Atlanta Airport Gate Map Guide: How to Navigate ATL Easily

Looking for an Atlanta gate map usually means one of two things:

  1. You’re flying in or out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), or
  2. You’re already at the airport and trying to figure out where to go next.

This guide breaks down how ATL is laid out, how to read gate and concourse maps, and what to know about getting between gates quickly. Everything here is tailored to travelers using Atlanta’s main airport—whether you live in the metro area or are just passing through.

How Atlanta’s Airport Is Laid Out

Atlanta’s airport is essentially a straight line:

  • One Domestic Terminal split into:
    • Terminal North (T-North) – used by several airlines, including some Delta operations and other domestic carriers.
    • Terminal South (T-South) – heavily used by Delta Air Lines for ticketing and check-in.
  • One International Terminal: Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F) with its own entrance and parking.
  • Seven main concourses for gates:
    • T, A, B, C, D, E, F

All concourses are connected by the Plane Train, an underground people-mover, and by walkable corridors.

Quick Mental Map of ATL Gates

Think of it this way:

  • West end: Domestic Terminals (T-North / T-South)
  • Then in order heading east: Concourse T → A → B → C → D → E → F
  • F is connected to the International Terminal.

Gate Letters and Numbers: What They Mean

Your gate at ATL will look something like: A12, T2, B29, or F3.

  • The letter (T, A, B, C, D, E, F) = the concourse.
  • The number = the specific gate location on that concourse.

Typical Use of Each Concourse

While airlines can change where they operate over time, ATL commonly uses concourses like this:

ConcourseTypical Use / Notes
TMix of domestic airlines; close to security and domestic terminals
AHeavy Delta presence, domestic flights
BHeavily Delta, many domestic departures and arrivals
CMix of carriers; largely domestic
DMix of domestic airlines and some regional flights
EMany international flights plus some long domestic routes
FMain international concourse, connected to International Terminal

If you live in Atlanta and fly often, A and B will likely be your “home base” concourses, especially if you use Delta.

Getting to the Right Gate at ATL

Step 1: Know Which Terminal Entrance to Use

When driving or getting dropped off, you’ll see signs for:

  • Domestic Terminal – North
  • Domestic Terminal – South
  • International Terminal

For most domestic flights:

  • Your boarding pass will show your departure gate (for example, B18).
  • You can enter either Domestic North or Domestic South and reach any concourse after security via the Plane Train.

For most international flights:

  • If your flight leaves from Concourse E or F, many travelers use the International Terminal entrance.
  • Some international flights still depart from E but connect back into domestic customs or baggage depending on routing. Always follow your airline’s instructions.

Step 2: Clear Security, Then Follow the Concourse Signs

After security at the Domestic Terminal, you will:

  • Walk down to the Plane Train level.
  • See large signs listing concourses: T, A, B, C, D, E, F.

If your gate is:

  • T: You can walk from security without taking the train, or ride one stop.
  • A–F: Take the Plane Train in the direction of your concourse.

How Long It Takes to Get Between Gates

Timing matters, especially if you’re connecting in Atlanta.

Plane Train Travel Times (Approximate)

From the center station at security:

  • To Concourse T: 1–2 minutes
  • To Concourse A: 3–5 minutes
  • To Concourse B: 5–7 minutes
  • To Concourse C: 7–9 minutes
  • To Concourse D: 9–11 minutes
  • To Concourse E: 11–13 minutes
  • To Concourse F: 13–15 minutes

These times include waiting + ride, not security.

If you’re walking instead of using the Plane Train, front-to-back walks (like from T to E) can easily take 20+ minutes, so the train is usually better for tight connections.

Reading and Using ATL Gate Maps

Where to Find an Atlanta Gate Map at the Airport

You can find gate and concourse maps:

  • On big wall maps near:
    • Security exits
    • Top and bottom of escalators
    • Plane Train platforms
  • On overhead digital displays showing:
    • Flight number
    • Destination
    • Departure time
    • Gate and concourse
  • Printed pocket-style maps may be available at:
    • Information desks
    • Some airline counters

If you’re already at ATL and feeling lost, looking for a “Concourse Map” or “You Are Here” sign is the fastest way to reorient.

Key Map Tips

  • Match letter first: Find your concourse (letter) on the map before worrying about the gate number.
  • Then find the range of gate numbers (for example, B1–B18 on one side; B19–B36 on the other).
  • Look for symbols:
    • Knife/fork = food
    • Shopping bag = retail
    • Plane = gates
    • “i” = information
    • Restroom and family room icons for facilities

Domestic vs. International Gates in Atlanta

Domestic Gates

Typically use T, A, B, C, D, and sometimes E for long-haul domestic flights.

If you live in Atlanta and regularly fly within the U.S.:

  • You’ll usually depart from the Domestic Terminal and head to concourse T–D (and sometimes E).

International Gates

Many international flights use:

  • Concourse E – connections to the domestic side but still handles numerous international routes.
  • Concourse F – connected directly to the International Terminal with its own check-in area, parking, and customs.

If you’re arriving internationally into ATL:

  • You’ll go through passport control and customs, often linked to E or F, then either exit to the International Terminal or re-check bags for a domestic connection.

If You Have a Tight Connection at ATL

Because ATL is a major hub, many travelers worry about making short connections.

Quick Tips for Short Connection Times

  • Know your arrival and departure concourses as soon as you land.
  • Follow “Connecting Flights” signs instead of going toward baggage claim if you’re continuing onward.
  • ✅ Use the Plane Train, even for just one concourse away.
  • ✅ If your new gate is on the same concourse, stay in the concourse to avoid extra walking.

If you live in Atlanta and are meeting someone with a tight connection:

  • Ask which concourse and gate they’ll arrive at.
  • You can often meet them near their arrival gate (airside) if you’re traveling too, or in public baggage claim areas if you’re not flying.

Helpful Wayfinding Spots at ATL

If you need in-person help finding a gate, Atlanta’s airport has:

  • Information desks in:
    • Domestic North and South ticketing lobbies
    • Near the main security checkpoints
    • Selected concourse centers
  • Uniformed airport customer service agents roaming concourses and just off the Plane Train platforms.

You can ask:

  • “Where is gate B23 from here?”
  • “Which way to Concourse E?”
  • “What’s the fastest way to get to T gates?”

Parking, Pickup, and the Terminal Map (For Atlanta Residents)

If you live in metro Atlanta and drive to ATL often, it helps to pair the gate map with a mental terminal map:

Domestic Side

  • Domestic North:
    • Often used by several carriers and some Delta operations.
    • Closest to T-North and some T gates.
  • Domestic South:
    • Heavy Delta presence; many Atlantan Delta regulars default here.
    • Also close to T gates.

Both North and South can access all concourses (T–F) once you pass security.

International Terminal (Concourse F)

  • Separate road entrance (look for “International Terminal” signs off I-75).
  • Generally used for:
    • Departures from F
    • Many passengers on flights from E and F
    • International arrivals processing

If your gate is E but your airline directs you to the Domestic Terminal, you can still reach E via the Plane Train from domestic security.

Accessibility and Special Assistance Between Gates

ATL’s layout is large but built to support travelers with different mobility and accessibility needs:

  • Elevators and escalators connect all levels, including Plane Train platforms.
  • Moving walkways run between some concourses and along long corridors.
  • Airlines typically provide wheelchair assistance:
    • Request at booking or at the check-in counter.
    • Staff can help you transfer between distant gates, such as A to F.

If you or someone you’re traveling with needs assistance getting between gates:

  • Tell a gate agent: “I have a connection at C32 and will need wheelchair assistance.”
  • They can coordinate help for your next segment through the concourses.

When Your Gate Changes in Atlanta

Gate changes are common at a busy hub like ATL.

To stay ahead:

  • 🔔 Check gate monitors in the concourse regularly.
  • 📲 If using a mobile boarding pass, refresh it occasionally while waiting.
  • 🎧 Listen for overhead announcements, particularly for your flight number and city.

If the new gate is:

  • On the same concourse: Follow overhead signage; it’s usually a short walk.
  • On a different concourse: Take the Plane Train to the new lettered concourse and follow the gate number signs.

Key Takeaways for Using the Atlanta Gate Map

  • Everything is built along one central line: Domestic Terminals → T → A → B → C → D → E → F → International Terminal.
  • Your gate code (like B14 or F7) tells you exactly which concourse letter and gate number to look for on ATL’s maps.
  • Use the Plane Train for fast movement between concourses, especially for tight connections.
  • Look for airport maps near security, Plane Train stations, and information desks to visually confirm where you need to go.
  • Whether you’re an Atlanta local or a visitor, once you understand the T through F concourse layout, navigating ATL’s gates becomes much more predictable.