Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, GA (ATL) ATL: Departure times and transfers

Flying from/to Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport

If you are planning to fly to/from Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, check out our tips on what’s the best way to travel between the airport and the city center. It’s always good to know, what’s the most convenient way to get to your destination. You can also find some data on the Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport facilities and some local tips on the airport itself.

Arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is Atlanta's primary airport. Named after former Atlanta mayors Maynard Jackson and William B. Hartsfield, ATL is one of the world's busiest airports, seeing around 100 million passengers annually. The airport is the primary hub for Delta Air Lines, which manages more than 1,000 flights daily. It's also a focus city for Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines. The city of Atlanta, Georgia, has played a key role in US civil rights movements through the efforts of luminaries such as Martin Luther King, Jr. The city is also famous for its contributions to ballet, orchestra, and theater, and its buzzing film industry has earned it the title of "Hollywood of the South." Fun facts: Atlanta is also called "City in a Forest" because it has more trees than any other US urban area. The city was burned down in 1864 in an act of war that left behind only 400 homes. Today, Atlanta is home to nearly half a million people, making it a true phoenix from the ashes.

What's the best way to get from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to the city center?

Atlanta Airport is located at 6000 North Terminal Parkway in Atlanta, Georgia. There's a domestic terminal at the airport, and an international terminal. The journey to the airport from Downtown Atlanta takes under 30 minutes. From Peachtree Center Transit Station, travelers can choose between the Gold or Red rapid transit lines to reach the airport. With eight stops on the way, the journey terminates at the airport in 19 minutes.  Alternatively, travelers can use the 40 Peachtree-Downtown-West End Station bus line at Poplar St. This bus takes travelers past six stops, to Peachtree St SW at Brotherton Transportation Mall. After a minute's walk to Garnet Transit Station, it's easy to grab the airport-bound train shuttle to ATL. Drivers from Downtown Atlanta can exit at 239 on the I-75/85 South highway and follow driving instructions to either terminal. ​

How far is the city center from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?

The airport is 7 miles (9 kilometers) south of Downtown Atlanta. There are two rapid transit lines from Peachtree Center Transit Station that terminate at ATL. The Red Line operates between North Springs and terminates at the airport. The Gold Line, meanwhile, operates between Doraville and ATL. Each rapid transit line runs multiple times per day and offers passengers easy access to the airport. These transit lines are the fastest way to get to the airport. Travelers should note that it might be necessary to use a combination of bus lines and train connections to reach the airport from Downtown Atlanta. The journey from Downtown Atlanta to ATL takes about 25 minutes.​

What services are there at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport offers round-the-clock parking for domestic and international travelers. Due to the city's strong arts scene, the airport hosts live music daily. Lovers of southern cuisine should make sure to treat themselves to the airport's one-day Tastes of Hartsfield-Jackson food festival, if they can. There are also varieties of cuisines to choose from on a daily basis for travelers in both the domestic and international terminals. The huge duty-free section provides travelers with a wide selection of clothing, accessories, and gift items. Travelers arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport have access to rental car services. There's also automated clearance for frequent travelers.​

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport offers accessibility services to people with limited mobility. Travelers with service animals can expect to receive the necessary support if they give sufficient notice to their airline. Each concourse has special service animal relief areas, and the airport's restrooms are wheelchair-accessible. Travelers with limited mobility can also rely on taxis, limousines, and shared-ride shuttles to travel to and from the airport. All trains and buses in the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) make provisions for people with limited mobility, making the journey from Downtown Atlanta to the airport a stress-free experience for everyone.

Local tips: what to know before flying to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, MARTA, offers travelers the best and cheapest way to reach the airport, the Breeze Card. Costing only $2, the card allows travelers to load on several fares to different areas, including the airport. Travelers can switch from train to bus whenever it's necessary during a journey without having to pay an extra fee. As ATL is a busy airport, it pays to get there on time to get everything sorted before departure. Spanish, German, and Korean are quite popular in the city of Atlanta (in addition to English), so travelers from around the world can look forward to making new friends in Atlanta.​ There's also a great dining scene in the city. Atlanta's Varsity Restaurant chain serves more Cokes than any restaurant in the world, and for good reason: Coca-Cola's worldwide headquarters are on North Avenue in Atlanta.