Atlanta Airport Parking Costs: What You’ll Pay at Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL)
Parking at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) can range from budget-friendly to fairly expensive, depending on how close you want to be to the terminals and how long you’ll be gone. If you live in metro Atlanta or you’re driving in from out of town, it helps to know your options before you get on I‑75 or I‑285.
Below is a clear breakdown of how much parking costs at Atlanta Hartsfield airport, the main parking choices, and how to pick the best one for your trip.
Main Parking Options at ATL and Typical Price Ranges
Hartsfield–Jackson has multiple official parking areas on both the Domestic Terminal and International Terminal sides.
Here’s a simplified overview of the most commonly used options:
| Parking Option | Typical Use | Approx. Daily Cost Range* |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Hourly (North/South) | Short stays, pickups, business | High (premium) |
| Domestic Daily (North/South) | Trips of 1–5 days | Mid–high |
| Economy Lots (North/South) | Longer trips, cost savings | Lower–mid |
| Park-Ride Lots (Blue/Red/Etc.) | Long trips, budget option | Lowest |
| International Hourly Deck | Short visits on International | High (premium) |
| International Park-Ride | Longer trips on International | Lower–mid |
| Cell Phone Lot (Free) | Waiting to pick someone up | Free |
*Exact amounts vary by time and official updates. Check ATL’s latest posted rates before traveling.
Domestic Terminal Parking: North & South Sides
If you normally use the Main (Domestic) Terminal, you’ll choose from these core options.
Hourly Parking – North & South Decks
- Located directly in front of the North and South domestic terminal entrances.
- Best for:
- Quick drop-offs and pickups
- Meeting someone at baggage claim
- Short meetings or business trips under 24 hours
What to expect on pricing:
- Typically the most expensive daily option at the airport
- Charges by the hour up to a daily maximum
- Ideal if you value convenience over cost and your stay is short
This is often used by people who want to park and walk straight inside without shuttles.
Daily Parking – North & South Garages
- Multi-level garages connected to the domestic terminal, but a bit farther than Hourly.
- Best for:
- Trips of a few days
- Travelers who want a walkable option but slightly cheaper than Hourly
Pricing guidance:
- Priced by the day, lower than Hourly but higher than Economy or Park-Ride
- A good middle ground for 3–5 day trips where carrying luggage on a shuttle is not appealing
Many Atlanta residents use these garages for long weekends or quick business travel.
Economy Parking – North & South Lots
- Surface lots a bit farther from the building than Daily, still on the Domestic side.
- Best for:
- Budget-conscious travelers
- Trips lasting several days to a week or more
Pricing guidance:
- Typically cheaper than Daily garages
- Charged per day
- You may walk a little farther, or use designated walkways and courtesy assistance where available
If you’re used to driving in from the suburbs (Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, etc.) and leaving your car for an extended trip, the Economy lots often provide a solid balance of cost and convenience.
Park-Ride Lots (Park-Ride Blue, Red, etc.)
- Remote lots served by airport shuttle buses that loop to the Domestic Terminal.
- Best for:
- Long trips (a week or more)
- Families or groups trying to keep parking under control
- Travelers who don’t mind adding 10–20 minutes for shuttle time
Pricing guidance:
- Among the lowest daily rates of all on-airport parking
- Designed as a true long-term parking solution
Shuttles typically run regularly, and you’ll be dropped at the domestic terminal curb. For many Atlanta travelers heading out on long vacations, these park-ride lots are the best value.
International Terminal Parking (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
If you’re flying with an airline that uses the International Terminal (Concourse F), you have separate parking options on that side of the airport, with its own entrance off Interstate 75 (Exit 239).
International Hourly Parking Deck
- Multi-level deck directly connected to the International Terminal.
- Best for:
- Picking up or dropping off international travelers
- Short international trips where convenience is more important than cost
Pricing guidance:
- Similar to Domestic Hourly: premium rates, billed hourly up to a daily max
- Easiest and fastest access to check-in counters and arrivals
If you’re coming from intown neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Grant Park, and using I‑75, this can actually be more direct than trying to reach the Domestic side.
International Park-Ride Lot
- Remote lot served by shuttles to the International Terminal.
- Best for:
- Longer international trips
- Anyone wanting lower daily costs without dealing with Domestic Terminal traffic
Pricing guidance:
- Typically less expensive than International Hourly
- Billed per day
- Shuttles deliver you directly to the International Terminal front entrance
This is a good option for trips to Europe, Africa, or South America where you know your car will sit for many days.
Free Parking Options at Atlanta Airport
Cell Phone Lot (Domestic Side)
- Located near the Domestic Terminal.
- Best for:
- Picking up friends or family without circling the terminal
- Avoiding Hourly parking fees if the arrival time is uncertain
Key points:
- Free to use
- You must stay with your vehicle (no long-term parking or leaving your car)
- Once your passenger is ready at curbside, you drive up and collect them
This is especially handy during heavy traffic times, like Sunday evenings and holiday weekends.
How to Choose the Best Parking for Your Trip
When deciding how much to spend on parking at Hartsfield–Jackson, think about:
1. Trip Length
- Same-day or under 24 hours:
- Consider Hourly (Domestic or International) for maximum convenience.
- 2–5 days:
- Daily parking decks usually balance cost and walking distance.
- 5+ days:
- Economy or Park-Ride lots on either side will typically give you the best value.
2. Which Terminal You’re Using
- Domestic Terminal (North/South):
- Use Domestic Hourly, Daily, Economy, or Park-Ride lots.
- International Terminal (Concourse F):
- Use International Hourly or International Park-Ride.
Driving to the wrong side of the airport can cost you time and money, especially during rush hour on I‑75, I‑85, or Camp Creek Parkway.
3. Your Tolerance for Shuttles vs. Walking
- If you dislike riding shuttles with luggage or traveling with small children, you may prefer:
- Hourly or Daily decks (short walk to the terminal).
- If you’re okay with a 10–20 minute shuttle ride and want to save:
- Park-Ride or Economy are usually your best bet.
4. Time of Day and Traffic
Atlanta traffic can be heavy around:
- Morning rush (roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.)
- Evening rush (roughly 4:00–7:00 p.m.)
- Game days and large events (Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena)
If you’re cutting it close, the faster-to-terminal options (Hourly or Daily) might be worth the extra cost.
Practical Tips for Parking at ATL
Here are some Atlanta-specific tips to keep your costs under control and your trip smooth:
1. Check Rates Before You Leave 📝
Because the airport can adjust pricing, it’s smart to:
- Review current ATL parking rates on the official airport information sources.
- Confirm which lots are open and not full, especially during holidays.
2. Allow Extra Time for Park-Ride and Economy
If you’re using remote or economy lots, add:
- At least 20–30 minutes to your usual airport arrival time
- A bit more during peak periods, in case lots are busier or shuttles are crowded
This matters if you’re coming from further out in metro Atlanta (for example, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, or Douglasville) and already dealing with highway congestion.
3. Remember Where You Parked
The airport’s lots and decks are huge. To avoid wandering around with your luggage:
- Take a photo of your level and section sign.
- Note if you’re parked North/South or International.
- Save your spot info in your phone in case you return at night or after a long trip.
4. Consider Alternatives If You’re Close to MARTA
If you live near a MARTA rail station (like Lindbergh Center, College Park, Doraville, or North Springs), some travelers:
- Park at a MARTA station lot
- Ride the train to Airport Station, which connects directly into the Domestic Terminal
This can sometimes be cheaper than long-term airport parking, though you’ll want to review MARTA’s own parking rules and fees and consider your comfort returning late at night.
Where to Get Official Parking Information
For the most accurate and current parking rates and lot status at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you can use:
Airport Information Line (Recorded & Operator-Assisted):
Main airport contact is typically available through Hartsfield–Jackson’s public information number, which can be found through the City of Atlanta or airport directories.On-Site Signage:
As you approach the airport on I‑75, I‑85, or Camp Creek Parkway, watch for:- Digital signs showing lot availability
- Directional signs to North, South, and International parking
Because prices may be updated over time, always rely on the posted rate at the lot entrance as the final word on what you’ll pay.
In summary, parking at Atlanta Hartsfield airport can range from higher-cost, super-convenient Hourly decks right by the terminal to lower-cost Park-Ride and Economy options that require a shuttle or longer walk. If you know your terminal, your trip length, and how much convenience you want, you can choose the ATL parking option that fits both your schedule and your budget.