Where Is Atlanta Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport? A Local’s Guide to Location, Access, and Nearby Areas
If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city, you’ll hear people talk about “the Atlanta airport” constantly. They’re almost always referring to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Knowing exactly where it is, what it’s near, and how to get there can save you time, stress, and missed flights.
The Exact Location of Atlanta Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport
Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is located on the south side of metro Atlanta, primarily in College Park, with portions extending into Hapeville and the unincorporated area of Clayton County.
Main address (Domestic Terminal):
Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 North Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320
This is the address most people use for directions, rideshares, and GPS.
How Far Is the Airport From Downtown Atlanta?
The airport sits just south of downtown Atlanta along Interstate 85 (I‑85) and Interstate 75 (I‑75).
Approximate driving distances:
- Downtown Atlanta to ATL: about 10 miles south
- Midtown Atlanta to ATL: about 12–14 miles south
- Buckhead to ATL: about 16–18 miles south
Travel time varies with traffic, but for planning:
- Off‑peak: roughly 15–25 minutes from downtown
- Rush hour: can stretch to 30–45+ minutes
Quick Location Overview
Here’s a simple overview of where Hartsfield‑Jackson sits in relation to major Atlanta areas:
| Area / Landmark | Direction Relative to Airport | Approx. Distance | Main Route(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Atlanta | North | ~10 miles | I‑85 / I‑75 |
| Midtown | North‑northwest | ~12–14 miles | I‑85 / I‑75 |
| Buckhead | North | ~16–18 miles | GA‑400 → I‑85 / I‑75 |
| East Point | Northwest | ~4–6 miles | Main St / I‑285 |
| College Park | Directly west/northwest | 0–3 miles | Camp Creek Pkwy |
| Forest Park | East | ~4–6 miles | I‑285 / I‑75 |
Which Part of Atlanta Is the Airport In?
Hartsfield‑Jackson is not in the heart of downtown, but rather in the southern portion of the metro area, straddling a few municipalities.
Cities and Counties Around the Airport
- College Park – The Domestic Terminal and much of the airport property sit within College Park.
- Hapeville – The northern and eastern edges of the airfield border Hapeville.
- Clayton County – Parts of the airport, including some runways and support facilities, extend into Clayton County.
- Fulton County – The western side of the airport area is in Fulton County.
When you see references to “Airport Area” or “Airport District” in local guides, they are talking about this cluster of communities just outside the terminals.
Domestic vs. International Terminals: Different Entrances, Same Airport
Hartsfield‑Jackson has two main passenger terminal complexes:
- Domestic Terminal (North & South)
- Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F)
They serve the same airport but sit on opposite sides of the airfield, with different road access points.
Domestic Terminal Location
- Address: 6000 North Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320
- Side of airport:West side of the airfield
- Access roads:
- From I‑85: Use Exit 72 (Domestic)
- From I‑285: Connect to I‑85 or Camp Creek Parkway depending on your route
If you’re flying most domestic U.S. routes, rideshares, shuttles, and most friends dropping you off will head toward the Domestic Terminal.
International Terminal Location
- Address: 2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30354
- Side of airport:East side of the airfield
- Access roads:
- From I‑75: Use Exit 239 (International Terminal)
- Clearly marked as “International” on highway signs
The International Terminal is not reached through the same entrance as the Domestic side. If you’re driving or getting dropped off, it’s important to choose the right terminal in your GPS.
Getting to the Airport From Around Atlanta
Because Hartsfield‑Jackson is such a major hub, it’s well‑connected by highway and public transit.
By Car: Main Highways and Entrances
From Downtown / Midtown / Buckhead:
- Take I‑85 South (often merged with I‑75 South)
- Watch for signs directing you to:
- Domestic Terminal – Exit 72
- International Terminal – Stay on I‑75 South, Exit 239
From East Metro (Decatur, Stone Mountain, etc.):
- Typically use I‑285 South to connect to I‑75 or I‑85, then follow signs for Domestic or International entrances.
From West Metro (Douglasville, Lithia Springs, etc.):
- Use I‑20 East to I‑285 South, then connect to I‑85 North or follow signs toward the airport exits.
From South Metro (Jonesboro, Fayetteville, etc.):
- Use I‑75 North or State Route 85 depending on your exact location, then follow airport signage.
🛈 Tip: In Atlanta, GPS apps sometimes default to “Atlanta Airport” without specifying Domestic vs. International. If you know your airline and flight type (domestic or international), select the correct terminal address to avoid a long loop around the airfield.
MARTA: Where the Airport Connects to Atlanta’s Rail System
For many locals and visitors, MARTA is the simplest way to get to ATL.
Where Is the MARTA Airport Station?
The Airport Station is directly inside the Domestic Terminal, at the west end of the main atrium, just past baggage claim and ground transportation.
- You ride down an escalator into the train station.
- It’s the southernmost station on MARTA’s Red and Gold lines.
From Downtown / Midtown / Buckhead:
- Board any southbound Red or Gold line train.
- Ride to Airport Station, the final stop.
- The trip from most downtown stations is about 15–20 minutes.
If you’re flying out of or arriving at the International Terminal, a free internal shuttle bus connects the International Terminal with the Domestic side and MARTA station.
Ground Transportation Zones: Where Pickups Actually Happen
Knowing the airport’s location is only half the battle. You also need to know where on the property to go for your ride.
Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) Pickup Areas
- Located near the Domestic Terminal in designated Rideshare Pickup Zones in the parking structures.
- Follow the airport signs in the terminal for “Rideshare” or “App‑Based Rides”.
For the International Terminal, rideshare pickup is in a different ground transportation area, clearly signed outside arrivals.
Taxis and Shuttles
- Taxis are typically lined up outside baggage claim on the lower level of the Domestic Terminal.
- Hotel shuttles, parking shuttles, and off‑airport rental car shuttles also use clearly signed ground transportation zones outside each terminal.
Nearby Neighborhoods and Landmarks Around the Airport
If you’re trying to stay close to the airport or understand what’s nearby, here are some key areas:
College Park
Located immediately west and north of the airport:
- Home to many airport hotels, restaurants, and park‑and‑fly lots.
- MARTA’s College Park Station is one stop north of the Airport Station.
East Point
Just northwest of the airport:
- Mix of residential neighborhoods and light commercial areas.
- Accessible by MARTA (East Point Station) and local roads.
Hapeville
Touching the northeastern edge of the airfield:
- Small city with restaurants, breweries, and local shops.
- Very close drive to the International Terminal and some corporate facilities.
Forest Park & Other Clayton County Areas
Located to the east and southeast of the airport:
- Primarily residential and light industrial.
- Convenient if you want to stay near the International Terminal or southside logistics areas.
Official Airport Contact & Information
For the most current information on parking, terminal maps, or construction that might affect access:
Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 North Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320
General Information Phone (main switchboard, commonly listed): 404‑530‑7300
This number and address are widely used for general inquiries and wayfinding.
How to Decide Which “Part” of the Airport to Go To
When you ask “Where is Atlanta Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport?” you may really be asking, “Where should I show up for my specific flight?” Here’s a quick reference:
Domestic U.S. flights (most airlines):
→ Domestic Terminal on the west side (6000 North Terminal Parkway)Flights departing or arriving on Concourse F or some international routes:
→ International Terminal on the east side (2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd)Coming by MARTA:
→ Always arrive at the Domestic Terminal (Airport Station), then connect by shuttle if your airline uses the International side.
If you’re unsure, your airline confirmation or mobile boarding pass usually notes whether you should use the Domestic or International terminal.
In practical terms, Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport is Atlanta’s southern gateway, sitting just below downtown along I‑75 and I‑85, anchored in College Park and the surrounding southside communities. Knowing these key access points and neighboring areas makes navigating to and from the airport much easier, whether you’re a local Atlantan or just passing through.