ATL · Atlanta, GA · Major Hub

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Guide

Terminals, minimum connection times, ground transport, parking, lounges, and layover advice for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), every figure cited to the airport's own data.

Quick answer

  • Terminals: 2 terminals, airside-connected
  • Minimum connection time: 40 min domestic, 1 hr 15 min international to domestic
  • Arrive: 2 hr before domestic, 3 hr before international
  • To Atlanta: about 20 min one-way
  • Free WiFi: Yes · Showers: Yes · Sleep pods: Yes

Terminals & connections

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has 2 terminals. All are airside-connected; you can transfer between them without re-clearing security. All concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F) are airside-connected via the Plane Train, which runs every 2 minutes. No need to re-clear security when changing concourses.

Domestic Terminal (North/South)

6 airlines: Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Alaska Airlines

Concourses T, A, B, C, D serve all domestic flights. Connected to concourses E and F airside via the Plane Train.

International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr.)

8 airlines: Delta Air Lines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, and more

Concourses E and F handle international departures. Concourse F is the Delta-led international hub.

Minimum connection times

Domestic to domestic
40 min
Domestic to international
1 hr
International to domestic
1 hr 15 min
International to international
1 hr 15 min
Transfer system
Plane Train (underground ATL SkyTrain)
Airside connected
Yes

Layover helper

Interactive tool

Enter your layover details and we will tell you whether you have a tight connection, a comfortable connection, or enough time to leave ATL.

Security & TSA

Typical TSA wait at ATL is 25 minutes at peak and 10 minutes off-peak. Arrive at least 2 hr before a domestic flight and 3 hr before international.

TSA PreCheck
Available
CLEAR
Available
Global Entry
Available

Main security checkpoint at the Domestic Terminal is one of the largest in the world. South checkpoint is usually faster than North. CLEAR and PreCheck both available at main and international checkpoints.

Lounges

2 notable lounges at ATL, including airline-branded clubs and third-party options accessible via Priority Pass or day-pass. Check your credit card benefits (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X) before paying a day-pass fee.

Delta Sky Club (Concourse B)

Concourse B

Delta

Access: Delta One, Delta Premium Select on intl, Sky Club membership, Amex Platinum (restricted)

Amenities: Showers, Buffet, Bar, Workspaces

The Club ATL

Concourse F

Priority Pass

Access: Priority Pass, day pass

Amenities: Hot food, Bar, Showers

Amenities

6 of 7 core amenities available at ATL: showers, sleep pods, free WiFi, nursing rooms, chapel, pet relief. Free WiFi quality is rated good. Dining options span 3 terminals.

Showers

Available

Delta Sky Clubs, The Club ATL, Minute Suites

Sleep pods

Available (from $45/hr)

Minute Suites (Concourse B)

WiFi

Free (good)

ATL WiFi is free throughout the airport with no time limit.

Nursing rooms

Available

Every concourse

Chapel

Available

Atrium near security

Pet relief areas

Available

Service animal relief areas in each concourse plus one pre-security

Dining highlights

Concourse B: One Flew South (Southern fine dining), Ecco

Concourse D: Varasano's Pizzeria, The Varsity

Concourse F: Atlanta ChopHouse & Brewery

Ground transport to Atlanta

ATL is about 20 min from downtown Atlanta by the fastest transit option.

Option Cost Time
MARTA Red/Gold line
Subway
Direct MARTA rail from the airport to downtown Atlanta (Five Points station).
$3 20-25 min
Uber/Lyft
Rideshare
Pickup from the North or South ground transport ramp.
$25-$45 20-40 min
Taxi flat rate
Taxi
Flat $40 from ATL to downtown Atlanta Zone 1.
$40 20-40 min

Parking

ATL parking ranges from $14/day economy to $36/day short-term. ATL Park-Ride offers the lowest rate; book online for discounts.

Short-term
$36/day
Long-term
$18/day
Economy
$14/day
Valet
$42/day

Can I leave ATL during a layover?

With a 3-hour layover, stay inside ATL. With 6+ hours, you have time to see part of Atlanta. Round-trip to the city center is about 40 min plus re-screening on return.

For 6+ hour layovers, take MARTA to downtown Atlanta (Centennial Park, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola are all around 25 minutes from the airport).

Overnight layover hotels

  • Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway
    On-airport, skybridge
    $$$
  • Hilton Atlanta Airport
    2-min shuttle
    $$

Frequently asked questions

How early should I arrive at ATL?

Arrive at least 120 minutes before a domestic flight from ATL, and 180 minutes before an international flight.

What is the minimum connection time at ATL?

ATL requires at least 40 minutes for domestic-to-domestic connections and 75 minutes for international-to-domestic connections. All terminals are airside-connected, so you do not need to re-clear security when changing terminals.

How long does it take to get between terminals at ATL?

Budget 8 min for same-terminal transfers and 20 min for different-terminal transfers at ATL via Plane Train (underground ATL SkyTrain). All concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F) are airside-connected via the Plane Train, which runs every 2 minutes. No need to re-clear security when changing concourses.

Can I leave ATL during a 6-hour layover?

With 3 hours you should stay inside ATL. A 6-hour layover is enough to leave the airport briefly. Round-trip to the city center is about 40 minutes plus re-screening. For 6+ hour layovers, take MARTA to downtown Atlanta (Centennial Park, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola are all around 25 minutes from the airport).

Does ATL have showers?

Yes, ATL has showers at Delta Sky Clubs, The Club ATL, Minute Suites. Free with lounge access. Minute Suites offers pay-per-hour private rooms with showers.

Does ATL have sleep pods?

Yes. Minute Suites (Concourse B) offers private sleep rooms starting around $45/hour. Minute Suites at ATL has 9 private suites, rates start around $45/hour.

Is WiFi free at ATL?

Yes. ATL offers free WiFi throughout the airport. ATL WiFi is free throughout the airport with no time limit.

What is the cheapest way to get from ATL to Atlanta?

The cheapest option is typically MARTA Red/Gold line at $3, taking 20-25 minutes. Direct MARTA rail from the airport to downtown Atlanta (Five Points station).

Is there TSA PreCheck and CLEAR at ATL?

ATL supports TSA PreCheck and has CLEAR lanes. Global Entry kiosks are available for returning international travelers. Typical peak-hour wait is 25 minutes. Main security checkpoint at the Domestic Terminal is one of the largest in the world. South checkpoint is usually faster than North. CLEAR and PreCheck both available at main and international checkpoints.

Where should I eat at ATL during a layover?

Notable dining at ATL includes One Flew South (Southern fine dining) (Concourse B), Ecco (Concourse B), Varasano's Pizzeria (Concourse D), The Varsity (Concourse D), Atlanta ChopHouse & Brewery (Concourse F). Dining is spread across 3 terminals or concourses, so check your departure gate before committing to a sit-down meal.

How much does parking cost at ATL?

ATL parking rates: $36/day short-term, $18/day long-term, $14/day economy, $42/day valet. ATL Park-Ride offers the lowest rate; book online for discounts.

Is there a hotel at ATL for overnight layovers?

Yes. Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway is on-airport (On-airport, skybridge) in the $$$ price band. This is the easiest option for overnight layovers or early-morning departures since you can reach the terminal on foot without a shuttle or rideshare.

Which terminal does my airline use at ATL?

ATL has 2 terminals. Major airline assignments: Domestic Terminal (North/South): Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue; International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr.): Delta Air Lines, British Airways, Lufthansa. Confirm with your boarding pass before arrival since a few airlines operate from multiple terminals depending on route.

Are there pet relief areas at ATL?

Yes. Service animal relief areas in each concourse plus one pre-security. Pet relief areas available pre- and post-security.

Is there a chapel or prayer room at ATL?

Yes. Atrium near security. Non-denominational chapel open daily.

Compare ATL to other airports

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Airlines operating at ATL

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Sources & verification

Verified 2026-04-14. Airport operations, parking rates, and amenities change; always confirm with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport before flying.