Connection between Terminals - ATL

Terminal Transfer, MARTA Shuttle, SkyTrain, Plane Train

Navigating between terminals at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is made easy through a variety of transportation options, both before and after security. Whether you're transferring between the Domestic and International terminals or moving between concourses, the airport offers efficient and reliable services to ensure a smooth journey. Below, we detail the available transportation methods and what to expect when making your way through this bustling airport.

Pre-Security Zone

To transfer between the public area of both terminals, i.e. without going through security, you can use the airport shuttle service. According to reviews left on platforms such as Google Reviews, while the shuttle service is functional, some passengers have experienced long wait times, especially during peak hours. One reviewer mentioned waiting more than 30 minutes for the shuttle to arrive, which is something to keep in mind if you're on a tight schedule.

If you are arriving from the MARTA station or other entry points on the west side of the Domestic Terminal, you must exit through gates W1 or W2 and follow the signs to the Ground Transportation Center, where you can take the Terminal Shuttle Connector bus to the International Terminal.

To make the reverse trip, once you are in the International Terminal, go to the Arrivals level and exit between gates A1 and A1 to go to the Domestic Terminal. According to user reviews, most travelers found the signage easy to follow, although some noted that during peak times, the crowd density could make navigating a bit overwhelming.

The shuttle bus also connects the International Terminal to the lower level of the Rental Car Center and operates approximately every 15 minutes. Passengers have mentioned that while the shuttle itself is reliable, the connections between these services can be time-consuming, particularly if you're in a rush.

SkyTrain

The SkyTrain provides complementary transportation between the Domestic Terminal and the Rental Car Center. It is a 10-minute round trip, with a waiting time of 3 min. It operates 24 hours a day. According to feedback from users on Google Reviews, travelers appreciate the convenience of this service, particularly for its punctuality and the ease it provides in navigating between key airport facilities. However, some passengers have reported occasional issues, such as the SkyTrain being out of service or long waits when this occurs. In such cases, the airport offers shuttle buses, but these can be crowded and less convenient.

The service also runs to the West Parking Deck, the Georgia International Convention Center, Gateway Center Arena, and the hotels located around the airport: Marriott Gateway, AC Hotel, SpringHill Suites, and Renaissance Hotel. Several passengers have highlighted the convenience of having the SkyTrain directly connect these locations, which helps save time and avoid the need for additional transportation.

Post-Security Zone

The Plane Train, located on Level 0, is one of the easiest ways to get around the post-security (boarding) areas of the terminals and concourses for free. It is an automated subway (people mover) train that runs a 3-mile loop between the Domestic Terminal (baggage claim area) and Concourse F (International Terminal), stopping at concourses T, A, B, C, D, and E along the way. A countdown timer alerts passengers to the arrival of the next service and there are automatic announcements and maps on board. It operates 24 hours a day and departs every 2 minutes.

Reviews on platforms such as Reddit and Google Reviews frequently praise the Plane Train for its efficiency, with many users mentioning that it greatly reduces the time needed to move between concourses, especially in a large and busy airport like ATL. Travelers generally find they can reach any two gates within 15 minutes or less, making it an excellent choice for quick transfers. However, a few reviews noted that during extremely busy periods, the trains can become crowded, which might make the journey less comfortable.

Photo by Lac - freeImage