How to Board the Plane Train at Hartsfield‐Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Last Updated: December 24, 2020 References

At Hartsfield Jackson-Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta's world-famous and busiest airport^{[1]
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Ask the Pilot book by Patrick Smith, Kindle Edition (ASIN:B000OIZT0O)}^{[2]
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Research source}, it can be a daunting task to get to the people mover that takes you to and between each terminal. Although it is easiest from the Main terminal (where the escalator to the Plane Train is directly ahead of the Security Checkpoint as you exit the terminal), it's just as easy between terminals if you follow some directions. This article will explain how you can get to them so you can get to your gate easily.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Between Gates

1
Disembark from your plane (if you arrived from a previous flight into this airport). Don't go too far.
2
Look at your gate's terminal letter and number assignment. Dependent on where you flew into, you could be in gates T, A, B, C, D, E (from west to east) or a separate International Terminal (that there is a walkway to only). Your gate will also have a number.
- Some airlines' mobile apps will even tell you which gate you arrived at; however, it's just as easy to look up to tell which terminal building you are in. Step to the side or sit down if needed to figure it out, or ask an airline attendant.
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3
Figure out your next gate ahead of time if you are planning to take a connector flight. Many times before the Plane Train walkway, you can find the current timetable and gates information on the Departure screens. These are updated frequently and may be more up-to-date than your ticket or boarding pass.
4
Walk quickly (but don't run) throughout the terminal. Each terminal's Plane Train is at a point down a walkway midway between the one end of the terminal and the other, and you'll want to walk towards it.
5
Arrive at the walkway between the directions of trains. Dependent on which terminal you're in, the nearby signs will tell you which gates are in the Plane Train direction you are near; on the other side of the Plane Train, the concourses will be going the opposite direction.
- There is a place next to the escalators (where there will be either a small shop or a major-known restaurant) where some people check their flight data.
- If you need to use an elevator, look for signs sending you to the elevator; you'll be able to cross over around the bend to send you on the right way to your terminal. The signs may be overhead or around the opposite escalator, so look accordingly.
6
Get down using the escalator. Keep to one side if people are trying to walk down faster than you.
7
Walk down towards the double-doors that will take you to the Plane Train.
- Plane Trains come every minute or two, so if it's not right there, there will be one on its way soon.
8
Board the Plane Train. Walk quickly into the train, but don't run, for safety reasons.
9
Watch out for people inside the train. Don't push or barge into people with or without your carry-on baggage. Move carefully around people as you make your way to a safe spot.
10
Don't worry about making your way to seats. There are no physical seats on these trains. Hang onto the hanger bars as the train moves. Listen to the soothing voice overhead. Her helpful announcements will offer an audible guide to let you know what terminal you are approaching next. Although the train moves forward, it will feel like you are moving sideways from terminal-to-terminal.
11
Get off at the destination terminal. Don't try to exit the train with the mob of people if people try to barge through or around you. Walk to a place inside the train where there are few to no people making their way in.
- When you get to the terminal, head down the hallways and up the escalators to find your gate.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

From the Main Terminal

1
Get to know where your gate is when you arrive at the airport. If you are in the T terminal, you need not worry about taking the Plane Train, as you'll have arrived in the center court of this Terminal building. For others, you'll need to look up at the boards in the Atrium portion as you enter to see for gate assignments. Although your ticket gives you some of the information, the most-up-to-date data is available on these screens or your airline's app.
2
Get through the Security Checkpoints. You'll need to pass through both the main and north/south checkpoints to be able to go any further. If your flight takes off from the T terminal, you don't have to walk too far past the security checkpoint, as your terminal is on either side of the main checkpoint. It's best to walk through either the North or South security checkpoints to get to your gate, and you won't have to travel on the Plane Train at all.
3
Take the escalators or elevators down. Stand aside if people are trying to rush by.
- If you need to use an elevator, look for signs sending you to the elevator. The signs may be overhead or around the opposite escalator, so look accordingly.
4
Walk down towards the double-doors that will take you to the Plane Train.
- Plane Trains come every minute or two, so if it's not right there, it will arrive soon.
5
Board the Plane Train. Walk quickly into the train, but don't run - even if there aren't any people on the train.
6
Watch out for people inside the train. Don't push or barge into people; slowly make your way to a safe spot.
7
Don't worry about making your way to seats. There are no physical seats on these trains. Hang onto the hanger bars as the train moves. Although the train moves forward, it will feel like you are moving sideways from terminal-to-terminal.
8
Get off at the destination terminal. Don't try to exit the train with the mob of people if people try to barge through or around you. Move carefully around people and out of the train.
- When you arrive at your terminal, head down the hallways and up the escalators to find your gate.

Community Q&A

Question

I'll be arriving at Terminal A at 5:03 pm, and my next flight leaves from Terminal F (international) at 5:50 pm. Does the Plane Train go all the way to Terminal F? Do I have enough time?

Carmilly

Community Answer

I do believe the Plane Train goes to Terminal F. I have used the Plane Train when I park at the completely wrong side of Hartsfield. You should have enough time to get there, unless the Plane Train breaks down or stops for some reason (which doesn't happen very often). Go to atl.com for the maps and such.
Question

Does the Plane Train at Atlanta Airport have an operator or is it automatic?

Community Answer

They’re automatic. Once you get on, a voice will come through a speaker directing you to what gate is next, and the screens on the top have a map of the line.
Question

I will be in a wheelchair on the train. Will this be a problem for me?

Community Answer

No, you just need to tell security and they will help you get on and off of the train.

Warnings

When you walk the hallways here, the hallways may seem like they are endless. Hang in there!

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Watch your luggage as you make your way through the maze of hallways to get to the Plane Train. It's awfully busy at this airport.

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