Terminals at Atlanta Airport: How to Navigate Hartsfield–Jackson Like a Local

If you’re flying into, out of, or through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), understanding the terminals and concourses will make your trip much smoother. Whether you live in Metro Atlanta or you’re visiting, this guide walks you through how ATL is laid out, how to get between terminals, and what to expect in each area.

The Basic Layout: Terminals vs. Concourses

ATL is organized a bit differently than many airports. Knowing the structure clears up a lot of confusion:

• Two main terminals:

  • Domestic Terminal (on the west side)
  • International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Terminal) (on the east side)

• Seven concourses in the middle:

  • T, A, B, C, D, E, F

Think of it like this:

• The Domestic Terminal connects directly to Concourse T.
• The International Terminal connects directly to Concourse F.
• Concourses A–E sit between T and F and handle mostly domestic and some international flights.
• All concourses are connected airside, so you can walk or ride the Plane Train between them without leaving security.

You may check in at either:

• The Domestic Terminal (North or South side), or
• The International Terminal (F)

…but your flight gate will be on one of the concourses (T–F).

Domestic Terminal: North vs. South

The Domestic Terminal is at 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320 and is split into:

• North Terminal
• South Terminal

These are both part of the same Domestic Terminal building, separated mainly for airline operations and check-in counters.

North Terminal

The North Terminal is where you’ll find many non-Delta domestic airlines. Airlines commonly using North Terminal counters often include major U.S. carriers other than Delta, plus some low-cost and regional airlines.

What you’ll typically find in the North Terminal:

• Airline ticket counters and check-in
• Security screening for domestic flights
• Baggage claim for flights arriving at domestic concourses
• Ground transportation access:
  • Rideshare pick-up areas
  • Hotel shuttles
  • MARTA access via a short walk to the Airport Station

North Terminal is often the go-to for Atlanta residents flying non-Delta carriers around the U.S.

South Terminal

The South Terminal is largely associated with Delta Air Lines, which has a major hub in Atlanta.

In the South Terminal, you’ll typically see:

• Delta check-in counters (including Sky Priority and self-service kiosks)
• Domestic security checkpoints
• Baggage claim for many Delta domestic flights
• Access to concourses via walkways and the Plane Train

If you live in Atlanta and fly Delta frequently, you’ll likely spend most of your time in the South Terminal.

International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Terminal)

The International Terminal sits on the opposite (east) side of the airport at approximately:

2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354

This terminal is sometimes just called “Terminal F”, but technically:

• The International Terminal is the check-in and arrivals building.
• It connects directly to Concourse F, where many international gates are located.

When to Use the International Terminal

You’ll typically use the International Terminal if:

• You’re departing from Atlanta on certain international flights, especially if your airline instructs you to check in at Terminal F.
• You’re arriving from abroad and will go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection here (depending on whether your flight is assigned to Concourse E or F).
• You’re picked up after landing from an international trip and collecting bags at the International Terminal baggage claim.

The International Terminal features:

• Airline check-in desks for many international departures
• Dedicated security checkpoints
• Immigration and customs facilities
• Baggage claim for international arrivals using this side of the airport
• Ground transportation, including:
  • Rideshare and taxi pick-up
  • Private car and limousine services
  • Parking areas specifically for the International Terminal

Important for locals: The International Terminal is not directly connected by road to the Domestic Terminal. If you’re dropping off or picking up someone, you need to pick the correct side before you drive in.

Concourses T–F: Where the Gates Are

After you clear security (either Domestic or International), you’ll head to your departure concourse. All concourses are connected behind security, so you can move between them freely via the Plane Train or walking.

Here’s a simple overview:

Concourse T

• Directly connected to the Domestic Terminal.
• Commonly used for domestic departures and arrivals.
• Convenient if you want minimal walking after security.

Concourses A–D

• Handle a large share of domestic flights.
• Each concourse:
  • Has its own set of gates, food, and shopping options.
  • Is reachable quickly via the Plane Train.

If you’re a frequent flyer in Atlanta, you’ll likely see Concourse A or B often, especially on hub flights.

Concourses E and F

• These are the primary international concourses.
• Concourse E:
  • International and some domestic flights
  • Includes customs processing for some arrivals
• Concourse F:
  • Attached directly to the International Terminal
  • Hosts many long-haul international flights
  • Has a large customs and immigration facility

You might depart from a domestic terminal but still fly out of E or F if your flight is international. Your boarding pass and the airport screens will show your exact concourse and gate.

Getting Between Terminals and Concourses

The Plane Train (Underground People Mover)

Once you’re past security, the Plane Train is the fastest way to move between:

• Domestic Terminal / Concourse T
• Concourses A, B, C, D, E
• International Terminal / Concourse F

Key tips:

• Trains run continually and the ride between stops is usually a minute or two.
• You can ride from one end (Domestic/T) to the other (International/F) without exiting security.
• Signs and announcements clearly indicate each stop.

This is usually the best option if:

• You have a tight connection
• You’re not familiar with ATL’s long concourse walkways
• You’re traveling with kids, seniors, or a lot of luggage

Walking Between Concourses

For those who prefer to stretch their legs, there’s also a walkway system parallel to the Plane Train:

• Moving walkways and art displays between concourses
• Clear signage showing the walking time between each concourse

This is a good option if:

• You have a long layover
• You want to avoid crowds on the train
• You enjoy walking and don’t mind the distance

Connecting Flights in Atlanta: What to Expect

If you’re connecting through Atlanta, whether as a local or a visitor in transit, the process depends on where you’re coming from and where you’re going.

Domestic-to-Domestic Connection

• Arrive at a domestic gate (T–D, sometimes E).
• Stay airside (do not follow signs to baggage claim unless ATL is your final stop).
• Check the flight information screens for:
  • Your next concourse
  • Your gate number
• Take the Plane Train or walk to your new concourse.

No need to re-check bags or go back through security as long as you stay inside the secure area.

Domestic-to-International Connection

• Follow the same process as domestic-to-domestic:
  • Stay inside security.
  • Use Plane Train or walk to concourse E or F (or wherever your boarding pass says).
• Your checked bags will normally be transferred automatically if you’re on a single ticket.

International-to-Domestic Connection

This is where things change:

1. Arrive at an international concourse (typically E or F).
2. Go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection:
   • Passport control
   • Baggage claim and customs inspection
3. If Atlanta is not your final destination:
   • Re-check your bag at the designated recheck area if instructed.
   • Go through security again.
   • Take the Plane Train to the concourse for your domestic flight.

If Atlanta is your final stop, after customs you’ll:

• Exit to either the International Terminal or, in some routes, transfer landside toward the Domestic Terminal and baggage claim, depending on your arrival pattern and airline instructions.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

Because ATL has two separate sides (Domestic and International), it’s important to go to the correct one when picking up or dropping off.

Domestic Terminal Pick-Up and Drop-Off

Use the Domestic Terminal if:

• The traveler’s flight is domestic and ends at T–D (and many flights arriving at E that are domestic).
• The airline typically uses the Domestic Terminal for check-in.

You’ll follow signs on I-85 or local roads to Domestic / North & South Terminal. Then:

• Use Arrivals for pick-up.
• Use Departures for drop-off.

International Terminal Pick-Up and Drop-Off

Head to the International Terminal if:

• The passenger is arriving from an international flight that clears customs there.
• The airline directed the traveler to check in at Terminal F for departure.

From the interstate, look for signs for International Terminal / Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd. As at the domestic side:

• Use Arrivals level to pick up.
• Use Departures level to drop off.

📝 Tip for Atlanta drivers: Some locals choose to pick up international passengers at the Domestic Terminal if those travelers are using inter-terminal shuttles or are connecting to domestic flights there. However, this only works if the traveler is comfortable following airport signage and may take extra time.

Parking, MARTA, and Ground Transportation by Terminal

Parking

Atlanta Airport has multiple parking options:

• Domestic Terminal Parking:
  • Hourly and daily decks near North and South Terminals
  • Economy lots and park-ride options
• International Terminal Parking:
  • Dedicated decks and economy areas closer to Terminal F

If you’re picking up someone and want to go inside:

• Use hourly parking near the correct terminal (Domestic or International).
• If you’re just doing a quick curbside pick-up, watch for cell phone lots where you can wait until the traveler is curbside.

MARTA Access

For Atlanta residents and visitors staying in the city, MARTA is often the easiest way to reach the airport.

• The Airport Station (MARTA rail) is directly connected to the Domestic Terminal.
• After getting off the train, you’ll be a short indoor walk from North and South check-in areas.
• If you’re flying from the International Terminal, you can:
  • Arrive via MARTA to the Domestic Terminal, then use airport shuttles to reach the International side, or
  • Check in at Domestic if your airline allows it and proceed airside to Concourse F.

Rideshare, Taxis, and Shuttles

Both terminal complexes offer:

• Rideshare pick-up zones (for services like Uber and Lyft)
• Taxi stands
• Hotel and off-site parking shuttles

Signs in each terminal guide you to the correct pick-up level and area.

Key Things Atlanta Travelers Should Remember

To make navigating ATL’s terminals easier, keep these points in mind:

• There are two terminal buildings (Domestic and International), but seven concourses (T–F).
• You can move between concourses without leaving security using the Plane Train.
• The Domestic Terminal is split into North (many non-Delta airlines) and South (primarily Delta).
• The International Terminal connects directly to Concourse F and handles many overseas arrivals and departures.
• When driving, picking up or dropping off, choose the correct terminal side:
  • Domestic (North or South)
  • International (F)
• For connections, always check your boarding pass and the airport monitors to confirm concourse and gate, then follow signs to the Plane Train or walkways.

Understanding how Atlanta’s terminals and concourses fit together makes the airport far more manageable—especially if you’re a local who travels frequently or you’re planning a visit through one of the world’s busiest hubs.