Atlanta Airport Terminal Map Guide: Navigating Hartsfield‑Jackson Like a Local

If you’re looking for an Atlanta airport terminal map and how everything fits together at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), it helps to understand the layout first. ATL is big, but it’s also very logically organized once you know the structure.

This guide walks through each terminal and concourse, how they connect, and where to find key services so you can move confidently through the airport.

How ATL Is Laid Out: The Big Picture

Think of ATL as a straight line:

Domestic Terminal West (North) → Domestic Terminal South → Concourse T → Concourses A, B, C, D, E → Concourse F (International Terminal)

Below all of this runs the Plane Train, an underground automated train that stops at every concourse and both main terminals.

Two Main Terminals, Seven Concourses

• Domestic Terminal
  • North (West side) – mainly Delta check-in and baggage claim
  • South (East side) – other major U.S. airlines (Southwest, Frontier, Spirit, etc.)
• Concourses (where the gates are)
  • T, A, B, C, D, E, F
• International Terminal
  • Located at Concourse F on the east side of the airport

All concourses are connected airside, so once you clear security at any main checkpoint, you can reach any concourse without going through security again.

Terminals vs. Concourses: What’s the Difference?

• Terminal = where you check in, drop bags, clear security, and claim baggage.
• Concourse = where your gate is and where you board your flight.

In Atlanta:

• You’ll usually arrive at a terminal by car, MARTA, or rideshare.
• You’ll depart from a gate in one of the concourses (T–F).
• You travel between concourses using:
  • The Plane Train (fast, underground), or
  • The central pedestrian tunnel with moving walkways.

Quick Reference: ATL Terminals & Concourses

Domestic Terminal North (West Side)

If you live in Atlanta or are flying Delta on a typical domestic route, you’ll often use Domestic North.

What You’ll Find in Domestic North

• Ticketing & Check‑in Counters
  • Primarily Delta Air Lines
• Security Checkpoint
  • Feeds into Concourse T and the Plane Train
• Baggage Claim
  • Carousels for many domestic Delta flights
• Ground Transportation
  • Access to:
    • MARTA Airport Station (just beyond baggage claim, connected by indoor walkway)
    • Hourly & Daily Parking Garages
    • Hotel shuttles, local shuttles, taxis, and rideshare zones

Tip: If you’re flying Delta domestic and taking MARTA, Domestic North is usually the most convenient starting point.

Domestic Terminal South (East Side)

Domestic South handles many non‑Delta airlines and is often used by:

• Southwest
• Spirit
• Frontier
• Other domestic carriers, depending on schedules and gates

What You’ll Find in Domestic South

• Ticketing & Check‑in Counters for non‑Delta airlines
• Security Checkpoint
  • Also feeds into Concourse T and the Plane Train
• Baggage Claim
  • Carousels for many non‑Delta domestic flights
• Ground Transportation
  • Similar access to taxis, rideshare, shuttles, and parking as Domestic North
  • The MARTA station is accessed via the central connector between North and South sides of the terminal

Local note: If you’re being dropped off and don’t want to fight Delta crowds, check your airline and use Domestic South if your carrier operates there.

Concourse T: Closest to the Domestic Terminals

Right after security at either Domestic North or South, you’re effectively at Concourse T.

Concourse T Highlights

• Domestic gates close to both terminal checkpoints
• Several restaurants and shops good for quick stops if your gate is nearby
• Easy walk from the main security area—no Plane Train needed if your boarding pass says “Gate Txx”

Good to know: If your connection time is short and your next flight departs from T, you save time by not riding the Plane Train.

Concourses A, B, C, D: The Domestic Core

These four concourses handle the majority of domestic departures and arrivals.

Concourse A

• Heavy Delta presence
• Many food options and quick‑service spots
• Often busy throughout the day

Concourse B

• Largely Delta gates
• One of the busiest concourses at ATL
• Multiple dining choices and larger waiting areas

Concourse C

• Mix of Delta and other domestic carriers
• Often used by travelers connecting from or to smaller cities
• Several grab‑and‑go choices for tight layovers

Concourse D

• Mix of domestic and regional jets
• Some carriers use D for shorter‑haul or secondary routes
• Can feel more compact than A or B

Moving between concourses A–D:

• Plane Train: Fastest for most travelers; clearly marked escalators down from each concourse.
• Walkways: Underground pedestrian corridor with moving walkways connects all concourses if you prefer to walk or the train is crowded.

Concourses E & F: International Travel at ATL

If your itinerary involves international flights, your gate will usually be in Concourse E or F.

Concourse E

• Used for:
  • Many international departures and arrivals
  • Some domestic flights, depending on gate needs
• Has customs and passport control for certain international arrivals
• Full range of shops, duty‑free, and dining typical of an international concourse

Concourse F & Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal

Concourse F is directly attached to the International Terminal and is the main hub for:

• Many Delta international flights
• Other international carriers serving Atlanta

At the International Terminal (Concourse F) you’ll find:

• International check‑in counters
• Primary international baggage claim
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities
• Ground transportation and parking areas specifically serving international travelers

Important: The International Terminal (F) is physically separate from the Domestic Terminal. If you’re driving or getting dropped off for a flight from F, follow signs specifically for the International Terminal.

Getting Around: The Plane Train & Walking Tunnel

Plane Train

The Plane Train is Atlantas internal people mover and the main way most travelers move between terminals and concourses.

• Runs underground below:
  • Domestic Terminal
  • T, A, B, C, D, E, and F
• Stops at every concourse and both main terminals
• Trains arrive every few minutes
• Clear audio and visual announcements indicate next stops

When to use it:

• You have a tight connection
• You’re going from Domestic Terminal to Concourses E or F
• You’re traveling with children, luggage, or mobility challenges

Pedestrian Tunnel

For those who prefer to walk:

• A central pedestrian tunnel connects all concourses.
• Includes moving sidewalks and public art installations.
• Signage overhead tells you how many minutes to the next concourse.

Walking is practical when:

• Your flights are in adjacent concourses (for example, A to B, or B to C).
• You want to skip train crowds during peak times.
• You have enough layover time and prefer to stretch your legs.

Ground Transportation Map: How to Reach ATL Terminals

Most travelers in metro Atlanta access ATL by car, MARTA, rideshare, or shuttle.

MARTA Access

• MARTA Airport Station
  • Located at the west end of the Domestic Terminal, close to Domestic North.
  • Serves both the Red and Gold lines.
  • Connected indoors, so you can walk from the train station to:
    • Domestic North
    • Domestic South
    • The Plane Train and concourses

If you need to get from MARTA to the International Terminal (F):

• Ride MARTA to the Airport Station (Domestic side).
• Go through security.
• Take the Plane Train from the Domestic stop to Concourse F.
• Exit up to the International Terminal.

Parking & Drop‑Off

• Domestic Terminal
  • North and South parking decks (Hourly and Daily options)
  • Curbside drop‑off and pick‑up areas for each side
• International Terminal
  • Separate International Parking Deck
  • Dedicated drop‑off area

Local drivers should follow roadway signs carefully—there are separate highway exits for the Domestic and International Terminals.

Baggage Claim & Arrivals: Where to Go

Domestic Arrivals

• If your flight arrives at T, A, B, C, or D:
  • Follow signs for Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation.
  • Take the Plane Train or walking tunnel back to the Domestic Terminal.
  • Once at the Domestic Terminal, go to:
    • North baggage claim area if you flew Delta
    • South baggage claim if you flew a non‑Delta domestic airline (check monitors to confirm carousel)

International Arrivals

• If your flight arrives at Concourse E or F from outside the U.S.:
  • You’ll go through passport control and customs.
  • After clearing customs, follow signs to:
    • International Terminal baggage claim (for most international arrivals ending in ATL), or
    • Recheck area if you’re connecting to a domestic flight

Travelers connecting to U.S. domestic flights usually:

1. Clear immigration and customs at E or F.
2. Recheck bags (if applicable).
3. Use the Plane Train to go to their next concourse (T–D).

Key Services by Terminal & Concourse

Here’s where you’ll typically find important airport services:

• Security Checkpoints
  • Main checkpoints at Domestic North, Domestic South, and International Terminal
• Customer Service Desks
  • Airline‑specific counters at each terminal and within major concourses
• Lost & Found
  • Airport-wide Lost & Found is generally coordinated from the Domestic Terminal area; airline‑specific Lost & Found counters are often near their baggage claim areas.
• Rental Cars
  • All major rental car counters and pick‑up are at the Rental Car Center, accessible by the ATL SkyTrain from the Domestic Terminal area.
• Accessible Services
  • Elevators and escalators at each Plane Train stop
  • Wheelchair assistance coordinated through your airline at check‑in and gate

If you’re unsure where to go, look for the overhead signage color coding:

• Blue – Gates and concourses
• Green – Ground transportation
• Yellow – Baggage claim

Practical Tips for Using the ATL Terminal Map

A printed or digital Atlanta airport terminal map makes more sense when you focus on three things: where you start, where you clear security, and which concourse your gate is in.

1. Start With Your Boarding Pass

• Check:
  • Airline
  • Terminal (Domestic or International)
  • Gate (e.g., A23, D14, F4)

From that:

• If gate starts with T–D → You’re in the domestic concourses.
• If gate starts with E or F → You’re in the international concourses.

2. Choose the Right Entry Terminal

• Domestic North → Most Delta domestic flights.
• Domestic South → Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, and other non‑Delta domestic flights.
• International Terminal (F) → Many international departures.

If you arrive somewhere else by mistake, you can still get to the correct concourse after security using the Plane Train; the main concern is simply where you check in and drop bags.

3. Build in Time for Transfers

• Domestic → Domestic across nearby concourses (e.g., B to C):
  10–20 minutes is reasonable with the Plane Train.
• Domestic → International (e.g., A to F):
  Plan on at least 20–30 minutes, especially at busy times.
• International arrival → Domestic connection:
  Allow extra time for passport control and customs.

For Atlanta Residents Hosting Visitors

If you live in the Atlanta area and need to explain ATL to visitors:

• Tell them to read their gate letter and match it to the concourse (T–F).
• Remind them that:
  • They only go through security once, at the terminal where they first enter.
  • The Plane Train connects all concourses, so they shouldn’t panic if their gate letter doesn’t match where they first arrived.
• When picking up at the airport:
  • Ask if they’re arriving domestic or international.
  • For domestic, meet them at North or South baggage claim depending on airline.
  • For many international arrivals ending in Atlanta, pick‑up is usually at the International Terminal.

With this layout in mind, an Atlanta terminal map becomes much easier to read: follow the line from Domestic North/South → T → A → B → C → D → E → F, and use the Plane Train stops as your guide between each point.