The Best Airport Options For Your Atlanta Visit

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the world, transporting over 100 million passengers in 2024. With countless terminals, busy walkways, and a large number of arriving passengers, navigating ATL can be challenging. This article will provide an overview of the airport's layout, parking options, transportation methods, and tips for a seamless pickup experience, helping you decide which airport in Atlanta best suits your needs.

Transport options to and from the airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the world's busiest airports, with countless terminals and an endless stream of passengers. With this in mind, it's important to plan ahead when deciding on transport to and from the airport.

If you're being picked up from the airport, it's recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before the expected arrival time to account for delays. Atlanta Airport has designated curbside pickup zones marked with coloured signs. The airport also provides a free cell phone waiting lot where drivers can wait until their passengers have landed and are ready to be picked up. This helps to reduce congestion at the curbside.

For those driving to the airport, there are 30,000+ parking spaces available. Options include North & South Domestic Covered Parking, Economy Parking, Domestic Park-Ride, ATL West Deck, Park ATL Select, and Gold Reserve Parking. There are also designated spots for disabled passengers, EV charging stations, and a cellphone lot for brief waits during pickup.

If you're travelling to or from the airport, you have a range of transport options, including taxis, shuttles, limos, Uber, Lyft, buses, trains, and rental cars. Shared shuttle services, such as Groome Transportation, are available to and from various destinations, including Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead, with departures every 15 minutes. These services are generally more affordable than ride-hailing options and offer the convenience of curbside drop-off and pick-up. The MARTA system also provides an affordable and direct route to the city centre, with a free shuttle for terminal transfers.

For those looking for a more luxurious option, limo services are available, and for overnight stays, several airport hotels offer complimentary shuttle services. Additionally, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can be convenient and efficient options for travelling to and from the airport.

Parking options at the airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world, so parking is in high demand. There are 30,000+ public parking spaces, with options to suit different preferences and requirements. The airport offers 24/7 parking at the Domestic and International terminals, with easy access to the terminals by foot. There is also a complimentary shuttle service at the Domestic Park-Ride, International Park Ride deck, and ATL Select locations.

The airport has a range of parking options, including North & South Domestic Covered Parking, Economy Parking, Domestic Park-Ride, ATL West Deck, Park ATL Select, Gold Reserve Parking, designated spots for disabled passengers, and EV charging stations. There is also a cellphone lot for brief waits during pickup, which is free and well-lit. This can be useful to reduce congestion at the curbside.

For those picking someone up, it is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before the expected flight arrival time to account for any delays. It is also important to plan ahead and be aware of arrival details, such as the terminal and flight number. Short-term parking facilities are available near the terminals for quick pickups, and it is possible to check the airport's website for information on rates and locations.

There are also off-site parking options available, such as The Parking Spot, which has multiple locations with easy access to the airport and offers complimentary shuttle services. These off-site locations can be reserved in advance, which may be beneficial for those who want to ensure a parking spot is available.

Shopping and dining options at the airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, also known as ATL, is one of the busiest airports in the world. It offers a wide range of shopping and dining options to suit all tastes and needs.

For those looking to do some last-minute shopping, ATL has a variety of options, including shops that sell souvenirs, Atlanta merchandise, travel necessities, and books. There are also high-end fashion and accessory brands, newsstands, and duty-free shops. Some specific shops include the 11 Alive Travel Store in Concourse B, All ATL in Concourse D, ATL Luggage & Gifts in Concourses C & D, and Atlanta Daily World in Concourses B, C, & D. For those looking for premium electronics, InMotion Entertainment can be found at Gate A11 and A19, and for high-end travel bags, Tumi is located at Gate A19. If you're looking for a new piece of clothing, you can visit Brooks Brothers (Concourse E), Johnston & Murphy (Concourse D), or SPANX (Concourse E). There's also a 24-hour Benefit vending machine in Concourse E for any last-minute makeup needs.

When it comes to dining, ATL offers a diverse range of options, from quick bites to leisurely meals, including fast-food chains, sit-down restaurants, cafes, bars, and gourmet restaurants. One Flew South in Concourse E is a top pick for those looking for a high-end dining experience, especially if you're a sushi lover. Atlanta Chophouse & Brewery in Concourse A offers a refined dining experience with steaks and craft beer. For a relaxed atmosphere and a drink, the Atlanta Braves All-Star Grill is a good option, located at Gate D8A. Other dining options across the airport include popular fast-food chains such as Five Guys Burgers & Fries at Gate D13, Chicken + Beer near Gate D5, and McDonald's. There are also coffee shops such as Starbucks and sit-down restaurants like Harvest & Grounds. If you're looking for a quick cafe or a gourmet restaurant, ATL has got you covered.

With countless terminals, busy walkways, and a constant stream of arriving passengers, navigating ATL can be a challenge. It is recommended to plan ahead and give yourself ample time to account for traffic and potential delays. ATL offers short-term parking facilities near the terminals for quick pickups, and there are also designated curbside pickup zones. The airport also provides a free cell phone waiting lot to reduce congestion at the curbside.

Lounge areas and entertainment at the airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, with countless terminals and busy walkways. The airport offers a range of lounge areas and entertainment options for travellers to relax, work, or enjoy a meal before their flight.

Lounge Areas

There are a dozen or so lounge areas at Atlanta Airport, with access depending on factors such as your airline, passenger class, and credit card memberships.

The Delta Sky Club® is an award-winning lounge with locations in Concourses B, C, D, E, and F. The Concourse B lounge covers 25,000 square feet and offers a wide range of complimentary food and drinks for Business and First-class Delta Air Line passengers. The Concourse C lounge is also spacious, covering 26,000 square feet, and features floor-to-ceiling windows. The Concourse E lounge is a traveller favourite for its food selection, friendly staff, and shower suites. The Concourse D lounges are considered some of the worst options, so they are only recommended if you are flying out of that concourse and are short on time.

Minute Suites in Concourse B is a paid private suite facility open to all passengers, regardless of their airline and passenger class.

The Centurion Lounge in Concourse E is the largest of its kind, covering 2,6000 square feet, and features a menu in the style of the Southern United States.

Other Amenities

In addition to lounge areas, Atlanta Airport offers a range of other amenities for travellers:

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport
• A variety of shops, including 11 Alive Travel Store, All ATL, ATL Luggage & Gifts, Atlanta Daily World, Brooks Brothers, Johnston & Murphy, SPANX, Swarovski, and Duty-Free Americas
• A 24-hour Benefit makeup vending machine in Concourse E
• Salon and spa services, including Be Relax Spa in Concourse B and The Chiroport in Concourse A
• A barber shop near the North Baggage Claim in the Domestic Terminal
• An Interfaith Airport Chapel with chaplaincy services and a 24-hour prayer room in the Domestic Terminal
• Seven lactation pods for nursing mothers
• Service Animal Relief Areas (SARAs) in every concourse and a 1,000-square-foot dog park in the Ground Transportation area

Tips for picking someone up from the airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, with countless terminals, busy walkways, and a constant stream of arriving passengers. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth pickup experience:

Plan Ahead:

Before you leave, confirm the arrival time, terminal, and flight number. Account for potential flight delays and immigration/customs processing time. If your passenger has accessibility needs, research and plan for accessible parking and pickup options. If you're picking up a group, consider carpooling to reduce traffic congestion and lower your carbon footprint.

Familiarize Yourself with the Airport:

Take some time to familiarize yourself with the airport's layout and parking options. The airport's website will have information on parking rates and locations. There are several parking options available, including short-term parking for quick pickups, as well as designated spots for disabled passengers and EV charging stations.

Utilize the Cell Phone Lot:

Atlanta Airport provides a free cell phone lot where you can park and wait until your passenger has arrived and is ready to be picked up. This helps reduce congestion at the curbside. You can also use flight-tracking apps or the airline's official website to get real-time updates on the flight's arrival time and any potential delays.

Communicate with Your Passenger:

Clear communication and coordination with the person you're picking up are essential. Establish a clear meeting point to ensure everything is clear. If your passenger is calling you when they arrive, they can provide the specific door number, and you can drive up to that location for curbside pickup. Alternatively, you can park in the hourly lot and wait at the top of the escalator where passengers get off the tram.

Prepare for a Comfortable Arrival:

Make your passenger's arrival as comfortable as possible by having a bottle of water and some light snacks in the car. You can also consider a small welcoming gift, like a local treat or a handwritten note, to make them feel special.

By following these tips, you can ensure that picking someone up from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a seamless and stress-free experience.

Frequently asked questions