Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), located 16 kilometres south of Atlanta’s city centre, stands as the world’s busiest airport, serving over 108 million passengers in 2024 with flights to 225 destinations across six continents.
As the primary hub for Delta Air Lines and a base for carriers like Southwest and Spirit, the airport offers a functional and efficient environment for travellers. Its extensive amenities and accessible transport options create a welcoming journey for both domestic and international passengers.
Reaching the airport is straightforward, with multiple transport links to Atlanta and beyond. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Red and Gold lines connect the airport to downtown in 15 to 20 minutes for $2.50, with trains running every 15 minutes. Bus services, including ATLtransit shuttles, link to key areas like Midtown, taking 30 to 45 minutes, though rush-hour traffic can extend travel times.
Taxis and ride-shares, available at the arrivals level, reach the city centre in about 20 minutes for $30 to $40. Drivers can access the airport via Interstates 85 and 285, with a 15- to 25-minute journey, though congestion is common during peak hours. Car hire desks from Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise are located in the Rental Car Center, a five-minute SkyTrain ride from the terminals.
The airport’s layout, spanning two terminals—Domestic and Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International—features seven concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F) connected by the Plane Train, a high-speed underground system running every two minutes.
The Domestic Terminal splits into North and South sections, with Delta occupying the South and other airlines in the North, while the International Terminal handles most global flights. Check-in and security are on the upper levels, with baggage claim below, and security screening averages 15 to 30 minutes, though peak periods like mornings can see waits up to 45 minutes. Passengers should arrive two hours early for domestic flights or three for international, using TSA PreCheck or CLEAR. lanes to expedite screening. Weather, air traffic control issues, or high passenger volumes can cause delays, so monitoring flight status via the ATL app or Flightradar24 is advised.
Dining and retail options are extensive across all concourses. Concourse T features The Varsity for classic hot dogs, while Concourse A offers Cat Cora’s Kitchen for tapas-style dishes. Concourse D’s Chicken . Beer serves Southern comfort food, and Concourse F’s One Flew South provides upscale global cuisine.
Over 300 outlets, including duty-free shops in Concourses E and F, offer luxury brands, souvenirs, and essentials, with WHSmith and ATL Market for convenience items. Prices can be high—$3 for water or $7 for coffee—so planning purchases is wise. Lounges like Delta Sky Club (Concourse T, A, B, D, E, F) and United Club (Concourse T) provide complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and showers for $59 day passes or via memberships.
Facilities are designed for passenger ease. Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available via “ATL Free Wi-Fi,” with charging stations throughout. Accessibility features include wheelchair assistance, a sensory room in Concourse F, and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards for extra support, bookable through airlines. Family amenities include play areas in Concourses A and D, and nursing rooms. Over 30,000 parking spaces span North, South, and Park-Ride lots, with a free cellphone lot for pick-ups. The SkyTrain connects to three nearby hotels, including the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway. Baggage storage, a 24-hour medical clinic, and an interfaith chapel enhance convenience.
On-time performance is solid, with a 77% on-time rate based on recent data, though a 22% chance of delays exists due to weather, gate holds, or taxiway congestion. The airport’s layout supports efficient connections, with minimum times of 35 minutes for domestic-to-domestic and 90 minutes for international-to-international transfers, aided by the Plane Train and a centralised baggage system handling 3,000 bags per hour. International passengers using US Preclearance in Concourse F clear customs before departure, but self-transferring travellers should allow extra time for baggage rechecking.
Hartsfield-Jackson’s modern infrastructure, vast dining options, and efficient transport ensure a dependable travel experience. Whether enjoying Southern cuisine, browsing shops, or catching a quick connection, passengers can expect a functional and welcoming journey.
Delta Air Lines from Atlanta
Delta’s year-round flights to Ireland (Dublin) depart from the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Terminal F) at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Check-in Desks International counters in Terminal F (e.g., desks 1-20) open 3 hours before (up to 24 hours online); close 90 minutes prior for international. Self-kiosks and bag drop available. Arrive 3 hours early.
Departure Gates are usually Gates F1-F14 (e.g., F6-F10 for transatlantic) Gates are announced 45-60 minutes before; for Dublin, often F8-F12. Boarding 30-45 minutes prior; gates close 15 minutes before. Use Delta app for updates.
