If you’re flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and need a car, you’ll use one main hub: the Rental Car Center (RCC). Understanding how it works, how to get there, and how to choose the right rental can save you a lot of time and hassle.
This guide walks you through Atlanta airport car rental step-by-step, with local tips that matter if you live in Atlanta, travel here often, or are visiting for the first time.
All major airport car rental companies at ATL are located in one place:
Rental Car Center (RCC)
2200 Rental Car Center Parkway
College Park, GA 30337
The RCC is not inside the main terminal, but it’s directly connected by the ATL SkyTrain, a free automated train.
Most well-known rental brands operate at the RCC, typically including:
Specific companies and counters can change over time, so it’s best to confirm availability and hours when you book. However, you can expect a wide range of:
Follow signs for “Rental Cars” or “SkyTrain.”
After baggage claim, you’ll see overhead signs pointing you toward the ATL SkyTrain.
Take the escalator or elevator up to the SkyTrain station.
The station is at the west end of the domestic terminal, outside the main building.
Board the ATL SkyTrain.
Exit at “Rental Car Center.”
You’ll arrive directly at the multi-level RCC building, where all rental companies have counters and parking decks.
You have two main options:
Option 1: Airport Shuttle to Domestic Terminal + SkyTrain
Option 2: Direct Rental Car Center Shuttle (if available)
Sometimes there are direct shuttles from the international terminal to the RCC. Look for Rental Car Center signage near ground transportation or ask an airport staff member what’s currently running.
For travelers with lots of luggage, children, or mobility concerns, factor in extra time—moving between terminals and the RCC at ATL can take 20–40 minutes when crowds are heavy.
The Atlanta Rental Car Center is a large, multi-level facility with:
Head to your rental company’s counter.
Follow the overhead signs inside the RCC.
Provide your documents:
Review the rental agreement.
Check:
Go to the parking deck level for your company.
Staff will direct you to the correct floor and row.
Inspect the car before leaving.
Follow signs on the highway for “Rental Car Center.”
As you approach the airport on I-85, I-75, or Camp Creek Parkway, you’ll see signs for the RCC.
Enter the Rental Car Center complex.
Signs will direct you to your specific company’s return lane.
Pull into the return area.
Staff will:
Take the SkyTrain back to the terminal.
From the RCC, ride the free ATL SkyTrain back to the Domestic Terminal, or use shuttle service if you’re departing from the International Terminal.
Prices change often and depend on demand, but at Atlanta’s airport you can expect:
To keep costs under control:
Once you leave the airport in your rental car, you’ll be driving straight into the Atlanta metro traffic environment, which has its own quirks.
Major routes near the airport include:
Traffic can be heavy during rush hours, typically:
If your schedule allows, try to avoid pick-up or drop-off during peak times, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Atlanta’s interchanges.
Georgia uses Peach Pass express lanes on some segments of I-75, I-85, and I-575. Not every rental car is automatically equipped for toll billing. Before you exit the RCC:
If you’re local to Atlanta, you might wonder whether it’s better to rent:
If you’re flying in, picking up at the RCC is usually the most straightforward choice. If you live in the city and are starting a road trip, consider comparing airport rates to those at local branches in your neighborhood.
To rent a car at Atlanta’s airport, you’ll typically need:
Most airport rental companies:
Policies can vary, so if you’re in your early 20s, it’s important to check age rules and extra fees before arrival.
If you’re visiting Atlanta from another country, you’ll usually need:
Confirm requirements when you make the booking, especially if your license is not in English.
At the Rental Car Center, staff will often present several coverage options. These may include:
Before you get to ATL:
This can help you move more quickly at the counter and avoid buying coverage you don’t need.
If you’re traveling through Atlanta’s airport with family or a group:
To make pick-up smoother at ATL:
Because of the size of ATL and the need to use the SkyTrain or shuttle, build in a bit of extra time:
After landing to driving away in a rental car:
In total, it can range from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on crowds and the time of day.
Before your departing flight:
For most domestic flights out of ATL, many travelers aim to arrive at the Rental Car Center at least 2–2.5 hours before departure. For international flights, more time is wise.
| Topic | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Rental Car Location | Rental Car Center (RCC), 2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy, College Park |
| Connection from Terminals | ATL SkyTrain from Domestic Terminal; shuttle options from International |
| Cost Factors | Base rate, airport fees, taxes, add-ons (drivers, seats, GPS, fuel) |
| Driving Considerations | Heavy rush-hour traffic; I-75, I-85, I-285; express toll lanes in region |
| Documents Needed | Driver’s license, credit card, reservation; extras for international guests |
| Age Requirements | Typically 25+ standard; 21–24 often allowed with extra fee |
| Return Process | Follow signs to RCC, company return lane, then SkyTrain/shuttle to terminal |
Understanding how the Atlanta airport car rental system works—centered around the Rental Car Center and ATL SkyTrain—makes it much easier to plan your arrival, your drive through the city, and your return to the airport with confidence.
