Transiting through Atlanta Airport
Located an easy 20 minutes from the airport by car, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the main airport serving the state of Georgia. Atlanta Airport has separate Domestic and International Terminals, which feed into seven main concourses – T, A, B, C, D, E, and F.
Passengers can choose to spend their Atlanta layover in the Downtown area, learning about the city’s rich history, or taking in a live show. Without leaving the airport, there are plenty of culinary delights to be sampled, either from one of the premium business lounges or the airport’s busy and modern food courts.
Things to do at the airport
The list of shops and food outlets available at Atlanta Airport is endless. Even if you only have a short layover in Atlanta, you can still get a taste of some Southern classics like fried catfish and biscuits at Paschal’s Restaurant & Bar (Concourse B), a slice of pie or pizza at Varasano’s Pizzeria (Concourse A), some comfort food at Johnny’s (Concourse E), or you can pick and mix at the food court in Concourse A or C.
Well-known shopping brands such as Brookstone, Kiehls, and Mac have several locations across each terminal, and international passengers can stock up on discounted duty-free items. On top of that, if you have a 3-hour layover in Atlanta, you might like to indulge in some pampering at the Be Relax or Xpress Spa.
While there are limited Atlanta Airport layover activities for children, a great way to keep your little ones entertained is to use the pedestrian walkways between concourses. Not only will this help to burn off some energy before flying, but each walkway features unique visuals to keep their attention focused.
Atlanta Airport transit hotels and lounges
If you’re transiting through Atlanta Airport on a long layover, you’ll no doubt be keen to get some proper rest. Minute Suites is a great option for a quick or extended nap. They offer soundproof pods with a bed, shower, charging outlets, and a desk, so you can also get some work done if needed.
The nearby Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway and Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotels are also convenient options if you’re staying overnight, as you can reach them quickly and easily via the ATL SkyTrain.
Other than the Minute Suites, a few of the airline and premium lounges (The Club ATL and Delta Sky Club) also have showers, although you’ll need to purchase a lounge pass to access them. In any case, a business lounge is a great way to spend a layover at Atlanta Airport, as long as you have at least 3 hours spare to make the most of it.
Lounge facilities generally include complimentary food and beverages, comfortable sofas, runway views, dedicated work spaces, and extra entertainment.
What to do in Atlanta during a layover?
A layover in Atlanta is the perfect opportunity to explore Georgia’s historic capital city. Not only is the downtown area extremely walkable, but most of the attractions are within close proximity to each other.
When you purchase a Breeze day pass ticket, you can ride the MARTA train to and from the airport to Five Points Station in 18 minutes, or you can opt for a 20-minute ride in an Atlanta Airport taxi from the ranks. Alternatively, to make the most of your Atlanta layover time, you can arrange for a private transfer service to any destination of your choice.
A good starting point is Centennial Olympic Park, since it’s right by the station. Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, kids and adults will enjoy riding the giant SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel, and The Fountain of Rings water show (it’s even better at night). From there, it’s an easy walk to the World of Coca-Cola, where you’ll get a view of the vault keeping the secret recipe safe.
Next, you can take the MARTA to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site to see the birthplace of this cultural icon and learn about the Civil Rights Movement at the King Center. If you have a long layover in Atlanta, it’s worth scheduling in some time to see a Broadway or live music show at the Fox Theatre – it’s even possible to grab a cocktail on the rooftop.
Tips for a Short Layover in Atlanta Airport
- Take a quick nap in a Minute Suites pod in Concourse B (Gates B16 & B24), Concourse E, and Concourse F.
- Use the high-speed, unlimited Wi-Fi to check flight updates, download entertainment, or plan your onward travel.
- Enjoy a “date night” at the fine dining airport restaurant, One Flew South (Concourse E).
- Wander among the various art exhibitions that are constantly on rotation.
- Skip poor exchange rates at currency booths and instead, use contactless cards or withdraw dollars from ATMs with low fees.
Tips for a Long Layover in Atlanta
- Take a nap in one of the soundproof Minute Suites, located in Concourse B (Gate B16 and B24), Concourse E, and Concourse F (Gate F6).
- The Club ATL Lounge is accessible to all passengers, regardless of fare class or airline. Wind down, enjoy the buffet, and drink some champagne with a view of the runway.
- If you’ve got at least 7-8 hours, you can easily catch the MARTA train or a taxi into Atlanta city center. Download the Breeze app before traveling to help plan out your day and purchase train tickets.
- For stress-free travel around some of Atlanta’s most famous sights, consider booking a driver for the day with Welcome Pickups.
- Use the Bounce app to find luggage storage locations around Atlanta. That way, you don’t have to lug your bags with you all over town.
Flight Connections
Visa Required: An ESTA or Transit Visa is required for international arrivals.
Average Flight Connection Time: Allow at least 1 hour when transferring between a domestic and international terminal, and 3-4 hours when transferring from an international flight to a domestic one.
Minimum Time Needed to Leave the Airport: 7-8 hours
Similar to other U.S. Airports, such as Chicago and Dallas, international arrivals at Atlanta Airport will need to collect their luggage and clear Immigration and Customs before making their way to the next gate. This is the case regardless of whether you’ve booked your trip under one ticket or as two separate flights. There is a Transit area just beyond the Baggage Claim area in Concourse F, to the left as you exit.
Note, however, that Atlanta Airport Arrivals landing on a domestic flight, and then connecting to an international flight, will only need to collect their bags and check in once again if they booked two separate flights with different airlines.
Once you have luggage sorted, you can head upstairs and board the Plane Train. This super-fast service operates 24/7, every 2 minutes, easily transporting passengers between the Domestic and International terminals and each concourse, which is ideal if you have a short Atlanta Airport layover time.
*At least 3 hours is advised when planning a layover in Atlanta for an international flight connection.
Frequently asked questions
How long of a layover do I need in Atlanta? 
To avoid rushing or missing your connecting flight, it’s best to plan your layover in Atlanta to allow 1 hour in between domestic flights, and 3 hours if you’re transferring internationally.
Is an hour layover enough time in Atlanta?
While an hour layover is cutting it fine, it should be fine so long as your bags are checked through, and you’re transferring between two domestic flights. If you’re traveling to or from an overseas destination, you’ll need at least 3 hours.
Is a 1-hour layover enough in Atlanta for international flights?
Unless you’re arriving on a domestic flight and departing internationally, 1 hour won’t be enough time. All overseas passengers must collect their luggage upon arrival, clear Immigration and Customs, and then recheck their bags before proceeding. As such, you should allow between 3 and 4 hours.
Can you leave the Atlanta Airport during a layover?
Yes, so long as you have enough time and either an ESTA or a Transit Visa, you’re free to leave Atlanta Airport during a layover. At least 7 to 8 hours is recommended, as a minimum. This will allow enough time to transit to and from the airport, with a few hours to explore once downtown.
What to do at the Atlanta Airport during a layover?
If you have less than a 5-hour layover in Atlanta, you can pass the time getting a bite to eat at one of the countless restaurants, bars, and cafes. There are also plenty of shops, including duty-free stores, where you can browse or purchase some last-minute gifts.
If you have a little more time, you might like to treat yourself to a lounge pass, where you’ll enjoy buffet and a la carte meals, comfortable seating areas, and even a shower in some instances.
Do I have to go through Customs for a connecting flight in Atlanta?
Yes, if you’re arriving from overseas, you’ll need to clear Immigration and Customs on arrival.
Do you have to go through security again during a layover in Atlanta?
You will only need to clear Security again if you’ve arrived from overseas. If you are connecting from one domestic flight to another, you will stay behind the secure area and can use the Plane Train to transfer between gates and terminals.
