Navigating the South Terminal at Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson Airport

If you’re flying in or out of Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), you’ll hear people talk about the South Terminal, North Terminal, and Concourse areas. Knowing what the South Terminal is and how it works will save you stress, especially if you’re driving, picking someone up, or flying with certain airlines.

This guide focuses on how the South Terminal at Atlanta Airport works specifically for travelers in and around Atlanta, Georgia.

South Terminal vs. North Terminal: What’s the Difference?

At ATL, there is one main Domestic Terminal split into two sides:

• North Terminal – Mainly used by Delta Air Lines check-in and some partner carriers.
• South Terminal – Used by most other domestic airlines.

Both are part of the Domestic Terminal and sit side-by-side at the west end of the airport. They share the same building but have separate entrances, roadways, and check-in areas.

Airlines Commonly Using the South Terminal

Airline assignments can change, but in general, the South Terminal is where you’ll check in for many non-Delta domestic carriers, such as:

• American Airlines
• United Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Alaska Airlines

If you live in metro Atlanta and usually fly Delta, you’re probably more familiar with the North side. If you’re flying with one of the above carriers, you’ll want to head to the South Terminal.

👉 Always double-check your airline and terminal on your booking or boarding pass before you leave for the airport.

Where Is the South Terminal at Atlanta Airport?

Airport name: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Domestic Terminal – South is located at the west end of the airport complex, facing I-85.

General address for the Domestic Terminal (North & South):
6000 N Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320

When you’re driving, navigation apps will usually label options like:

• “Atlanta Airport – Domestic Terminal South”
• “Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Domestic South”

If you select the International Terminal by mistake, you’ll end up on the east side of the airport, which is not walkable to the Domestic Terminal.

Getting to the South Terminal from Around Atlanta

By Car

From most parts of metro Atlanta:

1. Take I-75/85 toward the airport.
2. Follow signs for I-85 South (toward the airport).
3. Watch for exit signs marked “Domestic Terminal”.
4. Then follow signs for “South Terminal” or your airline name.

The Domestic Terminal roadways split clearly into North and South. Stay alert for overhead signs so you don’t accidentally end up at the wrong side.

Parking options near the South Terminal include:

• South Terminal Hourly Parking – Closest to the terminal, best for pickups/drop-offs and short trips.
• South Terminal Daily Parking – Slightly farther but still walkable via the parking structure.
• Economy & Park Ride Lots – Lower daily rate, shuttle service to Domestic Terminal (North and South).

🚗 Tip: If you’re picking someone up, use Cell Phone Lots near the Domestic side until your passenger is curbside. This helps you avoid circling and potential traffic citations.

By MARTA (Atlanta’s Public Transit)

MARTA’s Airport Station is directly connected to the Domestic Terminal, between the North and South sides.

Steps if you’re using MARTA:

1. Take a Red or Gold Line train to Airport Station (southbound).
2. When you exit the train, follow signs for “Baggage Claim” and “Ticketing/Check-in”.
3. At the top of the escalators, you’ll be in the central area of the Domestic Terminal.
4. Look for overhead signage and walk to the South Terminal side for your airline.

You do not need a shuttle between MARTA and the South Terminal; it’s a short indoor walk.

By Rideshare, Taxi, or Shuttle

• Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.):
  For departures, your driver will drop you curbside at the South Terminal Departures level if you select the “Domestic South Terminal” option.
  For arrivals, follow airport signs for Rideshare Pickup on the Domestic side.

• Taxi:
  Traditional taxis usually line up at the Domestic Terminal ground transportation area. From there, you can walk directly into the South Terminal.

• Hotel & Off-Airport Parking Shuttles:
  Many shuttles stop outside the Domestic Terminal and usually indicate whether they serve North, South, or both. If you’re unsure, ask the driver which side they use.

Inside the South Terminal: What to Expect

The South Terminal houses:

• Airline ticket counters and check-in desks (for its assigned airlines)
• Bag drop and oversized baggage counters
• Security screening checkpoints (shared for domestic flights)
• Baggage claim carousels for flights served through South-side airlines
• Ground transportation access (parking decks, shuttles, MARTA walkway)

Once you pass security, the North vs. South distinction doesn’t matter as much. You’ll reach the Plane Train and concourse corridors, which connect:

• Concourse T (walkable from the main terminal)
• Concourses A, B, C, D, E, and F (via the Plane Train or underground walkway)

Key Point for Atlanta Flyers

• Terminal (North/South) = where you check in and drop bags.
• Concourse (T, A–F) = where your departure gate is located.

Your boarding pass will list both your departure concourse and gate, but the terminal side (North or South) depends on your airline.

South Terminal Arrivals & Baggage Claim

If you’re arriving in Atlanta on an airline that uses the South Terminal:

• After you exit the plane, follow signs for “Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation”.
• Take the Plane Train (or walk) back to the main Domestic Terminal.
• Follow overhead signs directing you toward South Baggage Claim.
• Baggage claim carousels are clearly marked with airline name and flight number.

From South Baggage Claim, you can:

• Exit to curbside pickup.
• Walk to the parking decks (Hourly, Daily, Economy via walkways).
• Follow signs to MARTA (central Domestic Terminal) or shuttles.

South Terminal vs. International Terminal: Don’t Mix Them Up

Atlanta’s airport also has a separate Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal on the east side of the airport, which is not the same as the South Terminal.

Important distinctions:

• South Terminal = Domestic Terminal (west side), mainly for domestic flights on non-Delta airlines.
• International Terminal (Concourse F) = Separate building (east side) mainly for international departures and arrivals.

If you live in Atlanta and are taking a domestic-only trip, you almost always use the Domestic Terminal (North or South).

If you:

• Depart internationally, you may check in at the International Terminal.
• Arrive internationally, you’ll typically come into Concourse F or E and process through customs.

There is a shuttle between the Domestic Terminal (North & South) and the International Terminal, but driving between them is not quick, so it’s best to go to the right place from the start.

Common Atlanta Traveler Questions About the South Terminal

1. Can I walk from the South Terminal to the North Terminal?

Yes. They are connected inside one building. Once you enter the Domestic Terminal, you can walk between North and South easily through the central atrium.

This is helpful if:

• Someone dropped you at the wrong side.
• You parked on the North side but need to check in on the South side.

2. What if I go to the wrong side (North instead of South)?

If you arrive at the wrong terminal side:

• You can walk inside between North and South.
• Or, if you’re already curbside, you can drive around the loop again and follow signs to the correct side.

You do not need to exit the airport entirely or change highways; the Domestic Terminal loop allows quick recirculation.

3. Is security different at the South Terminal?

Security checkpoints for ATL’s Domestic Terminal are generally shared facilities that serve all domestic airlines. The entrances may be closer to one side or the other, but once through security, flights from both North and South airlines use the same concourses.

If you have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, look for dedicated lane signage at the domestic security checkpoints.

Quick South Terminal Cheat Sheet for Atlanta Travelers

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• Double-check the terminal: When flying from Atlanta, confirm if your airline uses North or South on your reservation before leaving home.
• Build in traffic time: ATL is busy, and metro Atlanta traffic can be unpredictable. Add extra time, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the South Terminal roadway.
• Use signage generously: The airport has clear, large signs for South Terminal, Baggage Claim, Ground Transportation, and MARTA—follow them step by step.
• Dropping off someone new to ATL? Tell them which side (South), which airline, and roughly what time you’ll arrive so they know where to wait.
• If in doubt once you arrive: Inside the terminal, use the overhead boards and check-in area signs; each airline’s counters are clearly labeled.

Understanding how the South Terminal at Atlanta Airport fits into the Domestic Terminal layout will make your next arrival or departure smoother, whether you’re a long-time Atlanta resident or visiting the city for the first time.