Smart Travel Tips to Save Time and Stress at ATL

Flying out of Atlanta? Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 100 million travelers a year. If you're wondering how early to get to the airport, the short answer is: earlier than you think.

Here’s everything you need to know to arrive stress-free and on time.

How Early to Get to ATL: General Rule of Thumb

• Domestic Flights: Arrive at least 2 hours before departure.

• International Flights: Give yourself 3 full hours before your flight.

Why so early? ATL is a massive airport with long walking distances, frequent security delays, and high foot traffic—especially during early mornings, holidays, and weekends. Even if you’re flying mid-day, don’t risk a late arrival.

Airport Security Wait Time at ATL

Security wait times at ATL can vary by terminal and time of day. The South and North checkpoints can get extremely busy, especially between 5 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM. Travelers have reported waits of over 45 minutes during peak hours.

Travel tip: Check real-time updates on airport security wait time using the MyTSA app or ATL’s official site. You can also enroll in TSA PreCheck to cut down time significantly.

City Airport Travel Tips for Getting to ATL

Whether you're driving, ridesharing, or taking public transit, give yourself extra time for the trip. Here’s what works best:

• Driving yourself? Budget time for traffic on I-75, I-85, or I-285. Weekday mornings and Friday afternoons can be especially packed.

• Taking MARTA? The Airport station drops you off directly inside the domestic terminal—it's often the fastest way to get in and out.

• Flying international? ATL’s international terminal (Concourse F) is in a separate location with its own entrance. Don't mix it up!

Travel Tips: Airport Hacks to Save Time

Make the most of your early arrival with these quick wins:

• ✅ Check in online 24 hours before your flight.

• 🎒 Pack light and follow TSA rules to breeze through security.

• 🔔 Use your airline’s app for gate updates and boarding alerts.

• 🍴 Grab food early—lines can get long near gates, especially in the morning.

• 🔌 Charge devices before you arrive—outlets are limited near some gates.

Bonus: When to Arrive at ATL (Quick Guide)

Final Takeaway: Arrive Early, Travel Easy

If you're asking how early to get to the airport, especially at ATL, always err on the side of early. From long security lines to last-minute gate changes, ATL demands preparation.

By checking airport security wait time, using reliable city airport travel tips, and following simple travel tips airport regulars swear by, you’ll reduce stress and get through ATL with time to spare.

Safe travels—and don’t forget to check out our Guide on airport parking, deals on car rental, last-minute city activities or Atlanta CityPASS right here on Groupon before you go.

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