Flights to Atlanta, Georgia: How to Find the Best Options to Hartsfield–Jackson

Flying into Atlanta, Georgia usually means arriving at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), one of the busiest airports in the world. Whether you live in the metro area and are planning a trip out, or you’re flying into Atlanta for work, family, or a weekend of exploring in-town neighborhoods, understanding how flights to Atlanta work can save you time, stress, and money.

This guide walks through the key things Atlanta travelers typically need to know: airlines, routes, best times to fly, airport tips, and how to connect your flight with the city once you land.

Flying Into Atlanta: The Basics

Most commercial flights to Atlanta land at:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

It sits just south of downtown Atlanta, directly connected to I‑85, I‑75, and the MARTA rail system, making it relatively easy to get to and from:

• Downtown Atlanta (Georgia State Capitol, State Farm Arena)
• Midtown (Piedmont Park, Fox Theatre)
• Buckhead (Lenox area)
• College Park, East Point, Hapeville, and surrounding communities

If you’re searching for flights, most booking tools and airline sites will list the airport simply as “Atlanta (ATL)”.

Major Airlines Offering Flights to Atlanta

Atlanta is a major domestic and international hub, so you’ll see flights from most major U.S. and many international airlines. Offerings change over time, but the core pattern is consistent:

Delta Air Lines

• Primary hub carrier in Atlanta
• Extensive nonstop routes across the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and some destinations in Asia and Africa
• Very frequent flights from regional cities in the Southeast and Midwest

For many travelers, if you want the most schedule flexibility to and from Atlanta, Delta is often the first airline to check.

Other Major U.S. Airlines

You can generally find regular service to ATL from:

• American Airlines
• United Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• Alaska Airlines (on select routes)
• JetBlue (on some routes)

These carriers often connect Atlanta to their own hubs (for example, Charlotte, Dallas–Fort Worth, Chicago, Newark, Denver, Phoenix, etc.), which can be useful for trips that don’t have nonstop options.

International Airlines

If you’re flying to Atlanta from abroad, you may see:

• Air Canada (from Canadian cities)
• British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and others via European hubs
• Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, and similar carriers with connections into ATL
• Various Latin American and Caribbean carriers on certain routes

Many international flights operate through Concourse F and Concourse E, which are the international concourses at ATL.

Typical Flight Times to Atlanta From Major Regions

Flight duration depends on route, weather, and air traffic, but many travelers ask how long a typical flight to Atlanta takes. The times below are general ranges for nonstop flights to ATL:

If you live in the Atlanta metro area, you’ll also see many short regional flights from cities like Birmingham, Nashville, Savannah, Charleston, and Greenville–Spartanburg, often under an hour of air time.

When Is the Best Time to Fly to Atlanta?

Pricing and convenience for flights to Atlanta often follow a few consistent patterns:

Cheapest Times to Fly

While prices fluctuate, travelers often find better deals to ATL:

• Midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) rather than Friday–Sunday
• Midday or late-night flights, instead of early morning “prime time” slots
• During non-holiday weeks, avoiding:
  • Major U.S. holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year’s, Fourth of July)
  • Spring break periods
  • Big Atlanta event weekends (major sports events, festivals, large conventions at Georgia World Congress Center)

If you’re local in Atlanta and flexible, checking multiple days and times can make a noticeable difference in cost.

Busiest Times at ATL

Hartsfield–Jackson is busy virtually all day, but it can feel especially crowded:

• Weekday mornings roughly 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
• Late afternoons and early evenings 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday evenings, when many travelers return to Atlanta or connect through the city

If you’re nervous about crowds or tight lines, consider booking off-peak flight times when possible.

Choosing Flights to Atlanta Based on Your Needs

For Business Travelers

If you’re flying into Atlanta for meetings downtown, in Midtown, or in Perimeter/Buckhead:

• Look for flights that arrive before 8:00 a.m. or after 10:00 a.m. to avoid rush-hour traffic on I‑75/85.
• Consider airlines with multiple daily frequencies on your route so you have backup options if plans shift.
• Factor in the MARTA connection from the airport to downtown and Midtown if you don’t want to rent a car.

For Vacation or Family Visits

If you’re visiting Atlanta to see family or explore the city:

• Consider early afternoon arrivals, which give you time to get into town, check in, and still enjoy your first evening.
• If traveling with kids, shorter layovers and nonstop flights to ATL are usually easier.
• If you’re on a budget, check low-cost carriers alongside the major airlines and compare baggage/seat fees.

For International Travelers

If you’re flying into Atlanta from another country:

• Pay close attention to whether your flight lands in Concourse E or F (international).
• You will clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at ATL, then either exit to Atlanta or connect to your domestic flight.
• Allow extra connection time when booking a domestic onward flight, especially the first time you’re flying into ATL.

Atlanta’s Airport Layout: Terminals, Concourses, and What to Expect

Understanding the structure of ATL makes flights to Atlanta feel far less confusing once you land.

Domestic vs. International Terminals

• Domestic Terminal – North and South

  • Most U.S. flights depart and arrive here.
  • The MARTA Airport Station and ground transportation center connect to this area.

• International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)

  • Handles many international arrivals and departures.
  • Associated mainly with Concourse F.
  • Located on a different side of the airport property, with its own access road and parking.

A free airport shuttle connects the Domestic and International terminals if you need to move between them.

Concourses

ATL has a linear set of concourses connected by the Plane Train (an underground people-mover):

• Concourse T – Closest to Domestic Terminal
• Concourses A, B, C, D – Large domestic concourses
• Concourse E – Primarily international
• Concourse F – International terminal concourse

If you’re just flying into Atlanta as your final destination, you typically:

1. Land at your assigned concourse
2. Take the Plane Train or walk via underground walkway to Baggage Claim at the Domestic or International terminal
3. Head to Ground Transportation (rental cars, MARTA, taxis, rideshare, hotel shuttles)

Getting From Your Flight Into Atlanta Itself

Once your flight to Atlanta lands, you have several options to reach the city and surrounding metro areas.

MARTA (Rail) – Easiest for Downtown and Midtown

MARTA Airport Station is in the Domestic Terminal, just past baggage claim.

You can ride MARTA’s Red or Gold Line directly to:

• College Park, East Point, Oakland City and other south-line stops
• Downtown Atlanta (Garnett, Five Points, Peachtree Center, Dome/GWCC/CNN/State Farm Arena)
• Midtown (North Avenue, Midtown, Arts Center)
• Buckhead area (Lindbergh Center, Buckhead, Lenox)

MARTA is often the most straightforward option if:

• You’re staying at a hotel near a station
• You want to avoid parking and traffic
• You prefer predictable travel times in heavy traffic

Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare services and taxis are available at designated pickup zones:

• Follow signs for Rideshare or Taxis from baggage claim.
• These are convenient to neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, West Midtown, or suburban areas not directly on MARTA.

Travel time from ATL to central city areas (without severe traffic):

• Downtown: ~15–25 minutes
• Midtown: ~20–30 minutes
• Buckhead: ~25–40 minutes

Add extra time during rush hours or major events.

Rental Cars

If you’re planning to explore metro Atlanta or visit outlying communities:

• The Rental Car Center (RCC) is accessible via the SkyTrain, a free, elevated train that runs from the airport.
• Most major rental brands operate there, serving trips to Cobb County, Gwinnett, Henry County, Clayton, DeKalb, Fayette, and beyond.

Allow a bit of time for:

1. Getting from your gate to baggage claim
2. Boarding the SkyTrain to the RCC
3. Picking up your rental and exiting onto I‑85 or surrounding roads

How to Find Good Fares on Flights to Atlanta

Whether you’re coming to Atlanta or leaving from ATL, a few practical habits help keep costs reasonable:

• Book early for holidays and peak dates. Atlanta is a major connecting hub, so flights fill fast around school breaks, home games, and big conventions.
• Be flexible with airports on your origin side. For example, if you’re flying from the NYC area, check prices from JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark.
• Compare nonstop vs. connecting routes. Nonstops to ATL can be more convenient, but a one-stop itinerary may be cheaper from certain cities.
• Check different times of day. Very early mornings and late evenings sometimes offer lower fares.
• Watch baggage and seat fees on low-cost carriers to get a realistic total price.

If you live in Atlanta, it can also help to:

• Sign up for fare alerts for routes you take frequently.
• Consider alternate departure days (for instance, leaving on a Thursday instead of Friday evening).

Special Considerations for Flights to Atlanta

Weather Impacts

Atlanta’s weather can affect flights, especially:

• Summer: Thunderstorms can cause ground stops or delays.
• Winter: Occasional ice or snow events can disrupt operations across the Southeast, even if rare.

If you’re flying to or from ATL during potentially stormy periods:

• Build extra time into tight connections.
• Consider morning flights, which can be less impacted by rolling delays that build later in the day.

Mobility and Accessibility

Hartsfield–Jackson offers:

• Wheelchair assistance (arranged through your airline)
• Elevators and escalators across concourses
• Designated accessible pick-up/drop-off zones

If you or someone in your group needs extra assistance:

• Contact your airline ahead of time to request mobility support or early boarding.
• Arrive earlier than usual to move through the airport at a comfortable pace.

Traveling With Children

Flights into and out of Atlanta with kids are common, and families often benefit from:

• Choosing nonstop routes to ATL when possible
• Bringing snacks and entertainment, as ATL’s concourses can involve some walking and waiting
• Using family restrooms and play areas where available near certain gates

Official Contacts and Useful Local Information

When planning or troubleshooting flights to Atlanta, these official resources can help:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• General airport information phone (commonly listed via city/airport directories)
• In-person help: Information desks located in the terminals and concourses

ATL Lost and Found (for items lost at the airport, not on the plane)

• Typically located in the Domestic Terminal; check airport directories or information desks once you arrive for current details.

City of Atlanta – Department of Aviation

• Oversees operations at ATL
• Main offices are on airport property; information desks in the terminals can direct you if needed for administrative or business inquiries.

For flight-specific questions (delays, cancellations, gate changes, baggage issues), your airline’s customer service desk at ATL or its mobile app will usually be the fastest way to get real-time answers.

By understanding how flights to Atlanta, Georgia connect through Hartsfield–Jackson, what airlines and routes are most common, and how to navigate from the plane into the city itself, you can plan trips that fit your schedule, budget, and comfort level—whether you’re calling Atlanta home or visiting to experience everything the city has to offer.