Atlanta Airport Car Rental: How to Easily Rent a Car at Hartsfield-Jackson

If you’re flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and need a car, you’ll use one main hub: the Rental Car Center (RCC). Understanding how it works, how to get there, and how to choose the right rental can save you a lot of time and hassle.

This guide walks you through Atlanta airport car rental step-by-step, with local tips that matter if you live in Atlanta, travel here often, or are visiting for the first time.

Where to Rent a Car at Atlanta Airport

All major airport car rental companies at ATL are located in one place:

Rental Car Center (RCC)
2200 Rental Car Center Parkway
College Park, GA 30337

The RCC is not inside the main terminal, but it’s directly connected by the ATL SkyTrain, a free automated train.

Rental companies at the Atlanta Airport Rental Car Center

Most well-known rental brands operate at the RCC, typically including:

• Large national rental companies (serving business, family, and vacation travelers)
• Discount and value-focused agencies
• Specialty and extended-stay rental brands (in some cases)

Specific companies and counters can change over time, so it’s best to confirm availability and hours when you book. However, you can expect a wide range of:

• Economy and compact cars
• Standard and full-size sedans
• SUVs and minivans
• Trucks or specialty vehicles, depending on the company

How to Get to the Rental Car Center from the Airport

From the Domestic Terminal (North or South)

1. Follow signs for “Rental Cars” or “SkyTrain.”
   After baggage claim, you’ll see overhead signs pointing you toward the ATL SkyTrain.

2. Take the escalator or elevator up to the SkyTrain station.
   The station is at the west end of the domestic terminal, outside the main building.

3. Board the ATL SkyTrain.

   • The ride is free.
   • Trains run frequently, generally every few minutes.
   • The Rental Car Center is usually the second stop after the airport hotel station.

4. Exit at “Rental Car Center.”
   You’ll arrive directly at the multi-level RCC building, where all rental companies have counters and parking decks.

From the International Terminal (Concourse F)

You have two main options:

Option 1: Airport Shuttle to Domestic Terminal + SkyTrain

• Follow signs for “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Cars.”
• Look for the free airport shuttle to the Domestic Terminal.
• From the Domestic Terminal, follow the steps above to reach the SkyTrain and then the RCC.

Option 2: Direct Rental Car Center Shuttle (if available)
Sometimes there are direct shuttles from the international terminal to the RCC. Look for Rental Car Center signage near ground transportation or ask an airport staff member what’s currently running.

For travelers with lots of luggage, children, or mobility concerns, factor in extra time—moving between terminals and the RCC at ATL can take 20–40 minutes when crowds are heavy.

What to Expect at the Rental Car Center

The Atlanta Rental Car Center is a large, multi-level facility with:

• Rental counters for each company
• Parking garages where you pick up and return vehicles
• Customer service desks and help kiosks
• Restrooms and waiting areas
• Designated pick-up and drop-off lanes

Picking up your car

1. Head to your rental company’s counter.
   Follow the overhead signs inside the RCC.

2. Provide your documents:

   • Valid driver’s license
   • Credit card (some locations accept debit cards with additional requirements)
   • Reservation confirmation (printed or on your phone)

3. Review the rental agreement.
   Check:

   • Daily rate and total estimated charges
   • Fuel policy (pre-paid, return full, or pay-on-return)
   • Mileage limits, if any
   • Insurance and coverage options

4. Go to the parking deck level for your company.
   Staff will direct you to the correct floor and row.

5. Inspect the car before leaving.

   • Look for dents, scratches, or windshield chips.
   • Take photos or a short video of the exterior and interior.
   • Make sure any existing damage is noted on the rental form or the company’s app.

Returning your car

1. Follow signs on the highway for “Rental Car Center.”
   As you approach the airport on I-85, I-75, or Camp Creek Parkway, you’ll see signs for the RCC.

2. Enter the Rental Car Center complex.
   Signs will direct you to your specific company’s return lane.

3. Pull into the return area.
   Staff will:

   • Check the fuel level
   • Record the mileage
   • Note any damage, if present
   • Print or email your final receipt

4. Take the SkyTrain back to the terminal.
   From the RCC, ride the free ATL SkyTrain back to the Domestic Terminal, or use shuttle service if you’re departing from the International Terminal.

Typical Costs and Fees to Watch For

Prices change often and depend on demand, but at Atlanta’s airport you can expect:

• Higher base rates than some off-airport locations, especially during conventions, holidays, and busy travel seasons.
• Additional airport-specific fees, such as:
  • Concession recovery fees
  • Facility charges
  • Local taxes

Common add-ons that affect your total price

• Underage driver fee (typically for drivers under 25)
• Additional driver fee (unless a spouse or domestic partner is automatically included)
• GPS, toll pass, or Wi-Fi device rentals
• Child safety seats or booster seats
• Prepaid fuel options

To keep costs under control:

• Compare daily rates vs. weekly rates—longer rentals can sometimes lower the average daily cost.
• Decide before you arrive whether you want to refuel yourself or pay the company’s per-gallon rate.
• Consider whether you truly need extras like GPS if your smartphone can handle navigation.

Atlanta-Specific Driving Considerations

Once you leave the airport in your rental car, you’ll be driving straight into the Atlanta metro traffic environment, which has its own quirks.

Navigating highways around ATL

Major routes near the airport include:

• I-85 – connects the airport north toward Midtown and Buckhead
• I-75 – runs north–south through Downtown and up to Cobb County
• I-285 – the “Perimeter” encircling Atlanta
• Camp Creek Parkway – connects the airport area to I-285 and neighborhoods to the west

Traffic can be heavy during rush hours, typically:

• Morning: roughly 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
• Evening: roughly 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

If your schedule allows, try to avoid pick-up or drop-off during peak times, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Atlanta’s interchanges.

Tolls and express lanes

Georgia uses Peach Pass express lanes on some segments of I-75, I-85, and I-575. Not every rental car is automatically equipped for toll billing. Before you exit the RCC:

• Ask your rental company whether toll charges and express lanes are allowed and how they’re billed.
• If you don’t have authorization, stay in the general purpose lanes to avoid unexpected charges.

Renting a Car at ATL vs. In-Town Locations

If you’re local to Atlanta, you might wonder whether it’s better to rent:

• At the airport, or
• From a neighborhood rental office in places like Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, Decatur, or near Perimeter Center.

Pros of renting at the airport

• Largest vehicle selection
• Extended operating hours (often early morning to late night)
• Convenient if you’re flying in and out of ATL

Pros of renting off-airport

• Potentially lower base rates and fewer airport-specific fees
• More convenient if you live in Atlanta and don’t need to deal with airport traffic
• Easier access by MARTA or rideshare in many Atlanta neighborhoods

If you’re flying in, picking up at the RCC is usually the most straightforward choice. If you live in the city and are starting a road trip, consider comparing airport rates to those at local branches in your neighborhood.

Required Documents and Eligibility

To rent a car at Atlanta’s airport, you’ll typically need:

• A valid driver’s license
• A major credit card in the primary driver’s name
• To meet the company’s minimum age requirement

Age requirements

Most airport rental companies:

• Rent to drivers 25 and older at standard rates
• Rent to drivers 21–24 with an additional underage fee
• May have stricter limits or require certain card types for drivers under 25

Policies can vary, so if you’re in your early 20s, it’s important to check age rules and extra fees before arrival.

International visitors

If you’re visiting Atlanta from another country, you’ll usually need:

• Your home country driver’s license
• Sometimes an International Driving Permit (IDP), depending on your license language and rental company rules
• A passport for identification
• A valid credit card

Confirm requirements when you make the booking, especially if your license is not in English.

Insurance and Protection Options

At the Rental Car Center, staff will often present several coverage options. These may include:

• Collision or loss damage waivers (covering damage or theft to the rental vehicle itself)
• Liability coverage (for damage or injury you might cause to others)
• Personal accident coverage
• Coverage for personal belongings in the car

Before you get to ATL:

• Check what your personal auto insurance covers when driving rentals.
• Review whether your credit card includes any rental car coverage when you pay with it.
• Decide how much additional coverage you want from the rental company.

This can help you move more quickly at the counter and avoid buying coverage you don’t need.

Family and Group Travel Tips

If you’re traveling through Atlanta’s airport with family or a group:

Child seats

• Most rental companies at the RCC offer infant, convertible, and booster seats for a daily fee.
• Availability can be limited; reserving in advance is strongly recommended.
• If you’re local to Atlanta, you may find it easier and more economical to bring your own car seat.

Managing luggage and passengers

To make pick-up smoother at ATL:

• Consider having one adult go to the Rental Car Center to pick up the car while another adult stays at baggage claim with children and luggage.
• Once the driver has the rental car, they can drive back to the terminal curbside for pickup, rather than moving everyone and everything to the RCC.

Time Planning: How Long Does It Take?

Because of the size of ATL and the need to use the SkyTrain or shuttle, build in a bit of extra time:

After landing to driving away in a rental car:

• Baggage claim: 10–30 minutes
• Walk to SkyTrain + wait time: 5–15 minutes
• SkyTrain ride to RCC: about 5 minutes
• Rental counter + car selection/inspection: 10–30 minutes

In total, it can range from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on crowds and the time of day.

Before your departing flight:

• Returning the car at the RCC: 10–20 minutes
• SkyTrain or shuttle back to the terminal: 5–20 minutes
• Airline check-in and security: varies widely by airline and time

For most domestic flights out of ATL, many travelers aim to arrive at the Rental Car Center at least 2–2.5 hours before departure. For international flights, more time is wise.

Quick Reference: Atlanta Airport Car Rental at a Glance

Practical Tips for a Smooth Atlanta Airport Car Rental

• ✅ Reserve ahead of time, especially during major events, holidays, or summer travel.
• ✅ Take photos of the car when you pick it up and when you return it.
• ✅ Check the fuel policy so you know whether to refill before coming back to the RCC.
• ✅ Allow extra time for the SkyTrain or shuttle connection, especially during busy periods.
• ✅ Use navigation apps to avoid Atlanta’s heaviest traffic and lane changes.

Understanding how the Atlanta airport car rental system works—centered around the Rental Car Center and ATL SkyTrain—makes it much easier to plan your arrival, your drive through the city, and your return to the airport with confidence.