Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport [ATL] – Ultimate Terminal Guide

Key Takeaways

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has 2 terminals (Domestic and International) and 7 concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F), which are connected by the Plane Train.
• The airport offers extensive amenities, including dining, shopping, and numerous Delta Sky Club lounges.
• Ground transportation options include MARTA trains, buses, rental cars, shuttles, and ride-shares, providing convenient access to and from Atlanta.

Serving more than 100 million passengers every year, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International is the world’s busiest airport.

It’s the main hub for Delta and many other domestic airlines, as well as international operators such as British Airways, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways.

Located just 10 miles from downtown Atlanta, ATL is conveniently connected by MARTA train and bus services and has a variety of short and long-term parking options (although parking is limited at present due to ongoing redevelopment).

If you’re looking to fly into or out of ATL, then this article will give you some useful information on airport terminals, transportation, lounges, hotels, and general airport services.

Quick Information

Airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Terminals: 2, domestic and international
Domestic Terminal Address: 6000 N. Terminal Pkwy., Atlanta, GA 30320
International Terminal Address: 600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30354
Distance From Downtown Atlanta: 10 miles (16.1 km)
Website: atl.com
Phone Number: 800-897-1910
Destinations Served: 150 domestic, 70 international
Flight and Airport Information: Up-to-date information on ATL departures, arrivals, and security wait times can be viewed online

ATL Terminal Map

Airlines Operating From ATL

Domestic Terminal

International Terminal

ATL Airport Terminals

ATL operates from 2 terminals — the domestic terminal on the west side of the airport and the international terminal located on the east side.

Flights arrive and depart from a total of 192 gates split across 7 concourses: T, A, B, C, D, E, and F. Passengers can travel between concourses using the Transportation Mall (pedestrian tunnel) with moving walkways or by riding the Plane Train.

When you’re flying international or domestic, you’ll need to check-in at the respective terminal. If necessary, you can travel between the two using the Plane Train or by the shuttle bus that departs from outside the terminals.

The ATL SkyTrain connects the domestic terminal to the Gateway Center, which has 3 airport hotels and the Georgia International Convention Center, before moving on to the west parking deck. The final stop is the rental car center, which is located about 5 minutes away from the domestic terminal, and then the SkyTrain loops back to the airport.

Domestic Terminal

The domestic terminal is split into north and south, with Delta solely occupying the south area of the terminal, and the north serving other airlines. Ticketing and baggage claim is all on the same level and there’s a good selection of shops and restaurants before you reach the security checkpoint. Eligible service members may use the USO Lounge on the mezzanine level where there is also a restaurant for all passengers.

Concourse T

Concourse T is attached to the domestic terminal and has 21 gates numbered T1 to T21. A Delta Sky Club, United Club, and Admirals Club are all based in this concourse, as well as a good selection of shops and restaurants. Passengers can ride the Plane Train from the lower level of Concourse T to any other concourse in the airport.

Concourse A

Concourse A has 28 gates numbered A1 to A7, A9 to A12, A15, A16, A18 to A21, and A24 to A34. Passengers will find a good selection of shops and restaurants in the central area of the concourse, as well as dotted between the gates.

Concourse B

Concourse B has 32 gates numbered B1 to B7, B9 to B14, B16 to B29, B31 to B34, and B36. There’s a good selection of shops and restaurants throughout the concourse, and a Minute Suites in the south area.

Concourse C

Concourse C is the mid-way point between the domestic and international terminals. There are 34 gates numbered C1 to C7, C9, C10, C12 to C17, C20 to C22, C30, C33 to C37, C40 to C43, C46, C47, C49, C50, C52, and C55, with plenty of shops and restaurants in between.

Concourse D

Concourse D has 39 gates numbered D1A, D1 to D9, D9A, D10 to D16, D21, D23 to D35, D38 to D42, D44, and D46, and a good selection of shops and restaurants. 2 further restaurants are located on the mezzanine level.

Concourse E

Concourse E has 39 gates numbered E1 to E12, E14, and E26 to E37, and a good selection of shops and restaurants. There are 2 further restaurants located on the mezzanine level. A Delta Sky Club is located in the central area of the concourse, along with plenty of shops and restaurants. There is also a Centurion Lounge near gate E11.

Concourse F

Concourse F is attached to the international terminal and has 12 gates numbered F1 to F10, F12, and F14. There’s a small selection of shops and restaurants, with more located on the mezzanine level, along with a Delta Sky Club and The Club at ATL lounge.

International Terminal

Upper Level — Departures

Passengers traveling internationally may check in at the international terminal. Some airlines that are based at both the international and domestic terminals may allow passengers to check in at either terminal, but be sure to contact your airline directly to confirm this.

The upper level has ticketing desks, a food market and café, and access to the security checkpoints.

Lower Level — Arrivals

Passengers arriving at ATL on an international flight will come into the lower level of the international terminal for processing through Customs and for baggage reclaim. There are a few shops and cafes on this level.

Hot Tip: Check out our article on how to get between terminals at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Inter-terminal Transport

Walking

Passengers can walk between the domestic terminal and concourse T and from the international terminal to concourses F and E. For all other journeys, passengers must ride the Plane Train or terminal shuttle bus.

Plane Train (Inside the Secure Area)

The Plane Train stops at concourse T of the domestic terminal and at concourses A, B, C, D, E, and F, where travelers can get a connection to the international terminal. Trains depart every 2 minutes from the lower level.

Terminal Shuttle Bus (Outside the Secure Area)

Passengers that are unable to check in, clear security, and ride the Plane Train between the 2 terminals can ride the terminal shuttle bus. Shuttles depart every 15 minutes from the following locations:

• Domestic Terminal: West curb of the ground transportation area (exit through doors W-1 or W-2).
• International Terminal: Arrivals level outside doors A1 and A2.

Hot Tip: It’s wise to use one of these transportation options, as the farthest points between the domestic and international terminals can be up to 2 miles apart.

SkyTrain (Outside the Secure Area)

The ATL SkyTrain is accessible from the domestic terminal and stops at the following locations:

• Gateway Center, which has 3 airport hotels and the Georgia International Convention Center
• West parking deck
• Rental car center

Security and Customs at ATL

As the busiest airport in the world, ATL is known for its long lines at security and customs. This is despite it being the first airport to roll out automated screening lanes.

On the day of your flight, you can check ATL security wait times on the airport’s website which is updated frequently, and set up an email alert with Trak-a-Line should these wait times change so you can plan your time accordingly. The security checkpoints are open at these times:

ATL recommends that you arrive at least 2 hours before your flight if flying domestically and 3 hours for international flights to allow enough time to clear security.

There are some programs you should consider enrolling in that aim to speed up security and customs through ATL (and other participating airports):

TSA PreCheck

U.S. citizens can apply for TSA PreCheck, an expedited screening program in which ATL participates. Applicants need to apply online, pay a $78 fee, and schedule an appointment at an enrollment center for a 10-minute interview, which includes a background check and fingerprinting.

TSA PreCheck opening hours vary, so check the TSA schedule for more information.

ATL has an enrollment center located in Concourse A, open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. If your application is successful, then you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number.

Enrollment in TSA PreCheck allows you to use the TSA PreCheck lanes at ATL security and to NOT remove your shoes, light jacket, belt, liquids, or laptop.

Global Entry

ATL also participates in the Global Entry program, which expedites entry to the U.S. for U.S. citizens returning from international travel. Global Entry members are able to use entry kiosks at ATL by scanning their passport or U.S. residency card.

There’s a Global Entry enrollment center at ATL in the international terminal, Arrivals Level U, which also conducts interviews for conditionally approved applicants to become fully approved. The enrollment center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and enrollment on arrival is available daily from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Mobile Passport

ATL has designated Mobile Passport Control lines which you can use once you’ve pre-registered. Simply set up a profile using your passport information and answer 5 questions about your trip.

Once you’ve arrived at ATL (or any participating airport), submit your data through the app, and you’ll receive an instant receipt which can be used for up to 4 hours after submission.

CLEAR

ATL also participates in CLEAR, which is a program for expedited security clearance using eye and fingerprint scanning instead of showing an ID at the security checkpoint. CLEAR lanes are available in both the domestic and international terminals during the following hours:

ATL Airport Lounges

If you’re flying in economy or premium economy and want to start your trip in comfort and style, you can pay to gain access to some airport and airline lounges. Most lounges include free Wi-Fi access, beverages (including alcohol), and snacks.

Hot Tip: There are also many ways that you can access airport lounges without having to pay.

Below is a list of the lounges at ATL with some useful information on opening hours, location, and the cost of a day pass:

* Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
** Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as n/a only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip: Avoid lounge entry fees by reading our article on the best credit cards for complimentary lounge access.

Priority Pass Access

The Club at ATL, Be Relax Spa, Minute Suites, and Samuel Adams Brew House all accept eligible Priority Pass memberships.

Minute Suites offer Priority Pass holders 1 hour free. You can find Minute Suites in these locations:

• Minute Suites: Concourse B, near gates B16, open 24 hours a day
• Minute Suites: Concourse B, near gate B24, open 24 hours a day
• Minute Suites: Concourse E, in the center atrium, open 24 hours a day
• Minute Suites: Concourse F, between gates F2 and F4

Hot Tip: There are many credit cards that’ll pay for your annual Priority Pass membership (which can save you hundreds of dollars!)

Airport Dining and Drinks at ATL

There are approximately 170 cafes, bars, and restaurants at the Atlanta airport, so you won’t have a hard time finding a quick bite before your flight.

If you want to do your research on what’s available before you arrive, then you can view a full list of ATL airport dining options, or search by concourse or company, on the airport’s website.

ATL Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Wi-Fi: ATL offers free Wi-Fi access to passengers. The Wi-Fi can be used anywhere in the airport and some even say it’s accessible in the Transportation Mall. Unlike many airports which limit download usage, ATL says that passengers can download presentations, stream movies, and even connect to corporate VPNs.

To connect, select the network: “ATL Free Wi-Fi wireless network,” launch your browser, and fill in the requested information.

Charging Stations: Each gate has charging stations that are free to use.

ATL Airport Lost And Found

ATL’s lost and found is located in the north area of the domestic terminal, opposite the American Airlines ticket desk on the upper level. If something has been found in the terminal or at the security checkpoints, then items are usually returned here for collection.

If you have lost something at one of the gates or on an airplane, then you would need to contact the applicable airline. The Lost and Found Office can be contacted at 404-530-2148, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; however, the process for claiming an item is to complete and submit a lost and found form.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

ATL has over 70 guest service representatives throughout the airport. They can be identified by their dark suits with lime green vests. Many are situated at the main west crossover to assist with advice on flights, hotels, and onward travel.

Children’s Play Areas

There are no dedicated children’s play areas (although it’s apparently in the works), but there are interesting sights that could entertain the kids, such as a model train exhibition at the entrance of concourse T and a 33-foot long Yangchuanosaurus dinosaur skeleton.

Baby Facilities

There are 10 private nursing pods in ATL with an electric outlet for pumps and a diaper-changing table. These are located at:

• Concourse A: Near gates A6 and A33
• Concourse B: Near gates B4 and B25
• Concourse F: Near gate F5
• Concourse T: Near gates T2 and T13
• The central area of concourses C, D, and E

Unisex family restrooms are located at:

• Domestic terminal: Near TGI Fridays
• Concourse A: Near gate A6, A9, A18, and A27
• Concourse B: Near gate B9, B18, B23, B28,
• Concourse C: Near gate C15, C20, C34, and near The Market
• Concourse D: Near gate D5,
• Concourse F: Near ICE Currency Exchange, InMotion Entertainment, and before the underground tunnel to Concourse E
• Concourse T: Near gate T2, T4, T13, T15, and T16
• International terminal: Near the security checkpoint and in the baggage claim

Pet Relief Areas

ATL ranks second-highest on our list of most pet-friendly airports in the U.S. and has 7 pet relief areas located at:

• Concourse A: Near gate A9
• Concourse B: Near gate B33
• Concourse C: Near gate C17
• Concourse F: Near gate F6
• Concourse T: Near gate T7
• The central area of concourses D and E
• Outside the international terminal on the arrivals level

Duty-free

If you’re flying internationally, you may purchase duty-free items from the Duty-Free Americas stores located in Concourses E and F.

Smoking Areas

ATL is a smoke-free airport. Passengers will have to exit the airport to smoke.

Designated smoking areas (smoking zones) are available:

Interesting Features

ATL prides itself on its Airport Art Program, showcasing permanent and rotating exhibits. You can spot these walking through the Transportation Mall and throughout many of the concourses.

Prayer

There are 3 dedicated interfaith chapels providing services and a quiet place for prayer. These are located on the third floor of the domestic Terminal and in concourses E and F.

Money

There are ATMs located at:

• Domestic Terminal: In the south baggage claim, near Delta check-in, and in the north area of the terminal near doors N5 and N1
• Concourse A: In the central area and near gate A16
• Concourse B: In the central area and near gate A16
• Concourse C: In the central area
• Concourse D: In the central area and before gate D14
• Concourse F: Near Duty-Free America and Jekyll Island Seafood
• Concourse T: Near InMotion Entertainment
• International Terminal: Before the security checkpoint

Medical Center

There is no medical center at ATL.

Luggage

There are no luggage storage lockers at ATL.

Important Phone Numbers

Guest Relations: 800-897-1910

Parking: 404-530-6725

Ground Transportation: 404-530-6674

Concessions: 404-209-2100

Travel to and From ATL

Transportation Options To and From ATL

Bus

• MARTA Bus 191 from and to the Clayton County Justice Center. Operating Monday to Friday, 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
• Greyhound Flightlink bus transfers to regional destinations

Train

MARTA Train on the Red and Gold lines operates every 15 to 20 minutes from the end of the domestic terminal and takes 15 minutes to reach the city center.

Shuttle

Organize a shared ride shuttle to the city or contact your hotel to see if they provide free shuttle service.

Taxi

Metered taxis are available outside both airport terminals. Flat-fee taxi rides are offered to the Central Business District for around $30.

Amtrak

Travel to and from ATL to Peachtree Station can be made by taking a MARTA Red train northbound to Art Center Station and connecting to MARTA Bus 110.

Driving to ATL

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is accessible from interstates 20, 75, 85, and 285.

From Downtown Atlanta

Take I-75/85 S to Clayton County. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 239 for US-19/US-41/C.W. Grant Parkway towards Central Ave./Int‘l Airport. Keep left, follow signs for C.W. Grant Pkwy./Air Cargo/Int’l Airport/Porsche Avenue. Turn right onto C.W. Grant Pkwy. and continue straight onto Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd. for access to the international terminal. 

To reach the domestic terminal, continue on I-75/85 S to exit 72 for Camp Creek Pkwy. towards Atlanta Airport.

From Marietta

Take Highway 41 and merge onto I-285 W. Take exit 61 for I-85 S towards Columbus/Montgomery and then exit Exit 71 for Route 139/Riverdale Rd. Keep right and follow signs for I-85 N/Atlanta/Atlanta Airport. 

To reach the international terminal, stay on I-285 until exit 59 where you’ll join the South Loop Road to Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd.

ATL Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

ATL has over 30,000 parking spaces available. From the airport parking, the terminals can be reached on foot or by riding the airport shuttle bus.

Tickets are issued via automatic machines with fees available for hourly and daily parking. Parking options include Economy, Park Ride, and Gold Parker. The cost depends on if you want covered parking or proximity to the terminal.

Hot Tip: Ongoing redevelopments at ATL will limit parking available in the north and south parking decks until 2027. Check for up-to-date parking availability before you travel on the airport’s website.

Parking Options for the Domestic Terminal 

Short-term Parking

Located close to the terminal entrances, the north and south parking decks are perfect for drop-offs and pick-ups. Rates are $3 per hour for the first 2 hours, $4 per hour for 3 to 6 hours, with a daily maximum of $36. Passengers can walk from the terminal to the north and south decks.

Accessible directly opposite the terminal, the daily parking garages offers 4-levels of covered parking. Rates are $3 per hour or $19 per day.

Long-term Parking

ATL West Deck Parking is located beyond the Park-Ride lots at 4199 Skytrain Way, College Park, GA 30337, and passengers can ride the Skytrain to this lot in 3-5 minutes Rates are $3 per hour or $16 per day.

Located a little further from the terminal than the daily and hourly parking lots, the north and south economy parking lots are accessible to the terminal by foot or via the shuttle bus, which operates from 6 a.m. to midnight, 7 days a week. Rates are $3 per hour or $14 per day.

Park-Ride Lots A, B, and C are convenient to both domestic and international terminals. Parkers can ride the free shuttle bus from the parking lots to outside the check-in area, and from the ground transportation area near arrivals, on their return. Rates are $3 per hour or $10 per day.

ATL Select Parking is located beyond the Park-Ride lots at 1800 Sullivan Rd. College Park, GA 30337. Rates are $3 per hour or $10 per day.

Parking Options for the International Terminal 

Short-term Parking

International Hourly Parking is located close to check-in and arrivals and this parking lot is convenient for quick drop-offs and pick-ups. This lot offers 14 spaces for alternative fuel vehicles. Rates are $3 per hour for the first 2 hours, $4 per hour for 3 to 6 hours, and $36 per day after that.

International Park-Ride is located west of Loop Road. Passengers can ride the free 24/7 shuttle bus for 3 minutes to the departures area of the international terminal and back from the arrivals area. Parking rates are $3 per hour and $14 per day.

Gold Reserve Parking Program

This guarantees a reserved parking space in a dedicated area of the covered parking decks for the domestic and international terminals.

Membership is required with a fee of $408 charged on sign-up to cover 12 days of parking, plus a $200 advanced payment deposit, which is charged once your 12 days of parking have been used up.

There’s also a fee payable for the transponder that registers your car in the parking lot — either $25 for a window sticker or $40 for a license plate transponder.

Off-site and Hotel Parking

If you’re on a budget, then off-site parking is a good alternative to the official airport parking lots. Often located around 2 to 4 miles from the airport, these parking lots or airport hotels offer free shuttle services to the terminals, and many offer free cancellation.

Rates start from $7 per day, and a good booking site to use is airportparkingreservations.com which highlights customer reviews for each parking lot or hotel, distance from the airport, and operating hours.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

All official airport parking lots have parking spaces for people with disabilities. These are designated with signs within each parking lot with spaces closest to the airport terminals.

The Park-Ride parking option provides a shuttle bus with wheelchair access with a drop-off near the check-in area of the terminal.

Parking Contact Numbers

General parking inquiries: 404-530-6725

Parking for passengers with disabilities: 404-530-6725

Car Rental at ATL Airport

The car rental center is located on the outskirts of the airport on the west side and is accessible by taking the SkyTrain from the domestic terminal.

The following rental companies operate from ATL:

ATL Airport Hotels

ATL has a variety of hotels suitable for all budgets and travel purposes. These airport hotels offer free regular shuttle services to and from the airport, as well as easy access to Atlanta’s transport system for public buses and trains to explore some of Atlanta’s biggest attractions.

We’ve included a list of some of the most popular airport hotels below with contact details and distance from the airport.

Airport Hotels

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

If you’re looking to save some money on your next trip, check out some of the best award booking options near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport:

20,000 – 30,000 Marriott Points

The Kimpton Overland Hotel gives you everything you need for your stay including restaurants and bars featuring fresh, seasonal cooking; 6,500 square feet of event space, a rooftop lounge with panoramic views of the Porsche handling course and the airport runway, and a complimentary wine hour each evening.

The Hyatt Place Atlanta Airport North offers a prime location, an outdoor pool, 24/7 dining, and is pet-friendly for those traveling with a 4-legged friend! Don’t forget, all World of Hyatt members receive complimentary breakfast at participating Hyatt Place hotels. This Category 1 hotel provides exceptional value for just 3,500 Hyatt points per night.

The Hilton Atlanta Airport does its best to offer everything you could possibly need during your stay. In addition to a pool and fitness and business centers, the airport hotel also includes a barbershop, beauty salon, and shoe shine stand. Not to mention that Hilton members with Diamond status receive access to the executive lounge, which includes complimentary breakfast.

Final Thoughts

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has an easy-to-navigate layout, while the Plane Train makes it quick to get anywhere you need to go within the airport.

Long security queues can be an issue, but with 3 security checkpoints in the domestic terminal, and the ability to get up-to-date information from the Trak-a-Line service, you can easily plan ahead.

Passengers have grumbled at not always being able to check in at one terminal when flying from the other, but the frequent shuttle bus makes traveling between terminals quite straightforward.