Atlanta’s International Airport: Your Guide to ATL in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the busiest airports in the world and a major gateway for the city and the entire Southeast. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are flying in for a visit, or just connecting through, understanding how ATL works can save you time, stress, and money.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to navigating International Airport ATL in Atlanta, GA—from terminals and parking to ground transportation and nearby services.

Where ATL Is and What Makes It Important

Official name: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Airport code: ATL
Address: 6000 N Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320

ATL sits just south of downtown Atlanta, straddling Clayton and Fulton counties, and serves as:

• A major domestic hub for flights all over the United States
• A key international gateway to Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and beyond
• A central travel point for residents across metro Atlanta and much of Georgia

For locals, ATL is often the most convenient option for both quick regional trips and long-haul international flights. For visitors, it’s usually the first real taste of Atlanta—complete with local restaurants, art, and signage highlighting the city.

Terminals at ATL: Domestic vs. International

ATL’s layout can be confusing at first, but it follows a fairly consistent pattern once you break it down.

The Basic Layout

ATL has:

• Two main terminal buildings:

  • Domestic Terminal (North & South)
  • Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F)

• Seven concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F) aligned in a row and connected by the Plane Train and walkways.

Domestic Terminal (North & South)

The Domestic Terminal is on the west side of the airport and splits into:

• North Terminal: Used by some major carriers and many other domestic airlines
• South Terminal: Main check-in area for Delta Air Lines domestic flights

From the Domestic Terminal you can quickly access:

• Concourse T (attached directly)
• Concourses A, B, C, D, E via the Plane Train or pedestrian tunnels

This is where most flights within the United States depart and arrive.

Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F)

The International Terminal sits on the east side of the airport and is the primary hub for:

• Most international departures
• Many international arrivals
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection for passengers arriving from abroad

It includes:

• Concourse F (connected directly)
• Easy access to Concourse E (another main international concourse) via the Plane Train or a short walk

If your ticket says you depart from Concourse E or F, it’s usually easier to use the International Terminal entrance and its dedicated parking and drop-off areas.

Domestic vs. International Flights at ATL

How to Tell Which Terminal to Use

Look at your boarding pass or airline app and check:

• Departure terminal name (Domestic vs. International)
• Concourse letter (T, A–F)
• Gate number

Common patterns:

• Domestic-only flights: Typically use the Domestic Terminal and concourses T–D
• International flights: Usually depart from Concourses E or F, accessed via the International Terminal
• Some domestic legs of international itineraries may still use domestic concourses, so always confirm what your airline lists.

Arriving Internationally into ATL

If you’re arriving into Atlanta from another country, you will:

1. Arrive at Concourse E or F
2. Go through passport control and customs at the International Terminal
3. Claim any checked bags as directed, then either:
   • Exit into the Atlanta arrivals area, or
   • Re-check bags and continue on a domestic connection if Atlanta is not your final stop

If Atlanta is your home or final destination, you’ll exit on the International side and can then use taxis, rideshare, or other transportation from that terminal area.

Getting To and From ATL: Transportation Options in Atlanta

Driving Yourself

ATL is conveniently reached by major highways:

• I-85 (north–south, passes by the Domestic Terminal)
• I-285 (Perimeter, connects to I-85 near the airport)
• I-75 (to the east of the airport)

Signs on I-85 and surface roads clearly mark Domestic Terminal and International Terminal exits. Factor in Atlanta traffic—peak times around weekday mornings and late afternoons can add significant time.

MARTA (Atlanta’s Rail System)

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is one of the easiest ways to reach ATL without worrying about parking.

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

Key notes:

• If you’re going to the International Terminal, MARTA trains do not stop directly there. You will:
  • Arrive at the Domestic Terminal MARTA station, then
  • Transfer to the free International Terminal shuttle (outside baggage claim) that runs between Domestic and International sides

This is useful for:

• Travelers staying in downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near MARTA-accessible neighborhoods
• Airport employees who commute via transit
• Anyone wanting to avoid traffic and parking costs

Rideshare and Taxi Services

Passengers can use:

• Rideshare (commonly via app-based services)
• Taxis from designated taxi stands

For the Domestic Terminal, rideshare pickup areas are typically in well-marked zones near the terminal but separate from general curbside traffic. For the International Terminal, rideshare and taxis have their own marked pickup zones near arrivals.

Always follow airport signage for “Rideshare” or “Ground Transportation” to reach the correct area.

Hotel and Private Shuttles

Many Atlanta-area hotels, especially those in the airport/College Park/Hapeville area, run free or paid shuttles:

• Most hotel shuttles pick up from the Ground Transportation Center at the Domestic Terminal
• Some long-distance or regional shuttles to other Georgia cities may also depart from here

If you are heading to a conference, university, or specific event, check if they operate a dedicated ATL shuttle.

Parking at Atlanta’s International Airport

There are multiple parking options whether you’re using the Domestic or International terminals.

Main Types of Parking

Domestic vs. International Parking

• Use Domestic parking decks and economy lots if you’re flying from the Domestic Terminal.
• Use the International Terminal parking deck if your flight departs from Concourse F or Concourse E and you’re checking in at the International Terminal.

If you accidentally park on the wrong side, it’s still possible to get between terminals using the free shuttle, but it adds time and complexity.

Inside ATL: What to Expect in the Airport

Security Checkpoints

• The Domestic Terminal has multiple checkpoints (including a main and a North checkpoint).
• The International Terminal has its own dedicated checkpoint.

Travelers are screened according to standard U.S. airport security procedures. Many Atlanta-based frequent travelers use options like expedited screening programs if eligible, but regular screening lines are available to all.

Plane Train and Walkways

ATL uses an underground train, the Plane Train, to move passengers between:

• Domestic Terminal (T)
• Concourses A, B, C, D
• International concourses E and F

You can also walk between concourses using underground pedestrian tunnels equipped with moving walkways. This is handy if:

• You prefer walking
• You want to avoid crowding on the Plane Train
• You have time between connections

Dining, Shopping, and Amenities

Concessions inside ATL often feature a mix of:

• National food chains
• Local Atlanta brands and restaurants
• Snack stands, coffee shops, and sit-down dining

Other amenities typically include:

• Newsstands and convenience shops
• Airport lounges (primarily in concourses T, A, B, E, and F)
• Charging stations at many gates
• Airport art installations and exhibits, including those reflecting Atlanta’s history and culture

Tips for Atlanta Residents Using ATL

If you live in the Atlanta area, a few local-minded tips can make ATL easier:

• Give yourself more time if you drive: Atlanta highway traffic near I-85 and I-285 can be unpredictable, especially around rush hour or during events.
• Know your side of the airport: Decide early whether you’re using the Domestic or International Terminal, especially if someone is dropping you off.
• Use MARTA when it makes sense: If you live near a MARTA station in downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or North Springs, train access can be faster than driving and parking.
• Check your concourse before picking a security line: Sometimes certain checkpoints at the Domestic Terminal are closer to specific concourses, which can shorten your walk once you’re through security.

Tips for Visitors Flying into ATL

If you’re coming to Atlanta for the first time:

• Know where you’re staying:

  • If your hotel is downtown, Midtown, or near a MARTA station, the train from ATL can be straightforward.
  • If your hotel is in the suburbs, rideshare, taxi, rental car, or hotel shuttle may be better.

• Watch for baggage claim signs carefully: Domestic and international arrivals have different baggage claim areas.

• Check the weather: Atlanta summers can be hot and humid, and storms can cause delays. Build flexibility into your schedule where possible.

• Allow extra time for connections: ATL is large. For tight connections, follow airport signs to your next concourse and use the Plane Train when available.

International Travel Details at ATL

Departing Internationally from Atlanta

If you live in or are staying in Atlanta and have an international flight:

1. Confirm whether your airline wants you at the International Terminal.
2. If yes, plan to arrive and check in at the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal on the east side of the airport.
3. Allow additional time for:
   • Check-in and document checks
   • Security screening
   • Walking or taking the Plane Train to your specific gate in Concourse E or F

Many international flights recommend arriving earlier than you might for a domestic flight, especially during busy travel seasons.

Arriving in Atlanta from Abroad

On landing at ATL from an international destination:

• You will usually go through:
  • Passport control
  • Customs inspection
  • Baggage claim in the International Terminal
• After clearing, you can:
  • Exit directly to Atlanta if ATL is your final stop
  • Re-check bags if you’re catching a connecting domestic flight

Ground transportation from the International Terminal includes:

• Rideshare and taxis
• Shuttle to the Domestic side (if you need MARTA or parking on that side)
• Private cars and some hotel shuttles

Helpful ATL Contact and Location Information

While operational details can change, certain core information remains stable and useful:

• Main Airport Address:
  Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  6000 N Terminal Parkway
  Atlanta, GA 30320

• Domestic Terminal Access:
  Off Interstate 85, Exit 72 (Camp Creek Parkway/Airport)

• International Terminal Access:
  Via Interstate 75, Exit 239 (for the International Terminal)

• MARTA Airport Station:
  Located inside the Domestic Terminal, accessible from the lower level near baggage claim.

For the latest details on parking availability, specific airline locations, or terminal changes, it’s best to verify close to your travel date using official airport or airline channels.

Understanding International Airport ATL in Atlanta, GA is mainly about knowing which terminal you need, how you’ll get there, and how much time to allow. With a little planning—especially around traffic, terminal choice, and transportation—ATL can be a manageable gateway whether you’re a local Atlantan or a visitor exploring the city.