Guide to Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, or ATL, is the major airport in Georgia, U.S., serving Atlanta and its surrounding metropolitan area. The airport is 10 miles south of the Downtown Atlanta district. and it sprawls over 4,700 acres of land. Atlanta Airport has two terminals with seven concourses, which houses over 300 shops and restaurants. Hartsfield-Jackson is one of the world’s busiest airports by passenger traffic.

Atlanta Airport is the main hub of Delta Air Lines and the main city for low-cost carriers, including Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines. The airport offers international service within North America, Central and South America, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Atlanta Airport History 

Hartsfield-Jackson Airport started as a small airport in 1926 and was named Candler Field. It quickly developed into a busy airport, and by the end of 1930, it was the third busiest airport behind New York City and Chicago. In the following decades, the airport underwent several name changes and significant expansions to adapt to the increasing passenger traffic. In 1980, the world’s largest terminal complex opened at Hartsfield-Jackson, making it one of the major aviation hubs. Today, Atlanta Airport is one of the world’s busiest passenger airports. 

Where is ATL Airport? 

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, or Atlanta or ATL, is 10 miles or 16 km south of the Downtown Atlanta district. 

ATL Airport Map    

The Atlanta Airport map will give you an idea about terminals, parking, and transportation facilities.  

Atlanta Parking & Transportation  

The Atlanta Airport Parking provides plenty of onsite parking options, including ATL Select, ATL West, International Hourly, International Park-Ride, North Daily, North Economy, North Hourly, Park-Ride, South Daily, and South Hourly. Additionally, you can reserve offsite Atlanta Airport parking lots at lower rates with Global Airport Parking.  

Transportation: There are many means of transportation to and from ATL. You can take public transportation, taxi, car, or shuttle to get to or from ATL Airport.    

Public Transportation Services 

These are the local public transportation options at the airport: 

• The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) 
• Amtrak 
• Greyhound 

How to get to ATL Airport 

Public Transit 

• The most convenient way to get to ATL Airport is by riding the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) trains, which serve the Atlanta metropolitan area. 
• Locate the nearest MARTA station: You can check MARTA’s website to find the station closest to your boarding point. 
• Buy a Breeze Card: You can purchase a Breeze Card at any MARTA station vending machine. The card costs $2, and you can top the card according to your travel plans. 
• Take the southbound Red or Gold line train: These trains will take you to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Station.  
• The train ride to the airport station is about 15 minutes. 

Driving Directions 

These are the driving directions to ATL Airport from different directions:  

• Take I-85 South and exit at number 72 for Camp Creek Parkway to the domestic terminal. 
• If you’re coming from the north on I-85, take exit 71 for Riverdale Road to the domestic terminal. 
• From I-75 to exit 239 to reach the international terminal from the north or south direction. You can access Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport from Interstates 20, 75, 85, and 285.  
• These highways connect to several other freeways, including I-285, I-675, I-20, and Georgia State Route 166. 

How do I get from the airport to the city center?  

MARTA runs a reliable and efficient transportation service to and from the airport. The trains run every 10-15 minutes at peak hours and every 20-30 minutes during off-peak hours. Red and Gold Line trains will transport travelers from the airport.  

Train 

• MARTA trains run every 10-15 minutes during peak hours and every 20-30 minutes during off-peak hours. The Red and Gold Line trains will transport travelers from the airport to the city center in 45 minutes. 

Bus 

• You can take MARTA Bus 191 to the Clayton County Justice Center. The service is available from Monday to Friday, between 5 AM and 1 AM, and on Saturdays, Sundays, and other holidays, between 5 AM and 12:30 AM. 
• Greyhound Flightlink bus also takes travelers to regional destinations. 

Taxi 

Though expensive, metered taxis are a convenient way to travel from the airport to the city center. A taxi is available around the clock. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes. 

Pick up Locations 

• Domestic Terminal: At the Ground Transportation Center on the West Curb, between doors W-1 and W-2. 
• International Terminal: On the arrival level outside the A-1 door. 

Taxi Rates 

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

Rideshare 

Uber and Lyft rideshare companies that offer an affordable mode of transportation. 

Pickup Locations 

• Domestic Terminal: Located at North Economy lot. From North baggage claims, take escalators to the lower level. Exit doors N2 or N3. Follow the signs to the Economy lot. 
• International Terminal: At the outer curb (on the arrival level). Outside the A1 or A2 door and straight across the crosswalk. 

Shared-Ride Shuttles 

• To save money and have convenient transportation, take the shared shuttle service. 

Pickup Locations 

• Domestic Terminal: Located at North Economy lot. From North baggage claims, take escalators to the lower level. Exit doors N2 or N3. Follow the orange signs to the Economy lot. 
• International Terminal: Located on the arrival level, to the right of the A3 door. 

Fares 

• Downtown: 16.50 per person 
• Buckhead: $30 per person 
• Midtown: 18.50 per person 

Car Rental Services 

• Alamo: Phone: 404-530-2800 
• Avis: Phone: 404-763-6333 
• Budget Car Rental: Phone: 404-530-3000 
• Dollar Rent A Car: Phone: 866-434-2226 
• Enterprise: Phone: 404-763-5220 
• Fox Rent a Car: Phone: 770-455-5515 
• Hertz: Phone: 404-530-2925 
• National: Phone: 800-227-7368 
• Payless: Phone: 404-768-2401 
• SIXT Rent a car: Phone: 888-749-8227 
• Thrifty Car Rental: Phone: 877-283-0898 

Hotels near ATL Airport

 

If you are looking for the best ATL Airport hotels, here are some options. 

Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel 

• Address: One Hartsfield Centre Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30354. Phone: 404.209.9999 
• Distance from the ATL Airport: Approximately 2 miles 

Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway 

• Address:  2020 Convention Center Concourse, Atlanta, GA 30337, United States. Phone: 404-763-1544 
• Distance from the ATL Airport: Approximately 2.2 miles  

Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel 

• Address: 2081 Convention Center Concourse, Atlanta, GA 30337, United States. Phone: 470-306-0100
• Distance from the ATL Airport: Approximately 2 miles

Country Inn & Suites Atlanta Airport South 

• Address: 5100 W Fayetteville Rd, College Park, GA 30349, United States. Phone: +1 770-991-1099 
• Distance from the ATL Airport: Approximately 3 miles 

Courtyard Atlanta Airport South/Sullivan Road 

• Address: 2050 Sullivan Rd, College Park, GA 30337, United States. Phone: 770-997-2220 
• Distance from the ATL Airport: Approximately 0.7 miles 

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Atlanta Airport South 

• Address: 4820 Massachusetts Blvd, College Park, GA 30337-6603. Phone: 770-996-0000 
• Distance from the ATL Airport: Approximately 0.6 miles 

Super 8 by Wyndham Atlanta Airport 

• Address: 4979 Old National Hwy, College Park, GA 30349, United States. Phone: 404-369-2676 
• Distance from the ATL Airport: Approximately 3.6 miles 

AC Hotel by Marriott ATL Airport 

• Address: 2079 Hospitality Wy, Atlanta, GA 30337, United States. Phone: 404-665-0309 
• Distance from the ATL Airport: Approximately 1 mile 

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel ATL Airport 

• Address: 3400 Norman Berry Dr, Atlanta, GA 30344, United States. Phone: +1 404-763-1600 
• Distance from the ATL Airport: Approximately 2.4 miles 

Four Points Sheraton ATL Airport 

• Address: 3520 N Desert Dr, Atlanta, GA 30344, United States. Phone: +1 404-768-3100 
• Distance from the ATL Airport: Approximately 4 miles 

ATL Airport Lounges  

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has several lounges. The lounges and their locations are listed below: 

Concourse A 

• Delta Sky Club: Near Gates A19 and A17 

Concourse B 

• Minute Suites Near Gates B15 and B24
• Delta Sky Club: B18

Terminal C 

• Delta Sky Club: C37 

Concourse D 

• Delta Sky Club: D27 

Concourse E 

• Minute Suites: At the CenterPoint 
• The Centurion Lounge: Near Gate E11 
• Delta Sky Club: Near Gate E15

Concourse F 

• Minute Suites: between Gates F2 & F4 
• The Club ATL: Mezzanine Level (Level 2)
• Delta Sky Club: Near F10 (Mezzanine Floor) 

Terminal T 

• Admirals Club: Across from Gate T11 
• Delta Sky Club: Near Gate T7 
• United Club: Near Gate T11  

Domestic Terminal 

• USO Lounge: Mezzanine Level (Outside Security). 

Atlanta Airport Food and Dining

ATL Airport has a wide range of restaurants located in both terminals. You can find popular restaurant chains and local and fine dining restaurants here, serving a variety of cuisines. Below are some of the restaurants in ATL and their locations.  

Concourse A 

• Atlanta Bread & Bar: Near Gate A12 
• Cat Cora’s Kitchen: Near Gate A25 
• Low Country Southern Cuisine: Food Court 
• Chick-Fil-A: West of Center 
• McDonald’s: Near Gate A 11. 

Concourse B 

• Blue Moon Brewhouse: Near Gate B11 
• Paschal’s: B Center 
• SweetWater Bar & Grill: Near Gate B31 
• TGI Fridays: Concourse B East of Center & Near Gate B8 
• Willy’s Mexican Grill: Concourse B, Southwest of Center. 

Concourse C 

• Chick-Fil-A: Near Gate C21 
• La Madeleine: Near Gate C40 
• The Original El Taco: Near Gate C14 
• Sbarro’s: Near Gate C42 
• Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint: Near Gate C42. 

Concourse D 

• Phillips Seafood: Concours D Center 
• Terrapin Taphouse: Mezzanine Level 
• Wolfgang Puck Express: Near Gate D8. 

Concourse E 

• Nature’s Table: Food Court 
• One Flew South: Concourse E Center  
• Panda Express: Food Court 
• TGI Fridays: Concourse E Center 
• Sojourner’s Cafe: Near Gate E8. 

Concourse F 

• The Original El Taco: Concourse F Mezzanine Level 
• Starbucks Coffee: Near Gate C16 
• Pei Wei: Mezzanine Level 
• The Varsity: Mezzanine Level. 

Concourse T 

• Atlanta Stillhouse: Near Gate T14 
• Bojangles’: Near Gate T7 
• Grindhouse Killer Burgers: Near Gate T11 
• Papi’s Caribbean Café: Near Gate T8 
• TGI Fridays: Concourse E. 

Domestic Terminal 

• Auntie Anne’s: North East Atrium 
• Leeann Chin: Northeast of Center & Southeast Atrium 
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen: Southeast Atrium 
• Taco Bell: Southeast Atrium 
• The A Bar & Grill: Northeast Atrium & Mezzanine 

Atlanta Airport Amenities 

Shops 

Last minute shopping or window shopping, ATL Airport has many options. These are the types of shops at the airport 

• Books & magazines 
• Childcare supplies 
• Convenience shops 
• Duty-free shops 
• Electronics 
• Fashion and accessories shops 
• Gift and souvenirs 
• Pharmacy 
• Travel essentials shops are more. 

Services 

ATL Airport offers several services for travelers’ convenience. You can find: 

• ATMs 
• Baggage storage facilities 
• Barber Shop Salon 
• Charging stations 
• Currency exchange 
• Customer Service 
• Ground Transportation 
• Lost & Found 
• Lounges 
• MAMAVA lactation pod 
• Nursing suites 
• Personnel Assistance Point 
• Pet relief 
• Police Precinct 
• Shoeshine 
• Traveler’s aid 
• Worship spaces. 

Wellness 

Beauty and spa treatments are also available at the airport.   

Be Relax at Concourse B near Gate B22,  XpresSpa at Concourse A, D, and E, and The Chiroport Southeast of Center of Concourse A offers beauty and spa treatments, which include 

• Cosmetics 
• Skincare 
• Massage 
• Nail care 
• Spa facilities 
• Chiropractic care. 

ATL Airport Art & Sculptures

The Atlanta Airport Art Program started in 1979 with a series of artworks commissioned for the new Domestic Terminal. However, it wasn’t until 1996 that the airport began to take the art form seriously, renewing the collection and adding new artworks to welcome visitors to the Olympic Games. Since then, the program has gained momentum and now includes large-scale installations, rotating exhibitions, and tributes to civil rights icons and military service members.  

The program continues to introduce new works of art, including a partnership with NASA, the Souls Grown Deep Foundation, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, the Atlanta Film Festival, Booth Western Art Museum, and the National Park Service. Currently, the airport has over 250 artworks displayed across the terminals. You will also enjoy the local musicians playing at the Atrium. 

Attractions Near ATL 

Porsche Experience Center Atlanta 

The Porsche Experience Center Atlanta is a one-stop shop for Porsche enthusiasts. Porsche Experience Center Atlanta encourages visitors to test their driving skills in their unique facility, which features a 1.6-mile driver development track with various modules designed to hone your skills behind the wheel. The center also offers a Porsche retail store, fine dining restaurant, and Heritage Gallery that showcases the brand’s rich history.   

Address: One Porsche Dr, Atlanta, GA 30354, United States 

Distance from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: 1.1 mile. 

Arches Brewing 

Arches Brewing is located North of Atlanta Airport and offers both a relaxed ambiance and a selection of classic lagers and European-inspired ales. They pride themselves on using time-tested methods for complex and flavorful brews and have currently come up with 30 different distinct recipes. 

Address: 3361 Dogwood Dr, Hapeville, GA 30354, United States 

Distance from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: 2.1 miles.  

The Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood, or Lakewood Amphitheatre 

This amphitheater boasts a rich history dating back to 1989. Originally known as Coca-Cola Lakewood Amphitheatre, this iconic venue is famous for its stellar acoustics and has always attracted legendary artists. It continues to be a summer entertainment venue for Atlanta residents seeking unforgettable live music experiences. The place offers a captivating experience for music fans of all tastes. 

Address: 2002 Lakewood Way SW, Atlanta, GA 30315, United States 

Distance from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: 6.1 miles 

Delta Flight Museum 

The Delta Flight Museum is a must-visit if you are an aviation enthusiast. The museum represents Delta’s rich history and lineage. You can learn all about the evolution of commercial flight from propellers to jets through interactive exhibits and over 40 aircraft. You can climb aboard a restored DC-3 or get a pilot’s perspective in the only publicly accessible Boeing 737-200 full-motion simulator in the US. 

Nursing Stations at Atlanta Airport 

ATL Airport has several private and safe lactation pods for nursing mothers across the concourses. In order to access Mamava on the go, you must download the Mamava Pump & Nursing Finder app. 

• Concourse A: A10 & A34 
• ConcourseB: B2 & B25 
• Concourse C: CenterPoint 
• Concourse D: CenterPoint 
• Concourse E: CenterPoint 
• Concourse F: F5 & F (International Arrivals) 
• Concourse T: T3 & T13. 

Accessible ATL Airport Facilities  

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: To ensure a smooth travel experience for passengers with hidden disabilities like anxiety, PTSD, autism, or hearing loss, Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport issues a lanyard or an ID card for them. This will help them get extra help or support. 

Wheelchair Service: For a quick and easy process, please ask for wheelchair assistance at the time of your ticket reservation. You can also request one upon your arrival at the ticket counter. In the event of bringing your wheelchair, you must inform your airline authorities regarding its dimensions, including size, weight, and type, at the time of reservation. 

Sensory Room: ATL Airport offers a sensory room (Concourse F) that provides a calm ambiance for customers with autism. 

Bus and Rail Transportation: The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) and Greyhound Lines support customers with disabilities.  

ATL SkyTrain: AirTrain ATL is ADA-compliant. 

Other Facilities: All facilities, including restrooms, elevators, drinking fountains, and ground transportation (such as taxis, limousines, shared-ride shuttles, hotel shuttles, and off-airport parking shuttles), are ADA accessible. Wheelchair charging stations for electric mobility devices are also available. 

Security at Atlanta Airport 

The airport has 9 security checkpoints. All concourses and gates are accessible from any checkpoint. The operating hours might vary depending on ATL Airport weather and ATL Airport flight departures. 

• Main Terminal (Domestic) Termina: One security checkpoint 
• Domestic Terminal North: Two security checkpoints 
• North Domestic Terminal: Two security checkpoints 
• South Domestic Terminal: Two security checkpoints 
• International Terminal Departures: Two security checkpoints. 

Customs and immigration are in Concourse F at Atlanta Airport. 

TSA PreCheck 

• Domestic Terminal South 
• International Terminal Departures. 

To enroll in the TSA PreCheck program, you must visit the TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center at ATL located at: 

• Concourse A between Gates A19 and A21, post-security. 
• Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM & 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM. 

Global Entry 

The Global Entry enrollment center is on Floor 2 at Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal and is open from 6 AM to 4 PM. 

Mobile Passport

Mobile passport-eligible passengers can show their travel documents and customs declaration information through an MPC app on their mobile devices. 

CLEAR  

CLEAR lanes are located at: 

• Domestic Terminal Lower North: 3:30 AM to 11:00 PM (CLEAR standard) 
• South Terminal (Domestic): 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM (CLEAR with PreCheck) 
• CLEAR enrolment center: North and South Domestic Terminal, near the Main Security Checkpoint. 

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations at ATL 

Wi-Fi: The airport offers passengers free and unlimited Wi-Fi. To connect to Wi-Fi, select the network ‘ATL Free Wi-Fi wireless network.’  

Charging stations: Charging stations are available through the terminals. 

Atlanta Airport FAQs 

Is there a hotel at Atlanta Airport? 

Yes, there are several options for hotels near ATL Airport. Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel, Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway, Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel, Country Inn & Suites Atlanta Airport South, and Courtyard Atlanta Airport South/Sullivan Road are some of the best hotels near Atlanta Airport. 

How early should I get to Atlanta Airport?  

ATL Airport recommends you arrive at least 2 hours prior to your departure. 

How big is Atlanta Airport? 

Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is very big. The entire airport sprawls over 4,700 acres of land. ATL Airport has two terminals, with seven concourses, on about 130 acres. The terminals house over 300 shops and restaurants. 

How many runways does Atlanta Airport have? 

Atlanta Airport consists of five runways that run parallel to each other. 

How is ATL Airport weather? 

ATL Airport sees hot and humid summers and cold and wet winters. The climate is partly cloudy for almost all the months. 

What is the average TSA wait time at ATL Airport?  

The TSA wait time varies depending on the airport traffic. However, the average wait time at ATL is approximately 15 minutes. 

What does ATL stand for?  

ATL is the IATA code for the Airport, Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport.   

How many airports does Atlanta, Georgia, have?  

Atlanta has two airports. The primary airport serving Atlanta is Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), and there is a county-owned airport in DeKalb County known as DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK).