How to Navigate Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport Inside & Out
Atlanta Airport Guide
If you’re flying through ATL, you’re about to step into one of the busiest travel hubs in the world. With a few insider tips and help from Avis, you’ll be ready to move smoothly through ATL from arrival to car rental pickup.
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport Quick Facts
Official name: The airport’s full name is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, a nod to two Atlanta mayors who helped transform the city’s aviation history. It’s a mouthful, but fitting for the one of the world’s busiest airports.
Official website: https://www.atl.com/
Airport code: ATL is the airport code for Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, and the letters make perfect sense—it’s simply short for Atlanta. You’ll spot “ATL” everywhere from baggage tags to terminal signs as you move through the airport.
Airport history: Atlanta’s airport began in 1926 as Candler Field, a former racetrack turned airfield. Since then, it’s been renovated and expanded many times, including a major modernization program to upgrade terminals, concourses, and curbside areas in the mid to late 2020s.
Number of terminals:
ATL has two main terminals:
- Domestic Terminal, divided into North and South sides, where most airlines check in. Both connect to the central atrium.
- Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal, dedicated to international departures and arrivals.
From either terminal, you can reach all seven concourses—T, A, B, C, D, E, and F—via the underground Plane Train. It’s not an ATL airport shuttle, but it functions as ATL’s speedy way to hop between terminals and concourses without stepping outside.
Tricks to Navigating ATL
- Domestic Terminal split: North and South look nearly identical, and each serves different airlines, so double-check your side before arriving.
- The linear concourse setup: Gates stretch out in one long line, so skipping the Plane Train can leave you with a much longer walk than you might expect.
- The Plane Train’s quick stops: Doors open and close fast, so be ready to board or exit right away.
- Baggage claim is separated: Follow airport signage for either “Domestic Baggage Claim” or “International Baggage Claim.” They are at opposite ends of the airport in separate terminals.
Outside the Terminals
You can reach the airport from I-85, I-75, or Camp Creek Parkway, all of which connect smoothly to the terminal loop. There isn’t a gas station on the airport campus itself, so most travelers fill up just before returning their car rental or opt for an Avis fuel plan to save some time.
Accommodations for arrivals and departures are on different levels. Use the lower roadway for pickups and the upper for drop-offs. The clear signage helps, but it’s worth paying extra attention during busy times.
Car rentals at ATL are easy to reach, thanks to the Rental Car Center (RCC), a single hub for every major rental company, including Avis. After you land, you can follow signs through the ATL airport layout to the SkyTrain, which takes you directly to the RCC in just a couple of minutes. It’s free, frequent, and simple.
Inside the Terminals
To understand how to navigate Atlanta Airport, picture a straight line: the Domestic Terminal on the west end, the International Terminal on the east end, and seven parallel concourses—T, A, B, C, D, E, and F—running between them like rungs on a ladder.
The Plane Train moves beneath all terminals and concourses, giving you the fastest connection from one side of ATL to the other. A pedestrian walkway offers a slower but scenic alternative if you’d rather walk.
TSA screening happens before you access the concourses, with checkpoints at Domestic North, Domestic South, and the International Terminal. Baggage claim is on the lower level of each terminal once you exit security or customs.
How to Change Terminals at ATL
You can walk between all concourses at ATL using the underground pedestrian walkways that run parallel to the Plane Train. However, you cannot walk between the Domestic and International Terminals landside. To move between them, use the Plane Train after security or the official ATL airport shuttle before security.
Yes—ATL offers two options. The Plane Train runs every few minutes inside security, connecting all concourses plus both terminals. Outside security, the free ATL airport shuttle links the Domestic and International Terminals. Together, they’re the quickest ways to move across the long ATL airport layout.
Hidden Gems at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport
Planning for a longer layover and wondering what to do in the Atlanta Airport? Here are some hidden gems to check out while you wait:
- The Walkway Exhibits: The underground tunnels between concourses feature art installations—worth a stroll if you have extra time.
- The Minute Suites: Located in multiple concourses, these private rooms offer a quiet place to nap, work, or recharge between flights.
- The ATLSkyTrain Views: While primarily a transportation route, the quick ride offers surprisingly cool elevated views of the airfield, especially fun for aviation fans.
Beyond the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport
If you have an hours-long layover, you have time to venture beyond the terminals. You can head into the city to visit World of Coca-Cola, walk the Atlanta BeltLine, or stop by the Georgia Aquarium before returning for your next flight.
Our Atlanta Leisure Travel Guide and Atlanta Business Travel Guide offer even more ideas if you want to make the most of your time. And if you prefer a quick escape with a one-way rental, there are several Avis Atlanta locations ready to help you get out and explore at your own pace.
Rent a Car at ATL from Avis
When you land at ATL, renting a car from Avis gives you quick access to places like Zoo Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park, and Atlanta History Center. It’s an easy way to explore at your own pace and turn any layover or trip into a real adventure.
Book an ATL Car Rental