Atlanta Airport Full Layover Guide

Makе thе Most of Your Layovеr at Atlanta Airport

Hartsfiеld Jackson Atlanta Intеrnational Airport (ATL) is an intеrnational gatеway with millions of passеngеrs. ATL is a vital еntry point to locations throughout thе Unitеd Statеs and abroad. It's a crucial hub for domеstic and intеrnational flights duе to its cеntral location in Gеorgia. Thе airport is Dеlta Air Linеs' main hub and a major transit hub for millions of travеlеrs еvеry yеar bеcausе it has a largе routе nеtwork.

Atlanta Hartsfiеld Jackson Intеrnational Airport is onе of thе most accеssiblе. ATL Airport to downtown Atlanta can bе rеachеd in 25 minutеs for only $5 roundtrip and which opеns up plеnty of opportunitiеs. Thеrе is a lot morе to do in Atlanta than you might think. You won't bе borеd thanks to its supеrb loungеs and world class rеstaurants and еvеn a fеw spas. You can organizе your layovеr in Atlanta and navigatе thе airport with thе aid of our guidе. 

Navigating Atlanta International Airport

The size of ATL Airport can make navigating it appear overwhelming at first, but once you know your way, you'll find that the airport's well-organized layout and obvious signs make getting about simple. 

There are seven concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, and F) that makeup Atlanta airport's layout, connected by walkways and an underground transit system in a straight line. An outline of each concourse and tips for getting around quickly are provided here:

Tips for Traveling Between Concourses 

Allocate Time for Transfers

Although the concourses are well-connected, certain gates may be quite distant from one another. Therefore, budgeting at least ten to fifteen minutes for transfers between concourses, particularly during busy periods is advisable.

Know Your Gate 

Before boarding your subsequent aircraft, confirm your gate number as soon as you land in Atlanta. Knowing your concourse in advance will help you plan your route because gates can change.

Use the Moving Walkways

Atlanta Airport all concourses include moving walkways that can expedite travel time and offer a more picturesque route through the airport if you'd rather walk.

Transportation Within the Airport

The quickest and most effective way to go between concourses is via the Plane Train. This automated train system, which operates around the clock and makes frequent stops to link all concourses and the main terminals, makes it simple and quick for travelers to get to their next gate. For those who are in a hurry, trains depart approximately every two minutes, making it their preferred option.

The airport provides designated walking paths between concourses for individuals who would rather take a stroll or engage in some exercise. The wide, well-designed walkways with their displays and art pieces offer a relaxing, self-paced way to navigate the airport.

Things to Do at Atlanta Airport (ATL) During A Layover

Take a Walk through Miles of Corridors

As you walk between Terminals A and B, you'll go from a busy, well-lit airport area to a peaceful, tropical forest. This immersive experience features an audio thunderstorm and occasional rain showers.

The moving walkway takes you beneath vibrant foliage, with the forest's shifting lights and sounds enveloping you. Along the way, you'll encounter two "clearings" where you can gaze at clouds and watch local birds soar overhead. There are numerous exhibits to explore during your journey. Enjoy a light show between Terminals A and B, delve into Zimbabwean history between T and A, discover an animal exhibit at Terminal C, or explore the history of Atlanta Airport between B and C.

Sleep at Atlanta Airport Open Areas

If you are wondering where can I sleep at Atlanta Airport? You can count on a good number of seats; however, the styles and qualities of the concourses differ. For instance, certain seats in Concourse B have armrests. Travelers particularly appreciate Concourse E and Concourse F/the International Terminal for cozy spots to sleep. In several areas, you can bring chairs or couches together to create a more comfortable resting place.

Some other good places to sleep are:

• There's a carpeted area for lounging on the Plane Train level between Concourses A and B. This part of the airport is calmer and better for sleeping than others.
• You can make beds by pushing chairs together on the mezzanine level of Concourse D.
• The mezzanine level of Concourse F, close to the Club at ATL, is a calm, secluded space with a few couches.

Rest and Shower at World-Class Airport Lounges

Passengers from various airlines can access lounges at Atlanta Airport (ATL). These lounges provide private spaces with a range of services, including comfortable seating, complimentary drinks, and a tranquil environment to unwind before your flight.

If you’re flying on Delta Air Lines and have a Delta SkyClub membership, there is at least one Delta SkyClub in every terminal.  Delta operates nine lounges at ATL with one located in each concourse. The Club at ATL is another pay-to-use lounge that is open to all travelers.

Depending on the lounge, amenities may include free Wi-Fi, complimentary snacks and beverages, hot meals, and, in some cases, shower facilities. Go ahead and take a shower to freshen up and stretch those tense muscles. 

Check-In to Minute Suites Atlanta Airport Hotel

Which would you prefer—some comfort and privacy? If you want to get a good night's sleep in between flights without having to worry about passing through security, there is a transit hotel accessible. You may book a suite at Minute HERE.

Ten private suites—five at Gate B16 and five at Gate T8—are available from Minute Suites. Each has a daybed, linens, WiFi, TV, and a "nap audio" feature. Suites can be rented for the hour or the entire night.

Dine in One of the Best Airport Restaurants

Dive into Atlanta's vibrant culinary scene right at the airport. Whether you're craving local favorites like fried chicken or a refreshing Sweetwater craft beer, ATL has something for every palate. With over 300 restaurants, shops, and services, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is a food lover’s paradise. Enjoy Ludacris' Chicken + Beer and One Flew South, a highly-regarded Southern/Eclectic restaurant in Terminal E. The Bento Box at One Flew South is a standout, known for its excellent service.

You’ll also find tap houses featuring Terrapin, Sam Adams, Sweetwater, and Gordon Biersch. For those on the go, Chick-fil-A's chicken sandwiches and Atlanta Bread Company offer quick, satisfying options. From sit-down restaurants like Chicken + Beer and One Flew South to casual spots serving burgers, pizza, Asian cuisine, and seafood, ATL ensures that dining is a memorable part of your travel experience.

Unwind with a Massage at the Spa

There are two spas available at the Atlanta Airport:

• XpresSpa in 6000 N Terminal Pkwy Terminal C 36. The spa offers foot and leg massages, sinus and stress relief treatments, mani/pedis, waxing, and facials at two locations. 
• BeRelaxSpa in Concourse B offers spa services like back massages, nail polish changes, hand massages, and foot massages that can help undo hours of stress and eliminate worries. Both spas are complimentary with PriorityPass.

Mobile Charging Stations and Wi-Fi

You can charge your mobile devices with fuel rod chargers which are portable and reusable charging devices. These are located at: F10; F Ticketing and E Centerpoint. Seat chargers are also available from Delta located at A10, B Centerpoint, C40, D28, E Centerpoint, and F6.

There is free limitless WiFi at Atlanta Airport. Just open the "ATL Free Wi-Fi" network and connect.

Retail Therapy at Duty-Free

Nothing beats retail therapy much like Duty-Free Shopping even if it's just window shopping. Atlanta Airport offers a wide variety of shops in its ATL International terminals including a Duty-Free shop. Shoppers can browse through a wide range of shopping options from perfumes and colognes to chocolates, candies to sunglasses, bags, and alcohol.

6. Visit Airport Museums and Art Galleries

If you are naturally inclined to arts and crafts, sometimes airports offer interesting art installations and museums. Atlanta Airport offers various art installations such Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Wall in Concourse E and Mammatus by Christopher Moulder in the International Terminal. Some of the rotating exhibits include Lunch Box Time Capsule in Concourse E and City as Sight also in Concourse E.

Step out and Explore a New City

Long layovers leave you with a lot of free time and one of the best ways to spend this time is getting out and exploring a new city. Guided daily tours are best when you are pressed for time and are interested in exploring the major tourist attractions in the city. Depending on your available time, if you would like to leave the airport, plenty of activities are nearby. You can explore the city using MARTA, the regional train system connecting the airport to various destinations.

If you're tempted to take a taxi, be advised that Atlanta traffic is notoriously awful and isn't restricted to any one time of day. Therefore, a private transfer service would be recommended.

Look for Organized City Tours

Guided day tours offer a great chance for layover passengers to get out and explore a new city. As one of the most visited cities in the US, numerous day tours are available in Atlanta to enjoy the major city attractions. Check out the most recommended day tours here to spend your layover time exploring a new city rather than sulking at the airport. Here are some of the popular day tours you can join to explore Atlanta's top attractions.

• From Atlanta: North Georgia Wine Country Tour
• Atlanta 1.5-Hour Highlight Trolley Tour
• Atlanta 5-Hour City Tour in Air-Conditioned Bus
• Atlanta Food and Cocktail Tour
• Atlanta: Atlanta Braves' Tourist Park Guided Tour
• Atlanta: Downtown, Midtown, or East Side Segway Tour
• Atlanta: Martin Luther King Historical Park Walking Tour
• Atlanta Stone Mountain Park Tour

Exclusive Guided Tours in Atlanta