse E. Your airline and ticket will specify this.

• Arriving internationally into Atlanta:

  • You’ll typically arrive at Concourse F or E, then go through immigration, customs, and baggage claim.
  • From there you can connect to another concourse or exit to Atlanta.

For locals picking up international visitors:

• The International Terminal is at 6000 North Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320, but it’s separate from the Domestic side. Follow signs specifically for the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal.

Concourse‑by‑Concourse: What to Expect at Each Gate Area

Concourse T – Closest to Domestic Terminal

Best for: Quick in‑and‑out trips, travelers who want the shortest walk.

• Directly behind domestic security checkpoints.
• Gates generally T1–T15 (numbers can vary over time).
• Good mix of food and coffee options.
• If your boarding pass says Gate T‑something, you may not need the Plane Train at all.

Atlanta tip:
If you live in metro Atlanta and arrive home to a T gate, you can often be at curbside pickup much faster than from A–D.

Concourse A – Major Domestic Hub

Best for: Many Delta flights and busy domestic routes.

• Gates labeled A1–Axx.
• Usually one of the busiest concourses.
• Lots of options for food, drinks, and seating.
• Connected to other concourses by the Plane Train and walkway.

From T to A is one quick Plane Train stop, or about a 5–10 minute walk in the tunnel.

Concourse B – Another Large Domestic Concourse

Best for: High‑frequency routes, especially east coast and midwest connections.

• Gates B1–Bxx.
• Similar feel to Concourse A.
• Often used for connections through Atlanta, especially on Delta.

If you’re connecting from A to B or B to C, it’s generally easier and faster to take the Plane Train instead of walking the whole distance.

Concourse C – Domestic with Mixed Airlines

Best for: Domestic flights, often including non‑hub airlines.

• Gates C1–Cxx.
• Good variety of quick‑service food and some sit‑down spots.
• Can be a bit less crowded than A/B at certain times.

If you’re an Atlanta resident using a non‑hub airline, you may find many of your flights use Concourse C or D.

Concourse D – Domestic & Short‑Haul Routes

Best for: Regional flights and shorter domestic routes.

• Gates D1–Dxx.
• Mix of mainline and regional jets.
• Similar amenities to C, but sometimes fewer large restaurants.

Connections between C and D are manageable, but always keep an eye on boarding time. If you have mobility concerns, plan to use the Plane Train for any concourse change.

Concourse E – International & Hybrid Use

Best for:

• Many international departures and arrivals

• Some domestic flights, especially at off‑peak times

• Gates E1–Exx.

• Used both for overseas flights and some domestic itineraries.

• Has larger gate areas to handle wide‑body aircraft.

If your boarding pass says Concourse E, don’t assume you must go through the International Terminal—many passengers still reach E from the Domestic Terminal security and then use the Plane Train.

Concourse F – International Terminal & Global Gateway

Best for: Long‑haul international travel.

• Part of the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal.
• Gates F1–Fxx.
• Houses customs and immigration, international check‑in, and baggage claim for many global flights.

Atlanta usage tips:

• Departing internationally:
  • Check which terminal your airline uses (Domestic vs. International). The answer may affect where friends drop you off.
• Arriving internationally into ATL with no checked bags and no connection:
  • You’ll exit on the International side; arrange pickup at that terminal to avoid shuttling back to Domestic.

Moving Between Gates: Plane Train, Walking, and Timing

The Plane Train: Your Main Tool for Gate‑Hopping

The Plane Train is an underground automated train that stops at:

• Domestic Terminal (T)
• Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, F
• International Terminal (F)

Key info:

• Trains run frequently; the ride between each stop is only a couple of minutes.
• Signs above the platform clearly show the next stop and direction.
• You do not exit security to ride the Plane Train—it’s inside the secure area.

If you’re connecting from, say, B to F, the Plane Train is almost always faster and easier than walking the entire way.

Walking Between Concourse Gates

There are walkable tunnels beneath the concourses:

• Good backup if the Plane Train is extremely crowded or if you prefer walking.
• Often used for travel between adjacent concourses (like A–B or B–C).
• Look for clearly marked “Walk to A/B/C…” directional signs.

For most travelers in Atlanta:

• Plan on using the Plane Train as your default.
• Use the walking tunnels if you need extra movement between flights or don’t like crowded train cars.

How Much Time Do You Need for Connections?

Time needs vary, but common experiences at ATL:

• Same concourse connection (e.g., A8 to A21):
  • Usually comfortable with 30–45 minutes.
• Adjacent concourses by Plane Train (e.g., B to C):
  • Often fine with 45–60 minutes.
• Domestic to International or vice versa (e.g., C to F):
  • Safer with 1–1.5 hours or more, especially during busy periods.

If you’re based in Atlanta and booking tickets, leaving extra connection time at this airport is often worth the peace of mind.

Finding and Using Gate Maps at ATL

Even if you have a general sense of the airport, real‑time gate info matters. Gates can change, and construction can shift traffic patterns.

Where to Find Gate Maps Inside the Airport

You’ll see:

• Overhead signs above the walkways and in the Plane Train stations
• Large wall maps near escalators, elevators, and concourse entrances
• Digital flight information boards listing:
  • Flight number
  • Destination
  • Concourse + gate
  • Status (boarding, delayed, etc.)

ATL tip:
Upon clearing security, pause at a map or monitor, confirm your concourse and gate, and mentally note which Plane Train stop you need.

Using Your Airline’s App or Boarding Pass

Most boarding passes and airline apps will show:

• Concourse letter + gate number (e.g., B17, F4)
• Updates if the gate changes

If you live in Atlanta and fly regularly, getting comfortable with your airline app can make the airport map feel much smaller and easier to navigate.

Domestic vs. International Terminals: Getting To and From the Right Side

Although all gates are connected airside (after security), the fronts of the airport are different:

Domestic Terminal (Main Entrance for Most Metro Atlanta Flyers)

• Address commonly used for domestic drop‑offs/pickups:
  6000 North Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Has North and South sides:
  • North Terminal: Many carriers, including some major US airlines.
  • South Terminal: Heavy Delta presence.
• Connected directly to:
  • Concourse T
  • MARTA station (Atlanta’s rail transit)
  • Rental car center via SkyTrain

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

• Address:
  6000 North Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320
  (Follow signs for International Terminal; navigation apps often list it separately.)
• Main access point for:
  • Concourse F gates
  • Many international check‑in counters
  • Customs and immigration processing

If:

• You drive from inside Atlanta or nearby suburbs to pick up an international arrival, it’s usually more convenient to meet them on the International side if their flight is scheduled to arrive at F.
• You or your visitor are connecting to a domestic flight afterward, you’ll likely end up back near the Domestic Terminal before leaving the airport.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Using the Gate Map

Here are some locally useful habits to make ATL’s gate layout easier to handle:

• Check your concourse before you leave home.
  Airline apps and pre‑trip emails often show a planned gate. It can change, but it gives you a rough sense (e.g., you’re likely to be somewhere on A–D).

• Plan your arrival to the correct terminal.

  • Domestic flights: Domestic Terminal
  • Many international flights: International Terminal, though some still use Domestic check‑in for Concourse E.

• Use MARTA if you live in the city.
  The Airport Station connects directly into the Domestic Terminal. From there, the gate map and Plane Train guide you to any concourse.

• If your connection is tight, skip browsing until you’re at your outbound gate.
  ATL is large; it’s easier to shop or eat near your next gate once you know how far you have to go.

• If traveling with kids or mobility needs, request assistance early.
  Wheelchair or cart assistance can help with long distances between, say, T and F.

• Late‑night and early‑morning flights:
  Gate areas may be quieter, but the map still functions the same. Just follow the posted signs; staff may be fewer but usually clustered at active gates.

Need In‑Person Help Understanding the Gate Map?

If you’re at ATL and feeling lost:

• Look for “Information” desks in the terminal and concourses.
• Ask uniformed airport staff or airline agents at any gate.
• Use the digital terminal maps on screens near escalators and the Plane Train.

For general airport information by phone, you can contact Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport through the City of Atlanta Department of Aviation main line (listed in public directories) and follow prompts for airport information.

By understanding how ATL’s concourses and gates fit together—T through F, domestic to international—you can read any gate map of Atlanta Airport with confidence and move smoothly through one of the world’s busiest hubs, whether you’re an Atlanta local heading out or a first‑time visitor coming in.