The Ultimate Travel Guide for the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

16 November 2022 by Emily Tuhkanen

The Ultimate Travel Guide for the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International AirportCover Image

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is the primary airport in Georgia serving more than 100 million passengers a year. That means your stop at this airport could be a tad stressful, but it does not have to be.  From making it through security quickly to finding cheap long-term vehicle storage, here are a few tips on how to make it through the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. This Atlanta airport guide will go through everything you need to know including finding the most affordable long-term parking at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Make it through security quickly

Getting through security at Hartsfield-Jackson averages a 20-30 minutes wait time especially if you are traveling mid-day. Security wait times are available here. To help make it through security as quickly as possible, make sure you have everything you need before you get in line. This includes taking off your shoes, taking out your liquids and laptops, and putting your bags on the conveyor belt. If you have any questions, make sure to ask the TSA agents. They are there to help you get through security as quickly and smoothly as possible. Taking off all belts, jewelry, and other accessories at security cut down time in line and gets you to the gate faster. Dress simply and comfortably and make security a breeze. Here are a few quick reminders for making it through security quickly:

  • Make sure you have no liquids over 3.4 ounces
  • Empty your water bottle
  • Have your ID and boarding pass in hand while in line
  • Be shoe conscious! Try to wear shoes that you can easily slip on and off, so you don’t get caught lacing up your kicks while in line

Where to Eat and Drink at ATL

There are many options at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, so how do you make the right decision when choosing where to eat from the myriad of restaurants? From fried chicken to quesadillas, there is an option for whatever you may be craving. Below is a list of some popular restaurant options at ATL airport and their locations.

  • Domestic Terminal:
    • Atlanta Chophouse & Brewery: located in Atrium NE and is open 10 am-7 pm Monday-Friday and 11 am-7 pm Saturday and Sunday
    • Starbucks: located in Atrium NE and is open 4:30 am- 10 pm
    • Popeyes Louisana Kitchen: located in Atrium SE and is open 10 am- 7 pm Sunday- Friday and 10 am- 6 pm on Saturday s
  • Concourse T:
    • Atlanta Stillhouse: Located near gate T14 and is open 7 am- 9 pm
    • Bojangles: located near gate T7 and is open 7 am- 7 pm
    • Grindhouse Killer Burgers: located at gate T11 and is open 6 am- 10 pm
  • Concourse A:
    • Cat Cora's Kitchen: located near Gate A25 and is open 7 am-10 pm
    • Shake Shack: located near gate A28 and is open 11 am-7 pm
    • Varasano's Pizzeria: located in the center concourse and is open 8 am- 10 pm
  • Concourse B:
    • Atlanta Bread: located near B7 and is open 10 am- 6 pm
    • Blue Moon Brewhouse: located near gate B11 and is open 7:30 am to 10 pm
    • Willy's Mexicana Grill: located in the center concourse and is open 8 am- 9 pm
  • Concourse C:
    • Chick-fil-a: located near gate C21 and is open 5 am- 10 pm and is closed on Sundays
    • Famous Famiglia Pizzaria: located near gate C12 and is open 8 am-6 pm Sunday-Friday and 8 am-3 pm on Saturdays
    • Saladworks: located in the center concourse and is open 11 am- 7 pm
  • Concourse D:
    • Chicken + Beer: located near gate D5 and is open 10 am- 10 pm
    • Einstein Bros Bagels: located in the center concourse and is open 6 am- 3 pm
    • Terrapin Tap House: located in the center concourse upper level and is open 1 pm- 10 pm
  • Concourse E:
    • McDonald's: located in the center concourse and is open 7 am- 9 pm
    • The Piano Bar: located in the center concourse and is open 6 am-10 pm
    • Nathan's: located at E Centerpoint and is open 12 pm- 8 pm
  • Concourse F and International Terminal:
    • Papi's Caribbean Cafe: located at gate T8 and is open 7 am-8 pm Monday-Friday and Sunday and 7 am- 4 pm on Saturdays
    • Subway: located at gate T6 and is open from 12 pm- 7 pm
    • Uncle Maddio's Pizza: located at gate T10 and is open from 10 am- 10 om

Make sure you don’t miss out on some of the best food Hartsfield Airport has to offer and make a stop at one of these delicious restaurants. Here is where you can find the Atlanta airport food map for you to look over and be aware of what options are available to eat at Hartsfield airport.

Traveling Internationally at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

The international terminal is not directly connected to the domestic terminal at the Atlanta airport. There are some exceptions for international travelers where you will actually leave from the domestic terminal, but if you are leaving from the International Terminal, there is a shuttle provided that transfers you between the two terminals. This shuttle picks up at ground transportation which is located on the western side of the Domestic Terminal, near the W2 door near the South terminal baggage claim level. If you are looking for the airport's shuttle to the domestic terminal from the international terminal you can find it in the northern area of the terminal through doors A1, A2, or A3. If you are traveling internationally, you may want to park your vehicle at the airport for an easier experience. You can book long-term Atlatna airport parking through STOW IT. 

Hotel Options near ATL Airport

There is an on-site hotel option which is Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel. This hotel is a two-minute shuttle drive to the airport and is also located close to the downtown attractions as well. The hotel provides the shuttle to the airport free of cost. There are also other options not located nearly as close but are also great options if you need a place to stay near the airport. Here is a TripAdvisor collection of hotels that includes everything you need to make a booking.

The hotel also offers sleep pods provided by Minutes Suites for travelers who may have a layover or a connection. The pods are equipped with fresh linens and blankets, a privacy curtain, a reading light, and a desk and chair if you are using the space to work. These pods are located in Concourse B near gates B16 and B24. You have to book a pod for at least one hour which starts at $48. Then you are charged $12 per fifteen minutes for the next two hours, then $9.50 per fifteen minutes for the following two hours.

Public Transportation to Hartsfield Jackson International Airport

MARTA is a public transportation system that provides transportation to and from the airport. The red lines and the gold lines are the two options that will take you directly to the airport. MARTA has an airport station inside the domestic terminal. This train system only drops off passengers at the domestic terminal, you will have to take the airport-provided shuttle to the international terminal if you are flying internationally. You can learn more about MARTA's services here.

Hartsfield Jackson International Airport Lounges

There are a lot of lounges located throughout the airport depending on which concourse you are at. Here is a list of the lounges and their locations:

  • Concourse A:
    • Delta Sky Club: located on the second level center concourse
    • Delta Sky Club: located near gate A17
  • Concourse B:
    • Delta Sky Club
    • Minute Suites
  • Concourse C:
    • Delta Sky Club
  • Concourse D:
    • Delta Sky Club: located near gate D12
    • Delta Sky Club: located near gate D27
  • Concourse E:
    • Delta Sky Club
  • Concourse F:
    • The Club at ATL
    • Delta Sky Club
  • Concourse T:
    • Admirals Club
    • Delta Sky Club
    • Minute Suites
    • United Club
    • USO Lounge

Each lounge has different hours of operation, club requirements, and rules. This article goes into great detail about each lounge's services and requirements.

Know your Hartsfield-Jackson Airport Parking Options

Some short-term parking options are the Hartsfield-Jackson airport include:

Hourly and Daily Parking at the Hartsfield Jackson Airport

Daily and hourly parking options are available at Hartsfield Airport, all within walking distance of the airport terminals.

Parking Domestic and InternationalRates Per Day
Hourly$36
Daily$19
Economy$14
ATL West Deck$16
ATL Select

Uncovered: $10

Covered: $14

Oversized: $28

Park Ride Lot C $10
International Hourly $36
International Park Ride$14

The Parking Spot

The Parking Spot is another lot near Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport that also offers daily and long-term airport parking.

  • Airport shuttles are available 24/7 to provide transportation to and from the airport.
  • Daily rates are $12.50 per day for uncovered parking and $15.25 per day for covered parking.

All short-term parking reservations can be made on their website, and long-term parking at ATL airport can be made through STOW IT.

Park n' Fly

Park n’ Fly is similar to what The Parking Spot offers. This lot is close to the airport and provides a shuttle service to and from the airport.

  • Daily rates are $10.75 per day for uncovered parking and $13.50 per day for covered parking.

Reservations can be made ahead of time on their website.

Long-Term Parking  at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

STOW IT IT’s partnership with The Parking Spot allows customers to access long-term parking, storage, and shuttle services to-and-from the airport. With STOW IT's long-term ATL airport parking options, you will pay about $5.85 per day at the monthly rate. This is a great option for long-term travelers who need monthly or yearly parking. Other options like ATL’s parking garages charge high rates that are simply unaffordable for long-term parking. STOW IT’s parking option allows you to conveniently drive yourself to the airport and leaves your car safe and secure while you are away. The cost of parking and convenience makes this a no-brainer!

Ultimately, there are many ways to make your stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as easy as possible. Whether it comes to knowing the best spot to eat at or reserving a long-term parking spot through STOW IT these tips will help save time and money on your next trip to the Atlanta airport.