Atlanta Airport Parking Costs: What You’ll Really Pay at Hartsfield-Jackson

If you’re flying in or out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), parking prices can add up fast—especially if you don’t know your options. This guide breaks down how much airport parking in Atlanta costs, what types of lots exist, and how locals typically save money.

Main Types of Parking at Atlanta Airport (ATL)

ATL has several official parking options, each with different prices and convenience levels. Think in terms of how close you want to be to the terminal and how long you’ll be gone.

Quick Rate Snapshot: ATL Airport Parking

Parking TypeTypical Cost Range*Best For
Hourly Parking (North/South)About $3–$4 per hour, up to a high daily maxPickups, short visits, business meetings
Daily Parking (Garages)Mid-range daily rateTrips of 1–3 days
Economy Parking (North/South lots)Lower daily rateMost leisure trips, 3+ days
Park-Ride Lots (ATL-run)Budget daily rateLong trips, cost-conscious travelers
International Hourly/Daily GaragesSimilar to domestic hourly/dailyInternational terminal travelers
Cell Phone Waiting LotFreePicking someone up (no waiting at curb)

*Rates are summarized to stay flexible as the airport updates pricing. Expect hourly to cost more than daily, and daily to cost more than economy/park-ride.

Hourly Parking at ATL: For Very Short Stays

If you’re just dropping someone off, meeting an arriving passenger inside, or attending a quick meeting at the terminal, hourly parking is the closest and most convenient.

Where to Find Hourly Parking

  • Domestic Terminal North Hourly Parking
  • Domestic Terminal South Hourly Parking
  • International Terminal Hourly Parking Garage

These garages are connected directly to the terminals or just a short walk away.

What You’ll Pay

  • Typically billed by the hour with a high daily maximum.
  • Considered the most expensive on-site option per day, but worth it for short visits.

Best when:

  • You’ll be at the airport under 3–4 hours.
  • You want to walk directly into the terminal without using a shuttle.

Daily Parking Garages: Middle-Ground Convenience and Price

If you’re traveling for a weekend trip or a short work trip, ATL’s daily parking is often a good compromise between cost and convenience.

Where to Park Daily

  • Domestic Terminal North Daily Parking Garage
  • Domestic Terminal South Daily Parking Garage
  • International Terminal Daily Parking Garage

These are a bit farther from the doors than hourly but still an easy walk or short covered walk.

What You’ll Pay

  • Charged per day, with a flat daily rate that’s typically lower than hourly parking’s daily max, but higher than economy or park-ride.

Best when:

  • You’re gone 1–3 days.
  • You’re willing to pay a little more than economy for easier walking access to the terminal.

Economy Parking at ATL: Most Popular for Longer Trips

For most Atlanta residents taking a vacation or a longer trip, economy parking is the go-to option. It balances cost and convenience better than almost anything else on airport property.

Economy Lot Locations

  • North Economy Lot (near the Domestic North Terminal)
  • South Economy Lot (near the Domestic South Terminal)

These are surface lots close to the domestic terminals, with walkways and/or shuttle access depending on exactly where you park.

What You’ll Pay

  • A moderate daily rate, usually significantly cheaper than the daily garages.
  • Designed for overnight and multi-day parking.

Best when:

  • You’re taking a 3–10+ day trip.
  • You don’t mind a slightly longer walk or a brief shuttle ride.
  • You want official on-site parking without paying top-tier prices.

Park-Ride Lots: Lowest-Cost Official ATL Parking

If your priority is saving money, the airport’s park-ride lots are typically the most budget-friendly on-site choice.

How Park-Ride Works

  • You park in a remote lot operated by ATL.
  • A free shuttle bus runs to and from the terminals.
  • Shuttles usually run frequently, including early morning and late night.

What You’ll Pay

  • Lower daily rates than economy parking.
  • Designed specifically for long-term trips where daily costs add up.

Best when:

  • You’re gone a week or more.
  • You’re okay building in a few more minutes for the shuttle.
  • You want airport-run parking at the lowest price point.

International Terminal Parking: What It Costs

If you’re flying in or out of the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F), you’ll see parking options on that side of the airport as well.

Options at the International Terminal

  • International Hourly Parking Garage
    • Very close to the terminal, ideal for pickups and drop-offs.
  • International Daily Parking Garage
    • For overnight and longer stays when you want to park on the international side.

Price Considerations

  • Hourly and daily rates here are in line with the domestic terminal hourly/daily garages.
  • Many Atlanta travelers compare the cost/time and sometimes:
    • Park on the domestic side in economy or park-ride, then
    • Take the airport shuttle or Plane Train to the international side.

This can sometimes save money if you’re comfortable with the extra transfer.

Free Options: Cell Phone Lot and Short-Term Waiting

You cannot wait at the curb outside ATL terminals, but there is a free option.

Cell Phone Lot

  • Location: Near the Domestic Terminal (signs on the airport loop roads).
  • Cost:Free
  • Use: For drivers who are picking up arriving passengers.
  • You must stay with your vehicle; it’s not for leaving your car and going inside.

Once your passenger has their bags, they call or text, and you drive up to the curb for a quick pickup.

How Long-Term Parking Adds Up in Atlanta

When you’re planning a trip from ATL, it helps to think in terms of trip length and convenience:

Weekend Trip (2–3 days)

  • You value convenience:
    • Daily parking garages (domestic or international) are typically worth it.
  • You want to save some money:
    • Economy lots are a solid choice.

Week-Long Trip (5–7 days)

  • Most cost-conscious ATL travelers often choose:
    • Economy parking, or
    • Park-ride lots for even lower daily rates.
  • The price difference between daily and economy/park-ride becomes meaningful at this length.

Extended Trip (10+ days)

  • Airport-run park-ride usually offers the lowest on-site daily total.
  • At this point, many locals also consider:
    • Whether rideshare, MARTA, or being dropped off might be cheaper overall.

Paying for Parking at ATL: What to Expect

Payment Methods

At ATL’s official lots and garages, you can typically pay with:

  • Credit or debit cards
  • Some locations may accept cash, but card is widely encouraged.
  • Automated payment machines or pay-on-exit booths.

Keep your parking ticket from the entrance; you’ll need it when exiting.

Lost Ticket?

If you lose your ticket, the airport will usually:

  • Charge based on the maximum daily rate, or
  • Ask for entry time verification (if available).

This can be expensive, so keep the ticket somewhere safe, like your phone case or wallet.

Tips to Save Money on Atlanta Airport Parking

Here are common strategies locals and frequent flyers around Atlanta use:

1. Match Your Lot to Your Trip Length

  • For same-day or very short trips, hourly is fine.
  • For 2–3 days, compare daily vs. economy.
  • For 3+ days, look strongly at economy and park-ride.

2. Consider Domestic vs. International Side

If you’re:

  • Flying internationally but live closer to the domestic terminal, or
  • Comfortable using the airport’s internal shuttles,

You may find cheaper options on the domestic side (especially economy or park-ride), then transfer to the international terminal.

3. Travel During Less Busy Times

During peak holidays, closer lots can fill up and you may be directed to more distant or premium options. Arriving early:

  • Gives you more choice of lots.
  • Helps you avoid getting stuck with the most expensive option out of necessity.

4. Give Yourself Extra Time for Shuttles

Economy and park-ride shuttles are designed to run regularly, but:

  • Build in 15–30 extra minutes, especially during rush hours.
  • This reduces stress and keeps you from feeling pressure to upgrade to closer parking at the last minute.

Where to Check Current ATL Parking Rates and Availability

Because the airport can adjust prices, the best way to confirm exact, up-to-date parking rates in Atlanta is to:

  • Contact Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport directly:
    • Main information line: (800) 897-1910 or (404) 530-7300
    • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Use the airport’s official customer service and parking information resources to:
    • Confirm current daily and hourly rates
    • Check lot availability, especially on busy travel days
    • Ask about accessible parking options and locations

How to Choose the Right ATL Parking Option for You

To decide how much airport parking in Atlanta will realistically cost you, ask yourself:

  1. How long is my trip?

    • Shorter trip → hourly or daily
    • Longer trip → economy or park-ride
  2. How important is walking distance?

    • Want to walk straight into the terminal? → hourly or daily garages
    • OK with a shuttle? → park-ride or farther economy spots
  3. Which terminal am I using?

    • Domestic → North/South garages, economy, park-ride
    • International → international garages, or domestic economy/park-ride + shuttle
  4. What’s my total budget?

    • Add the daily rate × number of days, then compare to:
      • Rideshare
      • Taxi
      • MARTA (from your part of metro Atlanta)
      • Being dropped off and picked up

Once you know your priorities, you can estimate your total parking cost and pick the ATL option that fits your trip, budget, and stress level.