Jazmin Li
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the world, with more than 107 million people flying through it in 2018. Despite this, it is considered one of the easiest airports to navigate in North America. The airport has two terminal entry points (domestic next to concourse T and international next to concourse F) and seven interconnected concourses. The Atlanta Airport Plane Train provides efficient transport between each concourse, and there are plenty of parking and dining options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of navigation | Despite being the busiest airport in the world, ATL is easy to navigate. |
| Number of terminals | 2 (domestic and international) |
| Number of concourses | 7 (A, B, C, D, E, F, and T) |
| Inter-concourse transport | The Plane Train provides efficient transport between each concourse. |
| Distance between concourses | From concourse T to concourse F, the total distance is approximately 2 miles (3.2 km). |
| Concourse walking time | It takes roughly 5 minutes to walk between each concourse. |
| Passenger volume | ATL is the busiest airport in the world by passenger volume. More than 107 million people flew through ATL in 2018. |
| Aircraft movements | In good weather conditions, ATL is capable of sustaining up to 252 aircraft movements (take-offs and landings) per hour. |
| Parking | ATL offers on-site parking and park-and-fly options in nearby hotels and private companies. |
| Food options | Over 170 restaurants, including fast-food chains and sit-down restaurants. |
| Amenities | Free Wi-Fi, outlets at gates, shuttle services, spa services, art exhibits, shopping, and dining. |
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What You'll Learn
- The Plane Train connects all terminals and concourses
- The airport is easy to navigate despite being the world's busiest
- There are separate baggage claim areas for domestic and international flights
- The airport offers a variety of amenities, including dining, shopping, and spa services
- The airport provides free Wi-Fi and has numerous charging ports
The Plane Train connects all terminals and concourses
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the world. Despite this, it is considered one of the easiest airports to navigate in North America. This is largely thanks to The Plane Train, an automated people mover system that connects all terminals and concourses.
The Plane Train is located a level below the centre of the airport. It is made up of eleven, four-car trains operating on a 3-mile loop track, with trains arriving approximately every two minutes. The system is configured in a standing-only design to maximise space for passengers. On average, the trains carry more than 200,000 passengers per day.
The Plane Train is an essential part of the airport's infrastructure, providing efficient transport between each of the seven concourses. The airport has two main terminals (domestic and international) and seven concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, and F). The Plane Train has eight stations: one at each of the concourses and two in the Domestic Terminal, one at Concourse T. The Plane Train operates in the secure area of the airport, connecting the two landside terminals with its seven airside concourses.
The Plane Train has faced increasing demand from the rising number of users. To address this, a crucial expansion project was completed in 2025, extending the Plane Train's tunnel by 700 feet, including a 133-foot spur at the system's terminus. This extension streamlines train operations and significantly boosts the system's capacity.
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The airport is easy to navigate despite being the world's busiest
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic since 1998, except for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, it is surprisingly easy to navigate. The airport is intelligently laid out, with two terminal entry points (domestic and international) and seven interconnected concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, and F). Each concourse is roughly half a mile long, and it takes about five minutes to walk between them. The walking distance between the T and F concourses is approximately 2 miles (3.2 km).
The Plane Train, situated a level below the airport's centre, provides efficient transport between each concourse. The train runs approximately every two minutes and consists of eleven four-car trains operating on a 3-mile loop track, carrying over 200,000 passengers per day. The airport is also equipped with various amenities, including more than 30,000 public parking spaces, free Wi-Fi, and over 170 dining options.
ATL's mobile app is a useful tool for navigating the airport, providing real-time flight updates, gate information, and an interactive map. The airport also offers shuttle services, such as the international shuttle connector, which operates 24 hours a day and provides direct service from the International Terminal to the Domestic Terminal and the Rental Car Center. The Rental Car Center is also accessible via the SkyTrain, which operates six two-car trains with a five-minute connection time.
For those with only carry-on luggage, using the international TSA checkpoint can save time, as the lines are typically shorter than at the domestic checkpoint. Additionally, if you are running late, parking on the international side of the airport and then taking the Plane Train or walkways to the domestic terminal can be more efficient. It is recommended to give yourself 3 hours to clear security during peak travel times.
Overall, despite being the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is relatively easy to navigate due to its efficient layout, convenient transport options, and helpful technology.
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There are separate baggage claim areas for domestic and international flights
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the primary international airport serving Atlanta and its surrounding metropolitan area. It is one of the busiest airports in the world, with just over 1,000 flights a day to 225 domestic and international destinations. Despite this, it is considered one of the easiest airports to navigate in North America. The airport has two terminal entry points (domestic next to concourse T and international next to concourse F) and seven interconnected concourses.
When it comes to baggage claim, there are separate areas for domestic and international flights. This is an important detail to keep in mind when arriving at or departing from the airport. The domestic terminal has its own baggage claim area, and the international terminal has a separate one. Make sure you are in the correct terminal and baggage claim area to avoid any confusion or delays.
The Plane Train provides efficient transport between each concourse and the terminals. It is an automated inter-concourse transport system that runs approximately every two minutes. It is configured in a standing-only design to maximise space for passengers. The train is a convenient option for those who prefer not to walk between concourses. On average, the trains carry over 200,000 passengers per day.
In addition to the train, shuttle services are available at the airport. The international shuttle connector offers a free, direct service from the International Terminal to two locations: the Domestic Terminal's ground transportation area and the Rental Car Center. These shuttles operate 24 hours a day, providing added convenience for passengers.
Overall, while Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is vast and bustling, it is designed to be navigable. The separate baggage claim areas for domestic and international flights contribute to the efficient flow of passenger traffic. By utilising the available transport options and staying mindful of the terminal layouts, travellers can effectively manoeuvre through the airport.
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The airport offers a variety of amenities, including dining, shopping, and spa services
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the busiest airports in the world, but it is also one of the easiest to navigate in North America. The airport has two terminal entry points, one for domestic flights and one for international, and seven interconnected concourses. The Plane Train, situated a level below the centre of the airport, provides efficient transport between each concourse, and it is also possible to walk between them.
In addition to its dining options, ATL boasts a diverse and exciting shopping experience. The airport houses a vast array of stores, from luxury brands to budget-friendly options. For those seeking high-end fashion, ATL features stylish purses, watches, and accessories from brands like Michael Kors. There is also a range of unique souvenirs and the latest fashion trends to browse.
To enhance your travel experience even further, ATL offers airport lounges with comfortable seating, complimentary food and beverages, and Wi-Fi. And, for the ultimate relaxation, treat yourself to a spa treatment at Be Relax or XpresSpa, where you can enjoy soothing massages, rejuvenating facials, and manicures and pedicures. These tranquil havens will help you unwind and rejuvenate before or after your flight.
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The airport provides free Wi-Fi and has numerous charging ports
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the world's busiest airports, with more than 107 million travellers passing through in 2018. Despite this, it is considered one of the easiest airports to navigate in North America. The airport has two terminal entry points, one for domestic flights and one for international, and seven interconnected concourses.
In addition to the ample charging ports, travellers can take advantage of the airport's many amenities, including over 170 restaurants and various shopping options, including local Atlanta flavours and national chains. Art exhibits and sculptures are displayed throughout the airport, providing a cultural experience for those passing through.
For travellers arriving by car, ATL offers a range of parking options, including on-site parking and park-and-fly services provided by nearby hotels and private companies. There is also a cellphone lot, located at 1920 Autoport Drive, College Park, GA 30337, designed for brief stays while waiting for arriving travellers.
Overall, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a busy yet efficient and well-equipped airport, providing travellers with a range of services and amenities to make their journey more convenient and enjoyable.
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Frequently asked questions
Despite being the busiest airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is still considered one of the easiest airports to navigate in North America. The airport has two terminals (domestic and international) and seven concourses, all of which are interconnected and can be easily accessed via the Plane Train or by walking.
The Plane Train is an automated people mover that operates approximately every two minutes, connecting all seven concourses with the domestic and international terminals.
Here are some tips to help you navigate ATL:
- Use the ATL mobile app to keep an eye on your flight status, gate updates, and for an interactive map of the airport.
- If you're only carrying hand luggage, use the international TSA checkpoint as the lines are usually shorter.
- If you're running late, park on the international side of the airport as the security lines are shorter, and you can reach the domestic terminal via the Plane Train or walkways without re-entering security.
- If Atlanta is your final destination, remember that there are separate baggage claim areas for domestic and international flights. Make sure you take the correct train.
