Atlanta Airport Daily Parking Fees: What It Really Costs to Park at Hartsfield-Jackson
If you’re flying in or out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), knowing the daily parking fees ahead of time can save you stress, money, and last‑minute scrambling.
Below is a clear breakdown of ATL airport parking rates by lot, how daily pricing works, and how to decide which option fits your trip and budget.
Main Atlanta Airport Parking Options and Daily Fees
ATL offers several types of parking, each with different daily rates, walking distance, and convenience levels.
Quick Fee Snapshot (Typical Price Ranges)
| Parking Type | Typical Daily Range* | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Terminal Hourly | Higher | Very short stays, picking up/dropping off |
| Domestic Terminal Daily | Mid–High | 1–4 day trips, closer walk to terminals |
| Economy Parking (Domestic) | Lower–Mid | Budget-conscious travelers, longer trips |
| Park-Ride Lots (Shuttle) | Lower | Longer trips, okay with shuttle ride |
| International Terminal Parking | Mid–High | International departures/arrivals |
| Cell Phone Waiting Lot | Free | Waiting to pick someone up, no parking plan |
*Use this as a relative comparison; exact dollar amounts can change.
Domestic Terminal Parking: Daily Fee Details
Most Atlanta-area residents and many visitors use the Domestic Terminal (North and South) for major airlines. You’ll find several parking choices with different daily fees.
1. Domestic Terminal Hourly Parking
Where it is: Parking decks located directly in front of the North and South Domestic Terminals.
Good for:
- Picking up or dropping off passengers
- Very short meetings or quick terminal access
- When you need to park as close as possible
Daily fee structure:
- Charged by the hour, with a maximum daily cap
- Because the hourly rate is high, full‑day parking here is usually one of the most expensive options at ATL
Tip: If you’re leaving your car overnight or longer, hourly parking is usually not cost‑effective. It’s designed for short visits.
2. Domestic Terminal Daily Parking
Where it is: Multi-level parking decks close to the Domestic Terminal, but not as close as hourly parking.
Good for:
- Weekend trips
- 2–4 day business travel
- Travelers who want to avoid shuttles and prefer a shorter walk to the terminal
Daily fee pattern:
- Flat daily rate after the first few hours
- Typically less per day than Hourly, but more than Economy
- Often a reasonable compromise between convenience and cost
Best use: If you live in metro Atlanta and are heading out on a 3–5 day trip, Domestic Daily Parking is often a practical choice.
3. Economy Parking (North & South Economy Lots)
Where it is: Surface lots a bit farther from the Domestic Terminal than Daily Parking, but still within walking or short shuttle distance, depending on where you park.
Good for:
- Budget-minded travelers
- Week-long vacations
- Anyone comfortable with slightly longer walks
Daily fee pattern:
- Lower daily rate than Domestic Daily lots
- Typically one of the most popular options for ATL travelers because it’s cheaper but still reasonably convenient
Practical note: These lots can fill up during holidays, long weekends, and busy travel seasons, so plan to arrive early or have a backup option in mind.
4. ATL Park-Ride Lots (Shuttle Parking)
ATL operates Park-Ride lots that connect to the terminals via shuttle buses.
Good for:
- Longer trips (a week or more)
- Travelers looking for lower daily fees
- People who don’t mind waiting for and riding a shuttle
Daily fee pattern:
- Typically lower than Economy and Daily parking
- Charged per calendar day, with a maximum daily rate
How it works:
- Park in the Park-Ride lot.
- A shuttle picks you up near your car.
- You’re dropped off at the Domestic or International Terminal, depending on the specific lot and shuttle route.
- On return, you catch the shuttle back from the clearly marked pickup areas.
Tip: Factor in extra time for parking, waiting for the shuttle, and riding to the terminal—especially during morning rush hours or busy travel days.
International Terminal Parking: Daily Fees and Options
If you’re flying internationally from Concourse F or using the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal, you’ll see separate parking options on that side of the airport.
1. International Terminal Hourly & Daily Parking Deck
Where it is: A multi-level deck directly adjacent to the International Terminal.
Good for:
- Passengers departing from or arriving to Concourse F
- Shorter international trips where convenience matters
- Picking up or dropping off international travelers
Daily fee pattern:
- Hourly rate with a daily maximum
- Daily maximum is often comparable to or slightly higher than Domestic Daily Parking
Note for Atlanta residents: If you’re flying a domestic leg that connects to an international flight, check whether your airline prefers you to check in at the Domestic or International Terminal—this can influence where it makes sense to park.
2. International Park-Ride Lot (Shuttle)
Some travelers to the International Terminal use Park-Ride options tailored for that side of the airport.
Good for:
- Longer international trips (week+ vacations, extended stays)
- Travelers prioritizing lower daily cost over walking distance
- Those fine with a shuttle ride both ways
Daily fee pattern:
- Typically lower daily rate than the International deck
- Paid per day with a defined maximum
Free Option: Cell Phone Waiting Lot (Short-Term, No Daily Fee)
If you’re just picking someone up at ATL and don’t need to go into the terminal, the Cell Phone Waiting Lot is a useful free option.
How it works:
- You wait in your car in the free lot
- When your passenger has picked up their luggage and is curbside, they call or text you
- You drive from the lot to the appropriate terminal curb for pickup
Key points:
- No daily fee, but you cannot leave your car unattended
- This is not for overnight or long-term parking
- Convenient for local Atlanta residents picking up friends or family
How ATL Daily Parking Fees Are Typically Calculated
Two main pricing approaches are used across lots:
Hourly until a cap is reached
- You pay an hourly rate up to a maximum daily amount
- Common in hourly and some daily decks
Flat daily rate
- Once you pass a certain number of hours, you’re charged the set daily fee
- Common in Economy and Park-Ride lots
Example scenario (for understanding only):
- You park at a daily lot at 8:00 a.m. Monday and leave at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday.
- The system usually counts this as two days of parking, because your car was there across two calendar days or more than a 24‑hour period, depending on how the lot calculates time.
Always check the posted signs at the entrance or near the payment machines to see how partial days are billed.
Choosing the Right Atlanta Airport Parking for Your Budget
When you’re deciding where to park at ATL, think through:
1. Length of Your Trip
- Same-day or very short stay:
- Hourly parking may be acceptable if you prioritize minimum walking and fast access.
- 2–4 days:
- Domestic or International Daily Parking decks offer a balance of price and proximity.
- 5+ days:
- Economy or Park-Ride lots usually make the most financial sense.
2. How Much Walking or Shuttling You’re Okay With
- Prefer to walk directly into the terminal with luggage?
- Choose Hourly or Daily decks close to the terminal.
- Okay with riding a shuttle and waiting 5–15 minutes?
- Go with Economy or Park-Ride to save on the daily rate.
3. Time of Day and Traffic
Atlanta traffic is often heavy during:
- Weekday mornings
- Late afternoons and early evenings
- Weekends with major events or holidays
Add extra time if you’re:
- Using Park-Ride or Economy
- Traveling during peak commute hours on I‑75, I‑85, or I‑285
- Coming from northern suburbs like Marietta, Alpharetta, or Roswell
Tips to Keep Your Total Parking Cost Down
Here are some Atlanta-specific strategies to manage your daily parking spend at ATL:
Avoid Hourly decks for overnight stays
These are designed for short-term use; daily fees add up quickly.Arrive earlier to access Economy or Park-Ride
Popular lower-cost lots can fill up, especially during summer travel and holiday seasons.Take a photo of your parking spot and level
ATL’s parking decks and lots are large, and this saves time on your return.Note your entry time
Knowing roughly when you parked helps you estimate the number of billable days.Consider time versus money
If your flight is very early, paying a little more for a closer lot might be worth it to reduce stress.
Where to Confirm Current ATL Parking Rates
Since daily parking fees can change, it’s wise to confirm rates just before your trip. Reliable ways to do that include:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport main information line:
- Phone: (800) 897-1910 (airport information)
Parking information via airport customer service desks:
- Located in the Domestic and International Terminals
On-site signage at each lot or deck
- Posted at the entrance gate or near payment machines showing current daily and hourly rates
If you live in the City of Atlanta or the surrounding metro area, you can also check directly with the airport before heading out, especially around peak holidays, to confirm lot availability and current daily parking fees.
Understanding the Atlanta airport daily parking fee structure helps you choose the right lot, avoid surprise charges, and plan how early you need to leave home. With the options at Hartsfield-Jackson—from hourly decks to Park-Ride shuttles—you can usually find a balance between cost, convenience, and travel time that fits your trip.