Navigating Atlanta’s International Airport: A Local Guide to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

If you live in Atlanta, visit often, or are planning a trip through the city, you’ll almost certainly pass through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Often called simply “Atlanta airport,” it’s one of the busiest passenger airports in the world and the main gateway to both Atlanta, Georgia and much of the southeastern United States.

This guide walks you through how the airport works, how to get there from around Atlanta, where things are inside, and what to expect as a local or visitor.

Where Atlanta’s International Airport Is and How It’s Set Up

Official name: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Airport code: ATL
Primary address: 6000 North Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320

ATL sits just south of downtown, straddling the line between the City of Atlanta and Clayton County. From most in-town neighborhoods (Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Westside), the drive is usually 15–30 minutes in normal traffic.

Domestic vs. International: Two Main Sides of ATL

The airport is organized around two primary entry points:

• Domestic Terminal (West Side)

  • Divided into North and South check-in areas.
  • Connected to Concourses T, A, B, C, D and part of E for domestic flights.
  • Main access for most U.S. flights, including the majority of Delta’s domestic operations and many other airlines.

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

  • Also known as Terminal F.
  • Primary hub for international departures and arrivals.
  • Houses Concourse F and also connects to Concourse E, which often handles both international and some domestic flights.

You can move between these sides inside security using the Plane Train and via shuttle buses outside security, but they are not directly connected by road. This matters when you’re deciding which terminal to get dropped off at.

Getting to Atlanta Airport from Around the City

By MARTA (Train)

MARTA is often the simplest way to reach ATL if you’re staying or living near a rail line.

• Take any Red or Gold Line train to the Airport Station.
• The station is located inside the Domestic Terminal, at the west end near baggage claim.
• From the station, you can:
  • Walk directly to Domestic check-in and baggage claim, or
  • Follow signs to the Plane Train for other concourses and to reach the International Terminal gates (E and F).

If your international flight checks in at the International Terminal (F), you have two options:

1. Take MARTA to the Domestic Terminal, clear security there, and ride the Plane Train to Concourse F.
2. Take MARTA to the Domestic Terminal, and then use the free shuttle bus outside baggage claim to the International Terminal (if you prefer to check in on the east side).

MARTA is especially helpful for:

• Travelers from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Doraville, College Park, East Point.
• Avoiding I‑75/I‑85 traffic and parking costs.

By Car, Rideshare, or Taxi

ATL is accessible mainly via I‑85 and I‑75, just inside the I‑285 Perimeter loop.

Domestic Terminal access:

• Follow signs for Domestic North (often for airlines other than Delta) or Domestic South (primarily Delta).
• You’ll see clear signage for:
  • Passenger Drop-Off
  • Passenger Pick-Up
  • North/South Parking Decks
  • Rideshare/Taxi zones

International Terminal access:

• Follow signs on I‑75 to the International Terminal / Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd.
• This exit brings you directly to the Terminal F drop-off, pick-up, and parking.

🚕 Rideshare tips for ATL:

• Rideshare pick-up zones are separate from traditional arrivals curbs.
• For the Domestic Terminal, there is a designated Rideshare pick-up area typically outside the terminal near the economy parking or lower level (signposted once you exit baggage claim).
• For the International Terminal, rideshare pick-up is usually at the Arrivals level curb area marked for app-based rides.

If you’re being picked up by friends or family, it’s often easier to:

• Coordinate a pick-up at a less congested door number along the arrivals curb, or
• Use the Cell Phone Lot (near the airport) and have your driver wait there until you’re outside with bags.

Parking at Atlanta’s International Airport

ATL offers a range of parking options on both the Domestic and International sides.

Common Parking Types

Here is a simple overview of typical airport parking categories:

Parking arrangements can change, so it’s wise to check current rates and availability before you head out, especially around holidays or major events in Atlanta.

Inside ATL: Terminals, Concourses, and the Plane Train

One of the most important things to understand about Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is its linear concourse layout connected by an underground train.

Concourses at ATL

From west (closest to Domestic Terminal) to east (closest to International Terminal):

• Terminal / Concourse T – attached directly to the Domestic Terminal
• Concourse A
• Concourse B
• Concourse C
• Concourse D
• Concourse E – mixed use but heavily used for international flights
• Concourse F – connected to the International Terminal, primary international hub

All concourses are connected airside by the Plane Train, an underground automated people mover.

Using the Plane Train

• Once you pass security (either at Domestic or International), follow signs to Plane Train.
• Trains run very frequently between:
  • Terminal (T)
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F / International
• Travel time between adjacent stations is only a minute or two; going from end to end usually takes less than 10 minutes.

If you prefer to walk, there is an underground pedestrian corridor with moving walkways between several concourses. It’s a good backup if trains are crowded, and includes art installations that highlight Atlanta and Georgia culture.

Domestic vs. International Flights: What Atlanta Travelers Should Know

Departing on a Domestic Flight

If you’re flying within the United States:

• Check your airline:
  • Most Delta domestic flights use Domestic South check-in (or curbside) and depart from T, A, B, C, D.
  • Many other airlines use Domestic North check-in and may depart from T or other concourses.
• Arrive at least 1.5–2 hours before departure, more during peak times (early morning, Monday mornings, Friday afternoons, holidays).
• Clear TSA security at the Domestic Terminal, then take the Plane Train (if needed) to your departure concourse.

Departing on an International Flight

For international departures from Atlanta, your exact process can differ slightly based on airline and destination:

• Most international flights using Concourse F:
  • Check in at the International Terminal (F) on the east side, then clear security there.
• Some international flights using Concourse E:
  • May check in at Domestic (especially for flights operated by U.S. carriers) and then connect to E after security.
• Connecting from a domestic flight to an international flight:
  • Stay inside security. Deplane at your domestic concourse (for example, B), take the Plane Train to E or F, and walk to your gate.

Always confirm where your check-in counter and departure concourse are located on your itinerary, since this determines whether you should go to the Domestic or International side when you first arrive at the airport.

Arriving from an International Destination

When you land in Atlanta from abroad:

• You will typically arrive at Concourse E or F.
• You’ll go through:
  • Passport control (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
  • Baggage claim for your checked international luggage
  • Customs screening

If Atlanta is your final destination, you will exit into either:

• The International Terminal arrivals area (side F), or
• Be routed via processing to the Domestic side if continuing onward is not needed.

If you’re connecting to a domestic flight:

• You will usually:
  • Claim checked bags for inspection,
  • Clear customs,
  • Re-check bags at designated transfer counters,
  • Then follow signs to the Plane Train for your next concourse.

Security, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR at ATL

Security lines at Hartsfield–Jackson can be long, especially at popular times. Local travelers often plan ahead to reduce stress.

Main Security Checkpoints

• Domestic Terminal North and South:

  • Multiple security lanes, including standard screening and TSA PreCheck lanes.
  • CLEAR lanes are often available for those enrolled.

• International Terminal (F):

  • Own dedicated security checkpoint.
  • Often less congested at certain times, but depends on flight waves.

Tips to Move Through ATL Security Smoothly

• Arrive early, especially for early-morning flights and major travel periods.
• Keep ID and boarding pass easily accessible until you’re fully through screening.
• Pack snacks and electronics in a way that’s easy to separate if required.
• If you have TSA PreCheck, check your boarding pass to ensure it’s indicated before you enter the line.

Food, Shopping, and Amenities at Atlanta Airport

ATL offers a wide variety of restaurants, quick-service spots, and shops across its concourses. Many national brands are present, along with some local and regional names.

Where to Find Food and Coffee

You can expect food options in almost every concourse, including:

• Quick-service and fast casual near most gate areas.
• Sit-down restaurants and bars in larger concourses like A, B, C, and F.
• Coffee shops and bakeries in the Terminal and concourses.

If you’re connecting through ATL, many travelers like to:

• Use a longer layover to sit down for a meal in Concourse A or B, which often have more choices.
• Grab a snack and walk the connector tunnels for a stretch between flights.

Airport Lounges

Hartsfield–Jackson hosts multiple airline and membership lounges, especially in:

• Concourses T, A, B, and F, and sometimes other concourses.
• Lounges are often available to:
  • Frequent flyers with status,
  • Premium cabin passengers,
  • Certain credit card members,
  • Day-pass purchasers (where allowed).

If lounge access is important, check which concourse your lounge is located in and plan enough time to get from there to your departure gate using the Plane Train.

Other Amenities

Inside ATL you’ll also find:

• Free Wi‑Fi throughout most of the airport.
• Charging stations near many gates.
• Nursing rooms / lactation pods in selected terminals and concourses.
• Pet relief areas (both pre- and post-security).
• Information desks near main terminal areas for assistance.
• Lost and Found services managed by the airport and separate by airline in some cases.

Accessibility and Special Assistance

The airport and many airlines operating out of ATL support travelers needing additional assistance.

Mobility and Accessibility

• Wheelchair assistance can be requested through your airline in advance or at check-in.
• Elevators and ramps are located throughout terminals and concourses.
• The Plane Train and most airport shuttles are accessible.

Traveling with Children, Seniors, or Large Families

For Atlanta-area families:

• Consider using curbside check-in (when available) to manage luggage and strollers more easily.
• If accompanying a minor or elderly traveler to the gate, some airlines may issue a non-traveler escort pass at the ticket counter, subject to their policies.
• Build in extra time to move between concourses with children or anyone who prefers walking to taking the train.

Ground Transportation After You Land in Atlanta

After arriving in Atlanta, Georgia, you’ll choose from several options to leave the airport, depending on where you’re heading.

MARTA from the Airport into the City

If you’ve landed at the Domestic Terminal:

• Follow signs to Baggage Claim and then to the MARTA station.
• You can reach Downtown in about 15 minutes, Midtown in around 20–25 minutes, and Buckhead in roughly 30 minutes depending on time of day.
• Trains generally run frequently during daytime and evening hours.

If you arrive internationally and exit at Terminal F, you can:

• Take the free shuttle bus from the International Terminal to the Domestic Terminal / Ground Transportation Center, then access MARTA there.

Taxis, Rideshare, and Shuttles

From the airport’s Ground Transportation Center:

• Taxis line up for flat-rate or metered rides to various parts of metro Atlanta.
• Rideshare pick-up zones are marked; you’ll follow signs outside baggage claim.
• Hotel shuttles run from the airport to nearby hotels in College Park, East Point, and other surrounding areas.
• Regional shuttles or coach buses may offer transportation to other Georgia cities (for example, Macon, Columbus, Augusta), typically from designated curb areas.

Rental Cars in Atlanta

If you’re renting a car, ATL uses a centralized Rental Car Center:

• Accessible by the SkyTrain (an elevated train) from the Domestic Terminal area.
• All major rental agencies have counters and vehicle pick-up there.
• From the Rental Car Center, you can drive directly to I‑285, I‑85, I‑75, and other major roadways.

Locals sometimes use ATL’s rental car facilities if their own vehicle is unavailable for a longer trip, since it offers a wide choice of agencies and cars.

Helpful Local Tips for Using Atlanta Airport

A few Atlanta-specific pointers that can make your experience smoother:

• Know your terminal before you leave home.

  • If you’re flying international or arriving from abroad, you may need the International Terminal (F).
  • Many locals default to the Domestic Terminal, but that can be a long backtrack if your airline expects you at F.

• Plan extra time for rush hour.

  • Morning and evening rush hour in Atlanta can significantly extend travel times to ATL, especially if you’re coming from the northern suburbs (Alpharetta, Roswell, Marietta).

• Use MARTA if you’re staying in-town.

  • From neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, College Park, East Point, MARTA can be more predictable than driving and parking.

• Take advantage of the Plane Train on connections.

  • If you’re connecting through ATL, don’t be alarmed by a gate in another concourse. Most connections are designed with Plane Train use in mind, and the ride is quick.

• Check baggage claim signs carefully.

  • Domestic baggage claim is on the Domestic Terminal side.
  • International baggage claim and customs are at Concourse E or F / International Terminal depending on your flight.

• Use official information sources.

  • For up-to-date details on parking, security wait times, and terminal maps, rely on the official channels of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and your specific airline.

With a basic understanding of how Atlanta’s international airport is laid out and how it connects to the rest of the city, moving through ATL becomes much less intimidating—whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are simply connecting through on your way elsewhere.