Atlanta Airport Luggage Storage: How to Store Bags at Hartsfield–Jackson

If you are flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and need a place to store your luggage, your options are more limited than at some other major airports. However, there are still practical ways to manage bags during a layover, same‑day trip into the city, or while waiting for a late flight.

This guide focuses specifically on luggage storage at Atlanta’s airport and realistic alternatives nearby.

Does Atlanta Airport Have Luggage Storage?

The first thing to know:

ATL does not currently operate a traditional, airport-run left luggage or baggage storage office inside the terminals.

That means:

• You will not find a centralized “luggage storage” storefront like some international airports have.
• You need to plan ahead and use a combination of airline services, rental services, and off‑airport options to handle baggage.

However, depending on your situation, there are still workable solutions.

Quick Overview: Your Main Options at ATL

Use this table as a starting point:

Option 1: Using Airline Services at Atlanta Airport

If your layover is same-day and you are staying on a single ticket or itinerary, your airline is usually your first stop.

Through‑Checked Bags

If you are connecting in Atlanta:

• Most airlines will check your luggage through to your final destination, especially on a single reservation.
• In that case, you will not see your bag in ATL, which effectively solves storage during a layover.
• Check your baggage tag at your origin airport to confirm the final destination code is correct.

Early Check‑In for Departing Flights

If you arrive at ATL long before your flight time and have your bags with you:

• Many airlines allow bag drop several hours before departure, typically at least 2–4 hours in advance (sometimes longer on international routes).
• Go to your airline’s ticketing/check‑in counters in the Domestic Terminal (North or South) or International Terminal (Concourse F).
• Ask if you can check your bags early. Policies vary by airline and route.

This is not true “day storage,” but for many travelers it works like it:

• You check in
• Drop bags with the airline
• Go through security and spend time inside the terminal or concourses

Airline Baggage Service Offices

If something unusual is going on—oversized items, misrouted luggage, or special bags—your airline’s baggage service office can sometimes advise on short‑term handling.

Look for airline baggage offices:

• In the baggage claim areas of the Domestic Terminal and International Terminal
• Near their dedicated baggage carousels and service counters

These offices usually do not advertise general storage, but they can:

• Clarify what is allowed
• Confirm whether they can hold a bag for operational reasons tied to your flight

Because these policies change, it is best to ask your specific airline at the airport or by phone before you rely on this option.

Option 2: Hotel Luggage Storage in Atlanta

If you will be staying in Atlanta—even for one night—hotels are one of the most reliable ways to store luggage for a few hours.

Hotels Near Hartsfield–Jackson (Airport Area)

Many airport hotels around ATL allow registered guests to:

• Store bags before check‑in time (if you arrive on an early flight)
• Leave bags after check‑out while you explore or attend meetings

Common hotel clusters:

• Virginia Avenue / Airport Boulevard area (east/northeast of airport)
• Camp Creek Parkway area (northwest of airport, near Camp Creek Marketplace)
• Airport Loop Road / Sullivan Road corridor

Typical process:

1. Check in or confirm your reservation.
2. Ask the front desk if you can leave bags with bell staff or in a storage room.
3. Keep your claim tag or note where your items are stored.

Policies can differ, and some hotels may only store bags for current or upcoming guests, so it is wise to confirm when you book.

Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead Hotels

If you are going into the city:

• Many hotels in Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead also offer complimentary or low‑cost luggage storage for guests.
• Take MARTA from ATL (more on this below), drop bags at your hotel, and then enjoy the city without luggage.

This works especially well if:

• You arrive in the morning, but your room is not ready.
• You check out at 11 a.m., but your flight is at night.

Option 3: Off‑Airport Luggage Storage & Lockers in the City

Because ATL does not run its own luggage storage, some travelers use off‑airport storage locations in Atlanta.

While specific providers change over time, here is what you can expect in general:

• Some private luggage storage companies partner with hotels, shops, or offices in Downtown, Midtown, and near major attractions (like Centennial Olympic Park or the Georgia World Congress Center).
• These services typically:
  • Charge a per‑bag, per‑day fee
  • Require online or app reservations
  • Give you an address and check‑in code or host contact

Since offerings and locations change, it is best to:

• Search just before your trip for “luggage storage Atlanta” or “bag storage near [your destination].”
• Pay attention to:
  • Operating hours
  • Maximum size/weight limits
  • Whether they handle late pick‑ups

MARTA Access for Off‑Airport Storage

If you use off‑airport storage, you may travel between ATL and the city using MARTA:

• The ATL Airport MARTA Station is located inside the Domestic Terminal, at the west end of the terminal, near the Ground Transportation Center.
• It connects directly to stations in:
  • Downtown Atlanta (Five Points, Peachtree Center, Georgia State)
  • Midtown (North Avenue, Midtown, Arts Center)
  • Buckhead and Lindbergh Center, and beyond

If your storage location is near a MARTA station, your route can be:

1. Land at ATL, keep bags with you.
2. Take MARTA Northbound from the airport.
3. Store your bags at the chosen location.
4. Explore the area hands‑free.
5. Return to pick up your bags and head back to ATL.

Option 4: Keeping Luggage with Your Vehicle

If you are renting a car or driving your own vehicle to or from Atlanta:

• Your car can function as short‑term storage, especially if you plan to remain close.
• Car rental centers at ATL are served by the SkyTrain from the Domestic Terminal.

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

Considerations:

• Avoid leaving visibly valuable items (electronics, designer bags, backpacks) in plain sight.
• If possible, store luggage in the trunk and park in well‑lit, busier areas.
• For longer stays, paid parking garages (either at the airport or near your destination) may feel more secure than some open lots.

While this is not an official “luggage storage” solution, many travelers use it when:

• They have business or events near the airport.
• They want to visit nearby areas like East Point, College Park, or Downtown Atlanta and will return to the same vehicle.

Option 5: Handling Special Items and Oversized Baggage

Certain items cannot go through TSA security or may be inconvenient to keep with you:

• Large sports equipment (bikes, golf clubs, skis in winter travel)
• Musical instruments
• Boxes and bulky packages
• Tools, liquids, or restricted items

At ATL, your main choices are:

1. Check with Your Airline

Sometimes, you can:

• Check oversized items as baggage on your flight for a fee.
• Arrange special handling for fragile or unusual items.

Ask at the:

• Airline ticket counter in the Domestic or International Terminal
• Airline baggage service office near baggage claim

2. Ship or Mail the Item

If you cannot or do not want to fly with the item:

• Consider using a mailing or shipping store in the Atlanta area (for example, in College Park, East Point, Downtown, or near your hotel).
• Look for locations that can pack and ship items to your home or final destination.

It is often easier to ship from a store in the city after you arrive, rather than trying to figure it out in the terminal.

TSA and Security Rules That Affect Luggage Storage

Because TSA security screening is strict across U.S. airports, you should plan your luggage strategy with these points in mind:

• No unattended bags: You cannot leave luggage unattended anywhere in the airport.
• No storage at security checkpoints: TSA checkpoints do not store or hold items. If an item is not allowed, you must:
  • Discard it,
  • Return it to your car/hotel, or
  • Find a way to mail/ship it, if time permits.
• Carry‑on limits: Even if you are trying to avoid checked baggage, airline and TSA rules limit:
  • Liquids in carry‑ons
  • Number and size of carry‑on and personal items

If you are trying to travel light during a layover in Atlanta, the easiest approach is usually to:

1. Check your main suitcase to your final destination.
2. Keep only a small backpack or personal item with essentials.
3. Move through ATL and the city with less to worry about.

Using MARTA and Transit with Luggage

If you plan to leave ATL and explore Atlanta between flights or before/after a stay, MARTA is often the simplest way to get around with or without bags.

Key Points for Luggage on MARTA

• Allowed: Small and medium luggage is commonly seen on trains from ATL.
• Rush hours: Trains can get crowded on weekdays during commute times; larger bags may be inconvenient.
• Airport access: The station is directly attached to the Domestic Terminal. If you are arriving or departing through the International Terminal (Concourse F):
  • There is a free shuttle between the International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal/MARTA station.
• Once downtown, you can walk or use street-level transit and rideshare to reach:
  • Hotels
  • Storage locations
  • Attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Tips for Choosing the Best Luggage Storage Option in Atlanta

When deciding how to handle luggage at ATL, consider:

1. How long you need storage

   • A few hours: Early airline check‑in, car trunk, or hotel hold may be enough.
   • All day: Off‑airport storage or hotel storage in the city is often more comfortable.

2. Where you will spend your time

   • Staying mostly at or near the airport: Airport hotels or your vehicle may be easiest.
   • Exploring Downtown/Midtown: Off‑airport storage or your city hotel is more convenient.

3. Number and size of bags

   • One small carry‑on: You might just keep it with you on MARTA and around the city.
   • Multiple large suitcases: Look for hotel storage or a dedicated storage provider.

4. Security comfort level

   • For valuable items, most people feel more comfortable using:
     • A hotel storage room
     • A supervised luggage storage service
     • Checked baggage with the airline (when flying the same day)

5. Timing with flights and check‑in/check‑out

   • Align hotel check‑in/check‑out times and flight schedules so you can minimize how long you need separate storage.

Key Takeaways for Luggage Storage at Atlanta Airport

• There is no official, airport‑run luggage storage facility at Hartsfield–Jackson.
• The most practical options often involve:
  • Airline check‑in and baggage handling
  • Hotels near ATL or in the city that hold bags for guests
  • Off‑airport storage locations in areas like Downtown and Midtown
  • Keeping bags in a vehicle or rental car, with common‑sense precautions
• Using MARTA between ATL and central Atlanta can make it easier to store your bags in the city, then return for your flight.

With a bit of planning around your flights, hotel, and transit, you can move through Atlanta and ATL Airport without dragging your luggage everywhere—and still stay within realistic options available in the city today.