Atlanta Georgia Airport: Your Complete Guide to Hartsfield-Jackson

If you’re searching for “Atlanta Georgia Airport”, you’re almost always looking for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) — the major airport serving Atlanta, Georgia and one of the busiest in the world.

Whether you live in Atlanta, are flying in for a visit, or just connecting through, this guide walks you through how ATL works, how to navigate it, and what to expect.

Key Facts About Atlanta’s Airport (ATL)

Official name: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Airport code:ATL
Location: About 7 miles south of downtown Atlanta
Address: 6000 North Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320
Main phone: (800) 897-1910 (general airport information)

ATL is a major hub for domestic and international flights. Many travelers start, end, or connect flights here, so understanding the layout and options can make your trip much smoother.

Airport Layout: Terminals, Concourses & How to Get Around

The Two Main Terminals

ATL has two main landside terminals:

• Domestic Terminal
  • North side (often used by Delta and some partners)
  • South side (used by other domestic airlines)
• International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
  • Located on the east side of the airport
  • Handles most international departures and arrivals

Even if your airline is “international,” some flights may still use the Domestic Terminal (especially if they are domestic legs or codeshares), so always check your ticket or airline app.

Concourses A–F & T

Behind security, ATL is organized into concourses:

• Concourse T (attached to Domestic Terminal)
• Concourse A
• Concourse B
• Concourse C
• Concourse D
• Concourse E
• Concourse F (attached to International Terminal)

All concourses are connected airside (after security), so you can move between them without re-clearing TSA.

Plane Train & Walkways

To get between concourses quickly, you’ll use:

• Plane Train

  • An underground automated train
  • Stops at Domestic Terminal (T), Concourses A–F, and International Terminal
  • Trains run frequently and rides are short (usually a minute or two between concourses).

• Underground pedestrian walkway

  • Connects concourses with moving walkways
  • Good if you prefer to walk, get exercise, or if you want to see the public art displays between concourses.

➡ Tip: If you have a tight connection, the Plane Train is usually the fastest option.

Getting To and From the Airport in Atlanta

MARTA (Public Transit)

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is the easiest and most predictable way to reach ATL.

• Station name: Airport Station
• Location: Directly inside the Domestic Terminal (near baggage claim)
• Lines: Red and Gold lines
• Where it goes:
  • North to Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead
  • Connections to other MARTA lines and bus routes

If you’re staying around Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or Doraville, MARTA is often quicker than driving during rush hour.

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft)

Rideshare services are widely used by Atlanta travelers.

• Domestic Terminal pickup:
  • Usually from the Rideshare/Transportation Network Company (TNC) pickup area, typically in a designated zone near the North or South Terminal ground transportation areas.
• International Terminal pickup:
  • At ground transportation level, at the designated rideshare area.

Always follow airport signage to the correct pickup point so drivers can find you easily.

Taxis

Atlanta has a stable taxi presence at ATL:

• Taxi stands are located outside the baggage claim areas of both Domestic and International Terminals.
• Fares to central Atlanta areas (like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead) sometimes follow flat-rate zones; drivers usually have rate cards visible.

Driving Yourself & Parking

You can reach ATL via major highways such as I-85, I-75, and I-285, depending on your starting point.

Common parking options:

• Hourly parking (closest to terminals; better for drop-offs, pick-ups, short visits)
• Daily parking decks
• Economy parking lots
• ATL West or remote lots with shuttle service to terminals

For long trips, economy or remote lots are often more cost-effective. Parking locations are well-signed along the approach roads to both the Domestic and International Terminals.

Domestic vs. International Travel at ATL

Flying Domestic (Within the U.S.)

If you’re flying to or from another city within the United States, you’ll typically use:

• Domestic Terminal (North or South Check-in)
• Depart from Concourse T, A, B, C, or D

Atlanta residents often prefer to:

• Arrive at least 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight, especially at peak morning or evening times.
• Use airline apps to check terminal and gate before leaving home.

Flying International

For international flights to or from Atlanta:

• Most use the International Terminal (Concourse F).
• Some flights use Concourse E but still follow international screening and customs procedures.

When departing internationally:

• Drive or get dropped off at the International Terminal if your ticket indicates check-in there.
• Plan to arrive around 2–3 hours before departure, depending on airline guidance.

When arriving internationally:

• You’ll go through:
  • Immigration
  • Baggage claim
  • Customs
• Then you can:
  • Exit at the International Terminal, or
  • Take transportation to other parts of Atlanta (taxi, rideshare, family pickup, shuttles, etc.)

If you have a connecting domestic flight, you may need to:

• Claim your checked bags
• Clear customs
• Re-check bags with your airline
• Proceed to your next gate (often via the Plane Train to another concourse)

Security Screening (TSA) at ATL

ATL has multiple TSA checkpoints, mainly:

• Domestic Terminal North checkpoint
• Domestic Terminal South checkpoint
• International Terminal checkpoint

Some general points:

• Atlanta locals often use PreCheck if they travel frequently; ATL supports programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR at selected lanes.
• Morning rush (roughly 5–9 a.m.) and late afternoon/evening can see longer wait times.
• Always check your boarding pass to see if your airline recommends a specific checkpoint (for example, some direct you to North or South based on your airline).

📝 Tip: If a line at one domestic checkpoint looks extremely long, airport staff often direct passengers to the other side (North vs. South), where lines may be shorter.

ATL for Atlanta Residents vs. Visitors

If You Live in Atlanta

Some ways locals often approach ATL:

• MARTA for weekday departures to avoid traffic and parking costs.
• Rideshare or being dropped off for early-morning flights.
• Economy parking or remote lots for week-long trips.
• Saving time by:
  • Checking in online
  • Knowing which terminal your airline always uses
  • Using the same familiar security checkpoint each time

If you travel regularly, it can help to learn:

• Which concourse your airline commonly uses
• Where your favorite food or coffee spots are in each concourse
• The fastest route from your most-used checkpoint to common gates

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

If ATL is your entry into the city:

• Decide in advance how you’ll get to your hotel or destination:
  • MARTA is convenient if staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near MARTA stations.
  • Rideshare or taxi may be better for areas not near MARTA, like many suburban neighborhoods or parts of Westside/South Atlanta.
• If you’re renting a car, budget time for:
  • The rental car center shuttle, and
  • Completing rental paperwork, especially during busy periods.

Rental Cars, Shuttles, and Ground Transportation

Rental Car Center (RCC)

ATL’s Rental Car Center is located separate from the main terminals but is easy to reach.

• Access: Take the SkyTrain, an elevated people mover from the Domestic Terminal area.
• Rental agencies: Most major rental companies operate here with counters and pick-up garages.

If you arrive at the International Terminal, you may use a shuttle or be directed to reach the SkyTrain or Domestic side first.

Hotel & Airport Shuttles

Many Atlanta-area hotels (especially near the airport and some in Downtown/Midtown) offer shuttle service to and from ATL:

• Typically pick up at ground transportation areas outside baggage claim.
• Shuttle details are usually posted by the hotel; check with your hotel for:
  • Pickup location
  • Frequency
  • Hours of operation

Other Ground Options

• Shared-ride vans (where available)
• Private car services (pre-arranged)
• Charter buses for groups or events

For large conventions at places like the Georgia World Congress Center or Downtown hotels, organizers sometimes arrange dedicated buses from ATL.

Food, Shopping, and Amenities at ATL

ATL offers a wide variety of restaurants, coffee spots, and shops across all concourses.

Dining

You can find:

• Quick-service and fast-casual options
• Sit-down restaurants and bars
• Cafes and bakeries for coffee and snacks

Because ATL is a major hub, many passengers plan meal breaks during layovers. If you’re connecting, check which concourse has the kind of food you prefer and use the Plane Train to get there.

Shopping & Services

Common services in different concourses include:

• Newsstands and convenience shops
• Travel essentials (chargers, headphones, snacks)
• Clothing and gift shops
• Currency exchange counters (mainly near the International Terminal)
• ATMs across terminals and concourses

Lounges

Several airlines operate airport lounges at ATL, especially in:

• Concourse T
• Concourse A
• Concourse B
• Concourse F (International)

Access is usually for:

• Eligible ticket holders (business/first class on certain flights)
• Lounge membership programs
• Certain credit card holders

Special Travel Needs: Accessibility & Assistance

ATL is designed to support travelers with accessibility needs:

• Wheelchair assistance: Can usually be requested through your airline when booking or at check-in.
• Accessible restrooms and elevators throughout terminals and concourses.
• Visual and audio signage for announcements, gates, and train stops.
• Family restrooms and nursing rooms in various locations.

If you or someone you’re traveling with needs extra time or assistance:

• Inform your airline before arrival when possible.
• Allow additional time to move between check-in, security, and the gate, especially if you need wheelchair or escort services.

Quick Reference: Key ATL Basics

Practical Tips for Using Atlanta’s Airport

• Check your terminal before you leave home. Many Atlanta residents rely on airline apps or email confirmations to know whether they’re using the Domestic or International Terminal.
• Consider traffic patterns. Rush hour on I-75/I-85 can significantly affect travel time. If you’re driving or getting a ride, build in a buffer.
• Use MARTA when it makes sense. It can be especially helpful if you live or stay near a MARTA station in the city.
• Plan for security. Aim to arrive earlier during busy travel seasons, holidays, and early mornings.
• For connections, watch your concourse. If your layover is short, head directly to your next gate instead of lingering in your arrival concourse.

With a basic understanding of how Atlanta’s airport (ATL) is laid out and how transportation works around it, traveling to, from, or through Atlanta, Georgia becomes much more straightforward.