Atlanta Arrivals: How to Navigate Flights, Ground Transportation, and First Steps in the City

If you’re flying into Atlanta, “Atlanta arrivals” usually means one thing: getting into and out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) smoothly. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, you’re visiting, or you’re coordinating a pickup, understanding how arrivals work here can save a lot of time and confusion.

This guide walks through Atlanta airport arrivals, signs and terminals, baggage claim, ground transportation, and what happens once you’re in the city.

Overview: Where Atlanta Arrivals Happen

Atlanta has one major commercial airport serving almost all visitors and residents:

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

Key points for arrivals:

• Domestic flights usually arrive at the Domestic Terminal (North or South) and use concourses T, A, B, C, D, and sometimes E.
• International flights usually arrive at Concourse F (and sometimes Concourse E) with access to the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal on the airport’s east side.
• All concourses are connected by an underground Plane Train and a central walkway.

If you’re meeting someone, you’ll normally wait at:

• The North or South baggage claim areas (Domestic Terminal), or
• The International Terminal arrivals level for international flights.

Domestic Arrivals at ATL

Terminals and Concourses for Domestic Flights

Most U.S. arrivals come into one of the domestic concourses:

• Concourse T – Closest to the Domestic Terminal; sometimes used as “terminal gates” for certain airlines.
• Concourses A, B, C, D – Main domestic concourses accessed via Plane Train or walkway.
• Concourse E – Primarily international, but also used for some domestic flights.

Your exact arrival gate and concourse will be listed on:

• Airline apps
• Airport display boards
• Your boarding pass (for reference before arrival)

Once your plane lands:

1. The aircraft taxis to the assigned gate.
2. Passengers deplane into the concourse.
3. Follow “Baggage Claim” signs to the Plane Train or pedestrian walkway.
4. Ride or walk to the Domestic Terminal and then to North or South baggage claim.

North vs. South Terminal: What’s the Difference?

The Domestic Terminal is split into North and South:

• Terminal North – Often used by airlines like Delta partners and some other carriers.
• Terminal South – Primary area for Delta Air Lines check-in and many arrivals pickups.

As an arriving passenger:

• You can exit at either North or South baggage claim, depending on which side your airline uses.
• If someone is picking you up, confirm:
  • Domestic North pickup vs. Domestic South pickup
  • Your baggage claim carousel number

👉 Tip: If your ride gets confused, both North and South sides are connected inside the building. You can walk between them before exiting to the curb.

International Arrivals in Atlanta

Where International Flights Arrive

Most international passengers arrive at:

• Concourse F – Attached directly to the International Terminal (east side of ATL).
• Concourse E – Connected to both the Domestic and International sides via Plane Train.

What typically happens:

1. Plane lands at Concourse E or F.
2. Passengers are directed to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and passport control.
3. You collect your checked luggage.
4. You clear customs and either:
   • Exit through the International Terminal, or
   • Re-check your bags (if you’re connecting to another flight).

Meeting Someone on an International Arrival

If you’re picking up someone flying into Atlanta from abroad, plan to meet them at the:

• International Terminal Arrivals Level
  Address:
  Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
  2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354

There is typically:

• A passenger greeting area just past baggage claim and customs.
• A designated arrivals pickup curb outside the terminal.

👉 Important: Many people mistakenly go to the Domestic Terminal to meet an international arrival. Unless that person is connecting to a domestic flight, you’ll usually want the International Terminal, not Domestic.

Baggage Claim and Lost Luggage at ATL

Finding Your Baggage Claim Area

Once you leave your gate:

• Follow overhead signs for “Baggage Claim”.
• Look at the baggage information screens near the carousels; they list:
  • Airline
  • Flight number
  • Origin city
  • Assigned carousel

For domestic flights, baggage claim will be at:

• Domestic North baggage claim, or
• Domestic South baggage claim

For international flights arriving at Concourse F:

• Baggage claim is typically inside the International Terminal, before customs and then again outside for final pickup (depending on routing).

If Your Bag Is Missing or Delayed

If your luggage doesn’t arrive:

1. Go to your airline’s baggage service office near the carousels.
2. Provide:
   • Baggage claim tags
   • Photo ID
   • Description of your bags
3. Ask for:
   • A reference/claim number
   • Contact info for status updates

Most airlines at ATL have 24/7 baggage service counters in both Domestic and International baggage claim areas.

Ground Transportation for Atlanta Arrivals

Once you’ve collected your bags, you have several ways to get into Atlanta or the surrounding suburbs.

Main Options at ATL

• Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
• Taxis
• MARTA rail (Atlanta’s public transit system)
• Hotel shuttles
• Rental cars
• Shared-ride or private shuttles (typically to suburbs or nearby cities)

Rideshare, Taxi, and Pickup Areas

Rideshare Pickups

At the Domestic Terminal:

• Rideshare pickups are usually on a lower level or designated area signed as “Rideshare” or “App-Based Ride Services.”
• Follow the signs from baggage claim or ask airport staff for the current rideshare zone.

At the International Terminal:

• Look for the rideshare pickup signs outside arrivals: typically a clearly marked zone along the curb.

You’ll enter:

• Terminal (Domestic or International)
• Pickup zone (e.g., North lower level, South outer curb)
• Door/pole number

…into your rideshare app to match you with the correct driver.

Taxis

Official airport taxis line up at designated taxi stands:

• Domestic Terminal: Taxi lines near North and South baggage claim exits.
• International Terminal: Taxi stand outside the arrivals level.

Taxis use metered fares to destinations around Atlanta. You can ask the attendant for an estimated fare to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or other neighborhoods before you get in.

Taking MARTA from Atlanta Arrivals

If you want a relatively low-cost way into the city, MARTA can be very convenient.

MARTA Airport Station

• Location: Directly connected to the Domestic Terminal, near the baggage claim area and Ground Transportation.
• Signage: Follow signs for “MARTA” or “Rail”.

From ATL Airport Station, you’ll primarily use:

• Red Line (toward North Springs)
• Gold Line (toward Doraville)

Both lines serve major areas like:

• Downtown Atlanta (Five Points, Peachtree Center, etc.)
• Midtown (Midtown Station, Arts Center Station)
• Buckhead (Lindbergh Center, Buckhead Station – Red Line)

👉 If you arrive at the International Terminal and want MARTA, you’ll usually take the shuttle bus to the Domestic Terminal first, then walk to the MARTA station.

Rental Cars and the ATL Rental Car Center

If you need a rental car upon arrival:

Rental Car Center (RCC)

• Address: 2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy, College Park, GA 30337
• Accessed via the SkyTrain, an automated people mover.

From baggage claim (Domestic Terminal):

1. Follow signs for “Rental Cars” or “SkyTrain.”
2. Board the SkyTrain (free, frequent service).
3. Ride directly to the Rental Car Center, where major agencies are located under one roof.

If you’ve arrived at the International Terminal, you may:

• Ride the airport shuttle to the Domestic Terminal, then follow signs to the SkyTrain for the Rental Car Center.

Picking Up Friends & Family: Where to Go

If you’re a local Atlantan picking someone up, here is a quick reference.

Quick Pickup Guide

👉 Tip for locals: If traffic is heavy, consider asking arriving passengers to use MARTA to Midtown or Downtown and pick them up at a station with easier curb access.

Parking Options for Arrivals

For meeting someone inside the terminal, short-term parking is usually easiest.

Common Parking Choices

• Domestic Terminal North Parking Deck – Good for airlines using North baggage claim.
• Domestic Terminal South Parking Deck – Good for Delta arrivals.
• International Terminal Parking Deck – Directly in front of the International Terminal.

There are often:

• Hourly/short-term options nearest to the terminals.
• Long-term and economy lots with shuttle service (better for longer waits or overnight stays).

Always note:

• Level and section where you parked.
• Terminal (North, South, or International) you used.

What to Expect Once You’re in Atlanta

After your arrival and trip from the airport, your experience will vary by neighborhood.

Common Arrival Destinations from ATL

• Downtown Atlanta – Major hotels, government buildings, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia World Congress Center.
• Midtown – Arts Center, Fox Theatre, Piedmont Park, many offices and residential areas.
• Buckhead – Shopping districts, office towers, hotels, residential neighborhoods.
• College Park / East Point – Close-in communities just south of the airport.
• Decatur – East of the city, accessible via MARTA.
• Cumberland / The Battery / Vinings – Northwest of the city; usually reached by car, taxi, or rideshare.

Traffic on interstates like I‑75, I‑85, I‑285, and I‑20 can be heavy during peak commute times, so adjust your pickup and travel plans accordingly.

Practical Tips for Smooth Atlanta Arrivals

• Confirm your terminal: Check your airline’s app before landing to know whether friends should meet you at North, South, or International.
• Use clear landmarks: When texting your ride, include the terminal (N/S/International), door number, and closest sign (e.g., “South Terminal Door S3, lower level”).
• Build in time for crowds: ATL is consistently among the world’s busiest airports; extra time for bags, customs, and curb traffic is normal.
• Know your backup plan: If curb pickup is chaotic, meet at a short-term parking deck or use MARTA into the city and meet there.
• Keep baggage tags and boarding pass: They’re helpful if luggage is delayed or misplaced.

Understanding how Atlanta arrivals work—terminals, baggage claim, and transportation—makes it much easier to move between the airport and the rest of the city, whether you’re coming home, visiting, or picking someone up.