Atlanta Airport is the busiest in the world by passenger numbers, which means crowds, long walks, and lots of stimulation for children. Here is how to manage the airport-to-destination leg with kids.
Navigating the airport with children
The airport is enormous. From your gate to baggage claim can take 15-25 minutes, including a ride on the Plane Train (automated people mover). The Plane Train is fun for kids but the platforms can be very crowded during peak periods. Keep children close.
If you are on an international flight, you will arrive at Concourse F or the International Terminal. After customs, you take the Plane Train to the domestic terminal for ground transport and MARTA. This adds time.
Baggage claim areas have restrooms. There are family restrooms in the domestic terminal. Luggage trolleys cost a few dollars.
Child seats
Georgia law requires children under 8 to be in an appropriate child restraint when riding in a vehicle. Standard Atlanta airport taxis and rideshares do not provide child seats. You have three options:
- Pre-booked transfer: Request child seats at booking. Specify ages. This is the easiest solution.
- Bring your own: A portable, FAA-approved car seat that you gate-check on the plane works in any vehicle.
- Risk it: Some families take taxis without seats. Technically illegal and unsafe.
MARTA with kids
MARTA trains are a viable option for families with children old enough to walk independently and manage a 20-minute train ride. The airport station has escalators and elevators. Trains are not typically as crowded as rush-hour subway cars in New York, but they do fill up.
Challenges with MARTA and kids:
- The walk from baggage claim to the MARTA station is about 5 minutes.
- You need to buy Breeze Cards from machines, which adds time.
- If your destination requires a bus connection from a MARTA station, that adds complexity with luggage and tired children.
- No restrooms on trains or most stations.
Transport recommendations by family type
Family with infant/toddler: Pre-booked transfer with car seat. Navigating the rideshare pickup area with a stroller, bags, and a fussy toddler in the Georgia heat (or cold) is not enjoyable.
Family with children 5-10: Transfer or taxi. The flat-rate taxi is simpler than MARTA if you have more than one suitcase.
Family with teenagers: MARTA if heading downtown. Save the money for attractions.
Multi-family group or grandparents: Minivan or large vehicle transfer. One vehicle, one trip, everyone together.
Strollers and car seats
Gate-checked strollers are returned at the aircraft door on most airlines. If your stroller ends up at oversized baggage, it will be on the carousel in the main baggage claim area. Car seats checked at the gate follow the same process.
The walk to ground transport is long. A stroller actually helps as a luggage carrier for smaller bags.
Weather factor
Atlanta has hot, humid summers (June-September) and the walk from the terminal to the taxi or rideshare area is partly outdoors. In summer, get into an air-conditioned vehicle as quickly as possible, especially with small children. Winter is mild but can be cold and rainy.
Practical tips
- Download Uber or Lyft before landing, but be prepared for surge pricing during peak hours.
- The taxi flat rate (USD 35 to downtown) is the most predictable car option without pre-booking.
- If renting a car, allow 20-30 minutes to get to the Rental Car Center via the SkyTrain.
- Hungry children should eat at the airport. The terminal has more food options than most ground transport waiting areas.
- Atlanta traffic peaks are brutal. If possible, avoid leaving the airport between 4-7 PM on weekdays with children in the car.