Flying From Indianapolis to Atlanta: What Travelers to ATL Need to Know

A flight from Indianapolis to Atlanta is a quick hop between two major hubs, but there are still plenty of details that matter once you land at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Whether you live in Atlanta and are flying home from Indiana, or you’re visiting Atlanta and connecting through, this guide walks you through the essentials from door to door.

Overview of the Indianapolis–Atlanta Flight

Most nonstop flights from Indianapolis International Airport (IND) to Atlanta (ATL):

• Take about 1.5–2 hours in the air
• Arrive at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, just south of downtown Atlanta
• Are operated frequently throughout the day by major domestic airlines

Because Atlanta is a major connecting hub, many people flying IND–ATL are:

• Returning home to Atlanta
• Connecting onward to other U.S. or international destinations
• Visiting Atlanta for business, conventions, or tourism

No matter which group you’re in, the key part of the trip is what happens once you land in Atlanta.

Arriving at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Most flights from Indianapolis arrive at the Domestic Terminal at ATL.

Domestic vs. International at ATL

• Domestic Terminal (North & South)

  • Used for most Indianapolis to Atlanta flights
  • Direct access to Atlanta’s MARTA rail system, rideshares, taxis, and rental cars

• International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)

  • Used mainly for international arrivals and departures
  • Connected to the rest of the airport by a shuttle and the Plane Train

If Atlanta is your final destination from Indianapolis, you will almost always exit through the Domestic Terminal.

Navigating ATL After Your Flight

Hartsfield–Jackson is large but laid out in a straightforward way.

From Your Gate to Baggage Claim

1. Deplane at your designated concourse (A, B, C, D, E, T)
2. Follow signs for “Plane Train” or walk through the concourse connector
3. Take the Plane Train to “Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation”
4. Pick up checked luggage at the carousel shown on the arrival screens

Once you have your luggage, you’ll choose how to leave the airport: MARTA, rideshare, taxi, shuttle, or rental car.

Getting From ATL to Atlanta Neighborhoods

Your transportation choice depends on where you’re going in the Atlanta area and your budget.

1. Taking MARTA (Rail) 🚆

For many travelers, especially those heading to Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, MARTA is the simplest option.

• MARTA Station at ATL:

  • Located at the Domestic Terminal, near the North Baggage Claim area
  • Follow signs for “Rail / MARTA”

• Key stops for visitors and residents:

  • Garnett / Five Points / Peachtree Center: Downtown Atlanta (government buildings, hotels, some offices)
  • Midtown Station: Access to Midtown offices, arts district, and many apartments/condos
  • Arts Center Station: Museums, cultural spots, and some residential areas
  • Buckhead, Lenox, Brookhaven/Oglethorpe: North Atlanta neighborhoods and shopping areas

Payment:
You typically use a Breeze card or Breeze ticket, available at vending machines in the MARTA station.

MARTA is especially useful if:

• You’re heading to downtown hotels or conference centers
• You want to avoid parking and traffic
• You’re comfortable with public transit and have manageable luggage

2. Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

Rideshare is heavily used at ATL, especially for:

• Trips to Intown Atlanta neighborhoods (Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward)
• Going to areas not directly served by MARTA
• Late-night or early-morning arrivals

Rideshare pick-up at ATL:

• For the Domestic Terminal, rideshare pick-ups typically occur in a designated rideshare zone in the Ground Transportation area.
• Follow airport signs labeled “Rideshare” or “App-Based Rides”.

Rideshare usually offers door-to-door convenience to locations such as:

• Downtown / Midtown condos and hotels
• Suburban areas like Sandy Springs, Decatur, Dunwoody, or College Park

3. Taxis

Taxis are a straightforward, no-app option for getting from your flight to your final destination in Atlanta.

• Taxi stands are located at Ground Transportation outside the Domestic Terminal.
• Atlanta-area taxis typically use metered fares, sometimes with flat rates to certain zones.

Taxis can be practical if:

• You prefer not to use a smartphone rideshare app
• You’re heading to central Atlanta areas and want a predictable, regulated option

4. Rental Cars

If you plan to explore the greater Atlanta metro area or travel to suburbs without easy transit access, a rental car can be useful.

Rental Car Center (RCC):

• Address:
  2200 Rental Car Center Parkway
  College Park, GA 30337

• How to get there from your Indianapolis–Atlanta flight:

  1. Exit the baggage claim area
  2. Follow signs for “Rental Car Center”
  3. Take the ATL SkyTrain, an automated shuttle that runs between the airport and the RCC

From the RCC, you can take I-85, I-75, or I-285 to reach:

• Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead
• Nearby cities like Decatur, Smyrna, Marietta, or Alpharetta

Keep in mind that Atlanta traffic can be heavy during rush hours, especially on interstates and major surface streets near the city center.

Typical Travel Times From ATL to Popular Atlanta Areas

Below is a general guide from ATL Domestic Terminal to key parts of Atlanta. Times can vary with traffic and time of day.

*MARTA times assume a direct ride on the Red or Gold line from Airport Station with a short walk or transfer as needed.

If Atlanta Is Your Connection, Not Your Final Stop

Many Indianapolis–Atlanta passengers are just connecting through ATL.

Making a Connection

After landing:

• Follow signs for “Connecting Flights” (do not go to Baggage Claim if your bags are checked through).
• Use the Plane Train to move between concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, and F.
• Pay attention to the departure boards for your next gate and concourse.

Connection times vary, but ATL is designed to make gate-to-gate transfers relatively smooth, even between distant concourses.

What to Expect When You Land in Atlanta

A few practical notes to help you adjust quickly after your flight from Indianapolis:

• Time Zone:
  Indianapolis and Atlanta are generally both in the Eastern Time Zone, but parts of Indiana observe Central Time. Check your departure details to avoid confusion.

• Weather:
  Atlanta tends to be warmer and more humid than Indianapolis, especially from late spring through early fall.

  • In summer, be prepared for high heat and humidity.
  • Light clothing and hydration are helpful if you’ll be outdoors.

• Local Payment & Services:

  • Most places in Atlanta accept major credit and debit cards.
  • Transit (MARTA, some parking facilities, and airport services) often takes digital payments, but having a physical card is still useful.

Helpful Atlanta-Area Contacts for Air Travelers

These public-facing contacts are useful if you frequently fly between Indianapolis and Atlanta or need service after arrival.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• General Information: (800) 897-1910
• Address:
  6000 N Terminal Parkway
  Atlanta, GA 30320

MARTA Customer Service

• Phone: (404) 848-5000
• For questions about Airport Station, schedules, Breeze cards, and routes to/from the airport

If you’re planning frequent trips between IND and ATL, you may want to:

• Learn which ATL concourses your preferred airline usually uses
• Familiarize yourself with Airport Station on MARTA and the nearest station to your home, hotel, or office
• Consider how Atlanta traffic patterns align with your typical arrival times

Flying from Indianapolis to Atlanta is usually a short, straightforward trip, but what happens after landing at ATL can shape your whole experience. Knowing how to navigate the airport, ground transportation, and key Atlanta neighborhoods makes your arrival smoother—whether you’re coming home, visiting, or connecting onward.