Renting a Car with Enterprise at Atlanta’s Airport: What Travelers Need to Know
If you search for “Atlanta Airport Enterprise”, you’re usually trying to figure out how to rent a car from Enterprise Rent-A-Car at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)—how it works, where to go, and what to expect once you land in Atlanta.
Below is a clear, practical guide tailored to Atlanta travelers and locals picking up or returning cars at the airport.
Where Enterprise Is Located at Atlanta Airport
Enterprise does not operate directly inside the passenger terminals at ATL. Instead, it’s located at the airport’s Rental Car Center (RCC).
Rental Car Center address:
Multiple major rental companies share this facility, including Enterprise, National, and Alamo (which are part of the same parent company).
You reach the Rental Car Center using the ATL SkyTrain, the airport’s automated people mover.
How to Get to Enterprise from Your Arrival Gate
Step 1: Exit to the Main Terminal
- Land at ATL (domestic or international).
- Follow signs for “Ground Transportation” or “Rental Cars”.
- If you arrive at the International Terminal (Concourse F) and need the Rental Car Center, you may be directed to:
- Use the terminal shuttle to the Domestic Terminal, then
- Connect to the SkyTrain from there.
Step 2: Take the ATL SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center
From the Domestic Terminal:
- Look for signs for “SkyTrain to Rental Car Center/GICC”.
- Board the ATL SkyTrain (it’s free and runs continuously).
- Ride to the Rental Car Center station (only a few minutes).
Step 3: Enter the Rental Car Center and Find Enterprise
Once you arrive:
- Follow overhead signs to Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
- Counters are located inside the main RCC building.
- After checking in, you’ll be directed to the Enterprise garage area to pick up your vehicle.
Enterprise at ATL: Typical Services and Options
At Hartsfield–Jackson, Enterprise generally offers a range of vehicles and services that appeal to both business travelers and vacationers.
Common options include:
- Economy and compact cars – Good for solo travelers and city driving.
- Midsize and full-size cars – Popular for families or longer drives around Georgia.
- SUVs and crossovers – Useful if you’re heading to North Georgia mountains or need more space.
- Premium and luxury vehicles – Sometimes available for business or special occasions.
- Minivans and passenger vans – For larger groups coming in for events or conventions.
Availability can vary based on season, time of day, and local demand (e.g., big events at the Georgia World Congress Center or Mercedes-Benz Stadium can tighten supply), so reservations are usually recommended.
Picking Up Your Enterprise Rental at ATL
1. Reservation vs. Walk-Up
With a reservation:
- Go straight to the Enterprise counter at the Rental Car Center.
- Present your driver’s license and payment card.
- Confirm your vehicle type, rental dates, and extras (such as child seats or GPS, if still offered).
Without a reservation:
- You can usually walk up, but availability is not guaranteed, especially during holidays, busy weekends, or major Atlanta events.
- Prices can be higher for last-minute, walk-up rentals.
2. Required Documents
Travelers are typically asked to show:
- A valid driver’s license (from the U.S. or an accepted foreign country).
- A major credit card in the renter’s name.
- Some renters may be able to use a debit card, but policies can be stricter and may involve:
- Proof of return travel
- Additional identification
- Deposit holds
If you’re an Atlanta local without a flight, policies can differ from “airport renter” policies. Local renters might face:
- Different age requirements
- Different payment/deposit rules
- Limits on certain vehicle classes
Many renters call the local Enterprise desk at the airport ahead of time to confirm current requirements, since policies can change.
3. Age Requirements
At ATL, it’s common for drivers 21–24 years old to be allowed to rent, but:
- A “young renter” surcharge often applies.
- Certain vehicle classes (e.g., high-end or specialty vehicles) may be restricted to 25+.
Drivers under 21 typically have very limited options, if any, at major airport locations.
Returning Your Enterprise Car at Atlanta Airport
1. Driving Back to the Rental Car Center
When you’re headed back to catch a flight:
- Follow signs on the highway for “Rental Car Center” of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
- Major approach roads often include:
- I-85
- I-75
- Camp Creek Parkway (from the west side of Atlanta)
Look for brown and white or green highway signs directing you to the Rental Car Center, not the main terminal parking decks.
2. Following Signs for Enterprise Returns
At the Rental Car Center:
- Drive into the rental car return area.
- Follow signs labeled “Enterprise Return” or similar.
- An attendant typically:
- Checks mileage and fuel
- Scans the vehicle back into the system
- Provides a receipt or return confirmation
Returning during peak times (early mornings, Sunday evenings, or just before major holidays) can be busier, so plan for a little extra time.
3. Getting Back to the Terminal
After you drop the car:
- Walk back inside the Rental Car Center.
- Take the ATL SkyTrain back to the Domestic Terminal.
- If you’re flying internationally, you may need:
- The airport shuttle bus from the Domestic Terminal to the International Terminal (Concourse F), unless your airline provides other instructions.
Enterprise vs. Off-Airport Locations in Atlanta
If you’re staying in the city for more than a few days, you may wonder whether to rent at Atlanta Airport or from a neighborhood Enterprise branch.
Here are key differences many Atlanta renters consider:
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise at ATL Airport | Convenient if you land and drive immediately; extended hours; many vehicle options | Airport-related fees can be higher; busier lines |
| Neighborhood Enterprise (city) | Often more convenient if you’re already in town; sometimes different pricing | May have shorter hours; limited vehicle types; need transportation to/from branch |
Common neighborhood Enterprise locations (information can change, so verify before travel) are found around:
- Downtown / Midtown Atlanta
- Buckhead
- Decatur
- Sandy Springs / Perimeter area
- College Park and East Point (near the airport)
If you’re an Atlanta resident flying out and only need a car for a road trip, some people choose a non-airport branch to avoid certain airport add-on fees, then head out from there.
Tips for Using Enterprise at Atlanta Airport
1. Plan Around Atlanta Traffic
Metro Atlanta traffic can be heavy, especially:
- Weekday mornings (roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.)
- Weekday afternoons/evenings (roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.)
When returning your Enterprise car to ATL:
- Add 30–60 extra minutes if you’re coming from:
- Downtown/Midtown
- Perimeter (I-285)
- North Atlanta suburbs (Alpharetta, Roswell, Marietta)
Remember you need time to:
- Drive to the Rental Car Center.
- Return the vehicle.
- Take the SkyTrain back to the terminal.
- Go through security and reach your gate.
2. Fuel Considerations
Near the airport, especially along Camp Creek Parkway, you’ll find multiple gas stations where travelers typically fill up before returning rental cars.
Options renters often consider:
- Return full: You refill the tank at a gas station near ATL.
- Prepaid fuel options: Offered at the Enterprise counter; you pay upfront to return the car with any fuel level.
- Refuel charge: If you bring it back low, Enterprise refuels it at a per-gallon rate that’s usually higher than local pump prices.
Many renters prefer to fill up themselves shortly before reaching the Rental Car Center to avoid higher refuel rates.
3. One-Way Rentals from Atlanta Airport
Enterprise at ATL may allow one-way rentals, such as:
- ATL → Savannah, GA
- ATL → Macon, Augusta, or Athens
- ATL → Out-of-state cities (depending on branch policies)
These often involve:
- A one-way drop fee
- Specific rules on where you can leave the vehicle
If you’re planning a road trip starting in Atlanta and ending somewhere else, confirm the pickup and drop-off rules in advance.
Enterprise at ATL for Atlanta Residents
If you live in metro Atlanta and want to rent from the airport Enterprise location, consider:
- Parking at the airport:
- You’ll need to leave your personal vehicle in an airport parking facility if you’re picking up at the airport and flying out later.
- Alternative branches:
- Many locals use a nearby city branch (e.g., in Decatur, Buckhead, or South Atlanta) if they don’t need to start or end directly at the airport.
- Identification and address:
- As a local renter, be ready to show valid ID with your current address; additional documentation may be requested with debit card rentals.
Residents often weigh price vs. convenience, especially if they’re heading out on a road trip rather than catching a flight.
Key Takeaways for Renting with Enterprise at Atlanta Airport
- Location: Enterprise operates at Hartsfield–Jackson’s Rental Car Center, reached via the ATL SkyTrain from the Domestic Terminal.
- Process: After landing, follow signs for Rental Cars, take the SkyTrain, check in at the Enterprise counter, then proceed to the garage to collect your vehicle.
- Returns: Follow highway signs to the Rental Car Center, return your car in the Enterprise area, and use the SkyTrain back to the terminal.
- Local context: Atlanta’s traffic, airport layout, and neighboring Enterprise branches can all affect what’s most convenient and cost-effective.
- Preparation helps: Reserving ahead, allowing extra time for traffic, and understanding fuel and payment policies can make your Atlanta Airport Enterprise experience smoother.
This is the basic framework of how Enterprise works at Atlanta’s airport so you can plan your arrival, your stay in the city, and your departure with fewer surprises.