Owais Crawford
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the world's busiest airports, transporting over 93 million passengers in 2022. The airport has two main terminals, the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal, with seven concourses where gates are located for flight departures. The Plane Train, an automated subway train, connects all terminals and concourses, running 24/7 with departures every 2 minutes. This makes transferring between terminals and catching connecting flights quick and easy for passengers. In addition to the Plane Train, passengers can also utilise the pre-security shuttle service, which takes approximately 12 minutes, or walk between concourses via the mall, which features moving sidewalks and art exhibits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of terminals | 2 |
| Terminal names | Hartsfield Terminal (Domestic), Maynard H. Jackson Terminal (International) |
| Location of Domestic Terminal | West side of the airport |
| Location of International Terminal | East side of the airport |
| Number of concourses | 7 |
| Transport between terminals and concourses | Plane Train, Terminal Shuttle Connector bus, pedestrian tunnel with moving walkways |
| Transport between terminals without passing through security | Terminal Shuttle Connector bus, airport shuttle service |
| Transport between terminals and Rental Car Center | SkyTrain |
| Transport between terminals and hotels | SkyTrain |
| Transport between terminals and MARTA station | Enter through W1 or W2 gate, follow signs to Ground Transportation Center, take Terminal Shuttle Connector bus |
| Transport between International Terminal and Rental Car Center | Shuttle bus |
| Frequency of Plane Train | Every 2 minutes |
| Frequency of shuttle bus | Every 10-15 minutes during the day, every 20 minutes at night |
| Frequency of SkyTrain | Every 3 minutes |
What You'll Learn
- The Plane Train: connects all terminals and concourses, running 24/7
- Shuttle service: connects domestic and international terminals pre-security
- Walking: possible via the mall, with moving sidewalks and art exhibits
- SkyTrain: provides free transportation between the Domestic Terminal and Rental Car Center
- Underground train: connects all terminals and concourses post-security
The Plane Train: connects all terminals and concourses, running 24/7
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is a large and extremely busy airport, transporting over 93 million passengers in 2022. The Plane Train is an automated people mover system located at the airport, connecting all its terminals and concourses. It is the world's most heavily travelled airport people mover. The system is currently operated and maintained by Alstom and runs 24/7 with departures every 2 minutes. This makes transfers quick and easy for passengers.
The Plane Train operates in the secure area of the airport, connecting the two landside terminals with its seven airside concourses. It exists within the airport's Transportation Mall, which consists of three underground tunnels running through the centre of the airport. The trains operate in the two outer tunnels, while the middle tunnel contains an alternative pedestrian pathway with moving walkways.
The Plane Train, located on Level 0, is one of the easiest ways to get around ATL, operating 24 hours a day with frequent departures. Take an escalator or elevator down to the lower level, where the Plane Train will be signposted. Running on a 3-mile loop, the Plane Train runs between the Domestic Terminal (baggage reclaim) and Concourse F (International Terminal), stopping at Concourses T, A, B, C, D, and E along the way. A countdown timer alerts passengers to the next Plane Train arrival, and there are automatic announcements and maps on board to help passengers plan their route.
The Plane Train is an efficient and reliable service, with reviews frequently praising it for its efficiency. The automated subway (people mover) train operates a 3-mile loop between the Domestic Terminal and Concourse F (International Terminal), with stops at all concourses. The complete end-to-end journey takes less than 5 minutes, making it a highly efficient transport mode.
The Plane Train is a convenient and straightforward way to navigate the airport, especially for those with mobility concerns or disabilities. The system has eight stations: one at each of Concourses A, B, C, D, E, and F (International Terminal), and two in the Domestic Terminal. The stations are easily accessible via escalators or elevators, and there is little or no gap between the train and the platform. For those who require wheelchair assistance, airport staff are readily available to help.
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Shuttle service: connects domestic and international terminals pre-security
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the world's busiest airport, serving over 93 million passengers in 2022. The airport has two terminals: the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal. The Domestic Terminal is further divided into North and South, with Delta Air Lines occupying the South area and other domestic airlines operating from the North area. The International Terminal is located on the eastern side of the airport and handles all flights to destinations outside the USA.
To transfer between the public areas of the Domestic and International Terminals without passing through security, passengers can use the pre-security shuttle service. This service takes approximately 12 minutes and runs every 10-15 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes at night.
If you are arriving from the MARTA station or other entry points on the west side of the Domestic Terminal, you must exit through gates W1 or W2 and follow the signs to the Ground Transportation Center, where you can take the Terminal Shuttle Connector bus to the International Terminal. The shuttle bus stop at the Domestic Terminal is located near gate W2, while at the International Terminal, it is located near exits A1, A2, or A3.
The shuttle service is functional, but some passengers have reported long wait times, especially during peak hours. Therefore, if you are on a tight schedule, it is important to keep this in mind.
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Walking: possible via the mall, with moving sidewalks and art exhibits
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is a large and extremely busy airport, transporting over 93 million passengers in 2022. The airport has a straightforward and functional layout that is easy to navigate. ATL has two terminals: the Domestic Terminal (divided into Domestic Terminal South and North) and the International Terminal. There are also seven concourses that are airside areas with additional shops and restaurants, and this is where the gates are located for flight departures.
Walking between concourses is possible via the mall, which features moving sidewalks and art exhibits. Walking from Concourse A to F takes approximately 35 minutes. The airport signs indicate that it's a 5-minute walk between concourses (except for E to F, which takes 10 minutes). The mall is on the same level as the Plane Train (Level 0).
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SkyTrain: provides free transportation between the Domestic Terminal and Rental Car Center
The ATL SkyTrain is an automated people mover that provides free transportation between the Domestic Terminal and the Rental Car Center at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The SkyTrain operates 24/7, with arrivals every two minutes during the day and every ten minutes between 11:00 pm and 4:00 am. The journey between the Domestic Terminal and the Rental Car Center is approximately five minutes each way, with a two-and-a-half-minute wait at each station.
The SkyTrain is located outside the airport's secure zone and is elevated, crossing I-85. The SkyTrain vehicles are electric-powered and can carry up to 85 passengers per car, with a mix of seated and standing spaces. The system uses Mitsubishi Crystal Mover vehicles, with 12 cars running as six two-car trains and one maintenance vehicle. The vehicles are stored and maintained near the rental car center.
The SkyTrain station at the Domestic Terminal is located just outside the glass double doors of the baggage claim area. Signage in the terminal directs passengers to the SkyTrain station. If you are exiting from the South Terminal baggage claim, use the W2 doors and follow the crosswalk. If you are exiting from the North Terminal baggage claim, use the W1 doors and follow the crosswalk.
The Rental Car Center is a one-stop facility housing 12 rental car brands and vehicles, open 24/7. Passengers can take the SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center, pick up their car, and then return to the airport via the SkyTrain at the end of their trip.
In addition to the Domestic Terminal and Rental Car Center, the SkyTrain also stops at the Gateway Center, which includes the Georgia International Convention Center, Gateway Center Arena, and several hotels: Marriott Gateway, AC Hotel, SpringHill Suites, and Renaissance Hotel. The SkyTrain provides a quick and convenient connection to these locations, saving time and avoiding the need for additional transportation.
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Underground train: connects all terminals and concourses post-security
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is a large and extremely busy airport, transporting over 93 million passengers in 2022. The airport has a straightforward and functional layout that is easy to navigate. The airport has two terminals: the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal. There are also seven concourses that are airside areas with additional shops and restaurants, and this is where the gates are located for flight departures.
The Plane Train is an automated subway (people mover) train that connects all terminals and concourses post-security. It runs 24/7 with departures every 2 minutes, making transfers quick and easy for passengers. The Plane Train operates on a 3-mile loop, running between the Domestic Terminal (baggage reclaim) and Concourse F (International Terminal), and stopping at Concourses T, A, B, C, D, and E along the way. A countdown timer alerts passengers to the next train arrival, and there are automatic announcements and maps on board to help passengers plan their route. The Plane Train is accessible for wheelchair users, and escalators and elevators are available at each stop.
Passengers can also choose to walk along the transportation mall on the same level as the Plane Train (Level 0). This option features moving walkways and showcases interesting art and history exhibits. However, walking between concourses can be time-consuming, with a 35-minute walk from Concourse A to Concourse F.
The Plane Train is located underground and can be accessed by taking an escalator or elevator down to Level 0, where it will be signposted. The stations are always in the middle of each airport building, and the average journey time between the Domestic and International Terminals is 12 minutes. The Plane Train is free of charge and operates within the secure area of the airport, connecting the two landside terminals with the seven airside concourses.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use the airport shuttle service to transfer between the public areas of the terminals without going through security. You can also use the Plane Train, an automated subway train that runs between the Domestic Terminal and Concourse F, stopping at Concourses T, A, B, C, D, and E.
The airport shuttle service takes approximately 12 minutes. The Plane Train runs 24/7 with departures every 2-4 minutes, allowing passengers to reach any two gates within 15 minutes or less.
If you are arriving from an international flight, you must go through immigration and collect your baggage. You will then need to re-check your baggage at the special counter for connecting flights and go through security to the departure gate area. Depending on your gate number, you will either stay in Building F or take the automated underground train to the appropriate terminal.
If you are arriving from an international flight, you must always collect your baggage and re-check it at the check-in counter for connecting flights. If you are flying from a destination within the US and have a layover of no more than 8 hours, your bag will be automatically rechecked, regardless of whether you continue on an international or domestic flight.
If you arrive during off-peak hours, you can clear immigration in 20 minutes. During peak hours, especially in the afternoon for arrivals from Europe, the wait can be up to 2 hours.
