Guide to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport—often called Atlanta Airport, Hartsfield–Jackson, or simply ATL—is the primary airport serving Atlanta and one of the busiest air hubs in the world. Whether you live in the metro area, are connecting through Atlanta, or are planning your first visit, understanding how Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International works can save you time and stress.

Where Hartsfield–Jackson Is and How It’s Set Up

Hartsfield–Jackson is located in College Park, just south of downtown Atlanta:

Address:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320

The airport is organized into a few key areas:

• Domestic Terminal – North and South
• International Terminal – Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F)
• Concourse T, A, B, C, D, E, and F
• Ground transportation areas and parking facilities

All concourses are connected by an underground Plane Train and a pedestrian tunnel, making it possible to transfer between gates within the secure area.

Domestic vs. International: Which Terminal Do You Use?

Domestic Terminal

Most flights within the United States use the Domestic Terminal, which is split into:

• North Terminal – Commonly used by Delta’s partner and other airlines
• South Terminal – Delta Air Lines main check‑in area

You’ll pass through security at either North or South, then access Concourse T and the other concourses via the Plane Train or walkways.

International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr.)

International flights mostly use:

• International Terminal / Concourse F
• Some international arrivals/departures may also use Concourse E

Address for International Terminal (often used for GPS):
2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd
Atlanta, GA 30354

If you are departing internationally from Atlanta, your airline itinerary will specify whether you check in at the Domestic or International terminal. For international arrivals, you typically:

1. Clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the International Terminal
2. Pick up checked luggage and clear customs
3. Re-check bags if you’re connecting to another flight within the U.S.

Getting to Hartsfield–Jackson from Around Atlanta

By MARTA (Public Transit)

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is one of the easiest ways to reach the airport.

• Both the Red and Gold rail lines end at the Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal near the baggage claim area.
• Trains run from stations like Five Points, Midtown, North Springs, Doraville, and others directly to the airport.

If you’re flying out of the International Terminal, you can:

1. Take MARTA to the Domestic Terminal
2. Use the free airport shuttle from the lower level to the International Terminal

This is often faster than trying to drive and park at the International Terminal during busy periods.

By Car

Major routes to ATL:

• I‑85: Runs directly by the airport
• I‑285: Connects from the Perimeter and other suburbs
• Downtown Connector (I‑75/85): Easy access from Midtown and Downtown

Tips for drivers:

• Allow extra time during Atlanta rush hours (roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m. and 3:30–7:00 p.m.).
• Consider dropping passengers at the North or South curbside for Domestic, or at the International Terminal arrivals/departures area.

Rideshare and Taxis

Atlanta has well‑established rideshare and taxi options serving the airport:

• Rideshare pickups (Uber, Lyft, etc.) are typically at a designated Rideshare Pickup area near the Domestic Terminal’s North or South economy lots, following posted signs after you exit baggage claim.
• Taxis line up at the Ground Transportation Center just outside the Domestic baggage claim.

For the International Terminal, follow signs for Ground Transportation to access taxis and rideshares.

Parking at Hartsfield–Jackson

Atlanta Airport offers several parking options, which can matter a lot if you live in the metro area and travel regularly.

Common parking types include:

• Park-Ride Lots (economy, shuttle to terminals)
• Daily Parking Garages (closer, higher cost)
• Hourly Parking (best for quick drop-offs, pick-ups, or short business trips)
• International Terminal Parking (separate decks adjoining that terminal)

Here’s a simple overview:

💡 Local tip: For longer trips, many Atlanta-area travelers compare on-airport economy with nearby off-airport parking services; the latter sometimes offer shuttles and can be more cost-effective for week-long or longer trips.

Navigating Inside the Airport

Concourses and the Plane Train

ATL’s concourses are laid out in a straight line:

Domestic Terminal – T – A – B – C – D – E – F – International Terminal

• The Plane Train is an automated underground train that quickly connects all concourses and terminals.
• There is also a pedestrian walkway with moving sidewalks between the Domestic Terminal and several concourses, useful if you prefer to walk or if trains are crowded.

Typical connection steps:

1. Deplane at your arrival concourse
2. Follow signs for Plane Train to your next concourse
3. Exit at the right stop, then follow gate signs

Allow extra time for connections during busy times or if you’re unfamiliar with the layout.

Security Checkpoints

The main security checkpoints are in the Domestic Terminal (North and South) and at the International Terminal. Atlanta residents who fly often may choose programs that speed things up:

• TSA PreCheck: Expedited security screening
• CLEAR: Biometric ID verification to bypass document check lines (still pass through physical screening)

If you’re leaving from the Domestic Terminal, you can generally use either North or South security unless your airline specifies otherwise.

Services and Amenities at ATL

Food and Shopping

Hartsfield–Jackson has a wide range of:

• Restaurants and fast food (local and national brands)
• Coffee shops
• Grab‑and‑go spots for snacks
• Retail stores selling travel essentials, clothing, tech accessories, books, and local souvenirs

Popular spots are spread across Concourse A, B, C, D, E, F and the Atrium (the area between the North and South terminals).

Lounges

Frequent travelers and credit card holders may have access to:

• Airline lounges (such as Delta Sky Clubs in several concourses)
• Independent lounges in select concourses

These typically offer quieter seating, snacks, and workspaces. Access often depends on your ticket class, airline status, or membership.

Wi‑Fi and Workspace

• Free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the terminals and concourses.
• Many gates have charging outlets and USB ports.
• Some concourses include designated workstations or quiet seating areas that locals sometimes use as makeshift offices during delays.

For Atlanta Residents: Using ATL as Your Home Airport

If you live in Atlanta or the metro area, a few patterns are especially useful:

• Plan around traffic: It can take 20 minutes from Downtown or over an hour from far suburbs during peak congestion.
• Arrive early: Many locals aim for:
  • About 2 hours before domestic flights
  • Around 3 hours before international flights
• Consider MARTA: If you live near a MARTA rail station (e.g., in Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Decatur, or Doraville), the train can be more predictable than highway driving.
• Check your terminal: Some carriers operate from both the Domestic and International terminals depending on destination. Your confirmation will indicate the correct terminal, which matters for parking and drop-off.

For Visitors: Arriving in Atlanta Through Hartsfield–Jackson

If you’re coming into Atlanta from another city or country, you’ll typically:

1. Arrive at a concourse (A–F or T)

2. For domestic flights:

   • Walk or take the Plane Train to baggage claim in the Domestic Terminal
   • Exit to Ground Transportation for MARTA, rideshare, taxis, or rental cars

3. For international flights:

   • Clear passport control and customs at the International Terminal (if arriving from abroad)
   • Pick up checked bags
   • Continue to Ground Transportation for shuttles, rideshare, taxis, or connections

Getting from the Airport to Atlanta Neighborhoods

Common ways to reach key Atlanta areas:

• Downtown / Midtown / Buckhead:

  • Take MARTA northbound from the Airport Station; it stops at Five Points (Downtown), Peachtree Center (Downtown), Civic Center and North Avenue (Downtown/Midtown edge), Midtown, Arts Center, and Buckhead on different lines.
  • Taxis and rideshares are available curbside.

• Decatur / East Atlanta areas:

  • Use MARTA to reach Decatur and other east‑side stops.
  • Or arrange rideshare directly from the airport.

• Suburbs (Alpharetta, Marietta, Gwinnett, etc.):

  • Most travelers use car rentals, taxis, or rideshare, or they connect to regional buses/shuttles where available.

Accessibility and Special Assistance

Hartsfield–Jackson provides multiple services for travelers needing extra assistance:

• Wheelchair assistance, usually arranged through your airline in advance or at check-in
• Elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout the airport
• Visual and audio announcements at gates and common areas
• Designated accessible parking spaces in all official parking areas

If you or a family member needs special assistance, it’s best to:

1. Contact your airline ahead of time to add any necessary notes to your reservation
2. Plan extra time for checking in, security, and boarding

Key Things to Remember About Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International

• It’s the main air travel gateway to Atlanta and the Southeast, with extensive domestic and international connections.
• The airport has two main terminal complexes: Domestic (North/South) and International (Concourse F).
• MARTA rail goes directly into the Domestic Terminal; a free shuttle connects Domestic to the International Terminal.
• Parking choices, security lines, and traffic can be significant factors—plan ahead, especially if you live in or are driving through Atlanta.
• Services like lounges, restaurants, shops, and Wi‑Fi make long layovers and delays more manageable.

Understanding how Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is laid out, how to get there from different parts of Atlanta, and how to move around inside can make flights to, from, and through the city much smoother.