Renting a Car with Hertz at Atlanta Airport: What You Need to Know

If you’re searching for “Atlanta Airport Hertz”, you’re most likely flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and want to know exactly where Hertz is, how to get there, what to expect, and how it works locally. This guide walks through the entire process step by step, tailored specifically to Atlanta.

Where Is Hertz at Atlanta Airport?

Hertz at Atlanta Airport is not inside the main terminals. Like most major rental brands at ATL, it operates from the Consolidated Rental Car Center (CONRAC).

Consolidated Rental Car Center (CONRAC)
2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy
College Park, GA 30337

This facility serves all travelers arriving at ATL, whether you’re a visitor or a local Atlantan flying back home.

How to Get to Hertz from the ATL Terminals

Step 1: Arrive and Follow Signs to Rental Cars

After your flight lands:

• At Domestic Terminal (North or South):

  • Follow overhead signs for “Ground Transportation” and then “Rental Cars”.
  • You’ll be guided to the SkyTrain station.

• At the International Terminal (Concourse F):

  • You may need to take a shuttle bus to the Rental Car Center or to the Domestic Terminal first, depending on which exit you use and your airline.
  • Look for “Rental Cars” or “Rental Car Center” signs and ask airport staff if you’re unsure; the path can feel less intuitive than from the domestic side.

Step 2: Take the ATL SkyTrain

The ATL SkyTrain:

• Is free, automated, and runs 24/7 in most cases.
• Connects:
  • Domestic Terminal
  • Georgia International Convention Center (GICC)
  • Rental Car Center (CONRAC)

Ride the SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center stop. The ride typically takes just a few minutes.

Step 3: Walk to Hertz in the Rental Car Center

Once you exit the SkyTrain at the Rental Car Center:

• Enter the main building.
• Look for overhead signs listing rental brands.
• Hertz counters and the parking garage where Hertz vehicles are staged are clearly marked.

Picking Up Your Hertz Car at Atlanta Airport

What You’ll Need

To pick up your car at Hertz in Atlanta, you’ll typically need:

• A valid driver’s license
• A major credit card (debit may be accepted with extra requirements)
• Reservation details (confirmation number, especially during busy times)
• Proof of insurance if requested, or a decision about purchasing coverage at the counter
• If you’re an international visitor, passport and sometimes an International Driving Permit, depending on your license

Locals returning to ATL should double-check that the license address and payment card information are up to date, as mismatches can slow things down.

At the Counter vs. Skip-the-Counter Programs

Depending on your reservation:

• Standard rental:
  • You’ll stop at the Hertz counter at the Rental Car Center, present your documents, confirm details, and get your contract and stall number.
• Membership / “go straight to car” style programs (if applicable to your account):
  • You might be able to bypass the full counter interaction and go directly to a designated area of the garage.
  • Check your confirmation for “counter bypass” or similar language before you travel.

Vehicle Pickup Area

After completing check-in:

• You’ll be directed to a specific level and row in the adjacent parking structure.
• Many customers are allowed to choose from certain cars within a category row (e.g., standard, SUV, etc.), while others will have a specific vehicle assigned.

🔑 Tip: Before driving off:

• Check for existing damage and mention anything you notice that’s not already marked.
• Confirm fuel level, mileage, and return instructions on your rental agreement.

Driving Out of Atlanta Airport with Your Hertz Car

When you leave the Rental Car Center:

• Follow signs to I-85, I-75, or I-285 depending on where you’re headed in metro Atlanta.
• From ATL, many people drive to:
  • Downtown Atlanta (via I-85/I-75 North)
  • Midtown and Buckhead (continue north on the Downtown Connector I-85/75, then onto GA-400 or through surface streets)
  • Cobb, Gwinnett, and other suburbs via I-285 or branch interstates

Atlanta’s interstates can be heavily congested, especially:

• Weekday mornings (roughly 6:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.)
• Weekday evenings (roughly 3:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.)

If you’re new to the area, build in extra time and patience for traffic, particularly if you’re driving to downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.

Returning Your Hertz Car to Atlanta Airport

Where to Return Your Car

You’ll return your Hertz vehicle to the same Rental Car Center:

Rental Car Center (Return Area)
2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy
College Park, GA 30337

As you approach ATL:

1. Follow highway signs for “Rental Car Center” or “Rental Cars”, not the main passenger terminals.
2. Once you enter the Rental Car Center loop road, look for Hertz return signs.
3. Pull into the designated return lane and wait for an attendant to:
   • Check mileage and fuel
   • Inspect the vehicle
   • Provide a receipt or return confirmation

After returning your car:

• Walk back into the Rental Car Center building.
• Board the SkyTrain back to the Domestic Terminal, or follow posted guidance / shuttle instructions if you’re going to the International Terminal.

⏱️ Time planning:
From the interstate exit to your gate, returning your car, riding the SkyTrain, and clearing security can take longer than many travelers expect. Locals often recommend adding at least 30–45 minutes beyond your normal airport arrival time when you’re returning a rental car at ATL, especially during busier travel seasons.

Hertz at ATL vs. Off-Airport Locations in Atlanta

Many visitors wonder whether to rent at the airport or use another Hertz office around metro Atlanta.

Here’s a simple comparison:

If you live in Atlanta, you might:

• Choose a neighborhood Hertz location away from the airport to avoid some airport-related fees, especially for local trips.
• Or use the airport Hertz if you prefer extended hours and predictable availability tied to flight schedules.

Tolls, Traffic, and Local Driving Considerations

Tolls Around Atlanta

Metro Atlanta has a mix of toll express lanes on:

• Parts of I-75, I-85, and I-285, among others.

Things to know:

• Some express lanes require a peach-colored transponder (or compatible) to use at the dynamically priced toll rate.
• Rental agreements with Hertz often include:
  • An option to enroll in a toll program through the rental company, or
  • A policy on what happens if you drive through toll lanes without a pass.

If you expect to drive on I-75 or I-85 north of the city, ask the rental agent at ATL:

• Whether your rental is equipped for electronic tolls.
• What fees might apply if you use toll lanes.

Traffic Patterns

Atlanta is known for heavy traffic, especially:

• Along the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) through the city.
• On the Perimeter (I-285), particularly on the north side.
• Near stadiums and arenas (e.g., when there are events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Truist Park).

🔍 Helpful local habits:

• Use navigation apps to check live traffic and incident reports.
• Plan extra time for drives to and from the airport during rush hour.
• Consider alternates like Camp Creek Parkway, Metropolitan Parkway, or local routes when interstates are at a standstill—if you’re comfortable with local roads.

Fueling Your Hertz Car Near Atlanta Airport

Before returning your Hertz vehicle, you’ll usually want to refill the gas tank if your rental agreement requires it.

Nearby Fuel Options

There are several gas stations within a short drive of the Rental Car Center along:

• Sullivan Road
• Camp Creek Parkway
• Riverdale Road and nearby arterials

Common local practices:

• Many travelers refuel at a station close to the Rental Car Center to avoid higher rental-company refueling rates.
• Some renters prefer to refuel a bit farther from the airport (for example, before getting on I-85 or I-285) where prices may sometimes be lower than immediately adjacent to ATL.

📌 Tip:
Keep your fuel receipt until your rental is fully closed out, especially on short rentals, in case of any questions about refueling.

If You Have an Issue with Your Hertz Rental at ATL

If something goes wrong during pickup, use, or drop-off, common next steps include:

• Speaking with the on-site Hertz staff at the Rental Car Center.
• Calling the customer service number provided in your rental agreement.
• Reviewing your contract, mileage, fuel, and time stamps carefully, especially if there’s a billing concern.

For issues like accidents or vehicle damage in Atlanta:

• Follow standard procedures:
  • Ensure everyone’s safe.
  • Contact emergency services (911) if needed.
  • Notify the police when required by law or by your rental agreement.
  • Follow Hertz’s instructions for reporting damage or incidents.

If you need local, non-emergency assistance while in Atlanta, you can typically rely on:

• City of Atlanta Police Department (non-emergency): 404-658-6666
  (Use 911 only for emergencies.)

When Renting from Hertz at ATL Makes the Most Sense

Using Hertz at Atlanta Airport is usually the most practical choice when:

• Your flight arrives or departs from ATL and you want a car immediately.
• You have early-morning or late-night flights, and you want a rental location aligned with airport timetables.
• You plan to drive all over metro Atlanta, from downtown to the suburbs, and prefer a straightforward pickup and drop-off.

Locals often use ATL’s Hertz location when:

• Their vehicle is temporarily unavailable.
• They’re starting or ending a trip directly at the airport and need to leave a personal car at home.
• They want the wider inventory and extended operating hours commonly available at major airport locations.

By understanding exactly where Hertz is at Atlanta Airport, how to use the SkyTrain to reach the Rental Car Center, and what to expect when picking up and returning your car, you can move through ATL with less stress and more confidence—whether you’re an Atlanta resident or visiting the city for the first time.