Airports

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

By Sarah Miller

Posted on April 21, 2025

Airport Overview

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the world by passenger numbers and flight operations. Located approximately 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta, ATL serves as the primary hub for Delta Air Lines and is a central gateway for domestic and international flights throughout the southeastern United States.

Officially opened in 1925, the airport was renamed in honor of former Atlanta mayors William B. Hartsfield and Maynard H. Jackson. The airport spans over 4,700 acres, with five parallel runways and a world-class passenger terminal system.

Hartsfield-Jackson plays a pivotal role in the U.S. and global aviation industries, offering nonstop help to over 150 domestic and 70 international destinations. For real-time help, call _.

Terminals and Layout

ATL features two terminals—Domestic Terminal and International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Terminal)—divided into seven concourses: T, A, B, C, D, E, and F. These concourses are connected by the Plane Train, an underground people mover that makes navigating the airport fast and efficient.

Terminal Highlights:

Domestic Terminal: Split into North (Delta) and South (other airlines) sides.
Concourse T: Adjacent to the main terminal; handles both Delta and other airlines.
Concourses A–D: Primarily domestic flights.
Concourse E: International flights.
Concourse F (International Terminal): Houses U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Each terminal and concourse offers helps such as baggage claim, customer assistance, restrooms, and concessions. For directions or assistance navigating ATL, call _.

Airlines and Destinations

ATL is a hub for more than 30 domestic and international airlines, providing travelers with countless destination options.

Major Airlines at ATL:

Delta Air Lines (primary hub)
Southwest Airlines
American Airlines
United Airlines
Spirit Airlines
Frontier Airlines
JetBlue Airways

Top Domestic Routes:

Orlando (MCO)
New York (LGA and JFK)
Dallas (DFW)
Chicago (ORD)
Miami (MIA)

Top International Routes:

London Heathrow (LHR)
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
Amsterdam (AMS)
Cancun (CUN)
Seoul (ICN)

For flight schedules and booking support, call _.

Transportation Options

Getting to and from ATL is straightforward thanks to its wide array of transportation choices.

By Road:

Taxis: Flat-rate fares to downtown Atlanta (~$30).
Rideshare: Uber, Lyft, and Wingz are available at designated pick-up zones.
Car Rentals: Located at the Rental Car Center, accessible by SkyTrain.

Public Transport:

MARTA (Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority): Direct help from the airport to downtown via the Red and Gold lines.
Shuttles: Operate to hotels, business districts, and nearby cities.
Long-distance buses: Greyhound and Megabus terminals nearby.

Parking:

Hourly Parking: Close to terminals; ideal for drop-off/pick-up.
Daily & Economy Parking: Long-term options with rates from $10/day.
ATL West Parking Deck: Newest long-term parking facility with shuttle help.

Need help reserving parking? Speak _ for assistance.

Check-in and Security

ATL has invested heavily in making check-in and security smooth and efficient:

Check-in Options:

Traditional counters for all airlines
Self-help kiosks for baggage tags and boarding passes
Mobile check-in via airline apps

Security Screening:

Multiple TSA checkpoints across Domestic and International Terminals
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes available
Priority security access for eligible frequent flyers

Travel Tips:

Arrive 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours for international.
Keep electronics and liquids easily accessible.

Questions about security procedures? Speak _ for guidance.

Services and Amenities

ATL offers an exceptional range of helps and passenger comforts.

Shopping & Dining:

Popular retail outlets: Duty-Free Americas, Spanx, Tech on the Go
Dining: One Flew South (award-winning sushi & cocktails), Paschal’s Southern Cuisine, Shake Shack, Starbucks

Lounges:

Delta Sky Club (multiple locations)
The Club ATL (Concourse F)
American Admirals Club
United Club

Free Amenities:

Wi-Fi: Available throughout the airport
Charging Stations: At nearly every gate area
Art Exhibits: Local and international displays across concourses
Nursing Rooms & Pet Relief Areas: In all terminals

For more information or lost items, contact _.

Nearby Hotels

ATL is surrounded by convenient, high-quality hotels for travelers with early departures or overnight layovers.

Top Hotels Near ATL:

Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel
Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway
Hilton Atlanta Airport
Drury Inn & Suites Atlanta Airport
Holiday Inn Express Atlanta Airport North

Many offer free airport shuttle help and business amenities. Book a room or inquire at _.

Travel Tips and Guidelines

Before You Fly:

Pack essentials in carry-on: ID, passport, chargers, medication
Double-check baggage restrictions
Avoid wrapping gifts before travel—they may be unwrapped by security

Best Times to Travel:

Mornings before 8 AM and mid-afternoons
Avoid peak holiday weekends and Friday evenings

Currency & Payments:

ATMs and Travelex currency exchange in concourses E and F
Most stores accept credit cards and digital payments

Need expert advice? Just call _.

Emergency and Contact Information

Your safety and convenience are top priorities at ATL:

Emergency Contacts:

Airport Support & Info Line: _
Lost & Found: Main office in Terminal North; items are kept for 30 days
Medical Clinic: Located in the Atrium between terminals
Police & Security: Present throughout the airport, contact via terminal phones

FAQs About Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

How far is ATL from downtown Atlanta?
Around 10 miles or 15–20 minutes by car or MARTA.
Which terminal is for Delta Airlines?
Delta operates from Domestic Terminal (South) and Concourse T through F.
Can I access Wi-Fi at ATL?
Yes, complimentary throughout the airport.
What time should I arrive before my flight?
At least 2 hours early for domestic, 3 hours for international.
Where is baggage claim located?
On the lower level of both Domestic and International Terminals.
Are there lounges at ATL?
Yes, including Delta Sky Club, The Club ATL, and airline-specific lounges.
Is there parking available at ATL?
Yes—hourly, daily, and economy lots plus ATL West Parking Deck.
What’s the best public transport to ATL?
MARTA rail system via the Airport Station.
Are pets allowed at ATL?
Yes, with pet relief areas in each terminal.
Where is lost and found located?
Terminal North, or call _.
Does ATL have charging stations?
Yes, near most boarding gates.
Can I rent a car from ATL?
Yes, via the ATL Rental Car Center accessed by SkyTrain.
What are ATL’s busiest travel times?
Early morning and late afternoon; weekdays tend to be busier.
How do I transfer between terminals?
Use the Plane Train for fast access between concourses.
Are there accommodations within the airport?
No on-site hotel, but several options are located nearby with free shuttles.
What airlines fly internationally from ATL?
Delta, Air France, KLM, British Airways, and more.
Does ATL have restaurants after security?
Yes, every concourse features full-help and quick dining options.
Is ATL open 24 hours?
Yes, and helps are available around the clock.
What should I do during a long layover?
Explore local dining, relax in a lounge, or visit airport art exhibits.
Is ATL accessible for travelers with disabilities?
Yes, including elevators, accessible restrooms, and transport options.