Atlanta Airport Guide – NerdWallet

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is regularly listed as the busiest in the world with an average 2,100 flights per day and is a major hub for Delta Air Lines.

Not only is Atlanta Delta’s largest hub, but it’s also the busiest airport in its route map with more than 900 departures on its busiest days. Its five runways see near-constant use as it brings travelers to, from and through Atlanta. Positioned in the heart of the Southeast, Atlanta is within a two-hour flight of 80% of the U.S. population, and the airport has flights to more than 200 domestic and international destinations.

The airport’s control tower is the tallest in North America and the fourth tallest in the world. The airport is about 10 miles from downtown Atlanta.

The airport is designed with mostly parallel concourses labeled T, A, B, C, D, E and F comprising 192 gates. The airport’s Plane Train can make the journey faster if you are traveling between them, but it is also possible to walk between them.

This is a bustling place, and the airport is the largest employer in the entire state with more than 63,000 people involved in its operation.

The main domestic terminal is where most people check in for their flights and drop their luggage (on the other side of the airport, the international terminal is also where Concourse F is located).

It is separated into north and south areas with a central atrium offering shops and restaurants. This domestic terminal entrance is also adjacent to Concourse T.

This section of the airport is physically connected to the domestic terminal check-in area, and you can walk easily without taking the Plane Train. Atlanta airport has many airline lounges worth visiting, and several carriers have lounges in Concourse T.

Airlines that use Concourse T include:

Concourse A is the first of the big, bustling all-Delta concourses, and it has a pair of Sky Clubs and a lot of dining and shopping options.

• Delta Sky Club (center, second level).

• Delta Sky Club (near gate A17).

This is another of Delta’s full concourses where passengers rush to, from and between flights. Those with Sky Club access can visit Delta’s largest lounge in the Atlanta airport in the center of the concourse. People can buy a membership, visit the Sky Club when traveling in a premium cabin on a long-haul international flight or when using a credit card with lounge access.

• Be Relax Spa (near gate B22 and accessible with Priority Pass).

• Delta Sky Club (near gate B18).

• Minute Suites (near gate B16 and accessible with Priority Pass).

• Minute Suites (near gate B24 and accessible with Priority Pass).

This concourse is another bustling location but shares its space with Delta and Southwest Airlines. In between, there are plenty of shops and food options (no one goes hungry at Atlanta airport), as well as a Delta Sky Club for those with access.

Airlines that use Concourse C include:

• Delta Sky Club (near gate C37).

In Concourse D, there is a little more diversity among airlines, as well as two Sky Club options for travelers. Reaching this concourse is easy by using the Plane Train, and once here, you’ll find numerous shops and restaurants throughout the building.

Airlines that use Concourse D include:

• Delta Sky Club (near gate D12).

• Delta Sky Club (near gate D27).

Concourse E is part of the international terminal at Atlanta airport, although there are also domestic flights departing from it. Given the presence of so many international departures, there is also a large duty-free shopping area.

If you have a credit card that gives you access to the network of American Express Centurion Lounges, you may want to visit The Centurion Lounge in Concourse E.

Airlines that use Concourse E include:

• Delta Sky Club (near gate E15).

• Minute Suites (near the atrium and accessible with Priority Pass).

• The Centurion Lounge (near gate E11).

Concourse F is also part of the international terminal. Here, travelers will find most foreign airlines as well as Delta international and domestic departures. Since there are so many international flights here, there is also a sizable duty-free shopping area. The Delta Sky Club here is popular for its outdoor Sky Deck.

• Delta Sky Club (mezzanine level).

• Minute Suites (between gates F2 and F4 and accessible with Priority Pass).

• The Club ATL (mezzanine level, accessible with Priority Pass).

In addition to so many shops and restaurants, the airport also has numerous art exhibitions. You will find a lot of these in the underground walkways that connect the terminals. Different concourses also offer live music to entertain travelers as they are passing through.

Security lines at Atlanta airport are notoriously long, even for those with TSA PreCheck or Clear. Arrive with plenty of time before your flight. The airport publishes average wait times in real time on its website to help travelers choose which checkpoint will be the most convenient.

The Atlanta airport has plenty of parking options with more than 30,000 spaces, including options for electric vehicles. The spaces are divided between the domestic terminal and international terminal entrances. There are covered spaces, accessible parking options, park and ride lots, and spaces within a parking deck.

Atlanta airport has numerous rental car companies, and travelers can take free shuttles to reach the lots.

Ride-sharing services are available to and from the airport.

The MARTA rail system has a stop at the airport, making it convenient for travelers to reach downtown Atlanta, Buckhead and numerous other stations for a one-way cost of $2.50.