Atlanta GA Airport: Your Practical Guide to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport

When people say “Atlanta GA airport,” they almost always mean Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – the main airport serving Atlanta and one of the busiest airports in the world. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, you’re flying in for a visit, or you’re just connecting through, it helps to understand how ATL is laid out and how to navigate it smoothly.

Where the Atlanta GA Airport Is and How It’s Set Up

Airport name: Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Code: ATL
Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
Location: About 7–8 miles south of Downtown Atlanta, directly off I‑85.

ATL has two main sides:

• Domestic Terminal (West side)
• International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal) (East side)

Between them are Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, and F, which are connected by:

• The underground Plane Train (automated train)
• Walkable concourses via underground tunnels

You can move between all concourses after security without leaving the secure area.

Domestic vs. International: Which Side Do You Use?

Domestic Terminal (North & South)

If you’re flying within the United States, you’ll almost always use the Domestic Terminal.

The Domestic side is split into:

• North Terminal
  • Primarily used by Delta’s check-in and some partner airlines
• South Terminal
  • Primarily used by other major U.S. airlines (for example, Southwest, American, United, etc.)

Once you clear security on either North or South, you can access all domestic concourses (T, A, B, C, D) and also E and F if needed.

International Terminal (Concourse F)

If you’re:

• Departing Atlanta on an international flight, or
• Arriving directly from abroad to Atlanta and ending your trip here,

you’ll typically use the International Terminal, located at:

International Terminal Address:
2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354

This terminal is connected airside to all other concourses. You can:

• Clear security at the International Terminal and then ride the Plane Train to any other concourse.
• Arrive on an international flight and connect to a domestic flight without going outside security, as long as you follow the connection signs and re-clear customs where directed.

Quick Layout Snapshot

Here’s a simple view of how ATL is organized:

Getting To and From Atlanta Airport

By Car

Major access routes:

• I‑85: Direct exits lead into the airport for both Domestic and International Terminals.
• Camp Creek Parkway: Useful if you’re coming from West Atlanta or the I‑285 perimeter.

There are separate highway exits and directional signs for:

• Domestic Terminal – North & South
• International Terminal

Follow the signs carefully; going to the wrong side can cost you extra time, especially during peak traffic.

Parking Options at ATL

ATL offers several types of parking that matter whether you live in Atlanta or are visiting.

At the Domestic Terminal

Common parking options include:

• Domestic Hourly Parking:
  • Closest to the terminal, used for short visits, pick-ups, and drop-offs.
• Domestic Daily Parking:
  • Slightly farther but still walkable; good for short trips.
• Economy Parking:
  • Lower cost, shuttle or longer walk depending on lot.
• Park-Ride Lots (Long-Term):
  • Usually the cheapest airport-operated option, with shuttle buses to terminals.

At the International Terminal

• Separate International hourly and daily parking garages are available adjacent to the International Terminal.
• Park-Ride options also serve international passengers via shuttle.

For longer trips, many Atlanta residents compare on-site airport parking with off-site private lots in the College Park and Airport area, which typically include shuttle service.

Public Transportation to ATL

If you live or are staying in Atlanta, MARTA is often the simplest way to reach the airport.

MARTA Train

• Station: Airport Station (end of the Red and Gold Lines)
• Location: Directly inside the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim.

From the Airport Station, you can take MARTA:

• North to Downtown (Five Points), Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, etc.
• North on the Gold Line to areas like Doraville.
• North on the Red Line to North Springs.

To reach the International Terminal when arriving by MARTA:

1. Get off at Airport Station (Domestic side).
2. Follow signs for the International Shuttle.
3. Take the free shuttle to the International Terminal.

MARTA Bus and Other Options

• Local MARTA bus routes serve the area around the airport.
• Some regional buses and shuttles connect ATL to other Georgia cities or campuses (for example, Macon, Augusta, or certain universities), typically from designated ground transportation areas.

Rideshare, Taxis, and Pick-Up Areas

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

Domestic Terminal:

• Rideshare pick-up is usually in a designated rideshare zone in the parking garage area on the Domestic side.
• Look for signs inside baggage claim directing you to app-based rides.

International Terminal:

• Rideshare pick-up is generally from a marked area outside the International Arrivals level.

Taxis

• Taxis queue outside of baggage claim at both Domestic and International Terminals.
• Flat-rate pricing often applies to common destinations like Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead; drivers typically have posted rate charts.

Passenger Pick-Up / Drop-Off

• Curbside drop-off: Available at both Domestic and International departures level.
• Passenger pick-up: Typically at the arrivals level outside baggage claim.
• For Domestic arrivals, there’s also a Cell Phone Waiting Lot where drivers can wait until passengers are ready.

Inside the Airport: Terminals, Security, and Getting Around

Security Checkpoints

You’ll find multiple security checkpoints:

• Domestic Main Checkpoint (between North and South)
• North and South checkpoints
• International Terminal security checkpoint

Key points:

• You can go through any open checkpoint serving your airline’s side; once you’re airside, you can reach every concourse.
• Programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR (if you’re enrolled) are available at certain checkpoints and can reduce wait times.

Moving Between Concourses

ATL is known for its straight-line concourse layout:

• Plane Train:
  • Automated underground train stopping at:
    • Domestic Terminal / Concourse T
    • Concourses A, B, C, D, E, F (International)
  • Runs frequently; travel between most concourses is just a few minutes.
• Walking:
  • An underground walkway runs under the concourses with moving sidewalks and exhibits. It’s walkable if you prefer to avoid the train or stretch your legs.

Food, Shopping, and Amenities at ATL

Because of Atlanta’s size and role as a major hub, ATL offers a wide range of services.

Food & Drink

Across concourses T–F you’ll typically find:

• Quick-service spots for coffee, sandwiches, and fast food.
• Sit-down restaurants and bars with local and national concepts.
• Options for early-morning and late-night flights in busier concourses like A, B, and T.

If you live in Atlanta and fly frequently, you’ll get used to where your preferred spots are by concourse, especially for short layovers.

Shopping & Essentials

Look for:

• Newsstands and convenience stores for snacks, drinks, and travel items.
• Gift shops with Atlanta- and Georgia-themed merchandise.
• Duty-free shopping in international areas (primarily Concourses E and F).

Other Services

Common traveler services include:

• Free Wi‑Fi throughout the airport.
• Charging stations near many gates.
• ATMs and currency exchange (mainly in international areas).
• Nursing rooms and family restrooms in multiple concourses.
• Pet relief areas inside and outside the terminals.

Accessibility and Special Assistance

ATL is set up to assist travelers with different mobility and accessibility needs.

Available support generally includes:

• Wheelchair assistance (request through your airline in advance or at the check-in counter).
• Elevators and ramps at all terminal levels.
• Accessible restrooms and family restrooms across concourses.
• Visual and audio announcements at gates and security.

If you live in Atlanta and know you’ll need extra time or assistance at the airport, it’s a good idea to:

• Arrive earlier than usual for your flight.
• Call your airline in advance to confirm arrangements.

Lost and Found, Help Desks, and Airport Contacts

Lost and Found

Where to go depends on where you lost the item:

• On the plane or at the gate:
  • Contact your airline’s lost and found or customer service desk.
• At security:
  • Items left at TSA checkpoints may be handled by TSA Lost & Found at ATL.
• In public areas of the terminals (not on the plane):
  • Handled by the airport’s Lost and Found department, typically located on the airport property and reachable by phone or form.

General Information Help

Inside the airport, you’ll find:

• Information desks in main terminal areas.
• Uniformed airport customer service staff who can direct you to baggage claim, MARTA, rideshare zones, and other services.

For non-emergency questions, travelers often use:

• The airport’s general information phone line (listed on ATL’s official materials).
• Airline customer service counters near ticketing or gates.

For emergencies, call 911 or contact airport security.

Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors Using ATL

Here are some locally useful pointers:

• Plan for Atlanta traffic:
  • If you’re driving from inside the metro area, build in extra time, especially during morning and evening rush hours on I‑75/85 and I‑285.
• Know your terminal before you leave home:
  • Check whether your flight leaves from the Domestic or International Terminal. Going to the wrong side can add 20–30 minutes or more to your trip.
• Use MARTA when staying Downtown, Midtown, or near the Red/Gold Lines:
  • This avoids parking fees and highway congestion and drops you directly into the Domestic Terminal.
• Allow time for connections:
  • ATL is big, but well-organized. If you have a tight connection between far concourses (for example, A to F), head straight to your next gate and use the Plane Train.
• For pick-ups, use the Cell Phone Lot:
  • If you’re picking someone up at the Domestic Terminal, wait in the Cell Phone Waiting Lot until they call you to say they’re curbside.

Other Airports Near Atlanta

While ATL is the primary Atlanta GA airport for almost all commercial flights, there are a few other airports in the region that serve specific purposes:

• DeKalb‑Peachtree Airport (PDK) – Chamblee, GA
  • Focuses on general aviation, corporate, and private flights, not regular commercial airlines.
• Cobb County International Airport (RYY) – Kennesaw, GA
  • General aviation and corporate use.
• Smaller regional airports around metro Atlanta also handle private or charter traffic.

For regular domestic and international airline service, Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the main passenger airport serving Atlanta and the one most travelers will use.