Atlanta Terminals: Your Guide to Major Transportation Hubs in the City

When people search for “Atlanta Terminal”, they can mean several different places. In Atlanta, “terminal” usually refers to a major transportation hub—for flights, buses, trains, or trucks.

This guide breaks down the main Atlanta terminals, what they’re used for, how to get there, and what to expect whether you’re a resident, commuter, or visitor.

Main Types of Terminals in Atlanta

Atlanta’s transportation network is built around a few key terminal types:

• Airport terminals – passenger and cargo at Hartsfield-Jackson
• Bus terminals – intercity, regional, and local hubs
• Rail terminals – passenger (Amtrak), MARTA rail, and freight yards
• Truck & freight terminals – logistics centers around the metro area

Understanding which “terminal” you actually need saves time and confusion.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Terminals

If someone says “the Atlanta terminal”, they’re often talking about the airport.

Passenger Terminals at ATL

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has:

• Domestic Terminal (North & South)
• International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
• Concourse system: T, A, B, C, D, E, F

Location:
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320 (Domestic)
2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354 (International)

Domestic Terminal:

• North Terminal: primarily used by some domestic carriers (commonly non-Delta airlines).
• South Terminal: primary check-in area for Delta Air Lines domestic flights.
• Connected to Concourse T and the underground Plane Train that serves all concourses.

International Terminal:

• Handles most international departures and arrivals.
• Directly connected to Concourse F and via Plane Train to the rest of the concourses.

Getting to ATL Terminals from Around Atlanta

By MARTA (heavy rail):

• Take the Red or Gold line to Airport Station, which is directly inside the Domestic Terminal (South).
• For the International Terminal, you can:
  • Ride the free shuttle from the Domestic Terminal, or
  • Use the airport’s internal Plane Train after passing security.

By car:

• Follow interstate signs for I-85 and I-285 to Hartsfield-Jackson.
• Use clearly marked exits for Domestic Terminal North/South or International Terminal.
• Short-term, long-term, and economy parking are available at both terminal areas.

By rideshare or taxi:

• Designated pick-up and drop-off zones at both Domestic and International Terminals.
• Follow airport signs for Rideshare or Ground Transportation.

Atlanta Airport Cargo & Freight Terminals

ATL also has cargo terminals used by freight forwarders and airlines, typically located on the airport’s periphery. These are mainly relevant if you are:

• Shipping or receiving air freight
• Working with a logistics company
• Handling commercial cargo, not personal baggage

If you’re trying to find a specific cargo terminal, you’ll usually get details from your freight carrier or shipping provider, including building number and street address near the airport.

Atlanta Bus Terminals and Hubs

Atlanta has several important bus terminals that serve different travel needs.

Intercity Bus Terminals (Greyhound, Megabus, etc.)

Intercity bus services connect Atlanta with other cities in Georgia and across the U.S.

Common patterns include:

• Greyhound and other carriers typically use a primary bus terminal near or in the city center or near MARTA rail.
• Some services may depart from curbside locations or shared terminals.

⚠️ Tip: Intercity bus terminal locations and operators can change. Always check your ticket or confirmation for the exact Atlanta terminal address and arrival/departure doors.

MARTA Bus Terminals (Local & Regional Transit)

MARTA runs most of the local and regional bus network in Atlanta. Major MARTA bus terminals are usually connected directly to rail stations, such as:

• Five Points Station – Central downtown hub where multiple bus routes and all rail lines intersect.
• North Avenue, Civic Center, Garnett, Airport, Lindbergh Center, and others – each has bus bays serving local routes.

These act as bus terminals where riders can:

• Transfer between bus routes
• Connect to MARTA rail
• Access downtown and neighborhood destinations

Atlanta Rail Terminals

Atlanta is a major rail city, with passenger and freight activity.

Amtrak Atlanta (Peachtree Station)

For long-distance passenger rail, Amtrak operates out of:

Peachtree Station
1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

Key points:

• Serves the Amtrak Crescent line, which typically connects Atlanta north to cities like Charlotte and Washington, D.C., and south to New Orleans.
• This is a compact station, not a large terminal, but is effectively Atlanta’s main passenger rail terminal for intercity trains.
• Accessible by local transit and rideshare; some riders connect from MARTA via bus or a short rideshare trip.

MARTA Rail Terminals (Endpoints & Transfer Hubs)

MARTA rail isn’t called a “terminal” system, but it has:

• Terminus/end-of-line stations (like North Springs, Doraville, Airport, Indian Creek, H.E. Holmes) that function as terminal stations for those lines.
• Five Points Station downtown is the central transfer hub where all four rail lines meet.

For most Atlanta residents, Five Points feels like the core rail terminal, especially for downtown transfers and access to multiple bus routes.

Freight & Truck Terminals in Metro Atlanta

Metro Atlanta is a major logistics and trucking hub for the Southeast. While most residents and visitors never use these directly, they matter if you:

• Arrange less-than-truckload (LTL) or full truckload (FTL) freight
• Work in manufacturing, distribution, or e-commerce
• Need to receive large shipments or manage logistics

Common features of Atlanta truck terminals:

• Located near major interstates like I-75, I-85, I-20, and I-285
• Operated by trucking companies, freight brokers, and logistics providers
• Not typically walk-up locations for casual consumers; usually require appointments or coordination through a shipping company

If you are coordinating a freight pickup or drop-off, your carrier will provide:

• Specific terminal name
• Street address
• Operating hours
• Any check-in procedures for drivers

Quick Comparison of Major Atlanta Terminals

How to Figure Out Which “Atlanta Terminal” You Need

If your ticket, shipment, or itinerary just says “Atlanta Terminal”, use this checklist:

1. Are you flying?

   • You likely need Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
   • Check if your flight is domestic or international to know which terminal to go to.

2. Are you taking a bus out of town?

   • Look for a named bus company and exact address.
   • Confirm if it’s near downtown or a MARTA station.

3. Are you taking a train?

   • Long-distance passenger rail: Amtrak Peachtree Station.
   • Local transit: You’re probably headed to a MARTA station, not usually called a “terminal” in directions.

4. Are you shipping or picking up freight?

   • Check with your carrier or broker for the precise freight terminal name and address.
   • Many of these are not near downtown, but closer to interstate corridors or the airport.

Practical Tips for Using Atlanta Terminals

• Plan extra time for traffic: Atlanta’s interstates and airport access roads can be congested, especially during rush hours and weekends.
• Use MARTA when possible 🚆: To avoid parking and traffic at the airport or downtown terminals, consider using MARTA rail and bus.
• Check terminal on your confirmation: Boarding passes, bus tickets, and shipping documents almost always list a specific terminal or station name—don’t rely on memory alone.
• Confirm hours and entry points: Some facilities, especially freight and intercity bus terminals, have limited public hours or specific entrances for passengers or drivers.
• Know your drop-off/pick-up zones: At the airport and busy terminals, there are separate areas for departures, arrivals, rideshare, and taxis—following signs saves time.

Understanding what “Atlanta Terminal” refers to in your situation—airport, bus, rail, or freight—will help you choose the right location, route, and timing. With the overview above, you can quickly match your travel or shipping needs to the correct Atlanta terminal and plan your next steps with confidence.