Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Atlanta, US · 10 mi (16 km) south of Downtown Atlanta
Getting to the city
| Mode |
|---|
| ATL SkyTrain Automated people mover |
| GCT Route 10 Public bus |
| Greyhound Intercity bus |
| Groome Transportation Atlanta–Columbus Intercity shuttle |
Insider notes
Connecting internationally? Use Concourse F for a smoother experience with better food and less chaos.
Go to the ends of the concourses for shorter food lines. Central food courts see waits up to 30 minutes.
The ATL SkyTrain and Rental Car Center drop-off is a hack to bypass main entrance crowds at peak times.
Welcome
At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), each concourse feels uniquely its own, blending local Atlanta flavors at eateries like Chick-fil-A and One Flew South while boasting a rich selection of Delta Sky Clubs. Many consider ATL a "Sky Club safari" due to the abundance of lounges with standout amenities like outdoor terraces and quality showers, particularly favored by frequent Delta flyers.
At a glance
As the world’s busiest airport by passenger numbers, ATL sees over 104.7 million travelers annually. Sprawling over 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta, the airport is primarily a Delta Air Lines hub, featuring five runways and two distinct terminals: the Domestic and the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal.
Terminals & layout
Hartsfield-Jackson consists of the Domestic Terminal, which hosts airlines like Delta, Southwest, and Frontier, while the International Terminal handles carriers such as KLM and Lufthansa. The concourses linked by the Plane Train make up over 7 million square feet of space filled with gate areas, shops, and restaurants.
Getting to and from the city
Transit to ATL is facilitated by the MARTA Red and Gold Lines, connecting travelers to downtown in about 20 minutes. For those driving, the airport offers extensive parking options such as North and South Economy Lots. Alternatively, rideshares from Uber and Lyft, along with metered cabs, serve to ease peak-time drop-offs, especially via the less congested Rental Car Center using the ATL SkyTrain.
Traveller essentials
Should you need to shield yourself from the bustling airport ambiance, quiet spots are tucked away in Concourse T and A walkways. Tech enthusiasts will find solace with outlets aplenty and fewer disturbances than the central atrium. Duty-free shops and services like Minute Suites ($65 per hour) are available for some rest or a quick shower add-on ($25).
Dining & shopping highlights
From iconic local staples like The Varsity and Paschal's to gourmet selections such as Ecco, ATL's food scene is vibrant. Concourse E’s One Flew South ranks high for a sushi fix and crafted cocktails. Shopping spans from MAC Cosmetics to the Atlanta Braves All Star Grill Shop, ensuring travelers can indulge in both local and international brands.
Lounges
Sky Clubs reign supreme at ATL, notably the spacious new Delta Sky Club in Concourse D, known for its open layout and exemplary service near gate D18. The Club ATL offers entry at $50 in Concourse F, an oasis with strong bar selections. United and American both also provide their own lounges, though Delta remains the dominant choice.
Insider tips
- Insider: Connecting internationally? Use Concourse F for a smoother experience with better food and less chaos.
- Time: Go to the ends of the concourses for shorter food lines. Central food courts see waits up to 30 minutes.
- Local: The ATL SkyTrain and Rental Car Center drop-off is a hack to bypass main entrance crowds at peak times.
- Quiet: Find calm in seating areas near Concourse T gates for uninterrupted work.
- Money: Use the Delta Sky Club help desks during irregular operations to rebook flights faster.
- Time: Arrive early on Monday mornings and Sunday evenings; security lines can exceed 60 minutes during peaks.
- Time: Walk the concourse underground walkways once for a mini art tour and plane-spotting opportunities.