What to do during a layover at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

Make the most of layovers by exploring nearby places based on distance and travel time from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. Ensure you return to the airport at least an hour or two before your flight to allow for security checks and avoid missing your flight due to any commute delays. 

At the Airport 

Check out our guide about the ATL airport to learn more about what the airport has to offer. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport has a wide range of dining options from fast food to sit-down restaurants, as well as shops where you can buy last-minute souvenirs or essentials. The airport also provides free Wi-Fi, charging stations for your devices, and even a yoga room for those looking to relax before their flight.  

Make sure to visit the airport's art installations and exhibits, which feature local artists and bring a touch of culture to your travel experience. If you have some time to spare, consider taking a walk around the airport to stretch your legs and explore everything that Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport has to offer. 

Food 

Domestic Terminal 

Concourse A

• Asian Chao 
• Atlanta Hawks Bar 
• Brioche Boree 
• Coffee Bean & Tea Lef 
• Goldberg’s Bagels 
• Gordon Beirsch 
• Low Country 

Concourse B 

• Asian Chao 
• Atlanta Bagel Co 
• Coffee Beanery 
• Freshen’s 
• Proof of the Pooding 
• Roast 

Concourse C 

• Famous Famiglia 
• Krispy Kreme 
• La Madeleine 
• Links Grill 
• Bantam & Biddy 
• Baja Fresh 
• El Taco 

Concourse D 

• 40/40 Bar 
• Atlanta Braves All-Star Grill 
• Chicken + Beer 
• Fab Yo! 
• Garbanzo 
• Grindhouse Burgers 
• Mustard Seed BBQ 

Concourse E 

• Blue Moon Brewhouse 
• Nathan’s Famous 
• One Flew South 
• Piano Bar 
• Sojourner’s Cafe 
• Villa Pizza 

Concourse T 

• Atlanta Stillhouse 
• Grindhouse Burgers 
• Southern National Market 
• Vino Volo 
• International 
• Atlanta Bread Company 
• Ecco 
• Jekyll Island Seafood 
• Maison Mathis 
• One Flew South 
   

What to do 

• Stay in the lounge, you can pay the lounge for The Club, which is open to all travelers or if you are flying American, United, or Delta, there are specific lounges open with proof of a ticket.  
  • Take a break in a minute suite; there are sleeping pods at Concourse B, E, and F for naps or longer breaks between flights. 
• Take a spa break at the XpresSpa 
• Hang out at the Airport Aviation Park 
   

Outside of the Airport 

It takes at least an hour to get from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Atlanta. The city has much to offer: the Porsche Experience Center, Delta Flight Museum, and so much more. 

We recommend only going if your layover is at least six hours. If you go to Atlanta, you can take the MARTA trains, which is a station located in the Domestic Terminal. There is Red and Gold line both go straight to and from the airport. 

If you are coming in from the International Terminal, you can take the free shuttle right outside of Baggage Claim. This takes you to the Domestic Terminal Baggage Claim, which is right next to the train station.  

All-day passes start at $9; you can buy tickets with breezecard.com, Marta’s On-The-Go app, or at the vending machines at the train station. There is also BUS 191, which is to the south and is only $2.50 per trip. The lines run every 10-20 minutes, depending on the time of day.  

Remember to keep an eye on the time and give yourself enough buffer to make it back to the airport for your connecting flight. It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to travel. We recommend giving yourself at least an hour and a half to get back to the airport.  

Exploring Natural Fauna

• Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Atlanta History Center
• Atlanta BeltLine 
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Georgia Aquarium
• Atlanta Rainbow Crosswalks
• International Peace Fountain
• Reynolds Nature Preserve
• Cascade Springs Nature Preserve 
• Constitution Lakes 
   

Explore museums 

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta 
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History 
• Delta Flight Museum
• High Museum of Art 
• Illuminarium Atlanta 
• Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum 
• Atlanta Zoo 
• Georga Aquarium 
   

Explore the area 

• Six Flags White Water 
• World of Coca-Cola 
• Highlight Sites Trolley Tour 
• Hapeville Arts Alley 
• Ponce City Market 
• Porsche Experience Center Atlanta 
• Skypointe mall 
   

Make sure to monitor your flight's status to check for any delays or changes. If you have a layover and your flights are with the same airline, your checked bags will usually be sent directly to your next flight. 

However, if you have separate airlines for each leg of your journey, you'll need to grab your luggage from baggage claim and recheck your bags before you explore the airport or surrounding area. If you're unable to check in your luggage, consider using Stashed or Bounce Luggage Storage for offsite luggage storage. This will help you avoid lugging your belongings around while exploring. Happy Travels!