24-Hour Car Rental at Atlanta Airport: How to Get a Car Anytime at ATL

If you’re landing late, catching an early-morning flight, or just need flexibility, finding a 24-hour car rental at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is straightforward—if you know where to go and what to expect. This guide walks you through how 24-hour rentals work at ATL, how to reach the rental center, typical policies, and practical tips tailored to Atlanta travelers.

Where to Find 24-Hour Car Rentals at Atlanta Airport

All major rental car companies serving Atlanta’s airport operate from the Consolidated Rental Car Center (CONRAC), not directly inside the terminals.

The Rental Car Center (RCC / CONRAC)

Address:
Consolidated Rental Car Center
2200 Rental Car Center Parkway
College Park, GA 30337

This multi-level facility houses most national rental brands in one place. It is designed for 24/7 operations, including:

• Vehicle pickup and return
• Rental counters or self-service kiosks
• Parking decks for rentals and returns

While the building itself supports 24-hour activity, individual company counters may have specific staffed hours, especially overnight. However, many offer:

• After-hours pickup options (e.g., pre-arranged keys, self-service kiosks)
• 24-hour drop-off (you park, lock the car, and leave keys in a secure drop box)

Always confirm hours and pickup instructions with your chosen rental company before you arrive—especially for pickups between midnight and 5 a.m.

How to Get to the Rental Car Center from ATL Terminals

You do not walk to the Rental Car Center from the main terminal. Instead, you ride the SkyTrain.

Using the ATL SkyTrain 🚊

The ATL SkyTrain is an automated people mover that runs between:

• Main Domestic Terminal / Ground Transportation Center
• MARTA Airport Station
• ATL West Deck
• Rental Car Center (RCC)

Key points:

• Cost: Free
• Travel time: About 5 minutes from the main terminal to the Rental Car Center
• Operating hours: Runs 24 hours a day, with trains arriving every few minutes

From the Domestic Terminal:

1. Follow signs for Ground Transportation and then Rental Cars / SkyTrain.
2. Take the escalator or elevator up to the SkyTrain station.
3. Board the train toward the Rental Car Center.
4. Exit at the RCC and follow signs to your rental company counter.

From the International Terminal (Concourse F):

There is no direct SkyTrain station at the International Terminal. You have two main options:

• Free airport shuttle bus:
  • Look for signs for Ground Transportation / Rental Car Center Shuttle.
  • Buses run between the International Terminal and the RCC.
• Shuttle to the Domestic Terminal + SkyTrain:
  • Take the shuttle from the International Terminal to the Domestic Terminal.
  • Then follow the Domestic Terminal steps above to take the SkyTrain.

For late-night or early-morning arrivals at Concourse F, the shuttle is typically the most direct option.

Do Car Rental Companies at ATL Really Operate 24 Hours?

Most national car rental brands at ATL advertise 24/7 availability for vehicle return, which is extremely helpful if:

• Your flight lands at 2 a.m.
• You’re driving in from elsewhere in Georgia and returning the car at odd hours
• You have an early morning departure and want to drop the car before check-in

However, 24-hour pickup is different:

• Some counters are staffed around the clock.
• Others have limited desk hours but support after-hours pickup if you pre-arrange it.
• Self-service kiosks or mobile-based check-in may help outside peak hours.

To avoid surprises, it’s smart to:

• Confirm whether your exact pickup time is supported.
• Ask what to do if your flight is delayed past closing.
• Verify whether there are extra fees for after-hours pickup.

Typical 24-Hour Rental Policies at Atlanta Airport

Even though each company has its own rules, you’ll see similar patterns at ATL.

1. After-Hours Pickup

For very late or very early arrivals:

• You may need to add your flight number to the reservation so the rental company knows your arrival time.
• Some companies will hold your reservation if your flight is delayed, especially in the late evening.
• In some cases, you may be directed to a self-service kiosk or a key pickup locker.

If you’re arriving between midnight and sunrise, always:

• Call ahead and ask exactly how pickup works.
• Check whether membership in the company’s loyalty program simplifies after-hours pickups (some programs allow you to go straight to the garage and skip the counter).

2. 24-Hour Drop-Off

Returning a car to the ATL Rental Car Center is generally straightforward:

1. Follow airport signs for “Rental Car Return” as you approach Hartsfield-Jackson.
2. Enter the Rental Car Center parking structure and follow signs for your specific company.
3. Park in the designated return area.
4. Note the final mileage and fuel level.
5. If no attendant is present:
   • Remove your belongings.
   • Lock the car.
   • Place the keys and completed contract (if provided) into the after-hours key drop box.

Most companies will process the return the next business day using the time you dropped off the keys as the effective return time. Take a photo of the dashboard and the parked vehicle (fuel, mileage, condition) for your records.

3. Fuel, Mileage, and Fees

Common rules for ATL rentals:

• Fuel:

  • You can usually choose between returning the car full of fuel or prepaying for a full tank.
  • If you return it less than full without prepaying, you’ll often pay a higher rate per gallon.
  • Nearby gas stations in College Park and along Riverdale Road or Camp Creek Parkway are commonly used for refueling before return.

• Mileage:

  • Many rentals at ATL include unlimited mileage, which is useful if you’re driving to places like Savannah, Augusta, or the North Georgia mountains.
  • Check your contract if you plan long-distance trips.

• Late returns:

  • You may get a short grace period (often around 29–60 minutes), but after that you’re typically charged hourly or for an extra day.
  • When planning 24-hour rentals, think in 24-hour blocks based on your pickup time (e.g., pickup at 9 a.m., return by 9 a.m. the next day).

Atlanta-Specific Tips for 24-Hour Car Rentals

Driving in Atlanta has its own quirks. These local tips can help you make the most of your 24-hour rental.

1. Plan Around Atlanta Traffic

Atlanta is known for heavy traffic, especially on:

• Interstates I-75, I-85, and I-285
• Downtown Connector (I-75/85 combined)
• GA-400 through Buckhead and Sandy Springs

Peak hours are roughly:

• Weekdays: 6:30–9:30 a.m. and 3:30–7:00 p.m.

If you’re timing your rental:

• Consider picking up or returning outside rush hours if your schedule allows.
• If you have a very early or very late flight, the roads between ATL and central Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead) are usually far lighter, which makes 24-hour access extremely helpful.

2. Choosing Pickup Time Based on Your Plans

For visitors staying in Atlanta:

• If you’re exploring neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, East Atlanta Village, or Buckhead, you might not need a car for every day of your stay.
• Some travelers use MARTA (Atlanta’s rail system) from the airport into the city, then rent a car only on the day they plan to drive further out (for example, to Stone Mountain, Lake Lanier, or Blue Ridge).
• In that case, you can return to ATL by MARTA, ride the SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center, and start your 24-hour rental right before your road trip.

For local residents:

• ATL’s Rental Car Center is often used when your own car is in the shop or you want a larger vehicle for a weekend trip.
• Because the RCC operates around the clock, you can often pick up late Friday night and return late Sunday night, timing your rental periods and avoiding extra days.

3. Parking in and Around Atlanta

If you’re renting a car for only 24 hours in the city, parking can be a cost factor:

• Downtown / Midtown: Expect paid parking in garages or lots, especially near attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, and Georgia Aquarium.
• Neighborhoods: Areas like Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, or Grant Park may have limited street parking or residential restrictions. Pay close attention to signs.
• Events: On game days for Mercedes-Benz Stadium or Truist Park, parking fills quickly and prices increase.

If you only need a car for a portion of your trip, consider:

• Picking up the rental after you’ve finished walking-heavy days in the city center.
• Returning the car to the Rental Car Center and using MARTA back into the city if your hotel is near a rail station.

Quick Reference: 24-Hour Car Rental at ATL

Below is a simple overview to help you plan:

Practical Steps to Book and Use a 24-Hour Rental at ATL

To make the process smooth from landing to driving:

1. Reserve in advance, especially if you know you’ll arrive late at night or early morning.
2. Add your flight details to your reservation so the company can track delays.
3. Confirm hours and after-hours policies for the specific location at the ATL Rental Car Center.
4. Plan your pickup time based on when you actually expect to leave the airport (baggage claim, customs, etc.).
5. On arrival, follow signs to the SkyTrain or shuttle to reach the Rental Car Center.
6. At pickup, verify your return time, fuel policy, tolls, and any mileage limitations.
7. When returning, follow rental car return signs, photograph the vehicle, and use the key drop if it’s after hours.
8. Ride the SkyTrain back to the Domestic Terminal or use the shuttle from the RCC to the International Terminal for your flight.

Helpful Local Contacts and Information

While rental companies handle most issues directly, a few official Atlanta-area resources may be useful:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (General Information)

  • Address: 6000 N Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Main phone: Often available on the airport’s official site or directory
  • Use for: Questions about SkyTrain operations, shuttles, and airport wayfinding.

• MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)

  • Main routes: Airport Station on the Red/Gold line
  • Use for: Planning how to connect between ATL, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and your rental schedule.

These public agencies can help if you’re coordinating transit and car rental, especially for late-night arrivals or tight layovers.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, the combination of the Rental Car Center, 24-hour access, and the ATL SkyTrain makes renting a car at almost any time of day practical. As long as you confirm your rental company’s exact rules and give yourself a little extra time for Atlanta traffic, arranging a 24-hour car rental at Atlanta Airport is usually a smooth, predictable process.