Atlanta GA ATL Airport: Your Practical Guide to Hartsfield-Jackson

If you searched for “Atlanta GA ATL Airport,” you’re almost certainly looking for information about Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)—Atlanta’s main airport and one of the busiest in the world. Whether you live in the metro area, are flying in for a visit, or just connecting through, this guide walks you through how ATL works, how to get around, and what to expect as a traveler in or through Atlanta, Georgia.

Where Is ATL Airport and What Is It?

Full name: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Airport code:ATL
Location: About 7 miles south of Downtown Atlanta, primarily in the City of Atlanta, Fulton and Clayton counties.
Street address:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

ATL serves as Atlanta’s primary airport for domestic and international flights and is a major hub for travel across the United States and beyond.

Terminals at ATL: Domestic vs. International

ATL is laid out in a straight “spine” with concourses connected by an underground train. At each end of the spine are two main terminals.

Main Terminals

• Domestic Terminal (West Side)

  • Split into North and South sections.
  • Most U.S. domestic flights depart from here.
  • Main access for many Atlanta-area residents driving in from I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285.

• International Terminal – Maynard H. Jackson Jr. (East Side)

  • Handles most international arrivals and departures.
  • Has its own entrance and parking.
  • Connected to the same concourses by the Plane Train and walkways.

Concourses

From west to east, the concourses are:

• T (at Domestic Terminal)
• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F (directly connected to International Terminal)

You may check in at either the Domestic Terminal (for most domestic carriers) or the International Terminal (for many international flights), and then reach your gate via:

• The Plane Train (airport’s underground shuttle)
• Walkways if you prefer to walk between concourses

Getting To and From ATL Airport in Atlanta

By Car

From most parts of the Atlanta metro area:

• From Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead:
  • Take I‑75/85 South to Exit 239 (Domestic Terminal) or follow signs toward International Terminal.
• From the Perimeter (I‑285):
  • ATL is on the south side of the Perimeter. Use I‑85 or I‑75 to connect toward the airport depending on your direction.

Look for signs labeled “Domestic Terminal” or “International Terminal” early; the exits split, and it’s easier to choose correctly in advance.

By MARTA (Atlanta’s Rail System)

For many residents and visitors, MARTA is the simplest way to reach ATL.

• Rail station:Airport Station (Red and Gold lines)
• Location: Directly inside the Domestic Terminal, near the North and South baggage claim.
• To/from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, North Springs, Doraville, College Park, and beyond:
  • Take a Red or Gold Line train directly to Airport Station.
• For the International Terminal, use:
  • Free airport shuttle connecting Domestic Terminal and International Terminal, available curbside.

MARTA is often preferred by locals during rush hour to avoid highway traffic and parking costs.

Rideshare, Taxis, and Shuttles

• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):
  • At the Domestic Terminal, rideshare pick-up zones are in a designated area (usually in a lower-level or signed section). Look for “Rideshare” signs.
  • At the International Terminal, rideshare pickup is typically closer to the curbside arrivals area.
• Taxis:
  • Official taxi stands are outside the baggage claim areas.
• Hotel shuttles:
  • Many airport-area hotels along Virginia Ave, Old National Hwy, and in College Park offer free shuttles. Check your hotel’s shuttle schedule in advance.

Parking Options at ATL

ATL offers several parking types depending on budget and how long you’ll be gone.

Common Parking Choices

If you live in Atlanta and fly often, it’s common to:

• Use Economy or off-site lots for week-long trips.
• Use Hourly/Short-Term when picking up or dropping off family and friends.

Picking Up and Dropping Off at ATL

Curbside

• Departures level: Most common for drop-offs.
• Arrivals/baggage claim level: Used for pickups.
• Traffic can get congested, especially during morning and evening peak times and around holidays.

Cell Phone Lots

If you’re picking someone up and they’re not ready yet, ATL has “Cell Phone Waiting Lots” where you can:

• Park for free
• Wait until your passenger calls or texts that they’ve reached the curb

This is popular with Atlanta-area residents to avoid circling the terminals.

Navigating Inside ATL Airport

Check-In and Security

• Arrive early, especially during busy times. Many Atlanta travelers aim for:
  • 2 hours before domestic flights
  • 3 hours before international flights
• Check your airline and terminal ahead of time.
• Use self-service kiosks, airline apps, or traditional counters for check-in and bag drop.

Security checkpoints are available in:

• Domestic Terminal North and South
• International Terminal

Some travelers find the International Terminal checkpoints less crowded at certain times, but this can vary.

Plane Train and Walking

Once through security, you’ll use:

• Plane Train: An underground train that runs continuously between:
  • Domestic Terminal / Concourse T / Concourses A–F / International Terminal
• Walkways: If you prefer walking, there are well-marked tunnels with moving walkways between concourses.

Signs are large and color-coded, making navigation manageable even for first-time visitors.

Food, Shopping, and Amenities at ATL

ATL has a wide range of restaurants, coffee spots, and grab‑and‑go options, as well as newsstands and retail shops.

You’ll typically find:

• Quick-service food and coffee in every concourse.
• Sit-down restaurants in Concourses A, B, C, and F, and sometimes in T and E.
• Newsstands and convenience shops near most gates for snacks, drinks, and last-minute travel items.

For Atlanta-focused experiences, look for:

• Local Southern and Atlanta-themed eateries.
• Shops selling Atlanta souvenirs, sports team gear (Falcons, Braves, Hawks, United), and regional snacks.

Other amenities commonly available:

• Charging stations and outlets near many gates.
• Nursing rooms and family restrooms in select concourses.
• Pet relief areas, including designated zones outside and, in some cases, inside secure areas.

ATL for Atlanta Residents: Common Use Cases

If you live in or near Atlanta, you’ll likely interact with ATL in specific ways:

Business Commuters

• Many local professionals use ATL for frequent domestic business trips.
• Consider:
  • MARTA during weekday rush hours.
  • Economy or off-site parking for multi-day travel.

Families Traveling From Atlanta

• Plan extra time for:
  • Parking and shuttles
  • Checking bags and security with children
• Use family restrooms and look for play areas or quieter corners in concourses for kids to decompress before flights.

Hosting Visitors

If you’re an Atlanta resident picking up friends or family:

• Confirm whether they’re arriving at the Domestic or International Terminal.
• For Domestic:
  • Meet them at baggage claim or use curbside pickup.
• For International:
  • Meet them at the arrivals hall in the International Terminal after they clear customs.
• Use the cell phone lot if you’re waiting for their “I’m outside” text.

Connecting Through ATL (Layovers and Transfers)

Many travelers experience ATL as a connection hub.

Making a Domestic-to-Domestic Connection

• Follow signs to “Connecting Flights” after you exit your arriving aircraft.
• You will typically:
  • Stay airside (within secure area).
  • Use the Plane Train to reach your next concourse.
• Layover times:
  • ATL is designed for relatively quick connections, but it’s best to allow some buffer, especially if you prefer walking.

International Arrivals and Customs

If you arrive from another country:

• You will generally:
  • Go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
  • Collect your checked luggage.
  • Re-check bags if you have a connecting flight.
• Depending on your itinerary, you may:
  • Exit into the International Terminal and then travel via shuttle or Plane Train.
  • Or route to the Domestic side for a connection.

For Atlanta residents returning from international travel, you’ll exit into the International Terminal arrivals area, then:

• Meet your ride, or
• Take a free shuttle to the Domestic Terminal or MARTA.

ATL Services, Lost and Found, and Helpful Contacts

General Information

Airport information desks are located in key areas of both terminals and near some concourses. Staff can help with:

• Directions inside ATL
• Questions about amenities, accessibility, or connections

Lost and Found

Depending on where you lost an item:

• In the terminal (public areas) or security:
  • Contact Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport Lost and Found.
• On an aircraft or at a gate:
  • Contact your airline’s lost and found directly.
• In a taxi, rideshare, or MARTA:
  • Reach out to the specific company or MARTA customer service.

When you’re an Atlanta resident, it’s often easiest to handle claims online and then return to the airport only if needed to pick up important items.

Tips for a Smoother ATL Airport Experience

• Check your terminal and concourse before you leave home. Airlines sometimes shift operations between areas.
• Build in extra time if you’re:
  • Driving through heavy Atlanta traffic
  • Traveling on holidays or school breaks
• Use MARTA if:
  • You’re near a station (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, etc.) and want to avoid parking.
• Pack smart for security:
  • Keep electronics and liquids easy to access if required for screening.
• Plan food stops by concourse:
  • If you have a favorite chain or want local Atlanta flavors, check which concourse it’s in and allow time to reach it via the Plane Train.

Understanding how Atlanta’s ATL Airport is laid out—and how it connects to the rest of the city—makes travel far less stressful. Whether you’re an Atlanta local heading out, a visitor arriving for the first time, or a traveler connecting through, ATL is highly navigable once you know where to go and how the pieces fit together.