Visiting the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’ve ever flown through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you know Delta is woven into the fabric of the city. The Delta Flight Museum, located right by the airline’s main hub, is where Atlanta’s aviation history really comes to life.

Whether you’re a local looking for a unique weekend activity, an aviation enthusiast, or a traveler with a long layover, this guide walks you through everything to know about the Delta Museum in Atlanta—from location and parking to exhibits, special tours, and family tips.

Where the Delta Flight Museum Is and How to Get There

Address:

Delta Flight Museum
1060 Delta Boulevard
Building B, Department 914
Atlanta, GA 30354

The museum is on the Delta Air Lines campus near Hartsfield–Jackson, not inside the passenger terminals. It’s housed in restored historic hangars, just north of the main airport complex.

Getting There by Car

From most parts of metro Atlanta:

  • Take I-85 toward Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
  • Use the Airport / Riverdale Road exits, then follow signs for Delta headquarters or Delta Flight Museum.
  • Give yourself extra time during weekday rush hours, especially if you’re coming from Midtown, Buckhead, or the northern suburbs.

Parking:

  • Visitor parking is generally available in designated lots near the museum entrance.
  • Parking procedures can change, so check posted signs when you arrive.
  • Expect to walk a short distance from the lot to the hangar entrance.

Getting There by MARTA and Rideshare

If you don’t want to drive:

  • Take MARTA to the Airport Station (at the domestic terminal).
  • From there, most visitors use a rideshare or taxi to reach the museum on Delta Boulevard, since it’s not a simple walk from the terminal area.
  • For travelers on a layover, plan for transit time both ways; the museum is nearby, but airport security and transfers can take longer than expected.

What the Delta Flight Museum Offers

The Delta Flight Museum is focused on commercial aviation history, Delta’s roots in Atlanta, and hands-on experiences that make flying feel real and approachable.

Highlights of the Exhibits

You’ll find:

  • Historic aircraft displayed in and around the hangars, including planes from different eras of commercial aviation.
  • Detailed timelines of Delta’s growth—from a small crop-dusting operation to a global airline headquartered in Atlanta.
  • Cabin interiors and airline memorabilia, such as vintage uniforms, advertising, route maps, and in-flight service items.
  • Interactive displays that help explain how aviation technology, safety, and operations have evolved.

Exhibits are designed to be accessible even for visitors who aren’t aviation experts. If you live in Atlanta, it’s also a window into how the airline helped shape the city’s role as a transportation hub.

Unique Experiences: 747, Simulator, and More

Some of the most popular experiences at the Delta Museum are especially appealing to aviation geeks, older kids, and anyone who likes immersive exhibits.

Boarding a Retired Boeing 747

One major feature at the museum is a retired Boeing 747 that visitors can typically tour:

  • You can walk through parts of the aircraft and see how this widebody giant is structured.
  • You often get to view premium cabins and areas not usually visible to passengers.
  • Interpretive signs and staff share context about where the aircraft flew and how it operated.

This is especially interesting if you’ve flown long-haul routes and want to see what’s “behind the scenes” of a large jet.

Flight Simulator Experiences

The museum has offered full-motion flight simulator experiences modeled after training tools used by pilots:

  • These experiences usually require advance reservations and separate fees.
  • Age, height, or health limitations may apply, especially for more intense motion simulators.
  • It’s a popular option for birthdays, aviation buffs, or local Atlantans looking for a memorable experience.

If a simulator session is important to your visit, check availability and requirements well before you go.

Hours, Tickets, and Practical Planning

Museum details can change, but here’s what Atlantans and visitors typically need to plan:

Typical Operating Hours

The museum usually operates on set daytime hours, often on weekdays and select weekends. Because hours can shift for:

  • Private events
  • Holidays
  • Seasonal changes

…it’s wise to verify the current schedule before heading out, especially if you’re coming from further out in metro Atlanta (e.g., Alpharetta, Marietta, or Peachtree City).

Tickets and Pricing

Admission is generally ticketed, with:

  • Adult tickets
  • Discounts for children, seniors, or military in many cases
  • Possible group pricing for schools, camps, and organizations

You can often purchase tickets on-site, but advance online purchase may:

  • Help you avoid lines
  • Be helpful on busier days or during special events
  • Be required for certain add-ons, like simulators or guided tours

How Much Time to Plan

Most visitors find that 1.5 to 3 hours is enough for:

  • Walking through the main exhibits
  • Touring at least one large aircraft
  • Browsing the gift shop

If you book a simulator session or want to read every panel, plan closer to half a day.

Is the Delta Flight Museum Good for Kids and Families?

For Atlanta-area families, the Delta Museum can be a strong option for a STEM-focused outing or a rainy-day alternative to the zoo or aquarium.

What Kids Tend to Enjoy

  • Climbing aboard real planes and walking through cabins
  • Pushing buttons and trying hands-on displays
  • Seeing engines, wings, and cockpit controls up close
  • Talking with staff or volunteers about “how planes fly”

The environment is more museum-like than playground-like. Younger children may move through faster, while older kids and teens often spend more time with the technical and historical aspects.

Tips for Parents in Atlanta

  • Combine the museum with other nearby attractions (like the Georgia International Convention Center area or a quick meal near the airport) to make a full day.
  • For school-age kids, consider tying the visit to science, history, or geography topics they’re learning.
  • If you’re driving in from areas like Decatur, Smyrna, or Stone Mountain, avoid peak traffic by choosing mid-morning or early afternoon visit times.

Events, Group Visits, and Educational Programs

The Delta Flight Museum is more than a walk-through attraction—it also serves as a venue and educational space.

Group Tours and School Visits

Atlanta-area schools, camps, and clubs often organize group visits. Options can include:

  • Guided tours with a docent or educator
  • Aviation-focused STEM programs for students
  • Customized experiences for scout troops or youth organizations

If you’re coordinating a group from a local school or community program:

  • Contact the museum well in advance
  • Ask about group rates, scheduling windows, and any program materials that support curriculum goals

Private Events and Corporate Functions

The historic hangars and aircraft create a distinctive setting for:

  • Corporate events and meetings
  • Fundraisers and receptions
  • Special ceremonies

Local organizations and Atlanta-based companies sometimes use the museum as an off-site event space, especially if they have ties to aviation or travel. Event rentals typically require separate arrangements from general admission.

Accessibility, Amenities, and On-Site Services

For residents and visitors who want to know what to expect logistically, the Delta Flight Museum offers several features to make visits smoother.

Accessibility Considerations

The museum is generally designed with mobility and accessibility in mind, including:

  • Ground-level access to the main hangars
  • Ramps or elevators where needed for multi-level viewpoints
  • Staff who can provide guidance on the most accessible routes through exhibits

Some aircraft areas may have narrow aisles, stairs, or lower ceilings, which can limit access. If accessibility is a priority, it can help to:

  • Contact the museum before your visit
  • Ask about wheelchair access, service animal policies, and any specific aircraft limitations

Amenities on Site

Typical amenities include:

  • Restrooms inside or near the main hangars
  • A gift shop with aviation-themed merchandise, Delta memorabilia, and souvenirs
  • Seating areas where you can rest between exhibits

Food service is often limited or event-based, so many Atlantans:

  • Eat before they arrive
  • Or plan a meal nearby in Hapeville, College Park, or at restaurants around the airport

When the Delta Flight Museum Fits Into Your Atlanta Plans

The Delta Museum can make sense in a variety of situations:

If You Live in Metro Atlanta

It works well as:

  • A half-day weekend outing
  • A backup plan when outdoor plans are rained out
  • A unique option for out-of-town guests who already saw downtown attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola

It also pairs nicely with:

  • Plane-watching at locations near the runways around Hapeville and College Park
  • Exploring more of the Southside if you don’t typically go past the airport

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

The museum is especially convenient if:

  • You’re staying near Hartsfield–Jackson or have meetings at airport-area hotels
  • You’re an aviation fan and want something tailored to that interest
  • You have a long daytime layover and enough time to leave and return through security

Always factor in:

  • Security and re-check-in time if you’re returning to the terminal
  • Transit time between the airport terminals and the Delta campus

Quick Reference: Delta Flight Museum at a Glance

TopicKey Details (Atlanta-Specific)
LocationOn Delta campus near Hartsfield–Jackson, not inside passenger terminals
Address1060 Delta Blvd, Building B, Dept. 914, Atlanta, GA 30354
Best forAviation fans, families, school groups, layover travelers
Typical Visit LengthAbout 1.5–3 hours
Getting ThereCar via I-85; MARTA to Airport + rideshare/taxi
ParkingOn-site visitor parking near the hangar entrance
Standout FeaturesHistoric aircraft, 747 tour, Delta history exhibits, simulator (by booking)
Good PairingsAirport-area dining, plane-watching, other Southside attractions

Practical Tips for an Easy Visit

A few Atlanta-specific tips can help you get the most out of your trip:

  • Time your drive: Avoid weekday rush hours on I-75/I-85 if possible, especially heading south through downtown.
  • Check the schedule: Hours and special experiences can vary due to events and holidays.
  • Plan for security at the airport: If you’re coming from or returning to a flight, build in extra buffer time.
  • Bring curiosity: The exhibits are richer when you read the panels, ask questions, and take your time on the aircraft.

The Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta offers a close look at aviation history in the city that serves as Delta’s global home. With some basic planning around transportation, tickets, and timing, it can be a memorable stop for both locals and visitors.