Navigating ATL Airport’s North Terminal Parkway in Atlanta, GA

If you’re flying into or out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), you’ll probably see signs for North Terminal Parkway. This road is a key access point to the Domestic Terminal – North Side, and it can be confusing if you’re not used to the layout of Atlanta’s airport.

This guide explains what ATL Airport North Terminal Parkway is, how to use it, where it leads, and what to expect when driving, getting dropped off, or using rideshare or public transit.

What Is North Terminal Parkway at ATL?

North Terminal Parkway is the main roadway that runs along the North side of the Domestic Terminal at ATL in Atlanta, Georgia. It serves:

• Passenger drop-off (Departures)
• Passenger pick-up (Arrivals)
• Short-term and long-term parking access
• Rental car and rideshare connections (via connecting routes and shuttles)

When people say “ATL Airport North Terminal Parkway Atlanta GA,” they’re usually talking about the vehicle access area for:

• Delta’s partner airlines and some domestic carriers on the North side of the Domestic Terminal
• The North economy parking lots
• Hotel shuttles and courtesy vehicles
• Personal vehicles dropping off or picking up travelers

The airport’s Domestic Terminal is generally reached via:

• 6000 North Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320 (commonly used for GPS for the North side)

Understanding ATL’s Layout: North vs South at the Domestic Terminal

The Domestic Terminal at ATL is split into two sides:

• North Terminal
• South Terminal

Both sides are part of the same overall building but serve different airlines and have separate main entrances and curb areas.

North Terminal (North Terminal Parkway) typically serves:

• Several major domestic carriers and their partner airlines
• Check-in counters for those carriers
• Access to Concourse T and secure connectors to other concourses (A, B, C, D, E, F)

South Terminal (South Terminal Parkway) typically serves:

• Delta Air Lines’ main domestic check-in area
• Some additional airline operations

If your airline’s ticket says to use the North Terminal, you’ll follow signs to North Terminal Parkway. If it indicates the South Terminal, you’ll follow South Terminal Parkway instead.

How to Get to North Terminal Parkway by Car

From Downtown Atlanta

Most drivers from central Atlanta use I-75/I-85 South:

1. Take I-75/85 South toward the airport.
2. Follow signs for Airport / Domestic.
3. Stay alert for signs indicating Domestic Terminal – North.
4. You’ll exit onto North Terminal Parkway, which loops in front of the terminal.

You’ll then choose between:

• Departures / Ticketing (upper level)
• Arrivals / Baggage Claim (lower level)

From North Atlanta (Buckhead, Sandy Springs, etc.)

1. Take GA-400 South or local roads to connect to I-85 South.
2. Merge onto I-85 South toward the airport.
3. Follow signs for Airport / Domestic.
4. Continue following signs for North Terminal until you reach North Terminal Parkway.

From South Atlanta (College Park, Riverdale, Fayetteville)

1. Take I-85 North or I-75 North depending on your location.
2. Follow signs for Airport / Domestic.
3. Enter via the domestic access road and follow signs specifically for North Terminal and North Terminal Parkway.

Key Areas Along North Terminal Parkway

Once you’re on North Terminal Parkway, you’ll see clearly marked signs for different functions. The roadway is designed as a loop with branching lanes.

1. Departures – Upper-Level Curb

This area is used for passenger drop-off before flights.

• Look for “Departures / Ticketing” or “Departures – North Terminal”.
• Lanes run directly in front of the check-in counters for the airlines on the North side.
• You can stop briefly to unload luggage, but you cannot park or leave the car unattended.
• Airport personnel and law enforcement actively move vehicles along during busy periods.

Tip:
🕒 During peak hours (early morning and late afternoon), leave extra time. Traffic can back up along North Terminal Parkway near Departures.

2. Arrivals – Lower-Level Curb

This area is used for picking up passengers after they land.

• Look for “Arrivals / Baggage Claim” signs.
• You’ll loop underneath the terminal level to the ground-floor curbside area.
• Lanes are marked for private vehicles, taxis, and shuttles.
• You can load passengers and bags but cannot wait long-term or park at the curb.

If your passenger hasn’t reached the curb yet, you may be asked to:

• Drive the loop again, or
• Wait in a cell phone lot (typically located off the main access road, not directly on North Terminal Parkway).

Parking Options Near North Terminal Parkway

Even though North Terminal Parkway is the curb access, you have several parking options very close to it.

Main Parking Types Serving the North Terminal

North Hourly Parking

• Very close to the North side of the Domestic Terminal.
• Best for:
  • Meeting someone at baggage claim
  • Quick business trips or drop-offs that may take more time inside the terminal
• Generally more expensive per hour than other options, but most convenient.

North Daily Parking

• Also near the North Terminal but usually a bit farther than Hourly.
• Good balance of cost vs. convenience.
• Appropriate if you’re leaving your car for a few days.

North Economy Parking

• Slightly farther from North Terminal Parkway.
• Accessed via dedicated signs from the main airport roads.
• Lower daily cost; may involve a short walk or shuttle to the terminal.

Rideshare, Taxi, and Shuttle Use Along North Terminal Parkway

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

For ATL’s Domestic Terminal (including the North side):

• Rideshare pick-ups are usually directed to designated zones, often accessible via wayfinding signs inside the terminal once you reach baggage claim.
• The app will guide you to a specific pickup area; instructions frequently mention “North Terminal” or a certain door or zone number.
• Rideshare drop-offs may use the Departures curb on North Terminal Parkway, similar to personal vehicles.

Because arrangements can change over time, it’s smart to:

• Check updated instructions in your rideshare app.
• Follow overhead and roadside airport signage for “Rideshare” or “App-Based Ride Services.”

Taxis

Official airport taxis typically line up in designated taxi stands near the Arrivals (lower-level) curb. From the North side baggage claim, follow signs marked “Ground Transportation” or “Taxi”.

Hotel and Courtesy Shuttles

Many Atlanta-area hotels near the airport operate free shuttles:

• Shuttles pick up at designated spots along or near North Terminal Parkway, usually on the Arrivals / Ground Transportation side.
• Look for hotel names on shuttle signs or ask an airport information desk for the proper pickup location.

Using Public Transit to or from the North Terminal

MARTA (Atlanta’s Rail System)

Even though MARTA rail doesn’t run directly on North Terminal Parkway, it connects seamlessly to the Domestic Terminal:

• The Airport MARTA Station is underneath the Domestic Terminal.
• From MARTA, you can walk inside the terminal and follow signs to:
  • North Terminal ticketing (for departures)
  • North side baggage claim (for arrivals)

Typical routes for visitors:

• From Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead: Take the Red or Gold line southbound to the Airport Station.
• Once at the Airport Station, follow signage for Domestic / North Terminal; you’ll never need to go outside to reach the North side check-in area.

This is often the simplest option if you’re staying near a MARTA station and want to avoid driving on North Terminal Parkway entirely.

Tips for Using North Terminal Parkway Efficiently

To keep your airport trip smoother, especially in Atlanta’s traffic, a few simple strategies help:

1. Confirm Your Terminal Before You Go

• Double-check your airline and whether it uses the North Terminal or South Terminal.
• Many locals save time by adding “Domestic Terminal – North” or the address 6000 North Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320 into their GPS.

2. Plan Around Peak Travel Times

• Morning (roughly 5–9 a.m.) and evening (roughly 4–7 p.m.) can be busiest.
• Add extra time for:
  • Driving to the airport from inside the Perimeter (I-285)
  • Navigating I-75/85 congestion
  • Traffic backups on the North Terminal Parkway loop, especially near Departures.

3. Use Hourly Parking for Longer Goodbyes

• If you’re dropping off someone and expect to:
  • Help with check-in
  • Stay with them until security
  • Assist elderly relatives or families with young children
• Consider North Hourly Parking instead of lingering at the curb.

4. Use the Cell Phone Lot When Picking Up

• Instead of circling North Terminal Parkway repeatedly, many drivers:
  • Wait in a cell phone lot until the passenger says, “I’m at the curb.”
  • Then pull into Arrivals and pick them up with minimal waiting.

5. Follow Lane Signs Closely

• Lanes along North Terminal Parkway split quickly:
  • Some lanes peel off to parking decks.
  • Others go to Departures or Arrivals.
• Overhead signs appear in sequence, so stay in the lane matching your destination early.

Helpful Local Contacts and Information Points

If you need help once you’re at or near North Terminal Parkway, several official resources are available in or near the Domestic Terminal:

• Airport Information Desks
  Located inside the Domestic Terminal, near:

  • Main ticketing areas
  • Baggage claim zones
    Staff can guide you directly to North Terminal check-in counters, baggage claim areas, parking choices, or ground transportation.

• Hartsfield–Jackson General Information Line
  Commonly listed numbers provide:

  • Flight status help
  • Directions to specific terminal areas
  • Parking and ground transportation details

• City of Atlanta or Airport Police / Security Offices
  Present in the terminal area and on the roadway, they manage:

  • Traffic flow along North Terminal Parkway
  • Safety and emergency responses

When You Should Specifically Use North Terminal Parkway

You’ll most likely interact with North Terminal Parkway if:

• Your airline check-in is located at the North side of ATL’s Domestic Terminal.
• You’re driving to drop someone off for a flight and their airline uses the North Terminal.
• You’re picking someone up whose flight arrives at the Domestic Terminal and they indicate the North side.
• You’ve chosen North Hourly, Daily, or Economy Parking, which is clearly marked as serving the North Terminal.

If you’re taking MARTA or another transit option and staying inside the terminal, you may never physically walk on North Terminal Parkway—but understanding where it is and what it does helps you orient yourself when arranging rides and meeting points.

In short:
ATL Airport North Terminal Parkway in Atlanta, GA is the main access road for the North side of the Domestic Terminal, including its departures and arrivals curbs, nearby parking areas, and many ground transportation services. Knowing how it connects to I-75/85, parking decks, MARTA, and pickup/drop-off areas can make getting in and out of Hartsfield–Jackson much easier, whether you live in Atlanta or are just passing through.