How to make the most out of your layover in Atlanta

Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson (ATL), or Atlanta International Airport, is the world’s busiest airport and is a common place for travelers to find themselves on a layover. Being a major hub for Delta Airlines, thousands of travelers have connecting flights through Atlanta to destinations in Europe and South America. The domestic terminal is equally busy since Atlanta is a major business and tourism center.

The airport station has public transit connections (MARTA) to the city center, so travelers on a longer layover will be able to explore this incredible city. And before you set out exploring, using the Bounce luggage storage network in Atlanta to store your suitcases and other gear will make sure you can maximize your time in the city. Here’s everything you need to know:

Things to keep in mind before leaving Atlanta Airport

Visa requirements in the US 

American travelers won’t need anything other than their valid ID and boarding pass in order to leave the airport during a layover. International travelers will need to have visa-free entry to the U.S. or a valid visa to get in and out of the airport. TSA precheck can help speed up the process for American travelers. 

Minimum layover times in Atlanta

If you want to leave, your layover at Atlanta International Airport should be at least four hours or longer. It’s situated outside the city center, so you’ll need to set aside transit time (approximately 30 minutes each way) and leave yourself time to get through security to get to your next flight. 

If you have a shorter layover in Atlanta, you can still grab a meal (One Flew South in the international terminal is a great option for upscale dining), do some shopping, or relax in one of the lounges to pass the time.

What to do in Atlanta during a layover

You can use public transportation options like the MARTA to head into the city. There are plenty of museums and landmarks to hit throughout the day along with public parks and neighborhoods for walking around. Downtown is highly commercial, so neighborhoods like Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, and Midtown will be your best options for local culture. 

Bounce has plenty of locations throughout Atlanta, so you can either leave your bags at a storage spot near the Airport or at your actual destination. It’s best to plan ahead before you fly out so you know what area you’ll be exploring. This way, you can book luggage storage near the restaurants or museums you’re hitting. 

Morning layover in Atlanta

If you have a lengthy layover after an early morning flight, you can head into downtown Atlanta for a few hours and get back in time for your afternoon flight. Morning is a solid time to explore Atlanta as you’ll beat the heat and humidity by a few hours and be comfortably back in the air-conditioned ATL Airport. 

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site is a must-visit landmark for history buffs and anyone interested in the civil rights movement. The Center for Civil and Human Rights is another worthy place. 
• Piedmont Park is the best place to stretch your legs after the flight, and it’s situated near some of the best neighborhoods for grabbing a bite. 
• Atlanta’s top brunch spots are situated towards Midtown and downtown. Poach Social, Tiny Lou's French Brasserie, and Toast on Lenox (either in Buckhead or Midtown) are all spots worth popping into, especially on weekdays when there won’t be a crowd. These restaurants tend to showcase Southern cooking and soul food. 

Afternoon Atlanta layover

If you’ve flown in late morning and have an evening flight out of Atlanta, you can enjoy the smoother traffic conditions of the afternoon and explore the city for a few hours. 

• For an artsy afternoon, hit the High Museum of Art to see Rothko paintings and countless other treasures. 
• The Delta Flight Museum is a solid option if you don’t have too much time to explore the entire city. It’ll give you a newfound appreciation for your pilots and flight crew! 
• For variety, hit the Ponce City Market for a full selection of the city’s top culinary offerings. Food halls rarely encapsulate a city’s restaurant scene as well as this place, so it’s absolutely worth checking out. 
• Shopping hotspots like the Buckhead Village and the Krog District are two of the top places for some retail therapy to help you pass the time.  

Evening layover in Atlanta

For an evening layover, you’ll want to plan ahead and make a reservation for dinner as Atlanta’s dining scene is as bustling as it gets. Atlanta’s weather will also allow you to walk around comfortably at any time of year, so it’s ideal to find a way to be outside. 

• A sunset stroll at the Historic Fourth Ward Park is a lovely way to start the night. 
• For authentic Atlanta cuisine, head to one of two authentic spots - Virgil's Gullah Kitchen & Bar or Side Piece Wings, where you should absolutely try the lemon-pepper wet wings. 

Overnight layover in Atlanta

If you have a long layover, you can grab a hotel conveniently located by the airport, like the Mariott Atlanta Airport Gateway, easily accessible using the ATL SkyTrain. Or, you can pick any of the lovely downtown hotels to be closer to the action. The best dining and entertainment options are in Midtown and other central neighborhoods, so you’ll want to head into the city regardless of where you’re staying. 

• An indulgent meal at Staplehouse will provide all the Southern comfort you’ll need. If you want something a little more chic, Lazy Betty is Midtown’s best spot. 
• The Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel is the closest option to the actual airport and is great for business travelers. Drury Inn & Suites is the ideal option for budget-minded travelers. 
• If you have time for a concert, the Tabernacle, Terminal West, and Apache Cafe are a few of the top venues for mid-size and local shows. 

Tips to make the most out of your time in Atlanta

• Expect the museums and other attractions to be busiest on Saturdays and Sundays, but you’ll see plenty of families out and about on summer weekdays. 
• Summertime in Atlanta is absolutely scorching, so you’ll want to pack lighter clothing if you’re going to walk around between flights. 
• Everything is in USD, and almost everywhere inside the airport and in the city will take credit cards. 
• Atlanta is generally quite safe, but you’ll want to stick to neighborhoods like Midtown and Buckhead (these are probably where you’re heading regardless). 
• English is the primary language in Atlanta, but there will be locals who know Spanish. 

The cultural capital of the South flies under the radar for international travelers, but Atlanta surprises most visitors with its incredible food and amazing neighborhoods. If your destination is somewhere else, you can still have a great time enjoying Atlanta’s food and energy for a few hours. Just don’t let your bags get in the way!