Delta at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson: A Local Guide to Terminals, Gates, and Getting Around
If you’re flying Delta through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), you’re in the airline’s primary hub. That means lots of flights, many gate changes, and a few quirks that are easier to handle once you know the layout.
This guide breaks down which terminal Delta uses at Atlanta, how the concourses are organized, where to check in, and what to expect if you live in Atlanta, are connecting through, or are flying out for the first time.
Delta’s Terminal at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
Domestic vs. International: Where Delta is Located
At ATL, the word “terminal” is usually about check-in and baggage claim, while “concourse” is about gates and boarding.
Delta primarily uses:
- Domestic check-in:
Domestic Terminal – South - International check-in:
Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Terminal F)
All of these are part of one airport, and you move between areas using the Plane Train (underground train) or a pedestrian tunnel.
The Delta Layout at ATL: Terminals and Concourses
Most Delta flights use multiple concourses, not just one. Think of ATL as a spine (the plane train tunnel) with “ribs” (concourses) branching off.
Main Areas for Delta
Delta uses several concourses for departures and arrivals:
- Concourse T – Closest to the Domestic Terminal
- Concourse A – Major Delta hub concourse
- Concourse B – Another large Delta concourse
- Concourse C – Mixed use, but many Delta flights
- Concourse D – Mixed carriers, including some Delta
- Concourse E – International flights (Delta and partners)
- Concourse F – International Terminal, heavily used by Delta
You’ll see Delta gates spread across these concourses, especially T, A, B, C, E, and F.
Quick Reference: Where to Go for Delta at ATL
| Travel Need | Go Here (ATL) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Delta check-in & bag drop | Domestic Terminal – South | Main Delta check-in halls |
| International Delta check-in & bag drop | International Terminal (Concourse F) | For most non-U.S. departures |
| Most Delta domestic gates | Concourses T, A, B, C, D | Check your boarding pass/app |
| Most Delta international gates | Concourses E & F | Arrivals may clear customs here |
| Baggage claim for domestic Delta flights | Domestic Terminal – South baggage claim | Follow signs for South |
| Baggage claim for international Delta | International Terminal (F) arrivals & customs area | Then you may re-check bags if connecting |
| Getting between concourses | Plane Train or pedestrian tunnel | Runs frequently |
Checking In With Delta at Atlanta
If You Live in Atlanta or Are Departing From ATL
Most Atlanta residents and visitors use the Domestic Terminal – South for Delta:
- Address for domestic departures check-in:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Domestic Terminal – South
6000 North Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320
At the South Terminal, you’ll find:
- Delta ticket counters and kiosks
- Bag drop for checked luggage
- TSA security checkpoints leading airside toward Concourse T and the Plane Train
If your ticket shows an international destination, you may be directed to:
- International Terminal / Concourse F
Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
6000 North Terminal Parkway (signed as International Terminal)
Atlanta, GA 30320
Tip: Your boarding pass or Delta’s app will clearly list which terminal to use for check-in.
Getting Between Terminals and Concourses
The Plane Train (Underground Train System)
Once you’ve cleared security, you’ll likely use the Plane Train, ATL’s underground people-mover:
- Stops at: T, A, B, C, D, E, and F
- Trains come every few minutes
- Travel time between adjacent concourses is usually 1–2 minutes
If you’re connecting between Delta flights (say, Concourse A to Concourse E), you can rely on the Plane Train for fastest movement.
Walking Between Concourses
If you prefer to walk:
- There’s an underground pedestrian tunnel connecting:
- Concourses T through F, with moving walkways and art installations.
- Signs overhead tell you how long it takes to walk to the next concourse.
Walking is practical if:
- Your gate is only one concourse away, or
- You like to stretch on a long layover.
Domestic vs. International Delta Flights at ATL
Domestic Delta Flights
For most domestic routes (for example, Atlanta to New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, or Orlando):
- Check in at Domestic Terminal – South
- Go through security there
- Your gate will usually be on Concourses T, A, B, C, or D
For domestic arrivals:
- You’ll get off at your assigned concourse
- Take the Plane Train or walk to Domestic Terminal – South baggage claim, if you checked a bag
- Ground transportation (MARTA, rideshare, taxis, shuttles) is accessed from the Domestic Terminal side
International Delta Flights
For international departures (for example, Atlanta to London, Paris, or Mexico City):
- Check your itinerary:
- Many long-haul Delta flights depart from Concourse F (International Terminal)
- Some may use Concourse E
- Check in and clear security at the International Terminal, then go directly to your gate in E or F, or transfer via Plane Train.
For international arrivals:
- You’ll usually arrive at Concourse E or F
- You’ll go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection and immigration in that area
- If ATL is your final stop:
- You’ll collect checked luggage there
- Exit into the International Terminal arrivals area
- If you’re connecting onward on Delta:
- You may need to re-check your bag after customs
- Then take the Plane Train or dedicated shuttle to your next concourse
Getting To and From the Delta Terminal in Atlanta
Driving and Parking for Delta
For Delta domestic flights:
- Follow roadway signs for Domestic Terminal – South.
- You’ll find:
- Short-term parking (closer, hourly/daily)
- Daily and economy lots with shuttle service
- Drop-off and pick-up lanes are right in front of the South Terminal.
For Delta international flights:
- Follow signs to International Terminal.
- Parking is available in:
- International Park-Ride
- International Park-Ride Deck
- There’s direct access to the International Terminal building from its parking facilities.
If you live in Atlanta, it’s worth checking current ATL parking maps and rates before you go, as they can change.
MARTA (Atlanta’s Rail System) to Delta
If you want to avoid driving and parking:
- Take MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) to:
Airport Station (end of the Red and Gold Lines). - The station is located in the Domestic Terminal, between North and South.
- From there:
- Walk a few minutes to Domestic Terminal – South for Delta check-in.
- If your flight is international from Concourse F, you can check in domestically (if allowed for your ticket) and then take the Plane Train to F, or use the free shuttle that connects Domestic and International Terminals landside.
This is especially convenient if you live in-town (for example, near Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead) or are staying at a hotel near a MARTA station.
Delta Check-In Options at ATL
Delta typically offers several check-in methods at Atlanta:
- Self-service kiosks in Domestic Terminal – South and at International Terminal
- Full-service counters for special needs, complex itineraries, or assistance
- Online and app check-in, allowing you to:
- Get a mobile boarding pass
- Pay for and select seats
- Add checked bags ahead of time (then use bag-drop counters at the airport)
Using a mobile boarding pass can help you move faster, especially if you only have a carry-on.
Security and Timing for Delta Flights at ATL
Since ATL is a busy Delta hub, it’s smart to allow extra time.
General buffer times many travelers use:
- Domestic flights:
Aim to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. - International flights:
Plan for about 2–3 hours before departure.
Factors that can affect your timing:
- Time of day (early mornings and late afternoons are often busier)
- Day of the week (Mondays and Fridays can be congested)
- Whether you’re:
- Checking bags
- Traveling with children
- Unfamiliar with the airport
Check security wait estimates through the airport or via apps if you want a more precise view before leaving home.
Delta Sky Club Locations at Hartsfield-Jackson
If you have Delta Sky Club access, ATL has multiple clubs scattered across concourses, often near heavy Delta gate areas.
Common Sky Club locations (exact locations can change, but typically include):
- Concourse T
- Concourse A
- Concourse B
- Concourse C
- Concourse D
- Concourse E
- Concourse F (International Terminal)
You can:
- Check the Delta app or airport directory for up-to-date club locations
- Choose the club closest to your departure gate or one in a less crowded concourse if you have extra time
Food, Shops, and Amenities in Delta Areas
Because ATL is Delta’s main hub, there are many dining and shopping options spread across the concourses where Delta operates.
Where You’ll Find the Most Options
- Concourse A and B – Typically have the widest range of food and retail, from quick grab-and-go to sit-down restaurants.
- Concourse T and C – Also have good options, especially for quick meals and coffee.
- Concourse E and F – Offer more international-oriented choices, plus lounges and duty-free in certain areas.
If you’re connecting:
- You don’t have to eat only in the concourse where your gate is located—you can ride the Plane Train to another concourse with better options and return to your gate afterward, as long as you have enough time.
Baggage Claim and Ground Transportation for Delta Arrivals
Domestic Delta Arrivals
Most domestic Delta flights:
- Arrive at Concourses T–D.
- To get bags:
- Follow signs to “Baggage Claim”
- Take the Plane Train or walk back to the Domestic Terminal – South
- Look for your flight on the baggage carousel monitors
For ground transportation at the Domestic Terminal:
- Rideshare pickup – Signed zones typically on lower levels or designated areas
- Taxis – Taxi stands near baggage claim exits
- Hotel shuttles – Signs and pickup points near ground transportation areas
- MARTA – Up escalators/elevators to the Airport Station
International Delta Arrivals
For Delta international flights landing at E or F:
- You’ll go through immigration, then baggage claim, then customs.
- If Atlanta is your final destination:
- After clearing customs, you’ll enter the International Terminal arrivals area
- You can meet your ride at the International Terminal
- If you’re connecting:
- Re-check bags if instructed
- Follow signs to the Plane Train or connecting flights shuttle to reach your next concourse or the Domestic Terminal
Helpful Tips for Delta Travelers at ATL
- Check your gate frequently: Gate assignments at a large hub like Atlanta can change, especially with Delta operating many flights. The Delta app, concourse displays, and announcements are your best friends.
- Know your concourse before you leave home: If you live in Atlanta and like to plan, look at your boarding pass or app for the gate and concourse—this gives you a sense of how far you’ll need to travel once inside.
- Plan for the Plane Train: Even if you check in at Domestic South, your gate could be several concourses away. Build 5–15 minutes of walking/Plane Train time into your schedule, depending on the distance.
- Stay on the secure side: Once you pass security, try to stay in the secure area until boarding. Switching between Domestic and International Terminals landside (outside security) takes more time.
- Know where to go for help: Delta service counters and information desks are located in the Domestic Terminal – South and near Delta gate clusters. Airport information desks can also help you navigate if something changes.
If you’re flying Delta at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you’ll be using the Domestic Terminal – South and the International Terminal, plus a mix of Concourses T through F. Once you get comfortable with the Plane Train, the layout becomes much easier, whether you’re an Atlanta local heading out or a visitor connecting through the city.
