Airport Rental Cars at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta: How to Get the Best Deal and Get on the Road Fast

If you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and need a car, you have plenty of options—both on-airport and nearby off-airport. This guide walks you through how airport rent‑a‑car in Atlanta works, where to go, how to save money, and what locals and frequent visitors typically do.

Where to Rent a Car at Atlanta Airport

The ATL Rental Car Center (RCC)

All major airport rental car companies at ATL operate out of the Rental Car Center (RCC):

• Location: 2200 Rental Car Center Parkway, College Park, GA 30337
• Access: Via the ATL SkyTrain, a free, automated train

You do not pick up cars directly at the terminals. Instead:

1. Arriving at Domestic Terminal:

   • Follow signs for “Rental Cars” and “ATL SkyTrain.”
   • Take escalators or elevators up to the SkyTrain station.
   • Ride the train (about 5 minutes) directly to the Rental Car Center.

2. Arriving at International Terminal (Concourse F):

   • You’ll typically take a shuttle bus from the international terminal to the Rental Car Center.
   • Look for signs for “Rental Cars / Ground Transportation / RCC Shuttle.”

The RCC is open 24/7 for returns, but individual rental counters may have specific hours. Late‑night or very early arrivals should confirm operating hours in advance.

Major Rental Car Companies at ATL

At the Atlanta Airport Rental Car Center, you’ll typically find many of the big national brands. These are clustered together in one building, with parking garages directly connected to the counters.

Common brands include:

• Full-service national companies (economy to luxury, SUVs, minivans)
• Value-focused brands (often sharing fleets or counters with larger companies)
• Specialized rental options (occasionally trucks, vans, or premium vehicles)

Since offerings and branding can change, it’s wise to:

• Check your reservation confirmation for the exact counter name.
• Note which garage level or section your company uses for pick‑up and drop‑off.

On-Airport vs. Off-Airport Rental in Atlanta

You can rent a car at ATL via the RCC or at off‑airport locations around metro Atlanta.

On-Airport (RCC) Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Fast access from your flight using the free SkyTrain
• No rideshare or taxi needed to reach your car
• Many car options and inventory, especially for one‑way or specialty rentals
• Convenient for late-night or early-morning arrivals and departures

Cons:

• Airport rentals often have extra fees and surcharges
• Rates can be higher than in-town neighborhood locations
• Lines at the counter and garage can be longer during peak travel times

Off-Airport Locations in the Atlanta Area

If you’re staying in Atlanta for several days, sometimes it’s cheaper to:

• Use MARTA, rideshare, or a hotel shuttle into the city
• Pick up a rental car later from a neighborhood branch (for example, near Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or Perimeter Center)
• Return the car back in town and take transit or rideshare to ATL when leaving

This can help you:

• Avoid airport fees
• Skip paying for a car on days you don’t really need one
• Use walkable areas or rideshares for in-town sightseeing

Quick Comparison: On-Airport vs. In-Town Rentals

How to Get to the Rental Car Center at ATL

Using the ATL SkyTrain

For domestic arrivals, the ATL SkyTrain is the simplest route:

• Cost: Free
• Ride time: Usually under 5 minutes
• Frequency: Trains run continuously throughout the day

Steps:

1. After baggage claim, follow signs to “Rental Cars / ATL SkyTrain.”
2. Board the SkyTrain toward the Rental Car Center.
3. Exit at the RCC station and follow signs to your rental company.

From the International Terminal

If you arrive directly at the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal, you generally:

• Take an RCC shuttle bus from outside the terminal
• Ride to the Rental Car Center (plan extra time, around 10–20 minutes depending on traffic and wait times)

Navigating the Rental Car Center Like a Local

Once at the RCC, the layout is fairly straightforward:

1. Go to your rental company’s counter to check in or confirm your reservation.
2. Present your driver’s license, credit card, and any membership or discount numbers.
3. Receive your contract and parking garage level/space information.
4. Take elevators/escalators to the correct garage level, locate your assigned stall or class row, and inspect the car before driving off.

Local Tip: Inspect and Photograph the Vehicle

Before leaving the garage:

• Walk around the car and check for:
  • Scratches, dents, windshield chips
  • Interior stains or damage
• Take quick photos or a short video of the car’s exterior and interior
• Note any damage at the exit gate or, if needed, return to the counter

This is standard practice for frequent ATL travelers and helps reduce headaches at return time.

Typical Requirements to Rent a Car in Atlanta

Most airport rent‑a‑car companies in Atlanta will require:

• Valid driver’s license (U.S. or acceptable international license)
• Credit card in the renter’s name
• Minimum age, commonly:
  • 25+ for standard rentals without surcharges
  • 21–24 may be allowed but often with a “young driver” fee and limited vehicle classes

Common limitations for younger drivers can include:

• No luxury, premium, or specialty vehicles
• No large vans or specialty SUVs

If you’re an international visitor, you may also need:

• Your passport
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your home country license, depending on the company’s policy

Understanding Fees, Deposits, and Insurance at ATL

Rental Deposits

Most airport rental companies in Atlanta will place a hold (authorization) on your card, which can include:

• Estimated rental charges
• An additional security deposit amount

This hold is typically released after the vehicle is returned and the final charge is processed, but it can take several days to reflect on your card.

Insurance and Protection Options

At the ATL Rental Car Center, you’ll usually be offered:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) / Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
• Liability coverage supplements
• Personal accident or effects coverage

Common approaches Atlanta travelers use:

• Check your own auto insurance before the trip to see if it covers rental cars.
• Check your credit card benefits if you use a card that offers rental car coverage.
• Decide in advance whether you plan to accept or decline the additional coverage to avoid last‑minute decisions at the counter.

Driving Out of ATL: What to Expect

When you leave the Rental Car Center, you’ll merge into Atlanta’s southside road network near I‑85 and I‑285. Know in advance:

• Which direction you’re heading:
  • North on I‑85/I‑75 to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead
  • East or West on I‑285 for Perimeter suburbs, Stone Mountain, or the west metro
• Peak traffic times in Atlanta often include:
  • Morning rush: roughly 7:00–9:30 a.m.
  • Afternoon/evening rush: roughly 3:30–6:30 p.m.

Navigation apps are very helpful in Atlanta due to frequent congestion and ongoing road work.

Returning a Rental Car at ATL

How to Return the Car

1. Follow signs on the interstate for “Rental Car Center” as you approach ATL.
2. Enter the Rental Car Center complex and follow overhead signs for your company’s return area.
3. Drive into the return lane, where an attendant may:
   • Scan the barcode on the windshield
   • Check mileage and fuel level
   • Print or email a receipt

If return is unattended (late night):

• Park in a marked return stall.
• Lock the car and place the keys in the key drop box following posted instructions.
• Take a quick photo of the dashboard with fuel and mileage as a record.

After returning the car:

• Walk back inside the RCC.
• Take the ATL SkyTrain back to the Domestic Terminal.
• If flying internationally, follow signs to the International Terminal shuttle.

Fuel Policies Around ATL

Common fuel options:

• Prepay fuel: Pay upfront to return the car at any fuel level.
• Return full: Refill within a short distance of the airport and keep the receipt.
• Return as-is: Usually the most expensive choice, as the company charges a per‑gallon rate.

If you choose to refuel yourself, stations along Riverdale Road, Camp Creek Parkway, and nearby arterials are popular, but they can be busy and sometimes priced higher due to proximity to the airport.

Renting a Car as an Atlanta Local

If you live in the Atlanta area, using ATL’s Rental Car Center can make sense when:

• You’re flying out and want a one-way rental to another city
• Your personal car is in the shop and you’re already going to be near the airport
• You need specific vehicle types with larger airport fleets (SUVs, vans, specialty models)

However, many locals prefer neighborhood rental branches in:

• Downtown / Midtown (close to major employers and Georgia State/Georgia Tech)
• Buckhead
• Sandy Springs / Dunwoody / Perimeter Center
• Marietta, Decatur, or other suburbs

These can offer:

• More flexible pick‑up and drop‑off around work hours
• Potentially lower daily and weekly rates
• Shorter lines than the airport during busy travel seasons

Tips for Saving Money on Atlanta Airport Car Rentals

Here are practical ways travelers commonly reduce their costs at ATL:

• Compare on-airport vs. neighborhood rates for your dates.
• Avoid unnecessary upgrades at the counter unless you truly need more space.
• Check for membership discounts through auto clubs, employers, or frequent flyer programs.
• Reserve early, especially around holidays, big conventions, and major events like sports championships.
• Rent only for the days you need a car. For in-town stays, combine MARTA, rideshare, and walking with a shorter rental.

Other Ground Transportation Alternatives at ATL

If you’re unsure whether you need a rental:

• MARTA trains run from the Domestic Terminal (Airport Station) to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and beyond.
• Rideshare pick‑ups (Uber, Lyft) and taxis are available at designated zones at both terminals.
• Many hotels near the airport offer free shuttles, reducing the need for a same‑day rental.

Some visitors choose to:

• Take MARTA into the city, enjoy a car‑free stay,
• then rent a car later from a neighborhood location if they plan day trips to places like Stone Mountain, Lake Lanier, or North Georgia.

By understanding how the Atlanta Airport rent‑a‑car system works—especially the Rental Car Center, transportation to and from the terminals, and local driving patterns—you can decide whether to rent at ATL or in town, navigate the process confidently, and avoid common fees and delays.