Layover Guide

Atlanta

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.

By James Windsor|Reviewed August 26, 2026

32,000+ layovers planned

9 curated experiences for Atlanta

Avg itinerary: 23s

How long is your layover?

Select a duration to plan your Atlanta layover

Travel concierge

Save this plan — sign up free

No credit card required

Track your own flights on our 3D globe Try the full AI trip planner

Book with Borderly • Powered by Duffel

Fly to Atlanta, booked directly.

Real-time seat availability, live baggage options, and transparent fares across 400+ airlines.

Explore all flight routes →

Keep Exploring

Continue planning your Atlanta stopover inside Borderly

Move into nearby layover guides, airport pages, and route pages without dropping into third-party booking tabs.

Airport Guides

Atl Atlanta Airport

Join Borderly

Track Your Travels

Upload your boarding pass and see how you compare to other travelers. Build your flight log, earn achievements, and climb the leaderboard.

Get Started

Home to These Airports

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 sleepDay-use & overnight

Day-use & overnight hotels in AtlantaFor long or overnight layovers when sleep is the plan — many airport hotels sell rooms by the hour.Find hotels →

Getting There

Find your flights through Atlanta

Book a flight to Atlanta

Flight searchCompare 100+ agencies

* Fares are compared live across airlines and agencies for your Atlanta connection.

Explore the City

Top Activities for an Atlanta Layover

9 experiences to discover

012-3 hours

Georgia Aquarium

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

12 miles from airport

021.5-2 hours

World of Coca-Cola

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

12 miles from airport

031.5 hours

Delta Flight Museum

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

2 miles from airport

041 hour

Centennial Olympic Park

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

11 miles from airport

052 hours

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

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

13 miles from airport

062 hours

High Museum of Art

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

15 miles from airport

0730 minutes

SkyView Atlanta

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

11 miles from airport

081.5 hours

Atlanta BeltLine (Eastside Trail)

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

14 miles from airport

091.5 hours

College Football Hall of Fame

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

12 miles from airport

Viator selectionLive recommendations

Y'allywood 3 Hour Private Movie and TV Locations Tour

View on Viator

Fits your layover5+ hours layover

Y'allywood 3 Hour Private Movie and TV 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! Options range from Marvel (both movies and Disney+ shows), Netflix (such as Stranger Things, Cobra Kai, Ozark), The Walking Dead, The Fast And The Furious franchise, The Hunger Games, Venom, and so many more! Once you book, we will reach out and go over all of the options of locations that you can see and then we will assemble a custom tour just for you!

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 (15 mins)

With it's 52 story atrium lobby, this spectacular hotel has been used by Marvel and Hunger Games

Attraction stop (20 mins)

The historic neighborhood surrounding the national park has been used for many different filming locations

Attraction stop (30 mins)

Downtown Atlanta is the most popular filming location in the city. Depending on what you choose to see, we could spend an hour just in this area of the city.

Attraction stop (15 mins)

Made famous by The Walking Dead but also just a great view of the city!

+1 more stops

Ready to book for your Atlanta layover

Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available

Book on Viator

Atlanta Street Art and BeltLine Tour with Happy Hour and Activity

View on Viator

Fits your layover5+ hours 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.

Duration

2h 30m

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 4.5h total

Admission

Check on Viator

What you'll see

Attraction stop (30 mins)

Start the tour along this eclectic street and understand the differences in street art, public art, and graffiti in the context of the Cabbagetown neighborhood.

Attraction stop (15 mins)

See the often-changing murals of the Stacks Squares.

Attraction stop (30 mins)

See the world-famous murals along Wylie Street.

Attraction stop (15 mins)

Learn the history of graffiti in the tunnel, the preservation efforts underway to document the ever-changing art, and explore different types of art in the tunnel.

+2 more stops

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.

GetYourGuide selectionLive recommendations

* Suggestions load dynamically based on seasonal availability and ratings in Atlanta.

Where to Eat

Best Places to Eat During Your Stay

One Flew South

Upscale Southern/Sushi$$$ATL Concourse E

Paschal's

Southern Soul Food$$Downtown Atlanta

The Varsity

Classic American Drive-In$North Ave (Midtown)

Busy Bee Cafe

Famous Fried Chicken$$Westside

Mary Mac's Tea Room

Traditional Southern$$Midtown

Chicken+Beer

Southern Comfort$$ATL Concourse D

Ponce City Market Food Hall

Eclectic/Global$$-$$$Old Fourth Ward

Shop & Browse

Where to Shop in Atlanta

Ponce City Market

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

14 miles

Lenox Square Mall

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

19 miles

Atlantic Station

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

15 miles

Buckhead Village District

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

18 miles

Navigate

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.

Good to Know

Pro Tips for Your Atlanta Stopover

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Open the airport and route guides you need next

Keep your planning flow on Borderly by opening the local airport and route pages connected to this stopover.

Atl Atlanta Airport

Community Discussions

Real Traveler Advice

TravelBug992 days ago

Does anyone know if immigration is fast at this airport during morning hours? We only have a 4 hour layover and want to see the main square...

AeroExplorer5 days ago

Just did this exact layover last week! A few tips: definitely take the express train instead of cab, it saves about 45 mins. Also make sure...

Travel lightBag drop

Luggage storageDrop your bags near the airport or in the centre so you can explore Atlanta hands-free.Find storage →

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.

Short on time? Let us handle everything.

orPlan with AI

Stay connectedeSIM data

Data the moment you land in AtlantaAn eSIM activates before you fly, so you have maps, translation and gate alerts without hunting for airport wifi.Get an eSIM →

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Personalized Travel

Traveling to Atlanta?

Use our dedicated travel concierge service. Let us handle your layover details, itinerary, and exclusive bookings so you can just enjoy the journey. Enquire now.