Transportation to Atlanta Airport: How to Get To and From Hartsfield-Jackson ATL

Getting to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) can be smooth and predictable if you know your options and plan ahead. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are staying in a Buckhead hotel, or are catching a layover flight and heading into the city, there are several reliable ways to handle transportation to Atlanta Airport.

Below is a clear guide to the main options, when they work best, typical travel times, and local tips to avoid stress.

Key Ways to Reach Atlanta Airport at a Glance

ATL’s main passenger terminal:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

Most transportation options drop you at either the Domestic Terminal (North/South) or the International Terminal (Concourse F). Always check your airline and terminal before you go.

Quick comparison of common options

Taking MARTA to Atlanta Airport

For many locals and visitors, MARTA is the most reliable way to get to ATL, especially during rush hour or bad weather.

MARTA Rail to the Domestic Terminal

The Airport Station is inside the Domestic Terminal, at the end of the Red and Gold rail lines.

• From Downtown Atlanta (Five Points): about 15–20 minutes
• From Midtown: about 20–25 minutes
• From Buckhead: about 30–35 minutes
• From Doraville or North Springs: about 35–45 minutes

You enter directly into the Domestic Terminal baggage claim area after exiting the station—no need for a shuttle.

When MARTA works especially well:

• Staying near stations in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Sandy Springs, Doraville, College Park, or East Point
• Traveling with light to moderate luggage
• Flying at peak traffic times (weekday mornings/evenings)

Local tips for MARTA:

• ✅ Get a Breeze Card or Breeze ticket at the station kiosks.
• ✅ Plan extra time if you’re transferring between Blue/Green and Red/Gold lines at Five Points.
• ✅ Trains generally run every 10–20 minutes depending on time of day.
• ✅ For very early or late-night flights, confirm train hours and frequency.

Getting to the International Terminal via MARTA

MARTA does not go directly to the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F). Instead:

1. Take MARTA to Airport Station (Domestic Terminal).
2. Follow signs to the International Shuttle pickup area.
3. Ride the free ATL shuttle to the International Terminal.

Alternatively, you can ride the Plane Train (airport’s internal train) from the Domestic Terminal to Concourse F if you’re already checked in and have a boarding pass.

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) to Atlanta Airport

Rideshare is one of the most common ways Atlantans get to and from ATL, especially from neighborhoods not close to MARTA.

Getting TO the Airport by Rideshare

From most areas in the metro region (Inman Park, West Midtown, Brookhaven, East Atlanta, Smyrna, etc.), a rideshare driver can drop you directly at:

• North Terminal (typically Delta)
• South Terminal (other domestic carriers)
• International Terminal (Concourse F) – check with your airline

Travel time examples in typical conditions:

• Downtown/Midtown → ATL: 20–30 minutes
• Buckhead → ATL: 30–45 minutes
• Sandy Springs / Perimeter → ATL: 35–50 minutes
• Marietta or Alpharetta → ATL: 45–70+ minutes, depending on traffic

Always add extra time for weekday morning (6:30–9:30 a.m.) and afternoon (3:30–7:00 p.m.) rush hours.

Getting PICKED UP at the Airport by Rideshare

For Domestic Terminal arrivals, rideshare pickups are in a designated area separate from taxi and family pickups. Follow airport signs for “Rideshare / App-Based Ride Services.” This is usually on a lower level or a specific door/zone.

For the International Terminal, pickup is typically at the curb outside arrivals in signed areas.

Local tips for rideshare:

• 📱 Order the ride after you have your bags to avoid wait-time charges.
• 🔍 Double-check the license plate and driver name before you get in.
• 💸 Prices can increase during major events (sports, concerts, conventions) or bad weather—consider MARTA as a backup.

Taxi Service to Atlanta Airport

Traditional taxis are easy to find at ATL and can be a simple option, especially if you don’t use smartphone apps.

Taking a Taxi FROM ATL

At the Domestic Terminal, follow signs for “Ground Transportation” and look for the taxi stand. Attendants typically help manage the line and assign cabs.

At the International Terminal, taxis wait outside the arrivals area.

Taking a Taxi TO ATL

You can call a local Atlanta taxi company for pickup anywhere in the metro area. Many people use taxis:

• From Downtown and Midtown hotels
• From convention centers (Georgia World Congress Center, AmericasMart)
• For business travel where receipts and direct fares are preferred

Local taxi details:

• There are often flat-rate zones between the airport and central locations such as Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead; ask the driver before departing.
• For areas outside the flat-rate zones, fares are usually metered based on distance and time.

Driving Yourself and Parking at ATL

If you prefer to drive, Hartsfield–Jackson has multiple parking options, plus private off-site lots nearby.

On-Airport Parking

The airport offers:

• Hourly parking garages near the terminals (best for very short stays and pickups)
• Daily parking decks
• Economy parking lots
• ATL West and Park-Ride lots with shuttle service to the terminals

Parking areas are signed well as you approach on I-85 or via Camp Creek Parkway.

Key on-airport addresses:

• Domestic Terminal:
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

• International Terminal:
  2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354

Off-Site Parking

Many private parking lots operate near the airport, typically:

• Slightly farther from the terminal
• Served by shuttles running every 10–20 minutes
• Often used for longer trips (several days or more)

Local driving and parking tips

• ⏰ From most intown neighborhoods, plan at least 45–60 minutes total door-to-gate:
  • 20–40 minutes driving (depending on traffic)
  • 10–20 minutes parking and shuttle or walk
  • Plus airline check-in and security time
• 📝 Keep a photo or note of your parking section and level.
• 🚗 For the International Terminal, be sure your GPS points to Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd and not the Domestic Terminal.

Hotel and Airport Shuttles

If you are staying at or near the airport or in certain parts of the city, hotel or shared shuttles can be an easy solution.

Airport-Area Hotels

Many hotels in the Airport / College Park / Hapeville area offer free shuttles to the Domestic Terminal. Look for details when you book:

• Shuttle pickup is usually at the Ground Transportation area.
• Typical frequency is every 15–30 minutes, but schedules can vary late at night or very early in the morning.

Downtown and Convention-Area Shuttles

For large conventions or events at:

• Georgia World Congress Center
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena
• Downtown hotels

there are sometimes event-specific shuttles between hotels and the airport. These are usually organized by conference hosts or tour operators; check event materials or hotel concierge desks for details.

Tips for using shuttles

• Confirm pickup location, schedule, and whether you must reserve a spot.
• Allow extra time if the shuttle makes multiple hotel stops.
• If your flight is very early, verify that the first shuttle runs early enough for your check-in and security window.

Private Car, Limousine, and Van Services

For business travelers, groups, or special occasions, many people arrange private transportation to Atlanta Airport:

• Sedans and SUVs for business or small groups
• Sprinter vans or minibuses for group trips, weddings, or team travel
• Accessible vehicles for passengers with specific mobility needs

These services typically offer:

• Door-to-door service from homes, offices, or hotels
• Meet-and-greet at baggage claim with a sign, if requested
• Pre-arranged pickup times based on your flight

When this makes sense:

• Traveling in a group where shared cost is reasonable
• Wanting more space or privacy than a rideshare
• Needing guaranteed pickup at odd hours or from farther-out suburbs (Newnan, McDonough, Canton, etc.)

Reserve well ahead of time, especially during major Atlanta events, holidays, and school breaks.

Bus, Shuttle, and Regional Transportation to ATL

If you’re coming from outside metro Atlanta, there are several ways to reach the airport without driving yourself.

Regional Shuttles

Various private shuttle companies operate routes connecting ATL with cities such as:

• Macon
• Augusta
• Columbus
• Athens
• Chattanooga
• Birmingham

These typically drop off at or near the Domestic Terminal and pick up at designated areas in Ground Transportation.

Always confirm:

• Exact pickup and drop-off locations
• Travel time and schedule in relation to your flight
• Whether they serve the International Terminal directly or connect via airport shuttle

Intercity Buses

If you’re arriving in Atlanta by intercity bus, you may need to:

1. Arrive at a downtown or nearby bus terminal/location.
2. Transfer to MARTA or a rideshare/taxi to complete the trip to ATL.

Knowing this in advance helps you build in extra connection time.

Choosing the Best Option for Your Situation

When deciding how to get to Atlanta Airport, consider:

1. Where you’re starting from

• Intown (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, College Park, East Point):

  • MARTA rail is often the fastest and most predictable.
  • Rideshare is convenient if you have heavy bags or are far from a station.

• Suburbs (Smyrna, Marietta, Alpharetta, Roswell, Tucker, Stone Mountain):

  • Rideshare or driving/parking are the most common.
  • Some park-and-ride MARTA lots can also work if you prefer to park and train in.

2. Time of day and traffic

• Rush hours on I-75, I-85, I-285, and GA-400 can greatly increase drive times.
• MARTA can bypass most of this traffic between many intown neighborhoods and the airport.

3. Luggage and mobility needs

• With multiple or oversized bags, driving, rideshare, or taxi is usually easier than MARTA.
• If you need extra assistance, notify your transport provider and the airline in advance.

4. Length of your trip

• Short trip (1–3 days):

  • MARTA, rideshare, or taxi can be more convenient than paying for parking.

• Longer trip:

  • Long-term parking (on-airport or off-site) or pre-arranged shuttle can be more cost-effective.

Practical Timing Guidelines for Atlanta Travelers

To reduce stress, many local travelers aim to arrive at ATL 2–3 hours before domestic flights and 3–4 hours before international flights, especially at peak times.

Here’s a practical way to work backward:

1. Start with your recommended airport arrival time (e.g., 2 hours before departure).
2. Add transport time:
   • MARTA: add 30–45 minutes from central neighborhoods.
   • Rideshare/Taxi: add 45–90 minutes depending on distance and traffic risk.
   • Driving/Parking: add 45–90 minutes for drive, parking, and shuttle.
3. Add an extra 15–30 minutes buffer for unexpected delays.

By matching your starting point, budget, and comfort level with the options above, you can choose the form of transportation to Atlanta Airport that fits your day and keeps you on schedule.