Atlanta’s Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the busiest airports in the world, and its car rental center is designed to handle huge demand. Whether you’re an Atlanta local flying back home or a visitor planning to explore the city and metro area, knowing how Atlanta Hartsfield‑Jackson car rental works will save you time, money, and confusion.
This guide walks you through where to go, how to get there, what to expect, and smart ways to choose and use a rental car at ATL.
All major car rental companies at Hartsfield‑Jackson operate out of the Consolidated Rental Car Center (CONRAC), a separate facility just off airport property.
Address (for mapping/GPS):
Consolidated Rental Car Center
2200 Rental Car Center Parkway
College Park, GA 30337
You cannot walk to the rental car center from the terminals. Instead, you’ll use the ATL SkyTrain, a free, automated people mover.
From Domestic Terminal (North or South):
From International Terminal (Concourse F):
You have two main options:
Once you arrive at the Rental Car Center, you’ll find rental counters on one level and the parking decks with vehicles on another. Clear signage points you to each company.
Most national rental brands operate from ATL’s Consolidated Rental Car Center. While specific company lists can change over time, you can typically expect:
Inside the center, you’ll see customer service counters for each company and clearly marked garage areas where specific brands keep their cars.
If you’re a member of a loyalty or “skip‑the‑counter” program, you may be able to go straight to your car in the garage and bypass the main line.
When you reach the counter (or sometimes at the garage exit), expect to show:
If you live in metro Atlanta and are using ATL as a pickup location (instead of a neighborhood branch), the same rules generally apply, but local renters may see different deposit amounts or documentation rules.
Rental prices at Atlanta Hartsfield‑Jackson change based on season, demand, holidays, major events, and time of booking. Common cost components include:
While exact numbers vary, here’s how ATL airport rentals typically compare to in‑town branches:
| Option | Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|---|
| ATL Rental Car Center | Most selection, open long hours, easy for air travelers | Higher taxes/fees, busier lines |
| In‑town Atlanta location (e.g., Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead) | Often lower total cost, easier for in‑city trips | Shorter hours, smaller fleets, need ground transport to get there |
Many Atlanta residents avoid airport pickup if they’re not flying, specifically to save on airport surcharges.
Atlanta hosts major conventions, college sports, and big events year‑round. During:
rental cars at ATL can sell out or jump in price. Booking early usually gives you better options and rates.
If you’re:
consider renting from a city branch instead of the airport. You may:
Many frequent Atlanta travelers sign up for loyalty programs so they can:
If you fly through ATL often, this can significantly cut wait time, especially during busy afternoons and evenings.
To avoid rushed decisions at the counter:
In Atlanta, where interstates like I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285 are busy and traffic is dense, many renters choose some level of extra protection, but it should match your budget and risk tolerance.
While most roads around ATL are not tolled, nearby states and certain regional routes may have tolls.
Also remember:
Atlanta is spread out, with everything from tight city streets to long stretches of interstate. Choose a car with your primary driving pattern in mind:
Remember that Atlanta parking garages (Downtown and Midtown, especially) can be tight; if you’re not comfortable with larger vehicles, choose something easier to maneuver.
Once you exit the Rental Car Center, follow signs for I‑85 North / I‑85 South or I‑285 depending on your destination.
Common routes:
To Downtown Atlanta
To Midtown & Georgia Tech
To Buckhead
To Perimeter (Sandy Springs / Dunwoody)
Atlanta roads can be complex, so using GPS or a phone navigation app is strongly recommended, especially after a long flight.
Returning to the airport is straightforward if you watch for signs.
When you’ve turned in the car:
To avoid missing a flight:
The busier the time of day in Atlanta, the more buffer you should build in.
If you’re planning to:
ask about:
Many companies based at Hartsfield‑Jackson support one‑way rentals, but the costs vary widely.
Staying in Atlanta for:
Some companies at the ATL Rental Car Center and in metro Atlanta neighborhood branches offer:
If you’ll be mainly in town (and not constantly driving to/from the airport), ask whether a non‑airport branch might be more economical for a long‑term rental.
If you live in the area (e.g., Atlanta proper, East Point, College Park, Decatur, Marietta, or Gwinnett) and want to use ATL as your pickup, keep in mind:
If you need accessible vehicle features, such as:
you should:
The Rental Car Center is designed with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms, making it easier for travelers with mobility needs.
For general airport information (including current details about rental car services), you may contact:
Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Customer Service
6000 N Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main information line: (800) 897‑1910 (toll‑free) or (404) 530‑7300
For local traffic and road conditions while driving your rental car in Atlanta, Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) offers:
By understanding where the Rental Car Center is, how to get there, what documents you need, and how Atlanta’s roads and fees work, you can make your Atlanta Hartsfield‑Jackson car rental experience smoother—whether you’re coming home, visiting for the first time, or planning a road trip that starts at ATL.
