Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Understand

Atlanta is one of the South's two regional hubs, and most of its passengers begin or end their journey in the region, but it also offers international nonstop services to every inhabited continent except Oceania. As the old saying goes, "It doesn't matter whether you go to heaven or hell—to get there, you will have to connect through Atlanta."

Atlanta was a rail hub before it ever became a major city, and as travel shifted from rail to air, Atlanta transformed into an air hub (as did the other American rail hub, Chicago). Atlanta is within quick reach of most major population centers of the U.S., and its climate is mild: it has few storms, little fog or snow, and isn't "hot and high" like some desert airports. Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines (who would ultimately merge) established their main hubs here, funneling countless passengers through Atlanta. And as "the city too busy to hate," Atlanta was one of the more attractive southern business destinations during the Jim Crow and early civil rights eras.

Despite its busyness, compared to other hub airports it's easy to navigate and not usually prone to delays or cancellations, thanks to its efficient layout and comparatively mild weather. When they do happen, it's usually because a severe summer thunderstorm brings a halt to all operations for anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours.

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport website

Get around

The airport's website has detailed maps of the interior, as do Google Maps and Apple Maps.

Think of the airport as a series of parallel ribs (concourses) connected by a central spine (the Transportation Mall and Plane Train), bookended by the Domestic and International Terminals. To get between concourses, head to the center of the one you are in, then take an escalator down into the Transportation Mall, the long straight underground hallway that connects everything. You can choose to walk (it's about 1000 ft between each concourse, with moving sidewalks for most of that length), or you can take the much faster Plane Train, an automated people mover that stops at every concourse roughly every 2 minutes. (Did we mention it's fast? Heed the announcements and hold on to something, lest you bowl into the other riders.) You don't have to leave or re-enter secure zones, so tight connections are usually quite feasible.

However, within each concourse, there are no moving sidewalks (except in Concourse F), and it's about 1000 ft from the entrance to the ends, or almost 2300 ft if you're unlucky enough to have to walk from one end to the other. For those who need assistance, there are speedy electric carts that you can flag down or ask a gate agent to call.

Concourses E and F are the international concourses. F is in the same building as the International Terminal, and is where you will go through customs and immigration when arriving from abroad. You can go to or be picked up directly at the International Terminal by car, taxi or shuttle. If you arrive from abroad at the International Terminal and you want to use other ground transportation (rental car, public transit, other shuttle), take the free airport shuttle connector to the Domestic Terminal or the car rental center.

Eat and drink

Coffee

The tide has turned against domination by Starbucks, and there are now an assortment of cafes and restaurants with a decent brew. If you're searching for espresso drinks rather than just drip coffee, here are a few suggestions:

• Domestic Terminal Atrium: Starbucks
• Concourse T: Argo Tea & Café (Gate T11), The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (Gate T6)
• Concourse A: Atlanta Bread & Bar (Gate A12), Brioche Doree Café Bakery (Center), Caribou Coffee (Gate A2), The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (Gate A12)
• Concourse B: Café Intermezzo (Center), Café Tazza (Center), Coffee Beanery (Gate B3)
• Concourse C: Atlanta Bread Company (Gate C30), Starbucks (Gate C16), and a second Starbucks (Gate C37)
• Concourse D: The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (Gate D30), Harvest & Grounds (Gate D9), The Market by Food and Wine (Center)
• Concourse E: Caribou Coffee (Center)
• Concourse F: French Meadow Cafe (Center), Starbucks (Center, upstairs)
• International Terminal: Starbucks (Arrivals level)

If tea is your preference, Argo Tea & Café (Gate T11) probably has the best selection.

Restaurants and bars

An influx of local restaurants and fine dining options has led to a vastly improved food scene at ATL.

Naturally, fast food is your safest bet if you're in a hurry, although even the "fast" food restaurants can be unexpectedly slow at times. The center of every concourse has a cluster of such restaurants; just follow signs towards baggage claim and you'll find them.

But if you have enough time — say, at least 1 hour for a seated restaurant — then nearly the whole airport is available to you, more than 100 establishments. It only takes 5-10 minutes to hop on the Plane Train and cross the airport in search of quality food, particularly since many restaurants are clustered at the center of each concourse.

Looking for the best that ATL has to offer? One Flew South (Concourse E) is consistently praised for its gourmet food and cocktail creations; Ecco (Concourse F) also offers good upscale food. The Original El Taco (Concourses C and F), LottaFrutta (Concourse B), and Pascal's Southern Cuisine (Concourse B) offer some unpretentious local flavor, while Varasano's Pizzeria (Concourse A) and Grindhouse Killer Burgers (Concourses T and D) serve expertly crafted classics. For beer lovers, Chicken + Beer (Concourse D) and Sweetwater Last Cast Bar & Grill (Concourse B) have plenty of local pours.

Domestic Terminal

The Domestic Terminal only has a handful of restaurants, and most are unremarkable. As it's outside of the secure zone, these plus one restaurant in the International Terminal are the only options for someone who isn't flying and can't pass through security. (Either that, or you could leave the airport and eat someplace nearby.) Otherwise, you may as well go through security, after which the rest of the airport's restaurants will be in easy reach.

Concourse T

Concourse A

Concourse B

Concourse C

Concourse D

Concourse E

Except for the outstanding One Flew South, food and drink options in Concourse E are generally unremarkable. There's a food court in the centerpoint with lots of open space and live piano, but the restaurants are just generic fast food (Arby's, McDonald's, Nathan's, Panda Express, Qdoba, and Subway).

Concourse F

International Terminal

The International Terminal isn't meant as a place to linger; it only contains check-in, baggage claim, and some ground transportation. Other than a Starbucks, there is only one restaurant here. Go through security, and then you'll be in Concourse F with a better selection, and within easy reach of the rest of the airport's restaurants. If you want to eat with someone who isn't flying and can't pass through security, either go to Domestic Terminal for a slightly better selection, or leave the airport and eat someplace nearby.

Flights

ATL names things a little differently than other airports. The "terminals" are before security, hosting check-in and baggage claim. After security, the boarding gates are in "concourses" or "[letter] Gates".

There are only two terminals, which both connect to every concourse. The Domestic Terminal is one large building separated into the South Terminal (Delta and its partners) and the North Terminal (all other domestic airlines), connected by a central Atrium with a smattering of restaurants. The International Terminal on the opposite end of the airport is used for foreign airlines and arriving international flights.

Checking in

If you already have your boarding pass and don't have to check bags, you can skip directly to security. Otherwise, go to the check-in desk for your airline. Delta Airlines operate from in both terminals as the largest airline here; rather obviously, all other domestic airlines are in the Domestic Terminal while all foreign airlines are in the International Terminal. (Southwest handles check-in for their international flights to Cancún and Punta Cana from their desk in the Domestic Terminal.)

For a Delta flight, you can check in at either Domestic Terminal or International Terminal, regardless of whether your flight is domestic or international. This can be convenient to avoid a lengthy trek to the International Terminal, although the International Terminal is much less busy and usually has much shorter security wait times (see below).

Delta also offers self-service check-in that's highly streamlined. To print your boarding pass, change your number of checked bags, or even handle non-routine tasks like changing flights, use the automated kiosks. Rather than digging up a confirmation number or other booking details, the fastest and easiest way is to swipe your ID, whether that's a credit card (only your name is pulled from it, so it doesn't matter whether you used it to book the ticket), a U.S. drivers' license, or a passport. Answer the questions on the kiosk, pay for any changes with your credit card, and you're done. To check baggage, enter a nearby line for check-in agents labeled "Bag Drop".

Security

You can enter security at any of the four checkpoints. (You can even use the security checkpoint in the Domestic Terminal if you're on an international flight, and vice versa.) You'll never have to leave and re-enter security to get where you're going.

You can check the current wait times online or by looking at signboards, but be skeptical: "less than 15 minutes" may not actually be true. Wait times have grown longer in the past few years, and can reach up to 1 hour during peak times (and even longer during busy holiday periods). It's also become more difficult to guess which checkpoint will be the fastest, since delays can occur for no apparent reason.

Mobile boarding passes are accepted at all security checkpoints; this lets you pull up your boarding pass on your mobile phone to get through security and board the plane, bypassing the check-in desks and saving paper.

Security checkpoints use automated screening lanes which avoid backups from slow passengers, but can be confusing the first time. When you get to the screening area, go to one of the five individual stations. Take a bin from beneath the station and put everything in it, including your luggage. You don't need separate bins for laptops/electronics, clothes, etc., but you do have to remove all electronics larger than a cell phone. When the TSA agent tells you to, push your bin forward onto the conveyor belt. (Don't push your bin as soon as there's an opening on the conveyor, because you may be cutting off someone at another station who was already waiting.) Then walk through the checkpoint and collect your belongings as usual. Be sure to return the empty bin to the automated return system.

At the even-more-automated South Checkpoint, the process is slightly different. Instead of waiting for the TSA agent to tell you to push your bin forward, simply push it from the loading area onto the small conveyor in front of it, and watch the machines do the rest. You can also leave your empty bin on the conveyor after you have retrieved your items, and a sensor will check that it is empty before returning it automatically.

In the Domestic Terminal, there are three security checkpoints: the main one accessible through the central Atrium, and smaller ones near the end of North and South Terminals (walk behind and past the check-in desks; the entrances are marked but there aren't many signs to guide you to them). The South checkpoint is only for trusted traveler program members (TSA PreCheck, etc.) and travelers needing special assistance. Keep those smaller checkpoints in mind in case the wait at the main checkpoint is long; they are also the faster option if your flight leaves from Concourse T, as they empty directly into it instead of the Transportation Mall.

The line at the International Terminal security checkpoint is often much shorter. Since you can use it even if you're on a domestic flight, this can be handy if you're in a rush or want a calmer experience. However, there are several caveats:

• If you need to get your boarding pass or check baggage, and your airline doesn't have a desk at the International Terminal, this won't work. (Only Delta and international airlines have a presence there.)
• The wait to check baggage is typically longer at the International Terminal.
• You can only get to the International Terminal by Marta bus line 191 (from the Lakewood/Ft Mcpherson rail station; somewhat infrequent), International Terminal Shuttle buses (from the Domestic Terminal, where the Airport rail station is located) or by car; it's not directly served by Marta rail. Depending on where you come from, it may take longer to get to the International Terminal. (Once past security, though, it only takes a few minutes to cross the airport to reach your departure gate.)

Arrival

If you are arriving on an international flight, and Atlanta is your final destination, the walk from your gate to passport control can be a long one, up to 10-12 minutes, along a series of hallways, moving sidewalks and escalators (elevators are also available if needed). Signs and computer screens (and occasionally, friendly airport staff members) along the way will keep you updated as to how much farther you have to go.

Baggage

Regardless of what gate you arrive at, if you're on an international flight — even one with U.S. border preclearance — your baggage will be at the International Terminal located outside of Concourse F. For domestic flights, your baggage will be in the Domestic Terminal in either South Terminal (Delta and its partners) or North Terminal (all other airlines).

Ground transportation

Ground transportation options at ATL are nicely consolidated at the end of the Domestic Terminal. Walk past baggage claim; the MARTA station is just indoors, and all other transportation is straight ahead outside.

At the International Terminal, the only options that are directly available are taxis, ride-shares, a few select shuttle buses, or getting picked up by car. For all other ground transportation, take the free International Shuttle Connector, a 15-minute ride that leaves from the red zone 3. Check the bus's sign for its destination; it will bring you either directly to the rental car center, or to the Domestic Terminal for all other ground transportation.

By public transit

The airport has its own station on MARTA, the city rail system; the station is inside the Domestic Terminal. (The station is indoors, next to the exit for other ground transportation, across from the baggage claim belts; look for the ugly brown stone flooring.) MARTA is a convenient and economical way of getting from the airport to places in downtown, midtown, or northern Atlanta, albeit one of the least comfortable. (The hard plastic seats get uncomfortable very quickly, and there isn't much space to put your luggage.) Not including time spent waiting for a train, travel time is about 20 minutes to/from Five Points Station or 30 minutes to/from Lindbergh Station. All fares are $2.50 one-way (not including a $1 ticket fee or $2 reloadable fare card) and include free transfers for both rail and bus. Departing trains alternate between Doraville-bound (Gold Line) and North Springs–bound (Red Line), though if you aren't going north of Lindbergh Station, where the two lines diverge, you can take either one.

Most MARTA stations have taxi stands, and some hotels have free shuttles which will collect from the nearest MARTA station on telephone request.

Although several MARTA bus routes stop at College Park Station (the next stop up on the MARTA Red/Gold rail line), the only route that stops at the airport directly is 191, which stops at the International Terminal and services Riverdale and Jonesboro. Taking route 191 to Lakewood/Ft Mcpherson station and from there Marta rail to Downtown can be quicker than waiting for the International Terminal Shuttle bus to the Marta Rail station at the Domestic Terminal (which can get full and does not allow standing passengers), depending on when the next route 191 bus will arrive – be sure to check its schedule, since route 191 service is rather infrequent.

There are no long-distance trains at the airport, but you can take MARTA trains and buses to the Amtrak station in Buckhead.

By taxi or ridesharing

Taxis are fixed-rate when going to/from the airport and major business areas (Downtown $30, Midtown $32, Buckhead $40; excluding fees).

Taxi stands and rideshares from Uber and Lyft are available at both terminals. Due to construction at the Domestic Terminal, its rideshare pick-up zone is temporarily relocated. Do not attempt to request a rideshare at the general pick-up/drop-off zones. From baggage claim, take an escalator down to the lower level, and follow signs to the rideshare pick-up zone (in the North or South Economy parking lots). It is approximately a 5- to 7-minute walk from the terminal. Request your rideshare after getting to the pick-up zone.

By shuttle or bus

A plethora of shuttle buses have designated parking spaces, divided into categories: limousines, shared-ride shuttles, hotel shuttles, and off-site parking.

Local shared-ride shuttles

Local van services provide transportation to a variety of areas in the Metro Atlanta area. Fares are capped when going to/from the airport and major business areas (maximum: Downtown $16.50/person, Midtown $18.50/person, Buckhead $30/person).

Regional and long-distance

Regional shuttle services to many surrounding cities outside Metro Atlanta are available.

Limited services to outside of Georgia are also available:

You can also take MARTA rail to connect to the Greyhound and Megabus stations in downtown Atlanta.

By car

The airport is easily reached from I-85 (domestic terminals) or I-75 (international terminal), where there are well-labeled signs directing you to the airport.

At the domestic terminals, you will need to know whether you're going to South Terminal (Delta and its partners) or North Terminal (all other airlines), because the road divides. Fortunately there are signs posted listing the airlines for each terminal.

If you just want to drop someone off quickly, the curbside drop-off lanes are quick despite the heavy traffic. Surly police officers will not let you linger for too long, so if you want a longer goodbye, pay a few dollars for the hourly parking lot.

Parking

Free "cell phone" parking lots are available if you're waiting to pick up an arriving passenger, but they can be jam-packed during busy times. The rental car center also has a small waiting lot inside its main loop, and is only 5-10 minutes away.

Numerous parking lots are available from all terminals. All allow hourly parking at $3/hour (increasing to $4/hour after 2 hours in the short-term lots), and long-term parking at rates from $10-36/day. Parking lots sometimes fill up during busy periods; check lot status online or listen to 830 AM.

More than a dozen other companies have off-site parking lots with shuttles bringing you directly from your car to the terminals. Their daily rates can be substantially cheaper, particularly if booked advance.

By rental car

Handle everything for your rental car at the Hartsfield–Jackson Rental Car Center (RCC), a dedicated complex that houses rental check-in desks and their cars. From the Domestic Terminal, walk past baggage claim, continue straight outside, and take the free ATL SkyTrain; from the International Terminal, take the International Shuttle Connector, which has a route that will take you directly to the rental car center.

When returning your car, take I-85 and follow signs towards the airport, then follow further signs to "rental car return". When you reach the Rental Car Center, drive around the loop until you see the parking deck entrance for your rental car agency. After you've returned the car, take the ATL SkyTrain to the Domestic Terminal, or the International Shuttle Connector to the International Terminal.

There are no gas stations for several miles as you take I-85 towards the Rental Car Center, except for a couple off exit 73 (coming from the north). Otherwise, the best option, which is also a little bit cheaper, is to take the airport exit onto Camp Creek Parkway and go 3/4 mile to the RaceTrac on your left, just past the convention center. After filling up, go back the way you came on Camp Creek Parkway and follow signs to the airport and the Rental Car Center; don't try to take surface streets, which only lead to restricted entrances.

Wait

It's tough to find a good view, since windows mostly have a dull view of other gates. Concourses A and D have upper levels at their centerpoints, and the restaurants there have windows that look out over the whole airport. Gates E14-18 are sideways compared to everything else, so their windows have a clear view of the runways and open field.

Music

• The ATL/music program has around a dozen musicians who play in shifts all throughout the airport, M-F 7AM-7PM, Sa Su 8AM-5PM. Besides guitar, violin, and cello, you may hear steel drums or vibraphone.
• If you prefer a more relaxing ambiance, Concourse E has a spacious food court with live piano.
• There is also the Piano Bar in Concourse A (see § Eat and Drink), although it's small and often crowded.
• Music plays in the Domestic Terminal Atrium (outside secure zone) from 5-7PM daily. The theme changes monthly.

Art exhibits

The airport is home to a growing number of permanent and rotating art exhibits.

• In the Domestic Terminal Atrium there is a dinosaur skeleton on loan from Atlanta's Fernbank Museum.
• The underground Transportation Mall has a few exhibits. You'll have to skip the Plane Train and take the moving sidewalks if you just want a quick glance, or walk if you want to go at your own pace.
• Between Concourses T and A, there are Zimbabwean stone sculptures.
• Between Concourses A and B, the tunnel is decorated like a forest, with faux foliage on the ceiling, lighting, and sound effects of rain and birds.
• Between Concourses B and C, there's an exhibit on the history of Atlanta.
• There are rotating youth art galleries in Concourses T, D, and E.
• Concourse E includes an exhibit on the life of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by the escalators from the Transportation Mall level.

Lounges

It's not really a lounge, but if you're looking for someplace to rest quietly you can also get a room at Minute Suites in 15-minute increments (minimum 1 hour); see § Sleep.

Airline lounges

• Delta Sky Club — The best are the ones in Concourses E and F. Concourses A and B also have nice ones. If you're in Concourse D, go elsewhere if you have time.

Spas

Nearby

Nearby communities include Hapeville, East Point, College Park and South Atlanta in general.