Avis Car Rental at Atlanta Airport: What to Know Before You Land

If you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and want to rent from Avis, planning ahead can save you time and stress. Below is a clear guide to where Avis is at the airport, how pickup and returns work, and what Atlanta-specific factors you should keep in mind.

Where Is Avis at Atlanta Airport?

All major rental car companies at ATL, including Avis, operate out of the Rental Car Center (RCC), not inside the terminals themselves.

Rental Car Center Location

Rental Car Center (RCC)
2200 Rental Car Center Parkway
College Park, GA 30337

The RCC is a separate complex near the airport, connected by an automated train.

How to Get to Avis from Your Terminal

You’ll use the ATL SkyTrain to reach Avis from either the Domestic or International terminals.

From the Domestic Terminal

1. Deplane and head to Baggage Claim on the Domestic side (North or South).
2. Follow signs for “Rental Cars / ATL SkyTrain.”
3. Take the escalator or elevator up to the SkyTrain station.
4. Board the ATL SkyTrain and ride it to the Rental Car Center (about 5 minutes).
5. Once you arrive at the RCC, follow signs for Avis.

From the International Terminal (Concourse F)

You have two main options:

• Free Shuttle to Rental Car Center

  • After customs and baggage claim, follow signs for Ground Transportation / Rental Cars.
  • Look for the RCC shuttle buses at the curb.
  • Ride the shuttle directly to the Rental Car Center and follow signs to Avis.

• Shuttle or Bus to Domestic Terminal, then SkyTrain

  • Take the International Terminal shuttle to the Domestic Terminal.
  • From there, use the ATL SkyTrain to the RCC as described above.

👉 For most international travelers with luggage, the direct RCC shuttle is usually the simplest.

Avis at ATL: Basic Info and Contact

While specific phone numbers or desk hours can change, you can generally expect:

• Location: Inside the Rental Car Center, ground level
• Typical Hours: Often extended or 24/7, but it’s smart to confirm your exact pickup time when reserving
• On-Site Services:
  • Reservations and walk-up rentals
  • Pickup and drop-off
  • Car seat and GPS rental (if you reserved them)
  • Assistance with insurance and rental agreements

For the most accurate, up-to-date contact information, travelers usually check their reservation confirmation or the Avis customer service line listed there.

Picking Up Your Avis Rental at Atlanta Airport

1. At the Counter vs. Preferred/Express Services

When you arrive at the RCC:

• Standard renters typically:

  • Go to the Avis counter to present a driver’s license and payment card
  • Review and sign the rental agreement
  • Receive instructions on where the vehicle is parked

• If you’re part of a frequent renter program, you may:

  • Skip most of the counter process
  • Go directly to the Avis Preferred area or a designated parking section
  • Find your name and space number on a board and proceed straight to your car

This can make a noticeable difference at peak times in Atlanta, especially during major events or holiday travel.

2. Documents and Requirements

Common requirements at Avis ATL typically include:

• Valid driver’s license (from any U.S. state or a recognized international license)
• Major credit card in the renter’s name
• Reservation confirmation (printed or on your phone is usually fine)

Some renters may be able to use debit cards, but that usually comes with extra rules, like:

• Proof of return travel (such as a same-day or next-day return flight)
• Possible additional deposit or credit check

Policies can vary, so it’s wise to check your terms before you arrive in Atlanta.

Returning Your Avis Car at Atlanta Airport

Step-by-Step Return Process

1. Follow signs for “Rental Car Return” as you approach ATL.
2. Stay on Rental Car Center Parkway and follow signs for the Rental Car Center.
3. Once inside the RCC complex, follow the Avis signs to the correct return lane.
4. A rental agent or return kiosk typically:
   • Records your mileage and fuel level
   • Confirms your return time
5. Drop your keys as instructed and keep your receipt or email confirmation.

Getting Back to the Terminals

After returning your car:

• Take the ATL SkyTrain from the RCC back to the Domestic Terminal.
• For the International Terminal, you can:
  • Take the International Terminal shuttle from outside the Domestic Terminal, or
  • Use other airport shuttles or rideshare services depending on your ticket and timing.

Allow extra time during morning and evening rush hours in Atlanta—traffic on I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285 can be unpredictable.

Avis at ATL: Key Things Atlanta Travelers Care About

1. Driving Out of the Airport: Common Routes

From the RCC, you’re well-positioned to reach major Atlanta destinations:

• Downtown Atlanta:

  • Usually via I‑85 North or I‑75 North
  • Common destinations: Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, central business district

• Midtown Atlanta:

  • Continue north on I‑75/85
  • Near Georgia Tech, Piedmont Park, the High Museum of Art

• Buckhead:

  • Often via I‑85 North or GA‑400 North
  • Major shopping and business district

• Suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Sandy Springs, Decatur, College Park):

  • Use interstates I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, and I‑285 depending on direction

Atlanta traffic can be dense during weekday mornings and late afternoons, so plan some buffer time when leaving or returning to the airport.

2. Tolls Around Atlanta

Metro Atlanta’s highways mostly do not use traditional toll roads for everyday driving. However:

• Certain Express Lanes on interstates may require:
  • A Peach Pass or compatible transponder
  • Extra fees if you choose to use them

If your Avis rental includes a toll or transponder option, ask:

• How tolls are billed
• Whether there are extra administrative fees
• How long after travel charges might appear

If you want to avoid toll-related charges, you can generally stay out of Express Lanes and remain in standard lanes.

3. Parking in Atlanta with a Rental

When using an Avis rental in the city:

• Downtown & Midtown:
  • Budget for paid parking garages and lots, especially near major attractions or office towers.
• Neighborhoods (e.g., Virginia-Highland, Old Fourth Ward):
  • More street parking, but check for residential zones, meters, and time limits.
• Events and Games:
  • Major venues near downtown (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, college games) often have event-only parking pricing that can spike, so give yourself extra time and budget.

Quick Reference: Avis at ATL Overview

Tips for Using Avis at Atlanta Airport Like a Local

Here are a few Atlanta-specific pointers to make your rental smoother:

• Factor in Rush Hour:

  • Morning: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
  • Evening: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.
    Aim to pick up or return your car outside these times if you can.

• Watch for Weather:

  • Heavy summer storms can slow traffic dramatically.
  • In rare winter weather, Atlanta roads can become difficult quickly; build in extra time.

• Know Your Neighborhood:

  • If you’re heading to places like Decatur, East Atlanta, or West Midtown, set your navigation before leaving the RCC. Interchanges near downtown can be confusing for first-time visitors.

• Gas Stations Near the RCC:

  • There are multiple gas stations in nearby College Park and along major roads leading back to the airport.
  • Fill up before returning if your rental doesn’t include pre-paid fuel, and keep your receipt until the rental is fully closed out.

When an Avis Rental at ATL Makes Sense

Using Avis at Atlanta Airport can be especially useful if:

• You’re staying at a hotel or Airbnb outside the MARTA rail network
• You plan to visit multiple neighborhoods or suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Stone Mountain, Peachtree City)
• You’re in town for work and need flexible transportation between office parks, industrial areas, or campuses

Even for Atlanta residents, renting from Avis at the airport can be practical when:

• Your own vehicle is being repaired and you’re already flying in or out
• You need a different type of vehicle for a road trip, family visit, or moving small items

By understanding how Avis at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport connects with the Rental Car Center, the ATL SkyTrain, and Atlanta’s highway network, you can step off the plane and start driving with minimal downtime.