Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications incl.
Updated: August 9, 2024, 7:14am CDTEditor & Content Contributor
109 Published Articles 553 Edited Articles
Countries Visited: 4 U.S. States Visited: 23
A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little ca.
43 Published Articles 3384 Edited Articles
Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28
With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now editor-in-chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r.
Jump to SectionWe may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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:
SCROLL FOR MORETerminal
Checkpoint
Hours of Operation
South (PreCheck lanes only)
5:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.
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:
SCROLL FOR MORETerminal
Checkpoint
Hours of Operation