Navigating Between Terminal I and Terminal S in Atlanta: Your Step‑by‑Step Guide

If you’re flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and trying to figure out how to get from Terminal I to Terminal S, you’re not alone. Atlanta’s airport is large, busy, and laid out in a way that can be confusing if you’re not used to its terminology.

This guide breaks down what “Terminal I” and “Terminal S” usually mean in Atlanta, how the airport is actually organized, and exactly how to get between the international and domestic sides as smoothly as possible.

Understanding ATL’s Layout: Terminals, Concourses, and Names

To make sense of “Terminal I to S,” it helps to know how Atlanta’s airport is set up.

The Two Main Terminals

ATL has two main passenger terminals at opposite ends of the airfield:

• Domestic Terminal (often called “Terminal S” by some travelers)

  • Located on the west side of the airport.
  • Split into the North and South terminal areas.
  • Connected to Concourses T, A, B, C, D, and E.

• Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (often what people mean by “Terminal I”)

  • Located on the east side of the airport.
  • Connected directly to Concourse F.
  • Also linked (airside) to Concourse E and then to the rest of the concourses.

In everyday use:

• “Terminal I” = International Terminal / Concourse F side
• “Terminal S” = usually the South side of the Domestic Terminal (Delta’s main check-in area) or just the domestic side in general

Even though people say “Terminal I” and “Terminal S,” the key thing for navigating is whether you are:

• Airside (past security) or
• Landside (before security)

The way you move between the two terminals depends on that.

Quick Overview: Ways to Go from Terminal I to Terminal S

Here’s a fast comparison of your main options.

Terminal I (International) ➜ Terminal S (Domestic South)

Option 1: Airside Transfer – Using the Plane Train (Most Common)

If you’re already inside the secure area (you’ve gone through TSA) and you just need to move between International (Concourse F) and the Domestic side, the Plane Train is your friend.

How the Plane Train Works

The Plane Train is an underground automated train that connects:

• Domestic Terminal (Concourse T)
• Concourses A, B, C, D, E, and F (International)
• International Terminal station at Concourse F

It runs continuously, and trains usually arrive every couple of minutes.

Step-by-Step: Terminal I (International / Concourse F) to Terminal S (Domestic South)

1. Start at Concourse F (International side).
   Once you exit your gate, look for signs that say:

   • “Plane Train”
   • “All Concourses”
   • “Domestic Terminal”

2. Ride the escalator or elevator down to the Plane Train station.
   Follow the overhead signs carefully; everything is clearly marked at ATL.

3. Board a train heading toward the Domestic Terminal.
   From Concourse F, you’ll pass in order:

   • Concourse E
   • Concourse D
   • Concourse C
   • Concourse B
   • Concourse A
   • Concourse T (Domestic Terminal station)

4. Get off at Concourse T / Domestic Terminal.
   This station connects you to the Domestic Terminal. From here, follow signs that say:

   • “Domestic Terminal South”
   • “South Baggage Claim”
   • “South Ticketing / Check-In”

5. Walk up to the South Terminal lobby.
   You’ll go up escalators or elevators into the Domestic Terminal – South side, which is what people commonly mean by Terminal S. This is where you’ll find:

   • Delta ticket counters
   • South-side baggage claim
   • Ground transportation, rideshare pickup, and parking access

Time estimate:

• 5–10 minutes on the train
• Another 5–10 minutes of walking and escalators
  Plan for 15–25 minutes total if you’re just changing concourses with no lines.

Option 2: Landside Transfer – Shuttle Between International and Domestic Terminals

Sometimes you’re not yet through security or you’re going from curb to curb (for instance, someone dropping you off at the wrong terminal). In that case, use the free shuttle bus that connects the two terminals.

When to Use the Shuttle Instead of the Plane Train

Use the shuttle if:

• You’re at the International Terminal curb (Terminal I) and actually need to check in at Domestic South (Terminal S).
• You arrived at the Domestic Terminal but your flight departs from the International Terminal (Concourse F) and you haven’t checked in or cleared security yet.
• You’re picking up or dropping off someone and never plan to go through security.

Shuttle Details: Where to Find It and How It Works

From International Terminal to Domestic South (Terminal S):

1. At the International Terminal, follow signs for:

   • “Ground Transportation”
   • “Domestic Terminal Shuttle”

2. Go to the designated shuttle bus area outside the terminal.

3. Board the free ATL terminal shuttle.
   The shuttle travels between the International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal (North and South areas).

4. Stay on until the Domestic Terminal South stop.
   The driver or onboard signs will indicate the stop.

5. Once you get off, you’ll be right outside the South Terminal check-in area (Terminal S).

From Domestic South (Terminal S) to International Terminal:

1. At the Domestic Terminal South curbside, look for signs for:

   • “International Terminal Shuttle”
   • Or ask any airport agent for the international shuttle pickup area.

2. Board the free terminal shuttle.

3. Ride until it stops at the International Terminal entrance.

Typical timing:

• Shuttles usually run frequently throughout the day.
• Allow 15–30 minutes total to walk to the stop, wait for the bus, and ride to the other terminal.
• During busy times or bad weather, build in extra time.

Arriving Internationally and Connecting to a Domestic Flight in Terminal S

If you’re arriving in Atlanta from another country at the International Terminal and connecting to a domestic flight that uses Terminal S / Domestic South, the process is a bit more involved.

Typical Sequence for an International-to-Domestic Connection

1. Land at Concourse F or E (international side).
2. Go through passport control (immigration).
3. Collect your checked luggage at international baggage claim.
4. Clear customs.
5. Re-check your bags for the domestic connection (if instructed by your airline).
6. Follow signs to security checkpoint to re-enter the secure area.
7. Once past security, use the Plane Train to reach the concourse for your domestic flight.
8. If your domestic flight’s gate is closer to T or concourses A–D, simply ride the Plane Train until the correct stop, then follow signs for Domestic Terminal South or your gate area if you’re boarding immediately.

Key tip:
✅ Many airlines route domestic connections entirely airside, so you may not need to see the “Terminal S” landside check-in area at all. You just move gate to gate using the Plane Train.

Departing from Atlanta: Which Terminal Should You Actually Use?

If you live in or are staying in Atlanta, choosing the right drop-off spot helps avoid extra transfers.

For Most Domestic Flights (Terminal S vs. North)

• If you’re flying Delta or many of its partners:
  • Use Domestic Terminal – South (Terminal S).
• If you’re flying another domestic airline (like Southwest, Frontier, etc.):
  • You may use Domestic Terminal – North instead.

The Domestic Terminal is one building with two sides (North and South), but if you end up on the wrong side, you can walk inside between them after entering the building.

For International Flights

• If your flight departs from Concourse F and your airline instructs you to use the International Terminal, go directly there.
• If your international flight uses Concourse E or another concourse, your airline may direct you to the Domestic Terminal instead—you’ll clear outbound immigration/customs processes where applicable along your route.

If you accidentally go to Terminal I (International) when you should be at Terminal S, just use the free shuttle landside to move between the two.

How Long to Allow Between Terminal I and Terminal S

Connection and transfer times in Atlanta depend on whether you must clear security or customs.

General Guidance

• Already inside security, just changing concourses:

  • Allow 30–45 minutes from gate to gate if possible.
  • The minimum legal connection time may be less, but extra time reduces stress.

• Connecting from an international arrival to a domestic departure:

  • Allow at least 1.5–2 hours, more if:
    • You’re traveling during peak times (early morning or late afternoon).
    • You need wheelchair assistance.
    • You’re traveling with young children or large groups.

• Curb-to-curb transfer using the shuttle (no flights, just moving terminals):

  • Plan for 30–45 minutes to be safe, including walking and waiting.

Ground Transportation, Parking, and Local Tips

If you’re coming from or going to Atlanta neighborhoods (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, etc.), here’s how Terminal I vs. Terminal S affects your ride.

Rideshare, Taxi, and Pickup Areas

• Domestic Terminal (Terminal S side):

  • Rideshare pickup is typically in a designated shared ride area near the South or North sides.
  • Taxis line up at the ground transportation center outside baggage claim.

• International Terminal (Terminal I):

  • Has its own rideshare and taxi pickup zones near the arrivals level.

If you’re meeting someone:

• Make sure you clarify which terminal they’re arriving at:
  • Domestic (North/South) vs. International (I / Concourse F).
• If you end up at the wrong one, the free shuttle will get you between terminals without needing to re-park.

MARTA Access

If you’re using MARTA (Atlanta’s rail system):

• The MARTA Airport Station is located at the Domestic Terminal, near the North and South baggage claims.
• There is no direct MARTA station at the International Terminal.
  • If you arrive at Terminal I and want MARTA, take the free shuttle to the Domestic Terminal, then walk into the terminal and follow signs to the MARTA station.

Helpful Contact and Location Information (ATL)

For trip planning, it can help to know where things are and how to reach airport services.

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • General Domestic Terminal Address:
    6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr.) Address:
    2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354
  • General Information Phone (often listed as the main airport line):
    (800) 897-1910 or (404) 209-1700 (numbers may be shown on official airport materials)

If you’re unsure whether you should be at Terminal S (Domestic South) or Terminal I (International), it’s reasonable to:

• Check your airline confirmation or app, which usually lists terminal and concourse.
• Call your airline’s customer service before you leave for the airport.
• Look at your boarding pass, which typically shows both the terminal and gate/concierge letter.

Key Takeaways for “Terminal I to S” in Atlanta

• Terminal I in common conversation usually means the International Terminal (Concourse F).
• Terminal S typically refers to Domestic Terminal – South, the main check-in side for Delta and many domestic flights.
• If you’re inside security, use the Plane Train underground to move between Concourse F (International) and Concourse T / Domestic concourses, then follow signs to Domestic South.
• If you’re outside security or at the curb, use the free terminal shuttle between the International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal (North/South).
• Most travelers never need to leave the secure area during a connection; they just move concourse to concourse using the Plane Train.

Understanding this layout and the difference between airside and landside will make moving from Terminal I to Terminal S in Atlanta much smoother, whether you’re a local heading out on a trip or a visitor connecting through the city.