Atlanta Airport (ATL), officially called Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, is located 11 kilometers south of downtown Atlanta. The airport is actually one of the busiest in the world in terms of both passenger traffic and number of flights. ATL serves as a major hub for travel throughout the United States and internationally.
Find your way – terminal layout and gates
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is segmented into two primary terminals: the Domestic Terminal and the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal. These terminals are supported by a series of concourses that extend from each terminal to manage various flight operations effectively.
Domestic Terminal
The Domestic Terminal is divided into two sections – North Terminal and South Terminal. The North Terminal is primarily used for airlines other than Delta and handles check-ins and baggage claims for these carriers. South Terminal on the other hand primarily serves Delta Air Lines and is their main domestic hub.
Concourse A-D: These concourses are accessible via the airport’s Plane Train system and are predominantly dedicated to domestic flights. They also accommodate a limited number of international flights, providing flexible travel options for passengers.
Concourse T: Connected directly to the Domestic Terminal, serving a variety of domestic flights with close proximity to the main check-in areas.
International Terminal
Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal encompasses Concourses E and F and is equipped with comprehensive customs and immigration facilities specifically designed for international travelers.
Concourse E: Established as part of the original layout for international flights, Concourse E facilitates a broad range of international services and some domestic flights, maintaining robust global connectivity.
Concourse F: A more recent addition to enhance ATL’s international capabilities, Concourse F offers advanced facilities and supports both international and domestic operations.
Luggage handling when connecting at ATL
Atlanta Airport employs an advanced automated baggage handling system, which is designed to speed up check-ins and minimize waiting times for baggage collection. The luggage handling depends on your ticket type, as you can learn below.
Single ticket connections
Passengers traveling on a single ticket with connections through Atlanta Airport typically have their baggage checked through to their final destination.
Multiple tickets or different airlines
Those with multiple tickets or traveling on different airlines may need to reclaim and recheck their baggage, depending on their flight arrangements.
How does the security routine work?
Security at the airport in Atlanta is managed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Every passenger is required to undergo security screening, which includes passing through a metal detector and having baggage examined via X-ray. There may also be additional random checks such as pat-downs and secondary screenings.
Passengers traveling to and from international destinations must proceed through passport control. For eligible passengers, Automated Passport Control kiosks are available to expedite the process, helping to shorten wait times.
Dining options at Atlanta Airport
If you are looking for something to eat while waiting for your departure, there is a lot to choose from at Atlanta Airport. Listed below you find some popular options.
One Flew South: A renowned restaurant located in Concourse E, serving upscale Southern and international cuisine.
Paschal's: A famous Atlanta eatery in Concourse B, known for its traditional Southern dishes.
The Varsity: An iconic Atlanta fast-food chain located in Concourse C, famous for its hot dogs and burgers.
Ecco: Situated in Concourse F, offering Mediterranean dishes and fine wines.
Relax at one of the airport lounges
Multiple airline lounges and several independent lounges provide spaces for relaxation and work at Atlanta Airport. For example you find Delta Sky Club in a number of locations across various concourses, offering amenities such as showers, snacks and business services.
Another lounge is The Club which is found in Concourse F. This lounge is open to all passengers for a fee and features for example comfortable seating, refreshments and showers.
Hotels in the area – airport hotels
Atlanta Airport is surrounded by hotels of all shapes and sizes, and you can find something for all budgets. Take a look at the list below to see some popular options.
Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel: A stylish option with direct access via SkyTrain.
Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway: Another excellent choice with quick access via SkyTrain, featuring modern amenities and meeting spaces.
Hilton Atlanta Airport: Offers a complimentary shuttle service, with well-equipped rooms and multiple dining options.
Compare more hotels near Atlanta Airport
Transportation to and from ATL
Atlanta Airport is well-connected to the city and beyond, and there are several different options to choose from when it comes to transportation.
MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority): The Airport Station is directly connected to the Domestic Terminal, offering rapid rail service to downtown Atlanta and beyond. A single trip costs approximately $2.50, with trains running every 5 to 15 minutes depending on the time of day.
Shuttle services: Numerous shuttle services operate from ATL, including hotel shuttles and private shuttle companies, providing door-to-door service to various destinations around Atlanta and the surrounding areas. Prices vary based on destination; for example, shuttle service to downtown might range from $16.50 to $30.
Taxis: Taxis are available at the Ground Transportation Center, located just outside the baggage claim areas. Metered fares to downtown Atlanta start around $30, plus a $1.50 airport fee. Additional passengers are generally $2 each.
Ride-sharing (Uber and Lyft): Both Uber and Lyft operate at ATL, offering competitive pricing to various locations. For a ride to downtown Atlanta, prices can range from approximately $20 to $40 depending on the service level and time of day.
Car rental: The Rental Car Center (RCC) is connected to the airport via the ATL SkyTrain. Daily rental rates start around $30 and can vary widely depending on the type of vehicle and rental period. Find car rentals at Atlanta Airport here.
Atlanta, GA, USA
