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Atlanta Layover Guide: Making the Most of Your Stopover

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LAYOVER PASSUNITED STATES

ATL

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

AIRPORTS1

TO DO9

TO EAT7

BY JAMES WINDSOR9 STOPS · 7 PLACES TO EAT

SLEEPDay rooms near ATLTrip.com DATAeSIM for AtlantaSaily BAGSDrop your luggageRadical Storage TOURSLayover tours in AtlantaViator

Welcome to the 'Gate City' of the South. As home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Atlanta serves as one of the world's most connected transit points. Located just 10 miles south of the city center, ATL offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore world-class attractions, historic landmarks, and southern hospitality even on a short time frame. Whether you are arriving from across the /united-states or internationally, this guide ensures your time in Atlanta is well-spent.

9 ways out of the terminal.

Top Activities for an Atlanta Layover. Tap a row for timings and the insider tip.

#STOPTIMEFROM ATLWHY

Georgia Aquarium

2-3 hours12 milesOne of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring whale sharks, beluga whales, and manta rays in massive galleries.

One of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring whale sharks, beluga whales, and manta rays in massive galleries.

TIME 2-3 HOURS

World of Coca-Cola

1.5-2 hours12 milesExplore the history of the world's most famous beverage and sample over 100 different flavors from around the globe.

Explore the history of the world's most famous beverage and sample over 100 different flavors from around the globe.

TIME 1.5-2 HOURS

Delta Flight Museum

1.5 hours2 milesLocated right next to ATL, this museum is perfect for aviation enthusiasts. Explore historic aircraft, including a Boeing 747-400.

Located right next to ATL, this museum is perfect for aviation enthusiasts. Explore historic aircraft, including a Boeing 747-400.

TIME 1.5 HOURS

Centennial Olympic Park

1 hour11 milesA 22-acre park that served as the center of the 1996 Summer Olympics, featuring the iconic Fountain of Rings.

A 22-acre park that served as the center of the 1996 Summer Olympics, featuring the iconic Fountain of Rings.

TIME 1 HOUR

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

2 hours13 milesVisit the birthplace, church, and final resting place of the legendary civil rights leader.

Visit the birthplace, church, and final resting place of the legendary civil rights leader.

TIME 2 HOURS

High Museum of Art

2 hours15 milesThe leading art museum in the Southeast, known for its diverse collection and striking white architecture.

The leading art museum in the Southeast, known for its diverse collection and striking white architecture.

TIME 2 HOURS

SkyView Atlanta

30 minutes11 milesA Ferris wheel towering nearly 20 stories above Centennial Park, offering panoramic views of the city skyline.

A Ferris wheel towering nearly 20 stories above Centennial Park, offering panoramic views of the city skyline.

TIME 30 MINUTES

Atlanta BeltLine (Eastside Trail)

1.5 hours14 milesA former railway corridor turned into a multi-use trail, perfect for a walk and seeing local street art.

A former railway corridor turned into a multi-use trail, perfect for a walk and seeing local street art.

TIME 1.5 HOURS

College Football Hall of Fame

1.5 hours12 milesAn interactive experience for sports fans featuring high-tech exhibits and a 45-yard indoor football field.

An interactive experience for sports fans featuring high-tech exhibits and a 45-yard indoor football field.

TIME 1.5 HOURS

Viator selectionLive recommendations

Senoia The Walking Dead Film locations 2 hours Walking Tour

View on Viator

Fits your layover4+ hours layover

Senoia The Walking Dead Film locations 2 hours Walking Tour

Enjoy a 2 hour walk around the beautiful town of Senoia, GA. Your guide is Senoia Rick, a Rick Grimes cosplayer and look-a-like. You’ll see locations used in The Walking Dead, including Woodbury, Alexandria, Carl’s pudding house and more. We’ll also touch on other film projects, like Fried Green Tomatoes, The Conjuring 3, Agatha All Along, and others.

Duration

2 hours

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 4h total

Admission

Check on Viator

What you'll see

Attraction stop (2h)

Enjoy a 2 hour walk around the beautiful town of Senoia, GA. We’ll see the locations used in The Walking Dead, including Woodbury, Alexandria, Carl’s pudding house and more. We’ll also touch on other film projects, like Fried Green Tomatoes, The Conjuring 3, Agatha All Along, among others.

Ready to book for your Atlanta layover

Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available

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Atlanta Then and Now Private History Tour

View on Viator

Fits your layover5+ hours layover

Atlanta Then and Now Private History Tour

On this private, guided tour we will dig into Atlanta's history while also looking ahead at where Atlanta is now and where the city is headed. Through exploring some areas such as city centers, historic neighborhoods, a national park, and a cemetery, we'll cover the founding of the city, the destruction of the city during The Civil War, rebuilding during Reconstruction, the Civil Rights movement and beyond. We'll also talk about some of the drivers of Atlanta's current boom. After this tour you'll have a good idea of where Atlanta came from and where it's headed.

Duration

3 hours

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 5h total

Admission

Check on Viator

What you'll see

Attraction stop (30 mins)

Cemetery dating to 1850

Attraction stop (30 mins)

A national park devoted to the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Includes the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, his birth home, his gravesite, and museums

Ready to book for your Atlanta layover

Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available

Book on Viator

View on Viator

Fits your layover5+ hours layover

Atlanta Highlights Private Tour

Only have a few hours in the city and can’t figure out what to see? Let us handle the driving as we pack in a 3-hr ‘Best Of’ to give you a comprehensive overview of Atlanta

Duration

3 hours

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 5h total

Admission

Check on Viator

Ready to book for your Atlanta layover

Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available

Book on Viator

* Tours are scored against your layover length — availability and pricing confirmed on Viator.

Bookable · scored against your layover

Tours that get you back in time.

Browse all on Viator

VIATOR TOURFITS YOUR LAYOVER

1.5 Hour Southern Essentials: Biscuits and Pimiento Cheese Class

The Southern Essentials Cooking Class is a 1.5-hour culinary adventure in Atlanta that immerses you in the heart of Southern comfort food. Participants will get hands-on experience making flaky, buttery biscuits, a classic pimento cheese spread, and sweet iced tea. Guided by a knowledgeable instructor, you'll learn the stories behind these cherished recipes and their significance in Southern culture. This interactive class, perfect for all skill levels, provides not just delicious food but also insights into Atlanta's rich culinary heritage. Come hungry and leave with new skills and tasty treats to enjoy.

TOUR1h 30m

BUFFER+2H

NEEDS3.5H

Book on Viator

VIATOR TOURFITS YOUR LAYOVER

Y'allywood 3 Hour Private Movie and TV Film Locations Tour

Often referred to as Y'allywood or The Hollywood Of The South, Atlanta is one of the top filming locations in the world! The state of Georgie is ranked #1 in Film Production by Business Facilities Magazine and as of 2016, more feature films are made in Georgia than any other state. Once you book, we will reach out and go over all of the options of locations and then we will assemble a custom tour just for you! Below are some of the most popular movies/shows that we can see locations from: - Marvel (both movies and Disney+ shows) - Stranger Things - The Walking Dead - Cobra Kai - Ozark - DTF ST Louis - The Fast And The Furious 7 & 8 - The Hunger Games - DC Comics movies - Will Trent - Atlanta - Venom - Baby Driver - Bugonia - Den of Thieves - Driving Miss Daisy - The Nice Guys - The Change Up - ATL - Naked Gun (2025) - Game Night - DMZ - Jackpot! - Ride Along/Ride Along 2 - Bad Boys 3 & 4 - And so many more!

TOUR3 hours

BUFFER+2H

NEEDS5H

Book on Viator

VIATOR TOURFITS YOUR LAYOVER

Atlanta Street Art and BeltLine Tour with Happy Hour and Activity

Explore some of the city’s most famous murals, graffiti, and installations on a guided walking tour of Cabbagetown, Krog Street Tunnel, and the Atlanta Beltline. A knowledgeable, engaging tour guide will take you through these iconic neighborhoods to view stunning and impactful art, hear stories behind the art and artists, help you interpret the art by providing prompts, and help you get those perfect ‘grammable shots. Plus, you’ll become art critics and artists yourself as you design your own street art during an art salon-style happy hour.

TOUR2h 30m

BUFFER+2H

NEEDS4.5H

Book on Viator

Availability and pricing confirmed on Viator. Free cancellation on many tours.

Need a bed between flights?

Day rooms & airport hotels.

Long or overnight at ATL? Plenty of airport hotels sell rooms by the hour. Compare a few before you land.

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Getting there

Flights through Atlanta.

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Best Places to Eat During Your Stay

One Flew South

Upscale Southern/SushiATL Concourse E$$$

Upscale Southern/Sushi · ATL Concourse E

Paschal's

Southern Soul FoodDowntown Atlanta$$

Southern Soul Food · Downtown Atlanta

The Varsity

Classic American Drive-InNorth Ave (Midtown)$

Classic American Drive-In · North Ave (Midtown)

Busy Bee Cafe

Famous Fried ChickenWestside$$

Famous Fried Chicken · Westside

Mary Mac's Tea Room

Traditional SouthernMidtown$$

Traditional Southern · Midtown

Chicken+Beer

Southern ComfortATL Concourse D$$

Southern Comfort · ATL Concourse D

Ponce City Market Food Hall

Eclectic/GlobalOld Fourth Ward$$-$$$

Eclectic/Global · Old Fourth Ward

GETTING AROUND

Getting Around Atlanta During Your Layover

Navigating from Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) is straightforward. The most efficient option is MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority); the airport station is located inside the Domestic Terminal. Trains depart every 10-20 minutes and can reach downtown in approximately 20 minutes. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate from a designated assembly area outside the terminals. For those staying at airport-adjacent hotels, the SkyTrain provides free transit to the Gateway Center and the Rental Car Center.

Get an eSIM before you landMaps and ride apps work the moment you're off the plane Drop your bags in townExplore hands-free, collect on the way back

Pro Tips for Your Atlanta Stopover

01Always check TSA wait times via the ATL airport website before heading back to the terminal.

02The International and Domestic terminals are on opposite ends of the airport; use the Plane Train to connect.

03MARTA is often faster than a taxi during Atlanta's notorious rush hour (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM).

04ATL offers free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout all concourses.

05If you have a long layover, look for luggage storage services near the airport, as there are no lockers inside for security reasons.

06Download the 'ATL Airport' app for interactive maps and real-time gate updates.

07Visit the T-Concourse art exhibit if you want a quiet walk through Atlanta's history.

08Keep your boarding pass handy; you will need it to re-enter security if you leave the airport.

Inside the terminal

Atlanta's Primary International Gateway

ATL

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

ATL is a massive hub; utilize the 'Plane Train' to move between concourses A-F and T quickly. For domestic layovers, the airport features exceptional art installations and free Wi-Fi. If you plan to head into the city, ensure you exit through the Domestic Terminal to access the MARTA train station.

Where to Shop in Atlanta

Ponce City Market

14 miles

A historic mixed-use building with unique boutiques, national brands, and a massive food hall.

Lenox Square Mall

19 miles

The premier shopping destination in the South with over 250 stores, including luxury brands.

Atlantic Station

15 miles

An open-air retail and entertainment district with a walkable, 'city-within-a-city' feel.

Buckhead Village District

18 miles

A luxury outdoor shopping district featuring high-end international designers and upscale dining.

Make every minute count

Planning Your Layover by the Clock

For a 2-4 hour layover, stay within the ATL airport. Enjoy a meal at One Flew South (Concourse E) or explore the digital art installation between Concourses A and B. With 4-8 hours, take the MARTA Gold or Red line directly to the 'Peachtree Center' or 'GWCC/CNN Center' stations. This gives you enough time to visit the Georgia Aquarium or the World of Coca-Cola. If you have 8+ hours, you can venture further to the High Museum of Art in Midtown or enjoy a leisurely walk and lunch along the Atlanta BeltLine.

Things people ask at the gate.

Can I leave the Atlanta airport during a layover?

Yes, as long as you have the necessary visa or citizenship to enter the United States and enough time to clear security upon your return.

How far is the airport from downtown Atlanta?

Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) is about 10 miles south of downtown, which takes 20 minutes by train or 15-40 minutes by car depending on traffic.

Is there a place to sleep in ATL airport?

There are Minute Suites located in Concourse B and Concourse T that offer private rooms for napping or working.

What is the best way to get to the Georgia Aquarium from the airport?

The MARTA train is the most reliable. Take the Northbound line to Peachtree Center station and walk about 10-15 minutes.

Does Atlanta airport have luggage lockers?

No, due to security regulations, there are no luggage lockers inside the airport. Consider using a third-party luggage storage service nearby.

How much does a MARTA ride cost?

A one-way trip costs $2.50, plus a $2.00 fee for a reusable Breeze Card or $1.00 for a Breeze Ticket.

Are there showers at ATL?

Showers are primarily available in certain airline lounges, such as the Delta Sky Club in Concourse F, or at Minute Suites.

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