Atlanta Airport Parking Prices: What It Really Costs to Park at Hartsfield-Jackson
If you’re flying in or out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), parking costs can add up quickly. The right choice depends on how long you’re gone, how close you want to be to the terminal, and whether you’re willing to shuttle.
Below is a clear breakdown of how much it is to park at the Atlanta airport, plus local tips to help you avoid overpaying.
Main Parking Options at Atlanta Airport (ATL)
ATL offers several official parking options:
- Domestic Terminal parking (North and South)
- International Terminal parking
- Economy lots
- Park-Ride (shuttle lots)
- Cell Phone waiting lot (short-term pick-up only)
- Hourly and Daily garages
Think of them in three tiers:
- Premium / Closest to terminal – Most expensive, best for short stays
- Mid-range / Economy – Balance of price and convenience
- Value / Park-Ride – Cheapest, involves a shuttle
Quick Price Snapshot: Typical ATL Parking Ranges
This table summarizes common price ranges you’ll see at Hartsfield-Jackson:
| Parking Type | Typical Cost Range* | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Garages (Domestic & International) | Higher hourly, higher daily cap | Short visits, drop-offs, business meetings |
| Daily Garages (Domestic & International) | Moderate–high daily | Trips of 1–3 days |
| Economy Lots | Lower daily than garages | 3+ day trips, budget-conscious travelers |
| Park-Ride Lots (Shuttle) | Lowest daily | Longer trips, OK with shuttle ride |
| Cell Phone Lot | Free | Waiting to pick up arriving passengers |
*Exact rates vary by lot and can change. Use this as a planning guide, not a guarantee.
Domestic Terminal Parking: North & South
If you usually use Delta or other domestic carriers, you’ll likely park at the Domestic Terminal on either the North or South side.
Hourly Parking – For Short Stays
Location: Directly in front of the Domestic Terminal, North and South decks.
- Ideal for:
- Quick drop-off or pick-up where you want to walk inside
- Meeting someone at baggage claim
- Short business meetings at the airport
- Cost profile:
- Higher hourly rate than other options
- Daily maximum that’s generally among the most expensive per day
If you’re just running in for 1–3 hours, Hourly can be worth it. For full-day or multi-day trips, it gets pricey quickly.
Daily Parking – Close but Cheaper Than Hourly
Location: Multi-level decks adjacent to the Domestic Terminal (North & South).
- Ideal for:
- 1–3 day trips where you want a short walk to the terminal
- Travelers with lots of luggage or kids who prefer not to shuttle
- Cost profile:
- Lower per day than Hourly
- Still significantly more than Economy or Park-Ride
If you live inside the perimeter (ITP) and you’re gone for just a weekend, Daily Domestic can be a reasonable balance of cost and convenience.
International Terminal Parking (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
If you’re flying out of the International Terminal (Concourse F), you have separate parking options on that side of the airport.
International Hourly Parking
Location: Directly in front of the International Terminal (covered deck).
- Ideal for:
- Picking up or dropping off international travelers
- Short visits to the terminal
- Cost profile:
- Similar idea to Domestic Hourly: high hourly, expensive for longer stays
This is the most convenient way to walk straight into the International Terminal but not meant for multi-day trips.
International Daily Parking
Location: Same general area as International Hourly, but structured for longer stays.
- Ideal for:
- Overnight or weekend trips departing from Concourse F
- Travelers who want to avoid the inter-terminal shuttle or Plane Train from Domestic
- Cost profile:
- Daily rate often comparable to or slightly below Domestic Daily
- Still higher than Economy and Park-Ride
If you live on the east or northeast side of Atlanta (Decatur, Tucker, Stone Mountain, Gwinnett), it’s often easier to approach the International Terminal directly from I-285 or I-20 and park there.
Economy Parking at Atlanta Airport
Economy lots are the most popular choice for Atlanta-area residents taking multi-day trips.
You’ll typically have:
- Domestic Economy lots near the North and South terminals
- International Economy near the International Terminal
What to expect:
- Significantly cheaper daily rate than the garages
- Still within a walkable or short shuttle distance, depending on the lot
- Often fills during busy holidays or major convention weeks
Best for:
- Trips of 3–7 days or longer
- People who want a balance between saving money and staying on airport property
If you frequently travel for work from Atlanta or take several trips a year, Economy parking is often the sweet spot for cost vs. convenience.
Park-Ride Lots (Shuttle Parking)
ATL’s Park-Ride lots are typically the cheapest on-airport option for longer stays.
How Park-Ride Works
- You park in a large surface lot (Domestic or International side).
- A free shuttle bus runs continuously between the lot and your terminal.
- Shuttles usually have:
- Luggage racks
- Space for carry-ons and checked bags
- Early morning and late-night service to match flight schedules
When Park-Ride Makes Sense
- You’re taking a week-long or multi-week trip.
- You’re comfortable arriving 10–20 minutes earlier to allow for shuttle time.
- You want to avoid off-airport private lots but still pay a lower rate than garages.
Park-Ride is popular with Atlanta-area families heading out on long vacations because the savings add up, especially for 5–10+ day trips.
Free Cell Phone Lot (Waiting Area)
If you’re just picking someone up and don’t want to pay to park:
- ATL has a free Cell Phone Lot near the Domestic Terminal.
- You can wait in your car until your passenger calls or texts that they’re curbside.
- There’s usually signage along the airport roads to guide you there.
Good to know:
- You can’t leave your car unattended here.
- It’s meant for short waits, not long-term parking.
How to Choose the Right ATL Parking for Your Trip
Think through these questions to match your budget and needs.
1. How long will you be gone?
- Under 3 hours:
- Hourly parking near your terminal is usually worth it.
- Same-day or 1–3 days:
- Daily garages (Domestic or International) for convenience
- Economy if you prefer cheaper and don’t mind a slightly longer walk
- 4+ days:
- Economy or Park-Ride lots to keep costs down
2. Which side of the airport are you using?
- Domestic flights (Delta, Southwest, etc.):
- Focus on Domestic North/South Hourly, Daily, Economy, or Park-Ride.
- International flights (Concourse F):
- Use International Hourly, Daily, or Economy, or a Park-Ride option that serves that terminal.
If you depart from the International Terminal but return through Domestic (or vice versa), ATL runs shuttles between the terminals, and you can use the Plane Train inside security to move between concourses.
3. How much are you willing to walk or shuttle?
- Minimal walking, no shuttle:
- Hourly or Daily garages right by the terminal.
- Short walk, maybe a short ride:
- Economy lots.
- Longer ride, lowest cost on-airport:
- Park-Ride shuttle lots.
Insider Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors
Arrive Earlier During Peak Times
ATL is one of the world’s busiest airports. If you’re parking:
- Around major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break)
- On Monday mornings or Friday afternoons
- During big events in metro Atlanta
Build in extra time:
- 15–30 minutes more if you’re using garages or Economy
- 30–45 minutes more if you’re using Park-Ride
Pay Attention to Lot Full Signs
As you approach ATL:
- Overhead signs will show “Full” or “Open” for different lots.
- If a closer lot is full, follow detour signs to the next available area.
Trying to hunt for a single spot in a full deck can easily add 20+ minutes to your timeline.
Consider Where You’re Driving From
- From Midtown/Downtown Atlanta:
- Domestic Terminal is often simplest via I-75/85 south.
- From East Atlanta/Decatur/Stone Mountain/Gwinnett:
- The International Terminal can be easier to reach via I-285 without crossing the main domestic entrance traffic.
- From Southside (College Park, Fayetteville, Peachtree City):
- Domestic Terminal and its nearby lots are usually most convenient.
Parking on the side that aligns with your route can shave 15–30 minutes off your drive.
Where to Get Official Parking Info
For the most up-to-date parking rates, lot closures, or availability, use official airport resources:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main airport information: (800) 897-1910
You can also look for:
- On-airport electronic signs showing which lots are open or full
- Information desks inside both Domestic and International terminals for directional help
By matching your trip length, budget, and tolerance for shuttles, you can choose between Hourly, Daily, Economy, or Park-Ride parking at the Atlanta airport and avoid surprises when you return.