Airport Car Rental in Atlanta: How to Get a Car at ATL Without Stress

If you’re flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and need a car, the good news is: Atlanta is built for drivers, and the airport makes renting a car relatively straightforward once you know how it works.

This guide walks you through exactly how airport car rental works in Atlanta, how to get to the rental center, what to expect with costs and deposits, and smart tips whether you’re a local, a business traveler, or a first-time visitor.

Where Airport Car Rentals Are Located at ATL

All major airport car rentals in Atlanta operate out of the Consolidated Rental Car Center (CONRAC), not inside the main terminals.

Consolidated Rental Car Center (CONRAC)
2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy
College Park, GA 30337

You don’t walk there from the gate. Instead, you’ll use the ATL SkyTrain, a short, free elevated train that connects:

  • Domestic Terminal (North & South)
  • ATL SkyTrain station at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC)
  • Rental Car Center (RCC)

The ride from the terminal to the Rental Car Center is usually about 5 minutes once you’re on the train.

How to Get from Your Plane to Your Rental Car

The exact steps vary slightly depending on whether you arrive at the Domestic Terminal or the International Terminal (Concourse F).

From the Domestic Terminal (Most U.S. Flights)

  1. Get your checked bags at baggage claim (North or South).
  2. Follow signs for “Ground Transportation / Rental Cars / SkyTrain.”
  3. Take the escalator or elevator up to the ATL SkyTrain station.
  4. Board the SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center (RCC).
  5. Once you arrive at the RCC, follow the overhead signs for your rental company’s counter.

The SkyTrain runs frequently, so you usually won’t wait long.

From the International Terminal (Concourse F)

You have two common options:

Option 1: Shuttle to the Rental Car Center
Follow signs for “Ground Transportation / Rental Car Center Shuttle.” There are dedicated shuttles that run between the International Terminal and the Rental Car Center.

Option 2: Shuttle to the Domestic Terminal + SkyTrain
Some travelers ride the International–Domestic shuttle, then use the SkyTrain from the Domestic Terminal to the RCC.

If you’re new to ATL, using the direct shuttle to the Rental Car Center from the International Terminal is usually the simplest.

Rental Car Companies at Atlanta Airport

Most national brands operate at the Atlanta airport’s Rental Car Center. Each company has a counter inside the building and parking/return areas in the adjacent garages.

You’ll typically find:

  • Large national chains offering a full range of vehicles
  • Mid-size brands with competitive daily rates
  • Specialty services (e.g., trucks, premium vehicles) depending on availability

Company offerings can change, but in general you’ll see:

  • Standard car rental services (economy, midsize, full-size)
  • SUVs and minivans (popular for families or groups attending conventions or sporting events)
  • Premium and luxury vehicles (often at higher rates and higher deposits)
  • One-way rentals if you’re driving to another state or city

You do not need to visit multiple floors to shop around in person. Rates are usually set by your reservation; walking up to counters at arrival often means higher prices, especially during busy times.

Hours of Operation and Late Arrivals

The Rental Car Center building operates 24/7, and the ATL SkyTrain typically runs continuously, including late nights.

However, individual rental company hours may vary, especially their service counters:

  • Some counters are staffed late into the night.
  • Others may operate reduced hours but allow after-hours pickups or key drop-offs if you arranged it in advance.

If your flight arrives very late (after midnight) or early morning:

  • ✅ Check your reservation details for “Hours of Operation” and “After-Hours Service.”
  • ✅ Call your rental location ahead if you know your arrival is at an odd hour.
  • ✅ Make sure your flight number is in your reservation so the company can track delays when possible.

Renting a Car at ATL If You’re Local vs. Visiting

If You Live in Atlanta

Flying out of ATL and need a rental when you return? Or your car is temporarily out of commission?

  • You can of course rent at the airport, but:
    • Neighborhood rental branches around Atlanta sometimes offer different pricing and may be closer to home.
    • Airport rentals usually include airport-related fees that can make them more expensive.

Locals often compare:

  • Airport pickup – best when you’re already flying in or out.
  • Neighborhood pickup – best for local-only use, where you’re not flying.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

If your main destinations include:

  • Downtown Atlanta (CNN Center area, State Farm Arena, Centennial Olympic Park)
  • Midtown (Piedmont Park, Fox Theatre, Georgia Tech)
  • Buckhead (Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza)
  • Suburbs like Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Marietta, Decatur, Peachtree City

…a rental car from ATL can be very convenient, especially if you:

  • Have multiple stops spread across the metro area
  • Are staying outside of MARTA rail coverage
  • Need flexibility beyond rideshare or public transit

If you’re staying primarily in Downtown or Midtown, you may compare rental costs to:

  • MARTA trains directly from the airport
  • Rideshare and taxis, especially if you’re mostly in a small geographic area

What You Need to Rent a Car at Atlanta Airport

Most companies at ATL have similar requirements. Expect to bring:

  • Valid driver’s license

    • U.S. license: must be valid and not expired.
    • International visitors: many companies accept a foreign license; some may also recommend or require an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Credit card in the renter’s name

    • Major credit card is generally preferred.
    • Some companies accept debit cards, but may require proof of return travel, extra ID, or a higher deposit.

  • Minimum age

    • Standard minimum rental age is often 21, but policies differ.
    • Renters under 25 commonly pay a “young driver” surcharge and may be restricted from certain vehicle types (e.g., luxury, large SUVs).

  • Matching name on license and card

    • The name on your driver’s license, reservation, and payment method should match.

If you’re an Atlanta resident using a debit card, you may be asked for additional documentation, such as proof of address.

Typical Costs and Fees for Airport Car Rental in Atlanta

Car rental costs at Hartsfield-Jackson can vary widely based on:

  • Time of year (holidays, conventions, big events like sporting championships)
  • Vehicle category (economy vs. SUV vs. luxury)
  • Length of rental
  • How far in advance you booked

Common charges to expect:

  • Base daily or weekly rate
  • Airport concession or facility fees
  • State and local taxes
  • Additional driver fees (if adding extra drivers not covered by automatic waivers like spouses, depending on company)
  • Underage driver fee (if you’re under 25, for example)
  • Insurance/coverage options (optional, see below)

Insurance and Coverage at ATL

Car rental counters will often offer:

  • Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) / Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) – reduces or removes your financial responsibility if the rental car is damaged or stolen, subject to the agreement’s terms.
  • Liability coverage – for damage to others’ property or injuries to others, depending on what’s already included and what you select.
  • Personal accident or personal effects coverage – for medical costs or belongings, depending on specific options.

What you accept or decline depends on:

  • Coverage from your own auto insurance (if you have it)
  • Coverage from credit cards you use for the rental
  • Your risk tolerance and budget

If you’re local in Atlanta with your own car insurance, your policy may or may not extend to rentals—many people check details ahead of time.

Picking Up Your Rental Car at ATL: Step-by-Step

Once you reach the Rental Car Center:

  1. Go to your company’s counter
    Follow overhead signs (e.g., “Rental Company A – Counter”).

  2. Check in / present documents

    • Driver’s license
    • Credit or debit card
    • Reservation confirmation (printout or phone)

  3. Review rental agreement

    • Check dates, pickup and return times
    • Mileage limits (if any)
    • Fuel policy (most are full-to-full)
    • Optional services added (GPS, toll programs, coverage options)

  4. Get directions to your vehicle

    • You’ll usually be told a garage level, row, or spot number.
    • At ATL’s RCC, you typically walk directly out to a multi-level parking deck.

  5. Inspect the car before driving away

    • Look for existing damage (scratches, dents, windshield chips).
    • Inside: check seats, fuel level, odor, and that necessary equipment (e.g., car seat if reserved) is present.
    • Take photos or video if you see damage and report it before leaving.

  6. Exit through the gate

    • Show your agreement and ID if asked.
    • Confirm return location and hours.

Driving from ATL to Atlanta Neighborhoods

Once you leave the Rental Car Center, you’ll follow signs onto nearby major arteries such as I-85, I-75, or I-285, depending on your destination.

Approximate drive times in light traffic:

From ATL Rental Car Center To…Typical Drive Time*
Downtown Atlanta15–20 minutes
Midtown Atlanta20–30 minutes
Buckhead25–35 minutes
Decatur25–35 minutes
Marietta35–50 minutes
Alpharetta45–60 minutes

*Times can increase significantly in rush hour. Morning (7–9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4–7 p.m.) around Downtown and Midtown are particularly busy.

Local Driving Tips

  • I-75/85 Connector through Downtown can be heavily congested; navigation apps are helpful for alternative routes.
  • HOV and Express Lanes: Some metro corridors have express lanes that may require special passes or extra fees; pay attention to signage.
  • Parking:
    • Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead: mix of garages, surface lots, street parking, often paid.
    • Be sure you understand your hotel’s overnight parking fees, which can add to your total cost.

Returning a Rental Car at Atlanta Airport

Returning your car at ATL is usually straightforward:

  1. Follow signs for “Rental Car Return”
    As you approach the airport area, signs will direct you toward the Rental Car Center, not the passenger terminals.

  2. Enter the correct company’s return lane
    Each company has its own section or lanes in the garage. Look for their signs.

  3. Park and final check

    • An attendant may scan the car and check mileage and fuel.
    • If unattended, follow posted instructions for drop-off.

  4. Remove all personal belongings
    Check:

    • Seats and under seats
    • Door pockets and glove compartment
    • Trunk or cargo area

  5. Get your receipt

    • Printed or emailed, showing any final charges (e.g., fuel adjustments, tolls if applicable).

  6. Take the SkyTrain back to the terminal
    From the Rental Car Center, follow signs to the ATL SkyTrain and ride it back to the Domestic Terminal.
    If you’re flying internationally, you may then need a shuttle from Domestic to the International Terminal depending on your departure.

✈️ Timing tip: Build in 15–30 extra minutes before your recommended airport arrival time to return the car, especially during busy travel periods.

One-Way Airport Car Rentals Starting in Atlanta

If you’re planning to:

  • Fly into ATL, drive to another city (e.g., Savannah, Charlotte, Birmingham, Nashville), and return the car there
  • Drive from Atlanta to another state without returning to Georgia

Ask about a one-way rental:

  • Many companies allow pick-up at ATL and drop-off at another city or state.
  • A one-way drop fee may apply, which can be substantial depending on the route and company.
  • Availability of specific vehicle types for one-way rentals can be more limited.

When you book, specify:

  • Pickup location: Atlanta Airport / Rental Car Center
  • Return location: City or airport where you’ll end your trip
  • Dates and times for both ends

Renting a Car Without Flying (ATL as a Pickup Point)

You do not have to be flying to rent a car at ATL. Atlanta-area residents sometimes use the airport location because:

  • They prefer the wider selection of vehicles.
  • Their neighborhood branch lacks availability.
  • They want to start a road trip directly from the airport’s interstate access.

However:

  • Consider whether neighborhood locations in Atlanta (Downtown, Buckhead, Midtown, Decatur, Marietta, etc.) might offer simpler pickup/parking and possibly lower airport-related fees.
  • If you’re traveling to the airport just to pick up a car, factor in your commute time and parking or transit costs.

Special Situations: Family Travel, Business Trips, and Long-Term Rentals

Family Travel

If you’re visiting Atlanta with kids:

  • Many companies offer child safety seats for an additional daily fee if reserved in advance.
  • SUVs and minivans at ATL often book up faster around:
    • Spring break
    • Summer vacation
    • Major holidays
    • Large events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or nearby venues

Booking early gives you more choice of vehicle size and seat configuration.

Business Travelers

For business trips centered around:

  • Downtown (government offices, corporate headquarters, convention venues)
  • Midtown (Tech Square, corporate offices)
  • Perimeter/Perimeter Center (Sandy Springs, Dunwoody)
  • Cumberland/Galleria (near Truist Park)

A rental car can be practical if your meetings are spread out. Many employers or corporate accounts have:

  • Preferred rental partners
  • Corporate rates
  • Special billing arrangements

Check with your company before booking independently.

Longer-Term Rentals

If you’re in Atlanta for several weeks or months:

  • Some airport locations may offer monthly or long-term rates, with specific terms.
  • You may wish to compare ATL airport locations with non-airport locations in the metro area to see which offers better pricing and convenience.

Practical Tips to Keep Airport Car Rental in Atlanta Smooth

  • Reserve ahead whenever possible
    Especially for busy weekends, spring, summer, and big event dates.

  • Plan for Atlanta traffic
    🕐 Add buffer time for both pickup and return, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with I-285, I-75, I-85, and GA-400.

  • Check your fuel policy
    Most rentals at ATL are full-to-full:

    • Take note of the fuel gauge when you leave.
    • Refuel near the airport before returning to avoid higher refueling charges.

  • Verify toll arrangements
    While local Atlanta interstates primarily use open roads without toll booths, some express lanes and nearby states might involve tolls. If you’re crossing state lines, ask about toll handling.

  • Keep your rental agreement and emergency number handy
    If anything comes up (accident, breakdown, or delay), you’ll have the contact details you need.

For travelers and locals alike, airport car rental in Atlanta centers on the Rental Car Center connected to Hartsfield-Jackson by the free SkyTrain. Once you understand how to get there, what documents you need, and how pickup and return work, the process is usually straightforward—and it can be one of the easiest ways to get around a metro area as large and spread out as Atlanta.