Things To Do at Atlanta Airport: A Local’s Guide to Making the Most of Hartsfield‑Jackson

Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is big, busy, and full of things to do—whether you have a 45‑minute layover or several hours to kill. Because it’s the main airport for Atlanta, it also doubles as a practical hub for locals grabbing a meal, meeting arriving family, or squeezing in a bit of work between flights.

This guide focuses on what you can actually do inside Atlanta’s airport, how to get around easily, and where to find the best options for relaxing, eating, shopping, and more.

Quick Overview: How ATL Is Laid Out

ATL is organized into these main areas:

• Domestic Terminal North & South – Check-in for most U.S. airlines
• International Terminal (Concourse F) – For many international flights
• Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, and F – Where your gates are located
• Plane Train – Automatic train that connects all concourses and terminals
• Walkable underground corridor – Between concourses, with art and exhibits

If you have time, you can explore across concourses using the Plane Train or by walking. Security is centralized by terminal, so once you’re inside, you can move around freely without re-screening.

Top Things To Do in Atlanta Airport by Time Available

At-a-glance ideas

Use this as a guide, then mix and match the sections below based on your actual gate and time.

Eat and Drink: Dining Options Worth the Time

Atlanta’s airport has plenty of local flavors mixed with national chains, especially in the main concourses.

Where to find the best variety

• Concourse A & B – Some of the best variety for domestic travelers.
• Concourse E & F – Often better for longer, sit-down meals, popular with international travelers.
• Concourse T – Good if you want something decent but don’t want to go far.

Types of food you’ll find

• Southern & Atlanta-style favorites – Fried chicken, barbecue, biscuits, and Southern sides.
• Grab-and-go – Sandwiches, salads, snacks, and coffee for short layovers.
• Sit-down restaurants – For longer connections when you want table service.
• Bars & wine bars – For those who want a drink while waiting.

If you live in Atlanta, you’ll recognize that some airport locations are outposts of familiar local spots, often with slightly smaller menus but similar vibes.

Relax & Recharge: Lounges, Seating, and Quiet Corners

Airport lounges

If you have airline status, a day pass, or a lounge membership, ATL offers several lounges across concourses, including in the International Terminal (F) and major domestic concourses.

What you can typically expect in lounges:

• Comfortable seating and quieter atmosphere
• Complimentary snacks and drinks
• Power outlets and workspaces
• Restrooms, sometimes showers (commonly in international areas)

If you’re a frequent Atlanta flyer, it can be worth planning your flights to depart from or connect through concourses that have your preferred lounge.

Quiet places to sit and work

Outside of lounges, you can usually find:

• Gate areas at the far ends of concourses – Often quieter when those gates aren’t in use.
• Rows of seats near the underground walkway entrances – Slightly away from gate crowds.
• Tables at less-busy restaurants or cafes between major meal rushes.

Look for seating with built-in charging outlets; ATL has been steadily updating gate areas to include more power and USB ports.

Explore the Airport Art & Exhibits

Atlanta’s airport includes free, walkable art displays and exhibits that are easy to enjoy during a layover.

The underground walkway exhibits

Between the concourses, you’ll find:

• Permanent art installations – Sculptures, murals, and multimedia pieces.
• Historical and cultural exhibits – Often highlighting Georgia history, Atlanta’s civil rights legacy, and regional culture.
• The “Plane Train” vs. walking – If you have time, walking one or two segments instead of riding the train lets you enjoy these exhibits at your own pace.

This is a great option if:

• You’ve been sitting on a plane and need to stretch your legs
• You want something interesting and free to look at
• You’re traveling with kids who need a change of scenery

Shop: Souvenirs, Essentials, and Last-Minute Items

ATL has plenty of shops spread across all concourses, so you don’t have to go far for what you need.

What you can buy

• Travel essentials – Chargers, headphones, travel pillows, neck rests, toiletries.
• Books and magazines – Ideal for longer flights or delays.
• Atlanta & Georgia souvenirs – T‑shirts, hats, mugs, keychains, and local products.
• Snacks and candy – From basic chips and bottled drinks to giftable sweets.

Where to focus

• Main concourses (especially A, B, and D) – Generally the highest concentration of shops.
• T and F – Good mix of travel essentials plus some nicer souvenir and specialty stores.

If you’re returning home to Atlanta, ATL shops are handy for grabbing something you forgot for an event, like a small gift or a piece of attire, right before you head to MARTA or the parking decks.

Move Around: Plane Train vs. Walking

Getting around ATL efficiently is part of making the most of your time.

The Plane Train

• Runs between Domestic Terminal, T, A, B, C, D, E, F, and International Terminal.
• Fastest way to move between concourses.
• Good if you’re short on time or have mobility issues.

Walking the concourses

• A long underground corridor connects all concourses.
• Great for exercise and seeing the art and exhibits.
• You’ll find restrooms, occasional seating, and signage along the way.

If you have:

• Under 45 minutes: Use the Plane Train.
• 1–2 hours or more: Consider walking one or two segments, especially between T–A–B–C.

Family-Friendly Things To Do With Kids

Traveling with kids through ATL can be easier if you know where to go and what to do.

Kid-friendly ideas

• Walk the underground corridor – Lots to look at, and kids can move around more freely.
• Window plane spotting – Many concourses have good views out to the airfield.
• Grab a sweet treat – Ice cream, cookies, or similar treats are available on most concourses.
• Story time with books or coloring – Many airport shops sell children’s books and activity items.

Practical tips:

• Look for family restrooms and changing tables; they’re located in multiple concourses.
• If you have a stroller, elevators are available near most escalators leading to the Plane Train and concourses.

Get Some Work Done: Business-Friendly Spaces

For Atlanta professionals or visitors trying to stay productive:

Where to work

• Airport lounges – Best option if you need reliable seating, outlets, and quieter surroundings.
• Gate areas near the ends of concourses – Often less crowded.
• High-top tables and counters near some food vendors – Useful for laptop work if you’re okay with more background noise.

Common amenities you’ll find:

• Free airport Wi‑Fi
• Multiple charging outlets in updated gate areas
• Phone-friendly seating if you need to take a quick call

Picking your concourse strategically (or arriving a bit early) can make ATL feel more like a temporary office than just a waiting area.

Freshen Up, Rest, or Nap

Long layover, red-eye, or early morning departure? ATL has several ways to reset.

Rest and refresh options

• Lounge showers – Typically in international-facing lounges; access rules vary by airline and ticket.
• Comfortable seating areas – Some newer gate sections have more padded seating or reclined chairs.
• Quieter corners – Far ends of concourses or less-used gates can be good for short naps (keep valuables secure).

General tips:

• Bring earplugs or noise-canceling headphones; ATL can be loud.
• If you’re napping at the gate, set an alarm for boarding time, not departure.

Practical Essentials: Services and Amenities

Wi‑Fi, charging, and connectivity

• Free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the airport.
• Look for charging pillars, seat outlets, and USB ports in most gate areas.

Water, restrooms, and basic needs

• Water bottle refill stations are available near many restrooms.
• Restrooms are clearly marked in all concourses and are usually near gate clusters.
• You’ll find ATMs, information desks, and baggage services in terminal and concourse areas.

Assistance and customer service

Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main airport information (general): Often reachable via the airport’s published phone directory or through onsite information desks in the terminals.

For lost and found, special assistance, or directions, airport customer service staff and information desks are placed in the main terminal areas and can guide you based on whether you’re in domestic or international sections.

Things To Do If You’re an Atlanta Local Using ATL

If you live in metro Atlanta, you might use ATL differently than a visitor:

• Meeting arriving family or friends – Use the Domestic Terminal North or South arrival levels or the International Terminal arrivals area (Concourse F).
• Pre-flight meal or drink – Arrive earlier and pick a preferred concourse with better dining before heading to your gate.
• Parking & MARTA access –
  • MARTA’s Airport Station is located inside the Domestic Terminal (near baggage claim), convenient if you’re not driving.
  • Onsite parking decks and economy lots are accessible from N Terminal Pkwy and surrounding airport roads.

Knowing the layout means you can plan to arrive a bit early to enjoy amenities before security or right after.

If You Have a Very Long Layover in Atlanta

If your layover is long (5+ hours) and you meet all immigration and time requirements, some travelers choose to leave the airport to explore a bit of Atlanta. For many people, though, especially on tight schedules or international connections, staying in the airport is safer and lower-stress.

If you stay inside ATL, a solid long-layover plan might look like:

1. Walk one or more concourses and explore the art corridor.
2. Have a full sit-down meal in one of the more relaxed concourses (E or F).
3. Spend time in a lounge if you have access, or pick a quieter gate to read or work.
4. Shop for souvenirs or gifts before heading back to your departure gate.

By knowing how ATL is laid out and where to find food, art, shops, quiet spaces, and family-friendly areas, you can turn “waiting around” into actual things to do in Atlanta Airport—whether you’re an Atlanta local, a frequent business traveler, or visiting the city for the first time.