Atlanta Airport Guide

ATL is big, but changing planes here is usually simple: stay after security, check your new gate, and take the Plane Train to the correct concourse. The seven concourses—T, A, B, C, D, E, and F—sit in one straight line, so you do not need to decode a maze of separate terminal buildings during an ordinary domestic connection.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is about 10 miles south of central Atlanta and is Delta Air Lines' largest hub. It has a Domestic Terminal at the west end and the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal beside Concourse F at the east end. Those are check-in and baggage-claim buildings; your concourse and gate are what matter once you are through security.

The free underground Plane Train links every concourse. A parallel pedestrian mall also runs from T through F. Domestic arrivals can normally remain airside, while non-precleared international arrivals must follow the airport's immigration, customs, baggage, and onward-connection instructions before returning to the concourses.

Direct answer: look up your onward concourse as soon as you land, follow signs to the center of your arrival concourse, and use the Plane Train. All seven concourses are linked after security.

ATL's layout is a straight line:

Domestic Terminal → T → A → B → C → D → E → F ← International Terminal

Each concourse has a Plane Train station near its center. There is also a signed underground walkway with moving walkways.

The Plane Train

ATL describes the Plane Train as the quickest way to move between concourses. Trains run continuously, and the ride itself is short; still budget time to reach the station and then walk from the destination station to your gate. Walking can be pleasant when you have time, but it is not a good rescue plan for a long, tight connection.

How much connection time to allow at ATL

The valid minimum is the one your airline applies to your exact ticket. We do not recommend a universal airport-wide number: a nearby domestic gate change is very different from a non-precleared international arrival.

For a calmer plan, our preference is at least 75 minutes for a domestic connection and two hours or more after a non-precleared international arrival. Add more time for separate tickets, checked bags that are not through-tagged, or mobility assistance.

International arrivals

If you arrive from an airport without U.S. preclearance, follow the purple connection signs and current staff instructions. The usual path includes U.S. immigration, baggage claim, customs, a connection bag drop, and security before the Plane Train. However, a small number of eligible airline-and-origin combinations now use streamlined baggage or screening procedures, so do not leave the signed route simply because an older guide lists a different sequence.

Arrivals from U.S. preclearance airports enter like domestic arrivals. If you are on separate tickets, confirm with the operating airlines whether the bag is checked through; otherwise plan to collect it and check in again.

ATL is located 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta. Travel times depend heavily on traffic:

• Downtown Atlanta: 20-40 minutes
• Midtown Atlanta: 25-45 minutes
• Buckhead: 35-55 minutes

The most reliable option is MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), which runs directly to the airport with no traffic delays. The MARTA station is inside the Domestic Terminal at the west end of baggage claim.

Uber and Lyft are available at ATL. The rideshare pickup location is at the North Economy Parking Lot:

1. From Domestic Terminal baggage claim, walk through North baggage claim
2. Use the lower-level escalators near door LN1
3. Follow the orange Rideshare signs into the North Economy lot
4. Request your ride only after you reach the pickup area

App-based fares and waits change with demand, so compare the live quote with the airport's published taxi fare before requesting.

Taxis use Aisle A of the Domestic Terminal's Ground Transportation Center and the arrivals level outside door A1 at the International Terminal.

Current airport-published flat fares from ATL, including the airport surcharge, are $37.50 to downtown, $39.50 to Midtown, and $49.50 to Buckhead for one passenger. Each additional passenger adds $2, and a fuel surcharge can apply. Check the posted taxi notice before boarding because these rates can change.

Best for downtown and Midtown: take MARTA from Airport Station, at the west end of the Domestic Terminal between the north and south baggage-claim areas. Both the Red and Gold lines run north from the airport; check the live MARTA trip planner for that day's frequency, service alerts, and fare.

How to Ride MARTA

1. From baggage claim, follow signs to "Ground Transportation" and then "MARTA"
2. The station is at the west end of the Domestic Terminal
3. Buy or load a Breeze fare using the options shown at the station
4. Take the Gold or Red line northbound—both serve Five Points
5. Transfer at Five Points for other MARTA lines

If you arrive at the International Terminal, MARTA is not in that building. Use the airport's free terminal-to-terminal shuttle from the arrivals level to the Domestic Terminal, then follow the MARTA signs. The airport says these shuttles run approximately every 15 minutes, so include that transfer in your plan.

ATL parking rates increased significantly in May 2025:

Lot	Hourly	Daily Max	Notes
Hourly (North/South)	$10/hr	$50 Day 1, $75 after	Closest to terminals
International Hourly	$10 first hr, $15 after	$70 Day 1, $100 after	Near Int'l Terminal
Daily (North/South)	—	$30/day	5-min walk to terminals
Economy (North)	—	$20/day	Shuttle to terminal
ATL West Deck	$10/hr	$30/day	2-min SkyTrain ride
Park-Ride Domestic	—	$15/day	Shuttle service

Budget tip: Off-site parking lots near the airport offer rates from $6-12/day with free shuttle service. Book in advance for best rates.

ATL SkyTrain (different from the Plane Train) connects the Georgia International Convention Center and ATL West Deck to the Domestic Terminal.

ATL has been ranked among the top airports for dining, with approximately 160 restaurants across all concourses.

Concourse T:

• Grindhouse Killer Burgers - popular post-security burgers
• Atlanta Stillhouse - bourbon flights and barbecue
• Southern National Market - new addition with local fare

Concourse A:

• Varasano's Pizzeria - Neapolitan pizza with live piano
• LowCountry - Southern cafeteria-style comfort food

Concourse B:

• Paschal's Southern Cuisine - historic Atlanta soul food
• Cafe Intermezzo - coffee and European pastries
• Fresh To Order - healthier options

Concourse C:

• Bantam & Biddy - acclaimed Southern fried chicken (gluten-free available)
• SaladWorks - quick salads

Concourse D:

• Chicken + Beer - owned by Ludacris, chicken and waffles
• Mustard Seed BBQ - Texas-style brisket

Concourse E:

• One Flew South - upscale sushi and Southern fusion (highest-rated restaurant)
• Ecco - Mediterranean cuisine

Concourse F (International):

• The Varsity - iconic Atlanta burgers and frosted orange drinks
• Ecco - seasonal Mediterranean

Most restaurants close between 9-10 PM. For late-night flights, options are limited to convenience stores and vending machines.

Free WiFi is available throughout the airport:

• Network name: ATL Free Wi-Fi
• Cost: Free, unlimited
• Quality: Recently upgraded to work as one unified network across all terminals

To connect:

1. Select "ATL Free Wi-Fi" from available networks
2. Open your browser - you'll be redirected to a login page
3. Accept the terms of use

The connection is adequate for browsing and email. For video calls or faster speeds, airline lounges offer premium connectivity.

Security note: Only connect to "ATL Free Wi-Fi" - networks with similar names may be unofficial.

SIM cards are available at:

• InMotion Entertainment (Concourse A, Space A-R6) - Ultra Mobile SIM cards and travel tech
• iStore (International Terminal) - SIM cards and Apple products

For international arrivals exiting through the Domestic Terminal, the InMotion stores are airside-only. The Atrium area (landside, before security) has limited tech retail options.

Alternative: T-Mobile offers eSIM activation through their app for compatible phones - no physical store visit needed.

ATMs are located throughout the airport, typically operated by Truist and other major banks:

• Concourse T, A, B, C Centerpoints
• Concourse D (near Gate 11A)
• Concourse E and F Centerpoints
• Domestic Terminal Atrium (NE, NW, SE, SW corners)
• International Terminal Arrivals Hall

Most ATMs charge $3-5 for out-of-network withdrawals.

Currency Exchange:

ICE Currency Exchange operates at:

• Concourse E (across from Gate E26): 6 AM - 10 PM daily
• Concourse F (near Gate F6): 1 PM - 9 PM daily
• Concourse T (post-security): 6 AM - 10 PM daily

Note: Airport exchange rates include significant markups. Using a no-foreign-fee bank card or Wise is typically more economical.

Duty-Free (International Terminal, Concourse F):

• DFS Duty Free - spirits, cosmetics, luxury goods

Throughout Concourses:

• Hudson News - books, magazines, travel essentials (all concourses)
• InMotion - electronics and tech accessories
• CNN Store - Atlanta-based news merchandise
• The Georgia Store - local products and souvenirs

Concourse T received a 50,000 sq ft expansion of concessions in 2024, adding new retail and dining options.

ATL has extensive lounge options, particularly for Delta flyers:

Delta Sky Club

Delta operates 9 Sky Clubs at ATL - one on nearly every concourse. Access requires:

• Delta Sky Club membership
• Delta One/First Class ticket
• Delta Reserve Amex card (with same-day Delta flight)
• Delta Platinum/Diamond Medallion status

Note: Basic Economy tickets do not include Sky Club access even with eligible cards.

The Centurion Lounge

American Express opened its largest Centurion Lounge at ATL in 2024:

• Location: Upper level of Concourse E
• Size: 26,000 square feet
• Access: American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders
• Amenities: Full dining, bar, spa services, showers

Priority Pass Lounges

Priority Pass options are limited at ATL since Delta dominates and Sky Clubs don't accept Priority Pass:

• The Club at ATL (Concourse F): The main Priority Pass lounge, open 6 AM - 10 PM. Can restrict access during peak hours (1-9 PM).
• Minute Suites (Concourse B near B16, Concourse T near T8): Private rest pods, 1-hour access with Priority Pass. Open 24 hours.

Day Passes

The Club at ATL sells day passes for approximately $45-50 when available.

On-Site/Connected:

• Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel: Directly across from the terminal with shuttle service. Rooms overlook Delta's aircraft maintenance area - great for aviation enthusiasts. Indoor/outdoor pools, Southern-cuisine restaurant.

• Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel: Connected to Georgia International Convention Center, accessible via free ATL SkyTrain (2-minute ride from terminal). Modern rooms, 24-hour fitness center.

Near Airport with Shuttle:

• Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway: Business-focused hotel with reliable shuttle
• The Westin Atlanta Airport: Full-service hotel
• Hilton Atlanta Airport: Popular for business travelers
• Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Airport: Reliable mid-range option

For early morning departures, staying at the Renaissance Concourse offers the shortest path to terminals.

Atlanta offers major attractions accessible via MARTA:

Downtown (20-25 min from airport via MARTA):

• Georgia Aquarium: One of the world's largest aquariums. Adults $45+
• World of Coca-Cola: Interactive Coca-Cola museum. Adults $21+
• CNN Center: Studio tours and behind-the-scenes access
• Centennial Olympic Park: Open green space, free admission

Combo tickets for Georgia Aquarium + World of Coca-Cola save up to $15.

Midtown (22 min via MARTA):

• High Museum of Art: Premier Southeast art museum
• Piedmont Park: Atlanta's central urban park
• Atlanta Botanical Garden: Adjacent to Piedmont Park

Other Neighborhoods:

• Buckhead (32 min via MARTA): Upscale shopping and dining
• Little Five Points: Eclectic shops and restaurants (take MARTA to Inman Park station)
• Ponce City Market: Food hall and rooftop attractions

Getting Around: MARTA covers most major attractions. Rideshare is readily available for areas not on the rail line. Atlanta traffic is notoriously heavy during rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM).