The airport has two main terminals - each on the opposite side of the airport area. Between these terminals there are 5 separate buildings in the middle of the airport area, which are only accessible to passengers.
Domestic Terminal
The domestic terminal is called the "Hartsfield Terminal" and is located on the west side of the airport. The main building houses the check-in counters or baggage claim and several departure gates.
This terminal handles all flights of all airlines bound for destinations in the USA.
International Terminal
The international section is also referred to as the "Maynard H. Jackson Terminal" and is located on the east side of the airport.
This terminal handles all flights of all companies to destinations outside the USA. Delta, Air France, KLM, United, and American Airlines also allow international flights to check in at the domestic terminal.
However, all international arrivals, including the airlines listed above, always take place exclusively at the International Terminal.
Other buildings
In the centre of the airport area, other buildings with departure gates are located parallel to each other.
As there is no passport control on departure from the USA, it is theoretically possible that domestic and international flights can be handled from any building after security.
In practice, the normal departure layout is as follows:
- Concourse T - directly connected to the domestic terminal, American Airlines, JetBlue, United
- Concourse A - Delta flights
- Concourse B - Delta flights
- Concourse C - handles most Southwest Airlines and Delta flights
- Concourse D - Delta, Spirit Airlines, Frontier
- Concourse E - usually serves domestic and international Delta flights, as well as some Frontier and Spirit Airlines flights
- Concourse F - is directly connected to the international terminal and handles all foreign airlines + some international flights of US airlines, also handles some domestic flights of Frontier
Transfer between terminals
How do I transfer between buildings?
Airside
All airport buildings and terminals are connected by an underground automated train, which can only be used by checked-in passengers (all stations are located after security).
The shuttle runs 24/7 at 3-4 minute intervals and is free of charge.
The station is always in the middle of each airport building. Average journey times are as follows:
- Domestic <-> International terminal: 12 minutes
- Between stations: 1-2 minutes
Alternatively, there is also a pedestrian tunnel under all terminals with moving walkways that can be used, for example, to move between adjacent buildings.
Landside
The domestic and international terminals are also connected by a special "Terminal Connector Shuttle" bus service that runs outside the airport area, i.e. before security.
The journey between the terminals takes 15 minutes and the bus runs at intervals of 10-15 minutes. At night, the frequency is extended to 20 minutes.
- Stop at the domestic terminal - near gate W2
- Stop at the international terminal - near exits A1, A2, A3
Airport map
An interactive map of the entire airport and each terminal can be found on the airport's official website: atl.com/maps.
Transfer between flights
How do I transfer between connecting flights?
International flights
However, international transfers are handled more efficiently than at other US airports. The same procedure is followed when transferring from an international to another international flight as it is when transferring from an international to a domestic flight.
You will pass through a special immigration checkpoint closer to the other terminals. It is common that even if you need to go through immigration and then re-check your baggage, you will have less than 60 minutes to transfer if there is a short queue.
After passing through immigration, you must always collect your baggage and re-check it at the special counter for connecting flights.
You will then go through security to the departure gate area and, depending on your gate number, either stay in Building F, where all international arrivals take place, or take the automated underground train to the appropriate terminal.
Domestic flights
The transfer process is very simple, as you exit the aircraft directly into the departure gate area.
There are no checks and you do not have to leave the transit area.
Frequently asked questions
Here are the answers to the most common questions from passengers connecting at Atlanta Airport.
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Do I need to apply for ESTA?
Every time you transfer from an international flight, you must pick up your baggage and exit the transit area.
Therefore, you must have an electronic ESTA clearance to enter the United States (per 21 usd to process online at the official website: esta.cbp.dhs.gov).
Do I have to pick up my luggage?
If you are arriving in Atlanta from abroad, you must always collect your baggage and re-deliver it at the check-in counter for connecting flights.
If you are flying from a destination within the U.S. and have a layover of no more than 8 hours, your bag will be automatically rechecked. It does not matter whether you continue on an international or domestic flight.
How long does the immigration check take?
If you arrive during off-peak hours, you can be in the public section in 20 minutes, but especially during the afternoon peak for arrivals from Europe, the immigration line can be as long as 2 hours.
If you have less than 1.5 hours to transfer, it is advisable to tell the informants that you have a tight transfer before you get in the queue. In this case, you may be sent to the priority queue.
If you do not make your guaranteed connection due to the length of the immigration check, the airline will arrange the next flight free of charge. However, accommodation at the airline's expense will not be provided in these cases.
What checks do I go through when I change planes?
What are the exact procedures for each type of transfer?
- International -> International: immigration and security check
- International -> domestic: immigration and security check
- Domestic -> International: security check only if you are transferring to another terminal
- National -> national: security check only if you are moving to another terminal
Do I have to leave the transit zone when transferring between terminals?
If you are transferring from a US destination, you do not need to leave the transit zone. All terminals are connected by underground train and walkway within the "airside".
If you are transferring from an international flight, you must go through immigration. However, there is no need to go all the way out. Follow the signage for "The Plane Train" which will lead you to the automated train.
Do you go through passport control on departure?
No. You no longer go through immigration on departure from the US.
