Atlanta Airport Accommodation: Where to Stay Near Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)

Finding the right Atlanta airport accommodation can make your trip smoother, whether you’re catching a red-eye, landing late, or dealing with a long layover at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Because ATL is so close to downtown and well-connected by MARTA, you have a wide range of options—from attached terminal hotels to budget motels and extended-stay suites.

Below is a practical guide focused specifically on staying near Atlanta’s airport, how to get around, and what to expect in nearby neighborhoods.

Key Things to Know About Staying Near ATL

Location basics

• Airport address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Located about 7–10 miles south of Downtown Atlanta, depending on your route
• Served by I-75, I-85, and the I-285 Perimeter, plus MARTA rail and buses

Good reasons to choose airport accommodation:

• Early morning or late-night flights
• Long layovers where you want a real bed and shower
• Business trips with meetings near the airport or in Clayton County
• Avoiding Atlanta traffic before a flight
• Easy access to car rental centers and convention spaces near the airport

Main Types of Atlanta Airport Accommodation

1. Hotels Directly at or Next to the Airport

These are the closest possible options if you want to roll out of bed and be at your gate quickly.

Common features:

• Free 24/7 airport shuttles every 10–30 minutes
• Quick access to Domestic Terminal and/or SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center
• On-site restaurants, bars, and fitness centers
• Business-friendly amenities like meeting rooms and workspaces

These properties typically sit around:

• N Terminal Pkwy / S Terminal Pkwy
• Airport Blvd
• The Gateway Center area (connected to the airport by the free ATL SkyTrain)

These are ideal if:

• You have an overnight layover
• You’re traveling with kids and want to minimize logistics
• You’re heading straight to a morning meeting near the airport or College Park

2. Hotels on the North Side of ATL (College Park / Virginia Ave / Airport Blvd)

The north side of the airport, especially around Virginia Avenue, is one of the most popular hotel clusters.

What to expect:

• Large strip of mid-range chain hotels along Virginia Ave
• Many hotels with complimentary airport shuttles
• Easy access to I-85 and Downtown Atlanta
• A mix of casual restaurants, fast food, and a few local spots within walking or short driving distance

This area works well if:

• You want a balance between cost and convenience
• You might head into the city using MARTA from the airport
• You prefer being near more dining options instead of being right inside the terminal

3. Hotels on the South Side of ATL (Riverdale Rd / Phoenix Blvd / Old National Hwy)

South of the airport, especially near Riverdale Road, Phoenix Boulevard, and Old National Highway, you’ll find more budget-friendly options.

What you’ll typically find:

• Economy and mid-tier hotels and motels
• Some properties with shuttles, but not all—verify in advance
• Quick access to I-285 and I-75

These can be a fit if:

• You’re trying to keep costs low
• You have a rental car and don’t mind driving to the terminal
• You’re visiting friends or family in Forest Park, Riverdale, or South Fulton areas

4. Extended-Stay and Suite-Style Hotels

If you’re in Atlanta for more than a couple of nights—especially for training, relocation, aviation work, or long connections—an extended-stay hotel near the airport can be more comfortable.

Common features:

• Kitchenettes or full kitchens
• On-site laundry
• Weekly or monthly rate options
• Larger living space than a standard hotel room

These tend to cluster:

• Around Virginia Ave / Airport Blvd north of ATL
• Along Phoenix Blvd and nearby business parks
• Near some College Park and Hapeville corporate areas

Best for:

• Airline crew and airport staff
• Business travelers on multi-week assignments
• Families wanting apartment-style accommodation close to the airport

5. Short-Term Rentals and Alternative Stays

In neighborhoods around the airport like College Park, Hapeville, and East Point, there are typically a variety of short-term rentals available.

Pros:

• Often more space for groups and families
• A more residential, local feel
• Kitchens and living rooms for longer stays

Cons:

• No guaranteed shuttle service—you’ll likely need rideshare, taxi, or rental car
• Varying quality and safety; you’ll want to pay close attention to reviews and exact location

These can make sense if:

• You’re visiting family in nearby neighborhoods
• You want to split time between downtown and the airport
• You’re staying more than a long weekend and want a home-like setup

Quick Comparison: Common Atlanta Airport Stay Options

How to Get Between Atlanta Airport and Your Accommodation

Using Airport Shuttles

Many airport-area hotels and extended-stay properties offer free shuttles.

How it usually works:

1. After landing, pick up your checked bags.
2. Follow signs for “Ground Transportation” at the Domestic Terminal.
3. Look for the Hotel Shuttle area outside.
4. Shuttles are often marked with the hotel name or logo.

Tips:

• Check your hotel’s website or call ahead: How often does the shuttle run? 24/7 or limited hours?
• If you’re arriving at International Terminal (Concourse F), you may need to take either:
  • The international shuttle to the Domestic Terminal, then your hotel shuttle, or
  • A direct hotel pick-up if they offer it (less common—verify in advance).

MARTA (Atlanta’s Rail System)

The MARTA Airport Station is located inside the Domestic Terminal, at the end of the baggage claim level.

• MARTA is useful if your accommodation is:
  • In Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or neighborhoods along the Red/Gold lines
  • Not strictly “airport accommodation” but still convenient for your flight
• Rail hours and frequency can vary, but trains generally run from early morning to late night.

If you’re staying near the airport but not in a walkable area to MARTA, you’d typically:

• Take MARTA from the airport into the city; or
• Use Uber, Lyft, taxi, or a hotel shuttle between the airport and your stay.

Taxis, Uber, and Lyft

All major rideshare and taxi services operate at ATL.

• Taxi stands are located at Ground Transportation outside the Domestic Terminal.
• Rideshare pick-up zones (Uber, Lyft, etc.) are clearly signed; drivers often wait in the airport staging area nearby.

These are often the simplest option if:

• Your hotel doesn’t have a shuttle, especially at odd hours
• You’re staying in College Park, Hapeville, East Point, or a short-term rental

Airport-Adjacent Areas to Know

College Park

• Just west/northwest of the airport
• Served by College Park MARTA Station (Red/Gold line)
• Mix of historic homes, small businesses, and airport hotels
• Popular for:
  • Travelers wanting quick MARTA into downtown
  • People visiting local colleges or training centers near the airport

Hapeville

• Northeast of the airport, between I-75 and the runways
• Smaller city with a walkable downtown Hapeville
• Known for its arts murals and older residential areas
• Some travelers choose Hapeville stays for a quieter, small-town feel close to ATL

East Point

• North of the airport, also along the MARTA Red/Gold line
• Mix of residential neighborhoods, retail, and industrial zones
• You may find short-term rentals and some small hotels here
• Convenient if you’re splitting time between the airport and Downtown/Midtown

How to Choose the Best Atlanta Airport Accommodation for Your Situation

Consider these questions before you book:

1. How close do you really need to be?

• Layover or 5–7 a.m. flight?
  • Look at airport-attached or SkyTrain-accessible hotels.
• Normal business or leisure trip?
  • Virginia Ave / College Park / Hapeville may balance cost and convenience.

2. Do you need reliable 24/7 transport?

• If your flight lands after midnight or leaves before sunrise:
  • Confirm 24-hour shuttle service, or
  • Plan to rely on rideshare/taxi.

3. Are you planning to visit Downtown or Midtown Atlanta?

• If yes, you might prefer:
  • A hotel near the airport + MARTA (College Park / Airport Station access), or
  • Staying in Downtown or Midtown itself and riding MARTA to ATL when you fly.

4. How long are you staying?

• One night: standard or airport-adjacent hotel is usually enough.
• A week or more: consider extended-stay or a short-term rental with kitchen and laundry.

5. Are you traveling with family or a group?

• Look for:
  • Suites or family rooms
  • Properties with free breakfast and on-site dining
  • Proximity to grocery stores if you choose a rental or extended-stay

Safety and Practical Tips Near ATL

Atlanta’s airport area is a mix of commercial, industrial, and residential zones. Experiences can vary by block.

✅ Smart steps:

• Read recent reviews for any hotel or rental, focusing on comments about cleanliness, safety, and shuttle reliability.
• If you’re arriving late at night:
  • Pre-book your accommodation.
  • Confirm shuttle instructions or know exactly where your rideshare pickup point is.
• Keep valuables out of sight if you have a rental car, especially in open hotel parking lots.

What Else Is Near Atlanta Airport?

If you have a bit of time while staying near ATL, you’re not limited to just the terminal:

• Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) – Convention and meeting facility in College Park, accessible via ATL SkyTrain to the Gateway Center.
• Local dining – College Park and Hapeville have a mix of Southern, soul food, and international spots, plus familiar chains along Virginia Ave and Old National Hwy.
• Downtown Atlanta – Often around 15–25 minutes away by car or MARTA, depending on traffic.

Helpful Local Contact Points

These are general, official contacts that can help if you need airport-specific info while planning your stay:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

  • General Phone: (800) 897-1910 (airport information line)
  • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

• MARTA Customer Information (for rail and bus schedules from/to the airport)

  • Phone: (404) 848-5000
  • Main office: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324

These resources can be useful if you need real-time clarification about transportation, terminal access, or general airport services that might affect your accommodation choice.

By focusing on your flight time, transportation needs, length of stay, and budget, you can quickly narrow down the best Atlanta airport accommodation—whether that’s a terminal-adjacent hotel for a single night or an extended-stay suite in College Park for a longer visit.