Navigating “Terminal 1” at Atlanta Airport: What It Really Means at ATL

If you search for “Terminal 1 Atlanta Airport”, you’ll quickly notice something confusing: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) doesn’t actually label anything as “Terminal 1.”

Atlanta’s airport is huge and busy, but it’s organized differently from many other airports. This guide explains what people usually mean by “Terminal 1 Atlanta Airport,” how ATL is really laid out, and how to find your way around if you’re flying in or out of Atlanta.

Does Atlanta Airport Have a “Terminal 1”?

No – there is no official “Terminal 1” at Atlanta Airport.

Instead, ATL is organized into:

• Two main terminal areas:
  • Domestic Terminal
  • International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
• Seven concourses, lettered:
  • Concourse T (connected to Domestic Terminal)
  • Concourses A, B, C, D, E, F (E and F handle many international flights)

When people say “Terminal 1” in Atlanta, they are usually referring—incorrectly—to either:

• The Domestic Terminal, or
• A specific concourse, especially Concourse T (the one attached directly to the Domestic Terminal)

If you’re flying to or from Atlanta, always look at:

• Airport: ATL
• Terminal/Concourse info (if your airline lists it)
• Gate number (e.g., T5, B14, F3)

The Real Layout of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Domestic vs. International Sides

ATL is essentially split into two major entry points:

1. Domestic Terminal (Main Terminal) – Western Side

   • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
   • Used for most U.S. domestic flights
   • Divided into:
     • North Terminal – home base for Delta Air Lines
     • South Terminal – used by many other U.S. carriers

2. International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal) – Eastern Side

   • Address: 2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354
   • Main entry/exit point for most international flights
   • Directly connected to Concourse F

There is no Terminal 1–2–3 numbering system here. Think instead in terms of Domestic vs. International, then Concourse letters.

Concourse System: Where You Actually Board

Once you pass security, the airport opens into an underground spine with the Plane Train connecting concourses:

Your boarding pass will show something like Gate A12 or F4. That letter–number combo is more important than anything labeled “Terminal.”

If Your Airline Mentions “Terminal 1” for ATL

Some booking sites or third-party apps use generic templates for airports around the world and may label:

• ATL’s Domestic Terminal as “Terminal 1”
• ATL’s International Terminal as “Terminal 2” (occasionally)

If you see “Terminal 1 – Atlanta” in a reservation:

1. Check the airline’s own website or app.
2. Confirm whether the flight is:
   • Domestic (within the U.S.) → You’ll almost always use the Domestic Terminal.
   • International → You may start or end at the International Terminal.

If you’re still unsure, call your airline’s Atlanta customer service number or the ATL Airport Information line: 1-800-897-1910.

Domestic Terminal: What You Need to Know

For most people flying within the United States, what you really want instead of “Terminal 1” is the Domestic Terminal.

Domestic Terminal Overview

• Located on the west side of the airport
• Has two main entry sections:
  • North Terminal (Delta-focused)
  • South Terminal (other major domestic airlines)
• Connected directly to:
  • Concourse T
  • Security checkpoints
  • Ground transportation center for MARTA, shuttles, and parking

Getting to the Domestic Terminal from Atlanta

From within the Atlanta area:

• By MARTA (recommended for many city travelers)

  • Take any Red or Gold Line train to Airport Station.
  • The station exits directly into the Domestic Terminal near the main Atrium.

• By car / rideshare

  • Follow signs to Domestic Terminal.
  • Use N Terminal Pkwy (for North / Delta) or S Terminal Pkwy (for South / other airlines).
  • Passenger drop-off is on the upper level; pick-up and baggage claim are on the lower level.

International Terminal: When You’re Not Using the Domestic Side

If you’re on an international flight to or from Atlanta, your airline may have you use the International Terminal.

International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr.)

• Address: 2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354
• Houses:
  • Check-in counters for many international carriers and some Delta international flights
  • Concourse F (connected by walkway)
  • Customs and Border Protection for arriving international passengers

Getting to the International Terminal from Atlanta

• By car / rideshare

  • Follow signs on I-75 or local roads to International Terminal.
  • Do not follow signs for Domestic Terminal if your airline tells you to use the International side.

• By airport shuttle (between Domestic & International)

  • A free shuttle bus runs between:
    • Domestic Terminal Ground Transportation Center, and
    • International Terminal Arrivals level
  • Useful if:
    • You parked on the wrong side, or
    • Family is picking you up on the opposite side from where you arrived

• By MARTA

  • MARTA stops only at the Domestic Terminal.
  • From there, you must either:
    • Take the Plane Train (if you’re already airside with a boarding pass and going between concourses), or
    • Use the free landside shuttle between Domestic and International.

How to Know Where You Should Go at ATL

To avoid any confusion around “Terminal 1,” use this step-by-step check:

1. Is your flight domestic or international?

   • Domestic → Likely Domestic Terminal
   • International → Check your airline; could be either Domestic (then bus to concourse) or International Terminal

2. What does your airline specify?

   • If the airline’s site/app says Domestic Terminal, go there.
   • If it says International Terminal / Concourse F, go to the International side.
   • If it just says “Terminal 1” on a third-party app, verify directly with the airline.

3. What does your boarding pass say about your gate?

   • Gate starts with T and your airline is domestic → Enter via Domestic Terminal.
   • Gate starts with A, B, C, D → Enter via Domestic Terminal; take security, then Plane Train.
   • Gate starts with E or F and it’s an international flight:
     • Your airline will tell you which terminal to check in at:
       • Check-in at International Terminal for many international carriers and some Delta flights.
       • Some international flights still check in at Domestic; you ride the Plane Train airside to E or F.

Transferring Inside Atlanta Airport (Connecting Flights)

If you are already inside the secure area, you do not worry about terminals. You simply follow signs for your next concourse and gate.

Using the Plane Train

• An automated underground train that runs continuously
• Stops at:
  • Domestic Terminal / Concourse T
  • Concourse A
  • Concourse B
  • Concourse C
  • Concourse D
  • Concourse E
  • Concourse F / International Terminal
• Travel time between adjacent stops is a couple of minutes

If you’re connecting from a domestic flight in Concourse B to an international flight in Concourse F, for example:

1. Follow signs to the Plane Train.
2. Take it from B to F.
3. No need to exit security or think about “Terminal 1.”

Baggage Claim and Ground Transportation

If You Arrive on a Domestic Flight

• You’ll typically:
  • Deplane at Concourses T–D, sometimes E
  • Follow signs for Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation
  • Ride the Plane Train (if needed) to Domestic Terminal
  • Claim luggage on the lower level of the Domestic Terminal

From there, you can access:

• MARTA Airport Station
• Rideshare pickup areas
• Hotel shuttles
• Parking shuttles

If You Arrive on an International Flight

• If you arrive at Concourse F or E from abroad:
  • You will go through passport control and customs.
  • If Atlanta is your final stop:
    • You’ll claim your checked bags in the International Arrivals area.
    • Exit into the International Terminal and meet pickups there.
  • If you’re connecting onward:
    • Follow “Connecting Flights” signs.
    • Re-check your luggage if needed.
    • Take the Plane Train to your next concourse.

Parking and Pickups: Domestic vs. International

If you’re an Atlanta-area resident driving or picking someone up, it’s important to go to the correct side of the airport.

Domestic Terminal Parking & Pickup

• Short-Term Parking: Close to the terminal; best for quick pickups/drop-offs.
• Daily / Economy Parking: Longer stays, with shuttle or walkway access.
• Rideshare / Taxi Pickup: Clearly signed near baggage claim exits.

Look for signs for North or South depending on the airline your traveler is using.

International Terminal Parking & Pickup

• Separate garages and curbside areas right at the International Terminal.
• Dedicated area for:
  • Private vehicle pickups
  • Taxis
  • Shuttles

If you’re picking someone up coming from outside the U.S., ask them whether their flight arrives at Concourse E or F, and confirm they will exit through the International Terminal.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Confused by “Terminal 1”

• ✅ Ignore “Terminal 1” labels on generic travel sites for ATL and focus on:
  • Domestic Terminal vs. International Terminal
  • Concourse letter and gate
• ✅ If you’re flying within the U.S. from Atlanta, start at the Domestic Terminal unless your airline explicitly says otherwise.
• ✅ If you’re flying internationally, check your booking carefully; many carriers depart from the International Terminal.
• ✅ When in doubt, call your airline’s Atlanta help line or ATL Airport Information (1-800-897-1910).
• ✅ For city residents, MARTA is often the most straightforward way to reach the Domestic Terminal, especially during rush hours.

By thinking in terms of Domestic vs. International terminals and Concourse letters, you can safely ignore the misleading “Terminal 1 Atlanta Airport” label and still get exactly where you need to go.