Atlanta’s Airport in Georgia: Your Practical Guide to Hartsfield–Jackson

When people say “Georgia Atlanta Airport,” they almost always mean Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – the main airport serving Atlanta and the entire region. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or planning a connection through the city, understanding how ATL works will save you time, stress, and money.

This guide walks through how the airport is laid out, how to get there, parking, security, ground transportation, and local tips that matter specifically in and around Atlanta, Georgia.

Quick Facts About Atlanta’s Main Airport

Official name: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Airport code:ATL
Location: Mostly in Clayton County, just south of the City of Atlanta
Distance from Downtown Atlanta: About 10 miles south of downtown via I‑75/I‑85
Address (Domestic Terminal):
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

ATL is a huge hub for both domestic and international flights, and it’s a primary connection point for travelers all over the country and the world. For Atlanta residents, it’s also the default airport for nearly all major routes.

Understanding ATL’s Layout: Domestic vs. International

One of the most important things for Atlanta travelers to know is that ATL has two main terminal areas:

• Domestic Terminal (often called “North” and “South”)
• Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Terminal F)

Domestic Terminal (North & South)

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

• North Terminal: Many non-Delta airlines check in here.
• South Terminal: Largely used by Delta Air Lines for domestic flights.

From the Domestic Terminal, you’ll access Concourses T, A, B, C, D, and E via:

• The Plane Train (underground automated people mover), or
• A long walkway if you prefer to stay on foot.

International Terminal (Terminal F)

The International Terminal is on the east side of the airport and directly connects to Concourse F. It also provides access to all other concourses via the Plane Train.

Key points for Atlanta-area travelers:

• Departing on an international flight:
  • Your check-in might be at either the Domestic Terminal or the International Terminal, depending on your airline.
  • Many international flights operated by Delta and SkyTeam partners use the International Terminal.
• Arriving internationally:
  • You’ll typically clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the International Terminal (Concourse F) or in Concourse E.
  • After customs, you can exit to the International Terminal arrivals area or proceed to another gate for a connecting flight.

If someone is picking you up, it really matters whether you’re coming out of the Domestic or International terminal – they’re on opposite sides of the airfield and not walkable.

How to Get to Atlanta Airport from Around the City

By Car

The airport is directly off I‑85/I‑75 south of downtown. Use these main access points:

• Domestic Terminal:

  • Follow signs for Camp Creek Parkway / Airport Blvd or Domestic Terminal from I‑85.
  • You’ll see split signs for North and South terminals as you approach.

• International Terminal (East side):

  • Use I‑285 to Exit 60 (Riverdale Rd) or nearby signed routes, then follow signs for International Terminal.
  • This entrance is separate from the domestic side.

Allow extra time during rush hour, especially if you’re driving from:

• Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead: I‑75/85 can back up heavily.
• North Fulton, Cobb, or Gwinnett: Expect delays around connector junctions and I‑285.

By MARTA (Atlanta’s Rail System)

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

• Both the Red Line and Gold Line trains go directly to the Airport Station.
• The Airport Station is located inside the Domestic Terminal, near the baggage claim area.

From MARTA’s Airport Station you can:

• Walk straight into the Domestic Terminal (North/South check-in areas are a short walk).
• Ride the Plane Train to reach other concourses or the International Terminal side.

If you’re departing from or arriving at the International Terminal (F), there is an airport-operated shuttle connecting the International Terminal to the Domestic Terminal/MARTA Station.

Rideshare, Taxis, and Shuttles

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):

• Pick-up locations are clearly signed and usually in dedicated Rideshare Zones:
  • For the Domestic Terminal, there is a designated pick-up area in the North economy lot area.
  • For the International Terminal, pick-up is outside the arrivals level in the designated rideshare lane.

Taxis:

• Official taxi stands are outside baggage claim areas.
• Fares to downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead often follow standard flat-rate zones, which many travelers find straightforward.

Hotel & Private Shuttles:

• Many Atlanta hotels near the airport offer free shuttles from the Domestic Terminal.
• Look for hotel shuttle pick-up areas outside the baggage claim.

Parking at Atlanta Airport

ATL offers a wide range of parking options. For Atlanta residents who drive themselves, choosing the right lot can impact both cost and stress.

Main Types of Parking

Local tips:

• For holidays and major events in Atlanta, airport parking, especially Daily and Economy lots, can fill or get tight. Leave extra time or consider MARTA.
• If you’re dropping someone off and staying briefly, Hourly parking may be smoother than circling the curbside lane.

Security and Checkpoints: What Atlanta Travelers Should Know

ATL has multiple TSA security checkpoints:

• Domestic Terminal North and South Checkpoints
• Often a Main and Alternate (or overflow) checkpoint depending on current operations.
• International Terminal Security on the east side serving Concourse F.

Helpful points for ATL:

• You can usually use any domestic checkpoint regardless of which concourse you’re departing from; you’ll reach your gate via the Plane Train.
• TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and other expedited screening programs are commonly available at the major checkpoints, especially at South Domestic and International.

Atlanta residents who travel frequently sometimes choose to:

• Get TSA PreCheck appointments at local enrollment centers around the metro area.
• Enroll in Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck eligibility) for faster re-entry when coming back through the International Terminal.

Arrive early if:

• You’re traveling at peak times (early Monday mornings, Friday afternoons, holidays, major convention weeks).
• You’re unfamiliar with the layout or traveling with children or large groups.

Inside the Airport: Concourses, Food, and Amenities

ATL’s concourses are arranged in a line:

• T, A, B, C, D, E, F
  Connected by the Plane Train and also walkable through a central corridor.

Getting Around

• The Plane Train runs frequently and stops at each concourse and both terminals.
• Walking is an option; many locals choose to walk between concourses for exercise or when trains are crowded, but it can be a long distance.

Food, Shopping, and Services

As a major hub, ATL has:

• A wide range of restaurants, from fast food to sit-down spots.
• Coffee shops and grab-and-go markets in almost every concourse.
• Newsstands, bookstores, and souvenir shops.
• Services like currency exchange (primarily near the International Terminal), ATMs, and business centers.

Many Atlanta-based brands and Southern food options are represented, which can be a fun way for visitors to get a taste of local culture even on a short layover.

Using ATL as an Atlanta Resident

If you live in the Atlanta metro area, here are some airport-specific considerations:

Frequent Travelers

• Consider MARTA from neighborhoods with direct access (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Doraville) to avoid parking costs and traffic.
• If you fly mainly Delta, you’ll usually use the Domestic South Terminal and Delta’s concourses (T, A, B, C, and sometimes D/E/F).

Picking Up and Dropping Off

• Cell Phone Lots near the airport let you wait for free until your party is ready at curbside.
• Check if your arriving passenger is at:
  • Domestic North vs. Domestic South (depends on airline), or
  • International Terminal (for many arriving international flights).

Local practice:

• Many people coordinate via text once landed and through baggage claim, then meet at Passenger Pick-Up outside the appropriate terminal.

Using ATL as a Visitor to Atlanta

If you’re flying into Atlanta for work or vacation:

Getting to Your Destination in the City

From the airport, common destinations include:

• Downtown Atlanta: MARTA Gold or Red northbound, or taxi/rideshare.
• Midtown: Same MARTA lines, exit at Midtown Station; or rideshare.
• Buckhead: MARTA northbound to Buckhead, Lenox, or Lindbergh Center; or rideshare.
• Perimeter/Perimeter Center (Sandy Springs/Dunwoody): MARTA Red Line northbound.

Renting a Car

ATL’s Rental Car Center (RCC) is separate from the terminals:

• Access it via the SkyTrain, a free automated train leaving from the Domestic Terminal area.
• The RCC serves major rental brands and is commonly used by both locals and visitors.

Know your hotel’s parking policies and downtown/Midtown parking costs before deciding whether you actually need a rental car for your stay.

International Travel Through Atlanta

For international travelers, especially those connecting through Atlanta:

Departing from ATL International Terminal

• The International Terminal (F) has its own check-in, security, parking, and pick-up/drop-off areas.
• Once through security, you’re right at Concourse F, and can take the Plane Train to other concourses if you’re connecting.

Arriving from Abroad

• You’ll clear immigration and customs on arrival.
• After customs:
  • If Atlanta is your final stop, you’ll exit into the International Terminal arrivals area.
  • If connecting, follow the airport’s posted instructions to re-check bags (if required) and take the Plane Train to your next gate.

Many metro Atlanta residents returning from international trips will arrange pick-up at the International Terminal to avoid crossing the airport to the domestic side.

Important Airport Contacts and Info Sources

While details can change over time, these are the general, stable contact points associated with ATL:

• General airport address:
  Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

• International Terminal address (commonly used):
  Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
  2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd
  Atlanta, GA 30354

• Customer service & information desks:
  Located throughout the Domestic and International Terminals and concourses, staffed to help with directions, lost items, and basic questions.

For current flight status, parking availability, and real-time security wait times, travelers typically check the airport’s official communication channels or their airline’s app before heading out.

Key Takeaways for Using Atlanta’s Airport

• Know your terminal: Domestic vs. International (and North vs. South domestically) matters for driving directions and pick-up.
• Plan your route: From most Atlanta neighborhoods, you can choose between MARTA, driving, rideshare, or hotel shuttles.
• Allow extra time: ATL is large and busy; factor in parking, security, and travel between concourses.
• Use the Plane Train: It’s the fastest way to move between concourses and terminals once you’re past security.
• For locals: Consider MARTA and economy or Park-Ride lots for longer trips; coordinate clear meeting points for arrivals.

With a basic understanding of how Georgia’s Atlanta Airport (ATL) is laid out and how it connects to the city, you can navigate it more confidently whether you’re a long-time Atlanta resident or a first-time visitor.