Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic, handling over 100 million passengers annually. Located 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta, it serves as Delta Air Lines' primary hub and the airline's largest operation worldwide.

The airport has a straightforward linear design with one Domestic Terminal and one International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal). Seven concourses are connected in a line:

• Concourse T: Attached to the Domestic Terminal, serves Delta and American
• Concourse A: Delta's busiest concourse (29 gates)
• Concourse B: Delta domestic operations
• Concourse C: Low-cost carriers, Southwest, Frontier
• Concourse D: Delta, United, select international
• Concourse E: International departures, Delta international
• Concourse F: International Terminal (12 gates) - Qatar Airways, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Lufthansa

All concourses are connected airside via the Plane Train, a free underground automated train. You do not need to re-clear security when transferring between any domestic concourses or between domestic and international gates.

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, go to doors N2 or N3
2. Take the escalator down to the lower level
3. Follow the orange "Rideshare" signs into the parking deck
4. Request your ride from there

Typical fares (2024-2025):

• Downtown Atlanta: $25-35
• Midtown: $30-40
• Buckhead: $40-55

Wait times average 5-10 minutes but can extend to 20+ minutes during peak travel periods.

Taxis are available at the Ground Transportation Center (Domestic Terminal, between doors W1 and W2) and at the International Terminal arrivals (door A1).

Flat-rate taxi fares:

• Downtown Atlanta: $36
• Midtown: $38
• Buckhead: $48

Additional passengers pay a $2 surcharge each. There is a $1.50 airport fee.

MARTA Rail is the fastest and most affordable way to reach downtown Atlanta:

• Fare: $2.50 one-way
• Travel time: 16-20 minutes to Five Points (downtown)
• Frequency: Every 10-20 minutes depending on time of day
• Hours: 4:45 AM to 1:15 AM daily

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. Purchase a Breeze Card ($2 for the card) or use the Breeze Mobile 2 app
4. Load at least $2.50 for a one-way trip
5. Take the Gold or Red line northbound - both go to Five Points
6. Transfer at Five Points for other MARTA lines

Key stations and travel times from airport:

• Five Points (downtown): 16 min
• Peachtree Center: 18 min
• Midtown: 22 min
• Buckhead: 32 min

Tip: MARTA offers free transfers within 3 hours, and parking at certain MARTA stations costs just $5-8/day - much cheaper than airport parking.

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).