How To Get Between Terminals at ATL – 2025 Guide

Flying through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)? You’re not alone—millions pass through ATL terminals every year, and knowing how to get between terminals at ATL can save you serious time. Whether you’re flying domestic or international, getting your ATL terminal transfer right is the key to catching your next flight. You’ve got options: the Plane Train, the Transportation Mall, or the ATL terminal shuttle. Confused about when to use each one? We’ll break down how to transfer between ATL’s domestic and international terminals with real examples.

From the pedestrian tunnel to the shuttle bus, every option for transferring between ATL terminals is here. This guide is packed with tips for navigating concourses T to F, handling pre-security shuttles, and even finding the best route for walking between concourses at ATL. If you’re looking for a complete walkthrough, our How To Get Between Terminals at ATL – 2025 Guide covers everything you need to make your connection smooth and stress-free.

 Deep Dive: Terminal and Concourse Overview

ATL airport is massive, and knowing the terminal layout at ATL helps you move fast. The two primary areas are the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal. Inside, you’ll find seven concourses—T through F—all connected. If you’re figuring out how to transfer between terminals at ATL, this layout matters.The Plane Train goes under all of the concourses, which makes it the quickest route to change gates.

You can also walk between the ATL concourses via the Transportation Mall. Not sure where your flight is? Check your ticket—some airlines use specific ATL terminals. Whether you’re using a terminal shuttle, walking, or riding the train, knowing the full ATL concourse map gives you the edge.

Transfer Methods Comparison Table

When figuring out how to get between terminals at ATL, it helps to compare your options. The Plane Train ATL is the quickest airside transfer, running every few minutes and connecting all concourses. Walking the Transportation Mall at ATL offers a slower, scenic route with moving walkways but can take 30–40 minutes. The terminal shuttle bus ATL runs landside, connecting domestic and international terminals but can be slower due to traffic.

Each method has its place depending on your connection time, ticket type, and mobility needs. Knowing the cost-free shuttle schedule or when to walk between concourses at ATL helps you pick the best way to transfer terminals at ATL. Use this guide to match your time, comfort, and convenience.

Plane Train

The Plane Train ATL is the quickest way to get from one terminal to another at ATL airport.It runs underground connecting all concourses from T to F every two minutes, making it the top choice for ATL airside transfer. Whether you’re catching a domestic or international flight, the Plane Train helps you move quickly through ATL’s concourses.

It’s free and accessible, with plenty of space for wheelchairs and strollers. If you’re wondering how long does the Plane Train take, expect about 5–12 minutes depending on your start and end points. During peak hours, the Plane Train can get crowded, but its speed still beats walking the Transportation Mall or waiting for the terminal shuttle ATL.

 Transportation Mall Walkway

Walking between terminals at ATL is possible through the Transportation Mall, a long pedestrian tunnel connecting all concourses. This pedestrian tunnel ATL offers moving walkways to help speed up the walk, but expect about 30 to 40 minutes to go from one end to the other. If you have extra time or want to stretch your legs between flights, walking through the Transportation Mall is a good choice.

It’s free and a unique way to see ATL’s art installations along the route. Just remember, if your layover is short, the Plane Train ATL is faster. The walkway is best for travelers who prefer a scenic route or need to avoid crowded trains during peak ATL travel hours.

Terminal Shuttle (Landside)

The terminal shuttle ATL is a free landside transfer option connecting the Domestic and International terminals at ATL. You’ll catch the shuttle outside doors W1 and W2 at the Domestic Terminal or A1 and A2 at the International Terminal. The shuttle runs every 10 to 15 minutes, but traffic can sometimes add to the 15-minute travel time.

If you need to transfer pre-security or have checked bags to recheck, the terminal shuttle is your go-to. It’s wheelchair accessible, making it a good choice for travelers with mobility needs. Just remember, the shuttle isn’t for airside transfers, so if you want to move between concourses without leaving security, the Plane Train ATL is better.

 When You Need to Use Landside Transfer

Sometimes, travelers have to use landside transfer at ATL, especially when switching between domestic and international flights that require leaving security. If you have separate tickets or need to recheck bags, you’ll exit the secure area and use the terminal shuttle ATL to move between terminals. This pre-security transfer can take longer, so planning extra time is key. Not all travelers need this, but if your flight situation involves ticket changes or missed connections, knowing when to use landside transfer at ATL saves stress. Remember, the Plane Train only works airside, so for pre-security transfers, the terminal shuttle or walking outside is your option.

ATL SkyTrain – What It Connects and Why It’s Not for Terminal Transfer

The ATL SkyTrain is often confused with the Plane Train, but it serves a different purpose. SkyTrain connects the Domestic Terminal to the Rental Car Center, Parking, and the Georgia International Convention Center. It’s a landside service, so it doesn’t help when transferring between ATL terminals. If you’re wondering how to get between terminals at ATL, the SkyTrain isn’t your option.

Instead, use the Plane Train or terminal shuttle ATL for terminal transfers. Knowing the difference between the SkyTrain ATL vs. Plane Train saves time and prevents confusion. Travelers looking for the fastest terminal transfer at ATL should stick with the airside options, not the SkyTrain.

Accessibility and Mobility Assistance Options

If you need wheelchair access or mobility help at ATL, the airport has you covered. The Plane Train ATL is fully wheelchair accessible, making airside terminal transfers easy for all travelers. The terminal shuttle bus ATL also offers ADA-compliant rides between Domestic and International terminals. Walking the Transportation Mall at ATL is possible for some, but those needing assistance should plan ahead.

ATL airport provides mobility services to help with transfers between terminals at ATL, including special assistance for travelers with reduced mobility. Knowing these accessibility options for terminal transfer ATL makes your trip smoother. If you’re traveling with family or mobility needs, using the accessible Plane Train or shuttle is the best way to move between ATL concourses.

 Estimated Travel Times by Scenario

Knowing how long it takes to get between ATL terminals helps you plan your transfer smoothly. The Plane Train ATL usually takes under 10 minutes from Concourse T to F, making it the fastest option for airside transfers at ATL. Walking the Transportation Mall ATL can take 30 to 40 minutes, so it’s best for those with extra time.

The terminal shuttle ATL runs landside and can take about 15 minutes depending on traffic. For a domestic to international terminal transfer ATL, the Plane Train is the quickest, especially when time is tight. Always factor in security lines and wait times when estimating your transfer time between terminals at ATL airport to avoid missing your flight.

Local Airport Tips from Frequent Flyers

Frequent flyers know the best ways to get between terminals at ATL, and their tips can save you time. Many recommend using the Plane Train ATL during non-peak hours to avoid crowds. Walking between concourses at ATL is a great option if you enjoy the Transportation Mall and want to skip shuttle waits.

Some travelers suggest checking real-time updates on ATL airport apps to track the Plane Train schedule and avoid delays. Insider advice also highlights the importance of planning transfers during ATL peak hours carefully. If you have mobility needs, use the accessibility options Plane Train ATL or shuttle bus. These local tips give you an edge navigating ATL terminal transfer like a pro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk between ATL terminals?

 Yes, you can walk between ATL terminals using the Transportation Mall, a pedestrian tunnel with moving walkways connecting concourses T through F, taking about 30 to 40 minutes.

Is the Plane Train free at ATL?

 Yes, the Plane Train ATL is a free, fast, underground train connecting all concourses for airside terminal transfers between domestic and international terminals.

Where do I catch the ATL terminal shuttle?

 You can catch the terminal shuttle ATL landside outside Domestic Terminal doors W1/W2 or International Terminal doors A1/A2. It runs every 10 to 15 minutes.

When should I use the terminal shuttle at ATL?

 Use the terminal shuttle ATL for landside transfers pre-security, when rechecking bags or changing domestic to international tickets, as it connects terminals outside the secure area.

What’s the difference between the ATL SkyTrain and Plane Train?

 The ATL SkyTrain serves landside areas like Rental Car Center, not terminals. The Plane Train is airside and connects concourses T to F inside security for terminal transfers.

How long does the Plane Train take at ATL?

 The Plane Train ATL takes about 5 to 12 minutes to travel between concourses, depending on your start and end points, making it the quickest terminal transfer.

Are there accessibility options for terminal transfers at ATL?

Yes, ATL offers wheelchair access on the Plane Train and terminal shuttle bus, plus mobility assistance services to ensure smooth transfers between terminals for all travelers.

Is walking between concourses ATL a good idea during peak hours?

 Walking the Transportation Mall ATL can avoid Plane Train crowds during peak hours but takes longer—about 30 to 40 minutes—so plan accordingly if you have tight connections.

What’s the best transfer method for a short layover at ATL?

 For short layovers, the Plane Train ATL is the best option since it’s the fastest airside transfer connecting domestic and international terminals quickly.

How do I know which ATL terminal my flight uses?

 Check your flight ticket or ATL concourse map to find if your flight departs from domestic or international terminals and which concourse (T through F) it uses.

 Conclusion:

When figuring out how to get between terminals at ATL, your transfer choice depends on your situation. Business travelers often prefer the Plane Train ATL for speed between domestic and international terminals. Families or travelers with lots of bags might find the terminal shuttle bus easier, especially for landside transfers. If you have a short layover, the Plane Train is usually the fastest.

For longer layovers, walking the Transportation Mall can be a good option to stretch your legs. Remember to consider accessibility options if needed—wheelchair access is available on the Plane Train and shuttle. Whatever your style, knowing transfer times and the ATL terminal map helps you pick the best route and avoid stress.