Where to Find Starbucks at the Atlanta Airport (ATL)

If you are flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and want Starbucks before your flight, you have plenty of options—but they can be confusing to find if you do not know the layout of the airport. This guide walks you through where Starbucks is located at Atlanta Airport, what to expect in each concourse, and how to plan your coffee stop around tight connections.

Understanding ATL’s Layout Before You Hunt for Starbucks

Atlanta’s airport is organized around:

  • Domestic Terminal North (T North)
  • Domestic Terminal South (T South)
  • International Terminal (Concourse F)
  • Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, and F, all connected by the underground Plane Train and pedestrian walkways.

Security checkpoints separate pre‑security (curbside, ticketing, public access) from post‑security (gates, restaurants, shops).
Most Starbucks locations at ATL are past security, inside the concourses.

If you are meeting someone at the airport or just dropping in for coffee and are not flying, you will want a pre‑security location.

Quick Reference: Starbucks at Atlanta Airport by Area

The exact mix of locations can change over time, but travelers commonly find Starbucks in these areas:

Area of ATLTypical Starbucks Availability*Good For
Domestic Terminal (T) – Pre‑SecurityOften 1 location near ticketing/check‑inMeeting someone, drivers, early coffee before TSA
Concourse T – Post‑SecurityAt least 1 location near center of concourseShort flights, quick grab‑and‑go
Concourse A1–2 locations, often near central food areasHeavy traffic, morning coffee for early flights
Concourse B1–2 locations, usually near main walkwaysBusy Delta concourse, frequent travelers
Concourse CTypically at least 1 locationRegional and domestic flights
Concourse DTypically at least 1 locationMixed carriers and connections
Concourse E (International)Usually 1 locationInternational departures/arrivals
Concourse F (International Terminal)Usually 1 location post‑securityInternational flights, global travelers

*Exact store counts and positions can change; use airport maps or information screens if you are unsure.

Starbucks Near the Domestic Terminals (Pre‑Security)

If you are just dropping someone off, picking someone up, or working nearby in Atlanta and want to swing by the airport for Starbucks without a boarding pass:

  • Look for Starbucks in the Domestic Terminal area, typically near ticketing and baggage claim.
  • These locations are pre‑security, meaning anyone can access them.
  • They are popular with rideshare drivers, airport employees, and locals who live or work near College Park and the airport.

Because ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world, these pre‑security spots can get crowded in the early morning (5–9 a.m.), especially on Mondays and Fridays.

Starbucks After Security: By Concourse

Concourse T

Concourse T is closest to the Domestic Terminal and can be reached either:

  • By walking directly from the terminal, or
  • By taking the Plane Train one stop.

Expect:

  • A Starbucks location near the center of Concourse T
  • Good for passengers with short regional flights or anyone wanting a coffee immediately after clearing security in the domestic terminal.

If you have a very early morning departure out of Concourse T, this is often your most convenient Starbucks.

Concourse A

Concourse A is one of the busiest domestic concourses at Atlanta Airport and a common place to find Starbucks.

Typical features:

  • Multiple dining options clustered around the central area.
  • A Starbucks often located near the middle of the concourse, where the main food court or central atrium is.

This is a solid choice if:

  • You are connecting in Atlanta and land in A with time to spare.
  • You want to grab coffee before hopping a few gates down for a quick domestic departure.

Concourse B

Concourse B is another major domestic hub and, for many Atlanta‑based travelers, where they are most likely to find themselves between flights.

  • You can usually find at least one Starbucks along the main corridor of Concourse B.
  • This concourse sees heavy Delta traffic, so expect lines during busy bank times for morning and evening flights.

If you are an Atlanta local who frequently connects through ATL, you might want to plan your coffee stop in B when you have a bit of a layover, since restaurants and seating can be more plentiful here than in some smaller concourses.

Concourse C

Concourse C handles a mix of domestic routes, often including regional flights and shorter hops.

  • Typically, you can find a Starbucks positioned along the primary walkway, though not always at the very center.
  • It is a good backup option if A or B is too crowded and your gate is in C.

For tight connections:

  • Check monitors or gate numbers while in line so you do not lose track of boarding time.
  • This concourse can feel more compact, which sometimes makes lines look longer than they are.

Concourse D

Concourse D serves a mix of airlines and routes and is often used by passengers connecting from other carriers or flying non‑Delta domestically.

  • Expect at least one Starbucks or similar coffee location on the concourse.
  • If you are switching airlines in Atlanta, you may pass through D and have time to grab coffee between flights.

Travelers sometimes underestimate walking times in D, especially if gates are at opposite ends, so leave a few extra minutes to get from Starbucks back to your gate.

Concourses E and F (International)

If you are flying internationally from Atlanta or returning to ATL from abroad, you will likely pass through Concourse E or Concourse F (the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal).

Starbucks in Concourse E

  • Usually 1 Starbucks located near central dining areas.
  • Convenient for international departures, especially if you arrived early for check‑in and security.

Starbucks in Concourse F

  • F often has a Starbucks near the main terminal concourse after security.
  • Ideal for:
    • Long‑haul flights where you want coffee before boarding, or
    • Connections where you land internationally and continue on a domestic segment.

If you live in Atlanta and are starting an international trip, you may go directly to the International Terminal (F) instead of the Domestic Terminal. In that case, you can plan your Starbucks stop after clearing security in F.

Timing: When Starbucks Is Busiest at ATL

While exact opening hours can vary by location, patterns at Atlanta Airport are fairly consistent:

  • Early Morning (5–9 a.m.)
    • Peak rush. Lines are often longest in T, A, and B, driven by early business flights and commuters.
  • 🕒 Midday (11 a.m.–2 p.m.)
    • Steady traffic as travelers grab coffee or snacks with lunch.
  • 🌙 Evening (5–9 p.m.)
    • Another busy window with evening departures and connecting passengers.

If you are an Atlanta local who knows your flight time is at one of these peak periods, build in:

  • An extra 10–20 minutes for coffee in major concourses.
  • Or consider walking to a slightly less busy concourse (for example, from B to C) if you have enough connection time.

Tips for Grabbing Starbucks During a Tight Connection

Many people connecting through ATL worry about whether they have time to grab Starbucks between flights. Here are practical ways to manage it:

  1. Check your gate and concourse as soon as you land.
    If both your arrival and departure are in the same concourse, your odds are good.

  2. Use the Plane Train wisely.

    • The train connects T, A, B, C, D, E, and F quickly.
    • If your next flight is in a different concourse, you may still have time for Starbucks in the concourse closest to your gate.
  3. Avoid backtracking too far.
    Racing from D back to A just for Starbucks can be risky if your connection is under 45 minutes.

  4. Look for shorter lines in neighboring concourses.
    If the Starbucks in B has a long line and your next flight is in C, sometimes moving one concourse over can save time.

  5. Watch boarding time, not just departure time.
    Boarding at ATL commonly begins 30–40 minutes before departure, especially on larger aircraft. Keep that in mind while you are in line.

Payment, Mobile Orders, and Atlanta‑Specific Considerations

At many Starbucks locations across the airport, you can generally expect:

  • Multiple payment options: major credit cards, mobile payments, and the Starbucks app.
  • Some travelers use mobile ordering through the Starbucks app when supported, but availability can vary by in‑airport store and time of day.
  • Because of heavy Atlanta business travel, morning lines can move quickly, but it is still wise to give yourself a buffer.

If you live in the Atlanta metro area and fly frequently from Hartsfield–Jackson:

  • Consider building a coffee stop into your regular airport routine—for example:
    • Pre‑security at the Domestic Terminal if you arrive very early.
    • Post‑security in your “home” concourse (often A or B for many Delta flyers).

How to Confirm the Nearest Starbucks at ATL

Since store lineups can change, especially during renovations or terminal updates, it is useful to:

  • Check airport directory boards in each terminal.
  • Use the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport information desks, typically located in:
    • Domestic Terminal North and South ticketing areas
    • International Terminal (F) arrivals area
  • Follow overhead signs marked for “Food & Beverage” or “Restaurants” once inside the concourses.

For Atlanta residents who regularly use the airport, taking a few minutes to explore your typical concourse on a less busy day can help you learn where your go‑to Starbucks is located—and where the lines are usually shortest.

Getting to Atlanta Airport for a Starbucks Stop

If your main goal is simply to visit Starbucks inside or near the airport:

  • Driving:
    • Set your GPS to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320.
    • Park in Hourly or Daily Parking near the Domestic Terminal if you plan to go inside pre‑security.
  • MARTA (Atlanta’s rail system):
    • Take the Gold or Red line to Airport Station, which connects directly into the Domestic Terminal.
    • From MARTA, you can access pre‑security Starbucks without a boarding pass.

This can be a convenient option if you live in Atlanta and want a reliable place to work or meet someone over coffee near College Park without dealing with downtown traffic.

Once you understand how Starbucks is distributed across ATL’s terminals and concourses, it becomes much easier to plan your caffeine stop around check‑in, security, or tight connections. Whether you are an Atlanta local flying out for a weekend trip or a visitor connecting through the city, there is usually a Starbucks within a short walk of your gate—you just need to know which concourse to check first.