Parking at Atlanta Airport: Can You Leave Your Car at ATL?
Yes, you can leave your car at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), and many Atlanta travelers do it every day. The real question is where, for how long, and how much you want to spend.
This guide explains your options at ATL and nearby, how parking works, and what Atlanta-area travelers should consider before leaving a car at the airport.
The Short Answer: Leaving Your Car at ATL
You can leave your car at or near the Atlanta airport for:
- Short trips (hours to a few days)
- Long vacations (a week or more)
- Extended stays (weeks or even months)
You have three main choices:
- On-airport parking operated by Hartsfield-Jackson
- Off-airport private lots with shuttle service
- Alternative options like MARTA, rideshare, or being dropped off
Each option has different costs, convenience levels, and security features.
On-Airport Parking at Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)
Parking managed by Hartsfield-Jackson is the most direct way to leave your car at the Atlanta airport. You park, walk or shuttle to your terminal, and your car stays in an airport-operated lot.
Main Types of On-Airport Parking
1. Hourly Parking (Short-Term)
Best for: Pickups, drop-offs, and very short trips
- Located directly in front of the Domestic North, Domestic South, and International terminals
- Easiest walk to the check-in counters
- Usually the most expensive per day
- Designed for hours, not long vacations
2. Daily Parking Garages
Best for: Trips of a few days to a week
- Adjacent to the Domestic Terminal and International Terminal
- Covered parking in multi-level garages
- Short walk or short shuttle ride to the terminals
- Popular with business travelers and families who want convenience
3. Economy Parking Lots
Best for: Budget-minded travelers who still want to stay on airport property
- Located a bit farther from the terminals
- Lower daily rates than hourly or daily garages
- Shuttle buses run from the lots to the Domestic and International terminals
- Good balance of price and convenience
4. Park-Ride Lots (Long-Term / Remote Parking)
Best for: Longer trips where saving money matters most
- Located farther out on airport property
- Designed for long-term stays
- Shuttle service to the terminals
- Often the cheapest on-airport option
On-Airport vs. Off-Airport: Quick Comparison
Here’s a simple overview of your main choices for leaving your car near Atlanta airport:
| Option | Cost Level | Distance to Terminal | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Parking (ATL) | $$$$ | Very close / walk | 1–24 hours, pickups, drop-offs |
| Daily Garage (ATL) | $$$ | Close / short walk | 2–7 days, business trips, convenience |
| Economy Parking (ATL) | $$ | Shuttle ride | 4+ days, budget-conscious travelers |
| Park-Ride / Remote (ATL) | $ | Shuttle ride | Long trips where cost is priority |
| Off-Airport Private Lots | $–$$ | Shuttle ride | Extended trips, frequent travelers |
| No Car (MARTA / Rideshare) | Varies | N/A | Anyone avoiding parking entirely |
How Long Can You Leave Your Car at Atlanta Airport?
In most cases, you can leave your car at ATL for as long as you continue paying the daily rate. Many Atlanta travelers leave cars for:
- Weekend getaways
- Week-long vacations
- Multi-week international trips
However, there are a few points to keep in mind:
- Extended stays: Some lots may have guidelines or informal expectations for very long-term parking (several weeks or more).
- Abandoned vehicle rules: If a car appears abandoned or is left for an extremely long time without clear payment or contact, it may eventually be towed under airport rules.
If you need to leave your vehicle for an extended period, it can help to:
- Keep your parking ticket in a safe place
- Make sure your license plate and registration are up to date
- Consider calling ahead to the airport parking office to confirm any long-stay questions
Security and Safety: Is It Safe to Leave Your Car at ATL?
Most people who park at Atlanta airport do so without issues, but it’s wise to be cautious.
On-airport parking typically offers:
- Regular patrolling by airport or contracted security
- Lighting in garages and lots
- Cameras in many areas (especially in garages)
That said, no parking area can be completely risk-free. To protect your vehicle:
- Remove valuables or lock them in the trunk
- Avoid leaving electronics, bags, or shopping bags visible
- Lock all doors and windows and set any alarm
- Take a photo of your parking level, section, and row so you can find your car easily later
If something does happen to your vehicle, you can contact Atlanta Police Airport Precinct through the airport’s main information line or on-site help desks.
Off-Airport Parking Near Atlanta Airport
Many travelers from metro Atlanta use off-airport parking lots near Hartsfield-Jackson. These are privately operated, not run by the City of Atlanta or the airport, but they are common along Camp Creek Parkway, Best Road, and surrounding areas.
Typical features of off-airport lots:
- Lower daily rates than some on-airport options
- Free shuttle service to the Domestic Terminal (and sometimes connections to the International Terminal)
- Options for covered or uncovered parking
- Online reservations and prepaid bookings in many cases
Off-airport parking can be useful if:
- You’re going on a long trip and want to minimize parking costs
- You fly out of ATL frequently and prefer a familiar lot
- On-airport lots are busier during holidays or peak travel times
Because these are private businesses, it’s important to:
- Check location details so you know exactly where to go
- Confirm shuttle hours (some operate 24/7, others may not)
- Give yourself extra time for the shuttle ride to the terminal, especially during morning rush hours in Atlanta
Parking at the International Terminal (Concourse F)
If you’re flying internationally out of ATL’s Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal, you can:
- Park in the International Terminal Hourly or Daily garages next to Concourse F
- Use economy or park-ride lots that offer shuttle service to the International Terminal
- Use an off-airport lot that provides direct or connecting shuttles
Travelers sometimes park at the Domestic Terminal and then ride the Plane Train or shuttle over to the International Terminal, but if your airline specifically departs from Concourse F, it’s usually easier to start and end your trip on that side.
Using MARTA Instead of Leaving Your Car
If you live in metro Atlanta and don’t want to leave a car at the airport at all, MARTA can be a simple alternative.
- Airport Station is located directly inside the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim.
- You can park at a MARTA park-and-ride lot in your part of the metro area and ride the train in.
Popular MARTA park-and-ride locations include stations along:
- Red Line (e.g., North Springs, Dunwoody)
- Gold Line (e.g., Doraville, Chamblee)
- Blue/Green Lines in other parts of the region
You’d pay for parking where applicable at the MARTA station, plus your fare, but you avoid airport parking entirely.
For schedules, maps, and park-and-ride details, you can contact:
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
Customer Information: 404-848-5000
Rideshare, Taxi, and Drop-Off Options
If you’d rather not leave a car anywhere:
- Rideshare services and taxis are widely available throughout the Atlanta area
- Family or friends can use curbside drop-off and pickup at the Domestic and International terminals
- Some travelers from suburban areas use shared shuttles that run between cities (like Macon or Columbus) and ATL
These options eliminate parking decisions but may be more or less cost-effective depending on how far you live from Hartsfield-Jackson and how long you’ll be gone.
Practical Tips for Leaving Your Car at Atlanta Airport
To make your ATL parking experience smoother:
Before you go:
- Plan which lot or garage you want to use based on budget and convenience
- Check typical travel time to the airport from your part of metro Atlanta, adding extra time for traffic
- Make sure your fuel level, battery, and tires are in good shape if the car will sit for a while
When you park:
- Take a clear photo of your parking spot, level, and any signs nearby
- Note your lot name (Hourly, Daily, Economy, etc.)
- Keep your parking ticket in a safe place separate from your luggage
When you return:
- Follow signage back to your parking area (ATL has multiple color-coded and signed zones)
- Pay at the exit booth or automated machine as directed
- Recheck your vehicle before driving off, especially if it has been sitting for weeks
Key Contacts and Location Basics
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main Information: 800-897-1910
For parking questions, you can call the airport’s main information number and follow prompts for parking and ground transportation, or ask for assistance at information desks inside the terminals.
In Atlanta, leaving your car at the airport is normal and straightforward—as long as you match your parking choice to your trip length, budget, and comfort level. Whether you pick a daily garage, economy lot, remote park-ride, an off-airport shuttle lot, or skip parking entirely with MARTA or rideshare, you have plenty of Atlanta-specific options to make your flight in and out of Hartsfield-Jackson easier.
