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

If you’re flying abroad from Atlanta, you’ll almost certainly pass through the International Terminal at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Locals often call it the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal or simply Concourse F.

Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are visiting and flying out, or are picking someone up from an international flight, knowing how this terminal works can save you time, stress, and confusion.

Where the International Terminal Is (and How It Fits into ATL)

Atlanta’s airport has two main landside areas:

• Domestic Terminal (North and South) – where most U.S. flights arrive and depart
• International Terminal (Concourse F) – where many international flights arrive and depart

They are part of the same airport but have separate entrances, parking, and check‑in areas.

International Terminal address:

If you put “ATL International Terminal” or “Concourse F” into navigation apps, it should route you to the correct entrance on the east side of the airport.

Domestic vs. International Terminal: Which One Do You Use?

This trips up a lot of Atlanta travelers. Use this as a simple guide:

1. Flying from Atlanta to another U.S. city

You’ll almost always use the Domestic Terminal (North or South), even if you later connect to an international flight somewhere else.

2. Flying directly from Atlanta to another country

You will usually:

• Check in at the International Terminal (Concourse F check‑in hall), then
• Go through TSA security there and walk straight to your gate in Concourse F (or take the Plane Train to another concourse if needed).

Some international flights depart from Concourse E, but you can still check in and clear security at the International Terminal, then follow the signs/train to E.

3. Arriving in Atlanta from another country

You’ll typically:

• Arrive at Concourse F or E
• Go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the International Terminal area
• Collect your checked bags (if Atlanta is your final stop)

If ATL is your final destination, you exit into the International Terminal arrivals hall.
If you’re connecting onward to another U.S. city, you’ll follow “Connecting Flights” signs after immigration and customs.

Getting to the International Terminal from Around Atlanta

By car

From most parts of metro Atlanta, you’ll use:

• I‑75 South (from Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead) or
• I‑285 to I‑75, or
• I‑85 to I‑285/I‑75 depending on where you start

Look for exit signs for “International Terminal” or “Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd.” on I‑75. The international entrance is separate from the main domestic terminal entrance.

Parking is clearly signed as you approach.

By MARTA (public transit)

There is no direct MARTA rail station at the International Terminal. The Airport Station at the end of the Red/Gold lines connects only to the Domestic Terminal (North/South).

If you’re taking MARTA to catch an international flight:

1. Ride MARTA to Airport Station (Domestic Terminal).
2. Go outside to the Ground Transportation area.
3. Look for the free ATL shuttle labeled for the International Terminal / Concourse F.

Allow extra time (20–30 minutes) for the shuttle transfer, especially during peak times.

By rideshare or taxi

If you’re using Uber, Lyft, or a taxi from Atlanta:

• Set your drop‑off as “ATL International Terminal”, “Concourse F,” or the full address.
• Confirm with the driver that they’re heading to the International entrance, not Domestic.

Rideshares and taxis can drop you curbside at the departures level.

Parking and Drop‑Off at the International Terminal

The International Terminal has its own parking deck and curbside areas.

Parking options at the International Terminal

Common options include:

• International Hourly Parking – closest to the terminal, good for pickups, drop‑offs, and short stays
• International Park-Ride – long‑term parking with shuttle service to the terminal

Check posted signs as you approach; they’ll guide you to Hourly vs. Park-Ride/Long‑Term.

Curbside drop‑off and pick‑up

• Departures level (upper level) – use this for dropping off departing passengers.
• Arrivals level (lower level) – for picking up arriving passengers.

Pickup timing is important: airport staff often ask drivers to keep moving if they wait too long at the curb, so many Atlantans use cellphone lots near the airport or arrive a few minutes after the passenger texts they’ve cleared customs.

Key Areas Inside the International Terminal

Once you walk in, the International Terminal is fairly straightforward.

Check‑in hall

• Large, bright hall with check‑in counters for many major international airlines
• Self‑service kiosks and staffed counters
• Oversized baggage lanes (for large or special items)

Check screens to confirm your airline and queue.

Security screening

After check‑in and bag drop, you go through TSA security:

• Normal lanes for most travelers
• TSA PreCheck lane if you’re enrolled and eligible
• ID and boarding pass required

From security, you’ll enter Concourse F directly.

Concourse F gates and amenities

Concourse F is the primary international concourse and includes:

• Boarding gates F1–F gates
• Dining – a mix of sit‑down restaurants, bars, and quick‑service options
• Retail – duty‑free, convenience shops, newsstands, travel accessories
• Currency exchange counters
• ATMs
• Airline lounges (for eligible passengers)
• Family restrooms, nursing rooms, and standard restrooms

You can walk between F and Concourse E via a pedestrian walkway or take the Plane Train for quick access to other concourses (A–E and T).

Immigration, Customs, and Baggage Claim for International Arrivals

If you are arriving in Atlanta from abroad, you’ll follow this general flow at the International Terminal:

1. Deplaning and immigration

• Follow signs for “Immigration / Passport Control” or “Arrivals”.
• U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and visitors will line up for inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
• Some travelers may use kiosk or app‑based lanes if eligible (look for signs).

Keep your passport and any required travel documents handy.

2. Baggage claim

After immigration, you’ll:

• Proceed to the baggage claim area
• Find your carousel number on overhead screens by flight
• Collect checked luggage

3. Customs

With your luggage, you’ll move through customs inspection:

• You may need to declare certain items you’re bringing into the U.S.
• Follow the posted instructions and officer guidance

4. Exiting or connecting

This part varies:

• If Atlanta is your final destination:

  • After customs, you exit into the International Terminal arrivals hall.
  • From there, you can go to ground transportation, parking, or meet your ride.

• If you’re connecting to another U.S. city:

  • Follow signs for “Connecting Flights”.
  • In most cases, you’ll re‑check your bags immediately after customs at a designated transfer area.
  • Then you go back through security (if required for your connection) and proceed to the appropriate concourse.

Moving Between the International and Domestic Terminals

Many Atlanta travelers need to switch between the international and domestic sides, especially when connecting.

Using the Plane Train (inside security)

If you are already past security and need to get between concourses (including F and the Domestic Terminals):

• Follow signs for the Plane Train
• It runs underground between Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, and F
• Trains arrive frequently; rides are only a few minutes between each stop

This is the fastest way to connect if you’re staying airside (inside security).

Using the free shuttle (outside security)

If you are outside security and need to move between terminals:

• Look for the free shuttle bus labeled for International Terminal / Domestic Terminal.
• Shuttles run between the International Terminal arrivals area and the Domestic Terminal ground transportation area.

This is especially useful if:

• You parked at one terminal but arrive at the other
• You came by MARTA (Domestic) but depart from the International side
• You’re picking someone up at International but your car is in Domestic parking

Services and Amenities at ATL’s International Terminal

Here’s a high‑level look at what you’ll typically find, and where:

Offerings and exact locations can change, so check airport signage on arrival.

Tips for Atlanta Travelers Using the International Terminal

A few local‑style pointers that make a real difference:

• Build in extra time for traffic. Peak Atlanta traffic on I‑75 and I‑285 can be intense, especially weekday mornings and late afternoons. For international flights, many travelers aim to arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure and add extra buffer for rush hour.
• Double‑check which terminal your airline uses. Some carriers might direct you to check in at the Domestic Terminal even for international routes, especially if your first leg is domestic.
• Watch your pick‑up timing. If you’re collecting someone from an international arrival, know that immigration and customs can add 30–60 minutes or more after landing. Many Atlantans wait in a nearby lot until they get a text that the traveler is in the arrivals hall.
• Mind the terminal–parking mismatch. It’s easy to park at the Domestic deck out of habit, then discover your flight is out of the International Terminal. You can fix it with the terminal shuttle, but it adds extra time.
• Use the Plane Train for tight connections. If your connection is short and you’re already past security, the Plane Train between concourses is much faster than walking.

Who to Contact for Official Information

For the most current details on flights, parking, and terminal services, you can use:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main airport information line (commonly listed): (800) 897‑1910

You can also check airline‑specific information by calling your airline’s Atlanta or national customer service number, especially if you’re unsure whether to use the Domestic or International side for check-in.

Understanding how the International Terminal in Atlanta is laid out—and how it connects to the rest of ATL—goes a long way toward making any international trip smoother, whether you call metro Atlanta home or you’re just passing through on your way around the world.