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Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Atlanta · United States · Updated Apr 20, 2026

Code
ATL
Size
Major Hub
Passengers a year
108.1M / year
Terminals
1
To downtown
16 km
On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Getting to and from the airport
  3. Terminals and airlines
  4. Tips for travellers
  5. Good to know
  6. Climate, customs and advisory

Overview

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic and aircraft movements, serving as the primary international airport for Atlanta, Georgia. Located 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta, it is the main hub for Delta Air Lines and handles extensive domestic and international flights.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport spans 4,700 acres with five parallel runways, the longest measuring 12,390 feet to accommodate large aircraft like the Airbus A380. It recorded 108.1 million passengers in 2024, making it the global leader in passenger volume. The airport features a Domestic Terminal connected by the Plane Train people mover to concourses and the ATL SkyTrain for parking and rental cars. It offers services to over 150 U.S. destinations and 70+ international locations across multiple continents. Named after former mayors William B. Hartsfield and Maynard Jackson, it employs over 63,000 people.

Getting to and from the airport

  • MARTA Rail

    Direct train from downtown Atlanta to Airport station serving North/South Terminals.

    15-20 minutes · $2.50 one-way

  • Taxi/Rideshare

    Available curbside to downtown or city destinations.

    20-30 minutes · $30-50

  • ATL SkyTrain

    Free shuttle from MARTA station to parking, hotels, and rental car center.

    5 minutes · Free

  • Rental Car

    Dedicated Rental Car Center accessible via ATL SkyTrain.

    10 minutes from terminals · Varies

MARTA rail is the most affordable and reliable option from downtown; taxis and rideshares like Uber/Lyft are plentiful but can face traffic delays. Rental cars are at the off-site center reached by free SkyTrain; reserve in advance. Avoid peak hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM) for smoother transfers.

Security wait: 30-60 minutes average, longer during peaks

Terminals and airlines

  • Domestic Terminal (North and South)

    Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines

    Connected to 7 concourses (A-G) via Plane Train; International Terminal integrated for arrivals/departures.

  • International Terminal

    Delta Air Lines, International Carriers

    Handles all international flights; connected to Domestic Terminal.

Airlines: Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines

Tips for travellers

  • Use the free Plane Train to navigate between terminals, concourses, and the Domestic Terminal efficiently.
  • Take the ATL SkyTrain from the Airport MARTA station to reach parking, hotels, and the rental car center.
  • Allow extra time for security, as the airport handles massive volumes; arrive at least 2-3 hours early for domestic flights.
  • International arrivals process through the International Terminal; use the SkyTrain for connections to other areas.
  • Free WiFi and numerous dining options are available throughout; download the airport app for real-time updates.
  • MARTA rail provides direct access from downtown Atlanta to the airport in about 15-20 minutes.

Good to know

  • ATL has been the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic since 1998 and by aircraft movements since 2005, with 108.1 million passengers in 2024 and 796,224 aircraft operations.
  • The airport's Plane Train is the world's most heavily traveled airport people mover, connecting all terminals and concourses.
  • It features five parallel east-west runways, including three at 9,000 feet, one at 10,000 feet, and the longest at 12,390 feet.
  • Delta Air Lines handles the majority of traffic, making ATL the largest hub for the airline, which is headquartered in Atlanta.
  • The airport covers 4,700 acres and serves destinations in North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and East Asia.

Amenities: Lounges, WiFi, Dining/Shopping, Plane Train, ATL SkyTrain, Prayer room, Hotels nearby, Rental cars

Climate, customs and advisory

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers (average high 89°F/32°C) and mild winters (average low 34°F/1°C). Rainfall is abundant year-round, peaking in summer, which can cause occasional delays at the airport.

Customs: International arrivals use dedicated customs/immigration halls in the International Terminal; use Mobile Passport app for faster processing if eligible. Expect 30-90 minutes during busy periods; declare goods accurately.

Sources (10)

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