Atlanta International Terminal: Your Guide to ATL’s Global Gateway

If you’re flying abroad from Atlanta—or connecting through Hartsfield‑Jackson—there’s a good chance you’ll pass through the Atlanta International Terminal, also known as Concourse F. This is the main international gateway for most nonstop flights between Atlanta and destinations outside the United States.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to help you understand how the terminal works, how to get there, and what to expect once you’re inside.

Where Is the Atlanta International Terminal?

The Atlanta International Terminal (Concourse F) is located on the east side of Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

International Terminal Address (East Side):
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

Locals often distinguish between two sides of the airport:

• Domestic side – North and South Terminals (Concourses T, A, B, C, D, and most of E)
• International side – International Terminal / Concourse F, plus Concourse E

Even though Concourse E is part of the international complex, “Atlanta International Terminal” usually refers to the Concourse F building with its own check-in area, TSA checkpoint, and parking.

Domestic vs. International at ATL: What’s the Difference?

ATL is one large, connected airport, but it has separate entrances and roadways for domestic and international passengers.

Domestic Terminals (North & South)

• Used for most U.S. flights
• Airlines like Delta, Southwest, American, United, Frontier, Spirit, and others
• Main address often listed as:
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320 (same road system, different side)

International Terminal (Concourse F)

• Used for many departing international flights and for arrivals from abroad
• Hosts large carriers like Delta and many international airlines
• Has its own check-in counters, security, and parking

Key point for Atlanta travelers:
Your airline and destination will determine whether you check in at the Domestic or International terminal. Always double‑check the terminal listed on your reservation or boarding pass before you drive to the airport.

Which Flights Use the Atlanta International Terminal?

Not every international flight uses the same entrance, and this can confuse even long‑time Atlantans.

Typical Use of the International Terminal

Most of the following use Concourse F / International Terminal for check‑in or arrival:

• Many nonstop international flights operated by Delta and partner airlines
• Flights arriving from Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East
• Many flights by foreign carriers operating to/from Atlanta

However, international aircraft can also use Concourse E (and occasionally other concourses) for gates. Both E and F are connected airside, and passengers can move between them without re‑clearing security.

When You Might Still Use the Domestic Terminal for International Trips

Some passengers on international itineraries may still check in at the Domestic Terminal, especially if:

• You start with a domestic connection before flying internationally
• Your airline assigns your check-in to its usual domestic counter
• You’re flying to U.S. territories or certain routes coded as domestic by your airline

In Atlanta, the safest move is:

• Look at your email confirmation and the airline’s app
• Check for “Departing from: International Terminal” or a note like “Check-in at Domestic Terminal”

If nothing is clear, you can call the airline directly or contact the Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport information line for guidance.

How to Get to the Atlanta International Terminal

Driving Directions

From most parts of metro Atlanta:

1. Take I‑85 toward the airport.
2. Follow signs for “International Terminal” as you approach the airport area.
3. These signs will guide you away from the main domestic terminal exit and onto the road leading to the International Terminal / Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal.

The International Terminal has its own roadway system and curbside; do not follow signs only marked “Domestic.”

Parking at the International Terminal

The International Terminal side offers:

• International Terminal Parking Deck – connected via walkways to the terminal
• Hourly and daily parking options
• Access to off‑site and park‑and‑ride lots that may provide shuttles to both domestic and international sides

If you live in Atlanta and drive yourself often:

• The International parking deck is usually most convenient for overnight or multi‑day international trips.
• For pickups and drop‑offs, use the arrivals or departures curb as marked; security actively manages traffic here.

Getting There by MARTA and Other Transit

MARTA trains do not stop directly at the International Terminal. They stop at the Domestic Terminal (Airport Station) at the west end of the airport.

If you’re coming by MARTA:

1. Take MARTA train to Airport Station (Domestic Terminal).
2. Once inside the airport, follow signage for the “International Terminal Shuttle” or “International Terminal / Concourse F”.
3. Board the free airport shuttle bus from the Domestic side to the International Terminal.

This is important for Atlanta residents or visitors staying near MARTA:

• You cannot walk directly from the MARTA station to the International Terminal landside.
• You must use the airport’s shuttle, which runs regularly but can add extra time.

Inside the Atlanta International Terminal (Concourse F)

Once you arrive at the International Terminal entrance, you’ll find:

Check-In and Ticketing

The main ticketing hall includes:

• Airline check-in counters for Delta and multiple international carriers
• Self‑service kiosks for printing bag tags and boarding passes
• Full‑service counters for luggage drops, special assistance, and complex itineraries

Tips for Atlantans heading abroad:

• Arrive at least 3 hours before an international departure when leaving from Concourse F, especially during busy travel seasons and holidays.
• If you travel often, consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to streamline security and arrival processes.

Security Screening

The International Terminal has its own TSA security checkpoint.

• Standard screening lines plus possible TSA PreCheck lanes
• Liquids, electronics, and ID requirements are the same as on the domestic side
• During peak times, security can back up, so plan for extra buffer time

Concourse F: Gates, Food, and Services

After security, you’ll enter Concourse F, where you’ll find:

Gates and Connections

• Gates labeled F1, F2, F3, etc.
• Airside connection to Concourse E and, via the Plane Train, to Concourses T, A, B, C, and D

If you’re connecting from another Atlanta flight:

• You can travel between concourses via the Plane Train without going back through security.
• Signage is clear: just follow symbols for the Plane Train and your next concourse.

Amenities and Services

Concourse F is designed for long‑haul international travelers, so you’ll typically find:

• Restaurants and quick‑service food options
• Bars and coffee shops
• Duty‑free shopping for certain international itineraries
• Newsstands and convenience shops
• Currency exchange counters (availability can vary)
• ATMs
• Restrooms, family restrooms, and nursing rooms
• Airport lounges (airline- or membership-based)

Exact shops and restaurants change over time, but the idea is: you’ll have places to eat, relax, and pick up last‑minute essentials before your flight.

Immigration, Customs, and Baggage Claim at the International Terminal

For travelers arriving in Atlanta from abroad, the International Terminal is usually where you’ll clear U.S. entry procedures.

Arriving from an International Flight

When your plane lands at ATL from another country:

1. Disembark at your assigned gate (often Concourse F or E).
2. Follow signs for “Passport Control / U.S. Customs and Border Protection”.
3. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and visitors each have designated lines.
4. Proceed to baggage claim within the international arrivals area.
5. Go through Customs, where you may be asked about what you’re bringing into the country.
6. After clearing Customs, you’ll either:
   • Exit directly into the International Terminal arrivals hall (if Atlanta is your final destination), or
   • Recheck your luggage and proceed to the domestic concourses for a connecting flight.

Using Global Entry or Mobile Passport

If you’re an Atlanta‑based international traveler:

• Global Entry can significantly speed up passport control on return.
• Some travelers may be eligible to use mobile passport/automation kiosks to streamline the process.

These programs are managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and operate inside the International Terminal’s arrivals area.

Connecting Between International and Domestic Flights at ATL

Because Atlanta is a major hub, many international passengers connect through ATL to other U.S. cities, and vice versa.

International to Domestic Connections

If you land from overseas and connect onward:

1. Clear immigration and customs at the International Terminal.
2. Pick up checked bags, then recheck them at the transit counters (if instructed).
3. Follow signs to domestic gates / Plane Train.
4. Ride the Plane Train to your next concourse (T, A, B, C, D, or sometimes E/F again).

Allow plenty of connection time—especially if you’re returning to Atlanta at busy hours.

Domestic to International Connections

If you’re starting from another U.S. city and connecting in Atlanta to go overseas:

• You’ll likely arrive at a domestic concourse (T, A, B, C, or D).
• Follow signs to Concourse E or F, depending on your departure gate.
• You stay inside security during the connection; no need to re‑screen unless you leave the secure area.

If your boarding pass mentions “Depart from International Terminal” but you’re already inside security, you typically just go straight to Concourse F by Plane Train.

Services for Families, Accessibility, and Special Assistance

The Atlanta International Terminal is designed to support a wide range of travelers.

Accessibility

• Elevators and escalators near gates and central areas
• Wheelchair services usually coordinated through your airline
• Accessible restrooms and seating areas

If you live in Atlanta and know you’ll need extra assistance:

• Contact your airline ahead of time to request wheelchair or mobility support.
• Plan extra time for movement through security and to your gate.

Families and Children

Within Concourse F and the International Terminal, you can typically find:

• Family restrooms
• Nursing or lactation rooms
• Seating areas where kids can rest or stretch before long flights

Bringing snacks, small toys, or activities is especially helpful given the longer waits often involved with international travel.

Key Contacts and Practical Details for Atlanta Travelers

While details can change, the following general information is useful for planning:

Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (General Info):
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

For terminal, flight, or parking questions, travelers typically:

• Call the airport information center (check the airport’s official site or your airline for current numbers).
• Use airline apps or airport information desks inside the terminal for immediate help.

MARTA to Airport:

• Terminus: Airport Station (inside Domestic Terminal)
• From there, use the free airport shuttle to reach the International Terminal.

Quick Reference: Atlanta International Terminal at a Glance

If you’re in Atlanta and planning an international trip—or welcoming someone from overseas—understanding how the Atlanta International Terminal works can save time, reduce stress, and make your journey through ATL much smoother.