ATL Airport Terminals
The busy and vast Hartsfield Jackson Airport (ATL) features two terminals, seven concourses, and five runways, handling around 2700 flights on a daily basis. The terminal on the airport’s west side is the domestic one, while on the east part of the complex, the Atlanta airport international terminal is to be found. The seven concourses are located between the two terminals, parallel to each other. Concourses T and F are adjacent to the domestic and international terminals, respectively. As a matter of fact, Concourse F is often referred to as the international terminal of Atlanta Airport.
Overall, Concourses T, A, B, C, and D are dedicated to domestic flights, while Concourses E and F serve international flights. That being said, it is not a hard rule. Thus, domestic concourses may handle international flights, and international concourses may serve domestic destinations as well.
Atlanta Airport Domestic Terminal
The Hartsfield Jackson airport domestic terminal is to be found on the west side of the ATL terminal complex. It is divided into two sections: the north and south sections, separated via an atrium. Right in the heart of the domestic terminal lies an interesting selection of shops and restaurants, the Transportation Center, the security checkpoints, the baggage claim area, and the MARTA Station. Moreover, travelers can access the adjacent Concourse T from this terminal’s area as well.
The south part of the Atlanta airport domestic terminal houses Delta Air Lines. Alaska Airlines also operates in this section. In fact, Delta features separate check-in points and baggage claim zones. On the other hand, all other airlines are present on the north side of the ATL domestic terminal.
All Atlanta airport concourses (apart from Concourse T) have odd-numbered gates on their east sides and even-numbered gates on their west sides.
Once passengers pass through security at the Atlanta airport domestic terminal, they access Concourse T. Concourse T has 21 gates, boasting security checkpoints and several food and shopping options. Moreover, Concourse T houses American Airlines Admiral Club (close to Gate T10), a Delta Sky Club (close to Gate T6), and the United Club (close to Gate T11). Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines mainly utilize Concourse T.
Right next to Concourse A -within a 5-minute walking distance- lies Concourse A. It has 29 gates. Delta Air Lines is also the main air carrier operating from Concourse A. Here, you’ll find some retail and dining options as well as two Delta Sky Club Lounges (one close to Gate A17 and the other centrally located on the concourse’s second level).
The next concourse (parallel to Concourse A, situated 5 minutes on foot from Concourse A towards the international terminal) is Concourse B. With a total of 32 gates, it offers various shopping and dining options while housing a Delta Sky Club (Gate B18) and Minute Suites, close to Gate B16. Although it serves various airlines, once again, Delta Airlines dominates Concourse B.
Concourse C houses several domestic and international air carriers. It features 34 gates and offers its passengers some retail and drinking options. Furthermore, it boasts a Delta Sky Club, to be found close to Gate C37.
Finally, Concourse D (the furthest domestic concourse from ATL airport domestic terminal) has 40 gates and is home to various retail stores, eateries, and currency exchange houses. Two Delta Sky Club Lounges are located within its premises, close to Gates D12 and D27. Overall, Concourse D houses domestic airlines.
Transit passengers from a domestic to either another domestic or international destination don’t have to pass again through security. Conversely, passengers arriving at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport from an international destination with an onward flight (regardless of the destination, domestic or international) must go again through the security procedures.
Atlanta Airport International Terminal
The international terminal in Atlanta Airport (officially known as Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal) is situated on the east side of ATL Airport. Two concourses serve international flights (although some domestic flights might also depart from Concourses E and F). Thus, Concourses E and F handle flights from and to international destinations.
Concourse F is regarded as the main international facility. It lies adjacent to the Atlanta airport international terminal. Hence, it is generally considered part of the terminal. Hartsfield Jackson airport international terminal is known for its unique architectural design. Its roofline and glass facade create an impressive architectural statement. Handling international flights, the ATL airport terminal houses immigration and customs services and Duty-free areas. The terminal spreads over several levels:
- Level U: Tunnel to Concourse E
- Level 0: Arrivals / Plane Train
- Level 1: Parking
- Level 2: Departures
- Mezzanine Floor: Stores, services, and lounges
Concourse E has 28 gates and provides a wide array of retail stores, a duty-free zone, and several eateries. It primarily handles international flights, although some domestic destinations are often served by this concourse. What’s more, a Delta Sky Club (close to Gate E15) is situated inside its premises, along with Minute Suites (at Atrium, on the top of the escalators).
Finally, Concourse F is equipped with 12 gates. It isn’t as long as the other terminals. Thus, passengers need less time to reach their gates.
In general terms, passengers need about 5 minutes to walk from the concourse’s entrance point to the furthest-located gate (with the exemption of Concourse F, where they need less time to reach their gate).
Once travelers pass through security at the ATL international terminal, they reach Concourse F’s location. The concourse boasts two lounge areas: a Delta Sky Club and the Club at ATL, both located on its mezzanine level. A Minute Suites facility is also to be found near Gate F6.
Some airlines feature check-in points at both terminals. In that case, travelers may have the option to check in at either terminal and head to the departure concourse. However, not all airlines operate this way. Hence, you should always check your air carrier’s policy.
Our Tip: Hartsfield Jackson Airport is the busiest aviation hub in the world. Thus, waiting lines at the security and customs procedures tend to be time-consuming. That being said, you can check the airport’s website to check the waiting times at security and plan your arrival at the airport accordingly.
Transfers Between Atlanta Airport Terminals
To begin with, Atlanta airport terminals are inter-connected landside and airside. Thus, passengers can get from one terminal to the other or any of the in-between concourses, even if they are to be found in the airport’s pre-security zone.
You can get from the Atlanta airport international airport to the domestic terminal (and vice versa) via the complimentary airport shuttle bus. The Terminal Shuttle Connector Bus picks up passengers from the bus stop outside Doors W1 and W2 of the ATL airport domestic terminal (Ground Transportation Center/West Curb) and the international terminal’s Arrivals area (between Exits A1 and A2). It offers out-of-charge rides, running on a 15-minute frequency.
On the other hand, the courtesy ATL SkyTrain also calls at the Hartsfield Jackson airport domestic terminal. Passengers easily spot the stop exiting Door W1 from the North baggage claim area and Door W2 from the South baggage claim area. However, the APM train (Automated People Mover) doesn’t run to the Atlanta airport international terminal but heads to the West Parking Deck, Georgia International Convention Center, Gateway Center Arena, and some nearby hotels. Overall, it runs 24/7, every 2 minutes (every 10 minutes from 11:00 pm to 04:00 am) on a 5-minute loop.
The two Atlanta airport terminals are also connected airside. Thus, passengers can walk their way from the domestic to the international terminal or their concourses. In general terms, the walking time from one terminal to the other is around 40 minutes. Furthermore, all concourses lie within a 5-minute walking distance from each other, except for Concourses E and F, which are located 10 minutes apart on foot. The two terminals and the concourses are interlinked via an underground tunnel. The tunnel (Transportation Mall) features moving walkways, facilitating the passengers’ transfers, while several artistic exhibits are to be found along the tunnel, making transits around the ATL terminal complex a unique experience.
Finally, the APM Plane Train also travels from the ATL international terminal to the domestic and vice versa, linking them airside. Thus, transit passengers or travelers who have just checked in at the airport can easily find their way around the airport and reach their concourse relaxed and hassle-free. The Plane Train runs on a loop, traveling from the baggage claim area of the domestic terminal to the concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E) and the international terminal (calling at its north side). It runs around the clock at a 2-minute frequency and takes around 12 minutes to get from the ATL international terminal to the domestic and vice versa.
FAQs
How many terminals are there at Atlanta Airport?
Hartsfield Jackson Airport has two terminal buildings, one domestic and one international terminal. The two Atlanta airport terminals are to be found on opposite sides (the international one lies on the east side and the domestic one on the west part of the ATL Airport), while seven concourses are to be found in the in-between area.
Can you move between terminals at Atlanta Airport?
Passengers who want to travel between the two Atlanta airport terminals can catch the free shuttle bus running between the terminals and the concourses. Alternatively, passengers who want to transit airside can either walk through the underground pedestrian tunnel or use the complimentary Plane Train to reach their destination.
Where is terminal N at Atlanta Airport?
Terminal N (North Terminal) is the north part of the ATL domestic terminal. Verily, the domestic terminal in Atlanta Airport is divided into a north and south section. The two terminal areas are separated via an atrium. Overall, terminal N serves the domestic flights of more or less all the non-Delta airlines.
Which terminal is Delta at Atlanta Airport?
The south part of ATL domestic terminal (terminal S) is dedicated to the domestic flights of Delta Airlines. On the other hand, Delta international flights are handled by the Atlanta airport international terminal.