Atlanta Terminal North: Your Guide to the North Terminal at Hartsfield–Jackson

If you’re flying in or out of Atlanta, there’s a good chance you’ll pass through Terminal North at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Locals often just call it the North Terminal, and it can be confusing if you’re not sure which airlines use it, where to park, or how it connects to the rest of the airport.

This guide breaks down how Atlanta’s Terminal North works, how to get there, and what to expect once you’re inside.

Where Is Atlanta Terminal North?

In Atlanta, Terminal North refers to the North side of the Domestic Terminal at Hartsfield–Jackson:

• Airport address:
  Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320

The Domestic Terminal is split into two sides:

• North Terminal – mostly used by certain non-Delta domestic airlines
• South Terminal – primarily used by Delta Air Lines

Both sit at the west end of the airport and feed into the same concourses A–E and T via the underground Plane Train and pedestrian tunnels.

Airlines That Use Terminal North

Although airline assignments can change, Terminal North is generally used by non-Delta domestic carriers. This often includes:

• American Airlines
• United Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• Alaska Airlines
• JetBlue Airways

Delta travelers typically use the South Terminal, though all airlines share the same concourses once you’re past security.

➡️ Tip: Always confirm your airline and terminal on your booking or app before you head to the airport. In Atlanta, saying “North Terminal” usually tells your driver or shuttle exactly where to drop you.

Arrivals vs. Departures at Terminal North

The Domestic Terminal has separate levels for arriving and departing passengers.

Departures (Ticketing & Check-In)

On the upper level of the North Terminal, you’ll find:

• Airline ticket counters and check-in desks
• Self-service kiosks for most airlines
• Bag drop areas
• Entrance to the TSA security checkpoint

This is where you go if you’re:

• Checking a bag
• Printing a boarding pass
• Getting dropped off for a flight

Arrivals (Baggage Claim)

On the lower level, you’ll find:

• Baggage claim carousels
• Ground transportation access (taxis, rideshare pickup areas, hotel shuttles)
• Access to parking decks and the ATL SkyTrain

If someone is picking you up, they’ll usually follow signs to Arrivals – North Terminal.

Parking Options for Terminal North

Hartsfield–Jackson has several parking options located near the North side of the Domestic Terminal.

Main Parking Choices Near North Terminal

🅿️ Local tip: For picking up family or quick drop-offs at Terminal North, the Hourly Parking (North) deck is closest, but it’s more expensive per hour. For several days of travel, many Atlanta residents choose Economy or Park-Ride lots and take the shuttle.

Getting to Terminal North from Around Atlanta

No matter where you are in the metro area, signs and routes are generally labeled “Domestic Terminal – North” or simply “North Terminal.” Here’s how to reach it using different modes of transportation.

Driving from Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead

Most Atlanta drivers use I-75/85 and look for:

• Signs to “Airport” and then “Domestic Terminal”
• Once near the airport, follow signs to “North Terminal”

Common starting points:

• From Downtown Atlanta: Head south on I-75/85, follow airport signs.
• From Midtown/Buckhead: Take I-85 South to the airport exit, then domestic/North signs.
• From Westside or Smyrna: Use I-285 to connect to I-75/85 or directly to the airport depending on your route.

Rideshare and Taxis

Services like Uber and Lyft and traditional taxis operate throughout Atlanta with clear drop-off zones:

• Departures: Ask to be dropped at “Atlanta airport North Terminal departures.”
• Arrivals: Rideshare pickup is typically in designated areas; follow airport signs once you’ve collected your bags.

Locals often mention “Domestic North” or “North Terminal American/United side” to drivers to avoid confusion.

MARTA to Terminal North

MARTA is the easiest way to reach the airport without driving:

• Take any north–south (Red or Gold) line to the Airport Station, which is inside the Domestic Terminal.
• Once you exit the train platform:
  • Follow signs to “North Terminal / Ticketing” or to the Airline Check-In area for your carrier.
  • The station connects directly into the main Domestic Terminal atrium, from which you walk to the North side.

For many Atlanta residents, MARTA is a good option to avoid traffic and parking fees, especially from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, College Park, and Doraville.

Security and Connecting to the Concourses

One of the most common questions for Atlanta travelers is how Terminal North connects to the rest of the airport.

TSA Security at the North Side

You’ll typically use the main Domestic security checkpoint, which serves both the North and South Terminals. During busier times:

• Some passengers may be routed to additional checkpoints, such as North or South dedicated lines.
• Premium or TSA PreCheck may have separate lanes, depending on the time of day.

Getting from Terminal North to Your Gate

Once you clear security, you’ll enter the Concourse T area. From there, you can either:

• Walk to nearby gates in Concourse T, or
• Take the Plane Train (underground airport train) to:
  • Concourse A
  • Concourse B
  • Concourse C
  • Concourse D
  • Concourse E / F (for international departures or connections)

Even if you checked in at Terminal North, your departure gate could be in any of these concourses. Always confirm your gate on:

• Your boarding pass
• Airport departure boards
• Your airline’s mobile app

Eating, Shopping, and Services in Terminal North

While most of the airport’s dining and shopping are in the concourses past security, there are still some useful services on the North Terminal side.

Before Security (North Terminal Side)

You can typically expect:

• Basic food and drink options (coffee stands, quick bites)
• Airline ticket counters
• Baggage services for airlines using the North side
• Restrooms and seating in the ticketing lobby
• Access to airport information desks

After Security (Concourses)

For a broader range of:

• Restaurants and bars
• Grab-and-go food
• Shops and newsstands
• Airport lounges (for eligible travelers)

…you’ll need to clear security and head into Concourse T or ride the Plane Train to other concourses.

🍽️ Atlanta note: Many concourses feature Atlanta-based or Southern-inspired spots, so if you have time before your flight, it’s worth exploring beyond just the gate area closest to you.

Meeting Someone at Terminal North

If you’re meeting an arriving passenger at the North Terminal:

1. Look up their airline and flight number to confirm they’re arriving in the Domestic Terminal.
2. Drive to or take transit to North Terminal – Arrivals.
3. Either:
   • Wait at baggage claim inside, or
   • Use Hourly Parking (North) and meet them in the arrivals lobby, or
   • Arrange a curbside pickup at the arrivals roadway once they have their bags.

For departing passengers, it’s usually easiest to:

• Drop them at North Terminal Departures (upper level), near their airline’s ticket counter.

International Connections from Terminal North

Many Atlanta travelers flying domestic from Terminal North later connect to international flights.

If you’re:

• Starting at Terminal North on a domestic flight and connecting to an international flight, you’ll:

  • Clear security in the Domestic Terminal,
  • Fly out of a domestic concourse, then
  • Transfer to Concourse E or F via the Plane Train once you land.

• Arriving internationally and connecting to a domestic flight, you’ll typically:

  • Go through passport control and customs at the International Terminal (Concourse F),
  • Follow airport signs for domestic connections, and
  • Take the Plane Train to your next concourse.

If someone is picking you up after an international flight, they may be directed to the International Terminal (Terminal F) instead of North Terminal, depending on your itinerary. This is separate from the North Domestic Terminal, so it’s worth double-checking.

Key Things to Remember About Atlanta Terminal North

For Atlanta residents, visitors, and anyone flying through ATL:

• “Terminal North” = North side of the Domestic Terminal at ATL.
• It mainly serves non-Delta domestic airlines like American, United, Spirit, Frontier, Alaska, and JetBlue.
• Departures (check-in & ticketing) are on the upper level; Arrivals & baggage claim are on the lower level.
• Nearby parking includes North Daily, North Economy, Hourly North, and Park-Ride options.
• MARTA’s Airport Station connects directly to the Domestic Terminal; from there, follow signs to the North side.
• After security, you can reach any concourse via the Plane Train or walkways.

Once you understand that Terminal North is just the North side of the Domestic Terminal, navigating Atlanta’s airport becomes much more straightforward.