Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport Guide: Terminals, Pickup & Drop-Off
Flying through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport? Use this traveler guide to understand ATL's terminals, baggage claim, passenger pickup and drop-off, Delta arrivals, rideshare locations, airport maps, security planning and ground transportation. This guide is provided by EarthTran Global Limousine Service, an Atlanta-based private transportation company helping travelers navigate ATL and arrange pre-booked airport transportation.
Atlanta Airport at a Glance
ATL is easier to navigate once you understand that the Domestic Terminal and International Terminal have separate roadway entrances, while the airport's concourses are connected beyond security.
North & South Sides
Domestic check-in, baggage claim, passenger pickup and drop-off are organized around the North and South sides of the Domestic Terminal.
Separate Roadway Entrance
The Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal has its own entrance, arrivals roadway and departures level.
The Plane Train
ATL's underground people mover connects the concourses and makes moving through the airport considerably easier.
Check the Official Map
Use ATL's current interactive map for gates, restaurants, security, baggage claim and airport services.
Understanding the Atlanta Airport Layout
One of the most common sources of confusion at ATL is the difference between a terminal and a concourse. The terminals are where many travelers check in, collect baggage and access ground transportation. Concourses contain the aircraft gates.
Confirm your airline, flight, baggage claim and arrival information before driving to the airport or arranging passenger pickup.
Atlanta Airport Domestic Terminal: North vs. South
The Domestic Terminal is divided into North and South sides. These labels are especially important for airline check-in, baggage claim and coordinating passenger pickup.
Do not assume the side based only on where the aircraft gate is located. After landing, follow the airport's baggage-claim signs and check the current flight information for the correct baggage area.
Domestic North
North contains airline check-in and baggage-claim facilities as well as access toward parking and ground transportation.
Domestic South
South is heavily used by Delta passengers and includes airline check-in and domestic baggage-claim facilities.
Where to Pick Up Delta Passengers at Atlanta Airport
First determine whether the arriving Delta flight is domestic or international. For domestic arrivals, follow the passenger's current baggage-claim information and airport signage rather than relying only on the gate where the aircraft arrived.
Delta domestic passengers commonly collect baggage on the South side. However, travelers should always verify the current baggage-claim assignment because airport operations and individual flights can vary.
From the Plane to Baggage Claim at ATL
First-time travelers often worry about Atlanta Airport because of its size. The process is more straightforward when you follow the airport signage one step at a time.
Exit the Aircraft
Follow signs from your gate toward baggage claim, connections or your next destination.
Use the Plane Train
If baggage claim or your connecting concourse is not within convenient walking distance, follow signs to the Plane Train.
Follow Baggage Claim Signs
Domestic passengers should follow the signs toward the appropriate North or South baggage-claim area.
Check the Carousel
Confirm the carousel number on airport displays or your airline's flight information before waiting for luggage.
Choose Ground Transportation
After collecting luggage, follow signs for your selected pickup option rather than exiting through the first available door.
Atlanta Airport Pickup & Drop-Off
The correct meeting area depends on whether the traveler is using the Domestic or International Terminal and the type of transportation being used.
Confirm whether the traveler is exiting through North or South baggage claim. Coordinate the exact meeting instructions before entering the terminal roadway.
Follow signs for the passenger's airline and appropriate North or South departures area. Allow additional time during busy periods.
International arriving passengers exit to the lower-level roadway. ATL identifies passenger pickup on the outer curb of the International Terminal arrivals level.
International departing passengers are dropped off on the departures level of the International Terminal.
Atlanta Airport International Arrivals & Pickup
Atlanta's International Terminal has a separate roadway entrance from the Domestic Terminal. International travelers ending their journey in Atlanta proceed through the required arrival process, collect baggage and exit the International Terminal.
Atlanta, GA 30354
Use current airport roadway signs and your navigation system when approaching the International Terminal.
View Official Terminal Map ↗Private Car Service at Atlanta Airport
Travelers who prefer a prearranged airport pickup can reserve private transportation with EarthTran Global Limousine Service. Our professional chauffeurs provide scheduled ATL pickup and drop-off for business travelers, families, executives and groups.
Depending on the size of your party, EarthTran offers Executive Sedans for 1–2 passengers, Luxury SUVs for additional passenger and luggage space, Mercedes-Benz Sprinters for private group airport transportation, and Minibuses & Motor Coaches for larger corporate and group movements.
If you're looking for transportation rather than airport information, EarthTran has dedicated airport transportation services available 24 hours a day.
How to Get Between Atlanta Airport Terminals
The best option depends on whether you are already inside the secure airport area or traveling landside between terminal buildings.
Plane Train
The Plane Train connects the airport concourses, including Concourse F and Concourse T, and is the primary way many connecting passengers move through ATL.
Terminal Shuttle
ATL provides a free shuttle connection between the International and Domestic terminal areas for travelers who need to move landside.
How Early Should You Arrive at Atlanta Airport?
ATL advises passengers to plan to arrive at least two hours before a scheduled domestic departure and three hours before an international departure.
Security conditions change throughout the day, so avoid relying on a fixed wait-time estimate from an article. Check ATL's current checkpoint information before leaving for the airport.
Check Current ATL Security Wait Times ↗Atlanta Airport Ground Transportation Options
ATL travelers can choose from several transportation methods depending on destination, group size, budget and desired level of convenience.
Private Car Service
Prearranged chauffeur transportation for individuals, families, executives and groups.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft operate from airport-designated pickup areas.
Shared-Ride Shuttle
ATL provides designated ground-transportation areas for approved shared-ride shuttle services.
MARTA
Rail service connects the airport with destinations throughout Atlanta's transit network.
Rental Cars
Travelers can reach ATL's Rental Car Center using the airport's transportation connections.
Taxis
Taxi service is also available through ATL's ground transportation system.
Picking Someone Up at Atlanta Airport: Simple Checklist
Confirm the correct flight number and whether the arrival is domestic or international.
Check the flight status before leaving home because arrival times and gates can change.
Ask the passenger to confirm their baggage-claim side or international-arrivals location after landing.
Agree on a communication method and keep phones available during the pickup process.
Follow current airport roadway signs rather than relying on an old saved pickup location.
Atlanta Airport Tips for a Smoother Trip
Travelers around you may be connecting to different terminals, transportation services or baggage claims.
Gates, baggage claims and flight times can change after you arrive at the airport.
Rideshare, private cars, hotel shuttles, shared shuttles and rental cars may use different airport areas.
Parking, baggage, check-in, security and airport roadway traffic can all add time to the trip.
Atlanta Airport Questions
What is the difference between Atlanta Airport's Domestic and International terminals?
Where do I pick up Delta passengers at Atlanta Airport?
Where is Uber and Lyft pickup at Atlanta Airport?
How do I get from the International Terminal to the Domestic Terminal?
Where do international passengers get picked up at ATL?
Where should international departing passengers be dropped off?
How early should I arrive at Atlanta Airport?
Is the Plane Train free?
Can I reserve private car service from Atlanta Airport?
Where can I find the official Atlanta Airport map?
Why Travelers Choose EarthTran at ATL
EarthTran Global Limousine Service provides professional, prearranged transportation for travelers arriving at and departing from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Learn more about our Atlanta Airport Car Service →Reserve Private Atlanta Airport Transportation
This guide is designed to help you navigate ATL. If you're ready to arrange private ground transportation, EarthTran provides prearranged airport car and group transportation service.
Check Current ATL Information Before You Travel
Airport procedures, pickup locations, security conditions and flight information can change. Use official ATL resources for the latest operational information.
Airport procedures and facilities are subject to change. EarthTran Global Limousine Service is an independent transportation provider and is not the operator of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.