Atlanta Airport Parking: How to Find the Best Option at Hartsfield–Jackson

Parking at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) can be confusing, especially if you’re trying to balance cost, convenience, and timing. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are visiting the city, or just connecting through, understanding Atlanta airport parking options will save you money and stress.

This guide walks through every major parking choice at ATL—from official airport decks to nearby off-airport lots—plus tips locals actually use.

Key Things to Know About Atlanta Airport Parking

• ATL has two main sides:
  • Domestic Terminal (North & South parking)
  • International Terminal (Concourse F) with its own parking
• Parking ranges from short-term hourly decks steps from the terminal to economy and off-site lots that are much cheaper for long trips.
• During busy times (holidays, Monday mornings), popular lots fill up, so have a backup option in mind.
• You can reach the airport without parking at all using MARTA, rideshare, taxis, or local shuttles, which can make sense for short trips or if you live inside the Perimeter.

Main Types of Parking at Atlanta Airport

1. Hourly & Daily Parking (Closest to Terminals)

These are the closest and most convenient options, especially for dropping off, picking up, or short trips.

Domestic Terminal – North & South

Located directly in front of the Domestic North Terminal and Domestic South Terminal:

• Hourly Parking (Parking Decks closest to the terminal)

  • Best for: Picking up or dropping off, quick business trips, people who want to walk right in.
  • Very convenient, but one of the most expensive options per day if you leave your car for multiple days.

• Daily Parking (Longer-term decks just beyond hourly)

  • Best for: Trips of 1–3 days when convenience matters more than saving every dollar.
  • Covered parking, walking distance or short shuttle ride to the terminal, depending on where you park.

International Terminal – Concourse F

The International Terminal (on the east side of the airport) has:

• International Hourly Parking Deck

  • Directly in front of the terminal.
  • Ideal for quick drop-offs, pickups, and same-day travel.

• International Park-Ride Lot (Economy-style)

  • A bit farther away with a shuttle to the terminal.
  • Good if you’re flying internationally but don’t need to be right at the door.

➡️ Tip: If you’re an Atlanta resident flying internationally but departing from the Domestic Terminal, you can still park at the International Terminal Park-Ride and take the free shuttle to the Domestic side. Some locals prefer this when domestic parking gets crowded.

2. Economy Parking at ATL

Economy lots are designed for longer-term parking at a lower daily rate than the hourly or daily terminal decks.

• Located near the Domestic Terminal
• Generally uncovered (open-air parking)
• Short shuttle ride or longer walk, depending on the lot and your terminal

Best for:

• Trips of 3+ days
• Travelers who don’t mind a shuttle ride to save money
• Atlanta-area residents who park frequently and want predictable pricing

3. Park-Ride Lots (Official Airport Shuttles)

ATL operates Park-Ride lots that are further from the terminals but connected by frequent airport shuttles.

• Often one of the most cost-effective official options
• Good choice for week-long vacations or longer trips
• Shuttles typically run regularly and serve the domestic terminals (and linked connections to international)

This is the “sweet spot” for many Atlanta flyers: cheaper than on-terminal decks but still official and well-marked.

4. Cell Phone Lot (For Pickups Only)

If you’re picking someone up and they’re not quite ready to be outside yet, the Cell Phone Lot lets you wait for free.

• Located near the Domestic Terminal
• You must stay with your vehicle
• When your passenger calls or texts that they’re at curbside, you drive up to the terminal

This can save you from circling the airport loop or paying for hourly parking just to wait.

Off-Airport Parking Near Atlanta Airport

Many people in Atlanta use privately run off-airport parking lots around Hartsfield–Jackson, especially for longer trips.

Common features:

• Located along Camp Creek Parkway, Sullivan Road, Virginia Avenue, and surrounding streets near College Park and East Point
• Free shuttles to and from the terminals
• Often offer covered, uncovered, and sometimes valet options
• Some provide car wash or basic detailing for an extra fee
• Discounted rates for long-term parking or prepaid bookings

Why locals use off-airport lots:

• Prices often lower than airport-run daily or hourly decks
• Shuttle service can be efficient, especially very early or very late
• Some lots are easy to access from I-85, I-285, or Camp Creek Parkway, which can be quicker than navigating airport traffic

When choosing an off-airport lot:

• Check hours of shuttle operation (most run 24/7, but always verify).
• Make sure you know where to meet the shuttle on your return.
• Allow extra travel time in case the shuttle is delayed.

Parking at the International Terminal vs Domestic Terminal

ATL can be confusing because it has two separate vehicle entrances:

• Domestic Terminal: Accessed from I-85 near the Virginia Avenue and Camp Creek Parkway exits.
• International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal): Accessed from I-75 off Exit 239 / Charles W. Grant Parkway area.

If you:

• Park at the Domestic side but fly in/out of the International Terminal, you may need to use the Plane Train inside security or a shuttle outside security to connect.
• Park at the International Terminal but depart/arrive on a domestic airline, you may still need to connect via shuttles or the internal trains.

Many Atlanta travelers choose to:

• Park where they are departing from, and
• Use airport transportation inside (Plane Train / shuttles) to connect to the right terminal upon arrival or departure.

Short Trips vs Long Trips: Picking the Right ATL Parking

For 1 Day or Same-Day Trips

Best fits:

• Hourly Parking (Domestic or International)
• Daily Parking decks if you want covered parking but slightly lower cost than hourly
• Skip off-airport lots unless you’re very cost-conscious

For 2–4 Day Trips

Best fits:

• Daily Parking decks if convenience is the priority
• Economy lots if you’re balancing cost and comfort
• Off-airport parking if you find a good, reliable rate and don’t mind a shuttle

For 5+ Day or Week-Long Trips

Best fits:

• Economy or Park-Ride lots on the airport
• Off-airport lots with long-term discounts
• Consider if MARTA, rideshare, or a friend drop-off will cost less overall

How ATL Parking Works Step-by-Step

1. Choose your terminal side

   • Domestic vs International, based on your airline and departure terminal.

2. Follow airport signage

   • Signs on I-75 and I-85 clearly show Domestic, International, Hourly, Daily, Economy, and Park-Ride options.

3. Take a ticket or use a card

   • At most official lots, you’ll either take a ticket or use a card or tag to enter.
   • Keep your ticket handy; you’ll need it to exit.

4. Park and note your location

   • Write down or snap a photo of: level, row, and section.
   • This is especially important in the big economy and park-ride lots.

5. Use the shuttle or walk to the terminal

   • Hourly and many daily decks are walkable.
   • Economy and park-ride lots typically use airport shuttles.

6. Pay on exit

   • At automated kiosks or staffed booths, depending on the lot.
   • Some locals pay with a card only to move faster.

Alternatives to Parking at Atlanta Airport

If you live in or near Atlanta, you may not need to park at ATL at all.

1. MARTA to the Airport

The MARTA Airport Station is inside the Domestic Terminal, right at the end of the Red and Gold rail lines.

• Good for travelers living near North Springs, Doraville, Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, College Park, or East Point.
• Avoids parking completely and can be very reliable during rush hour.
• If you’re flying from the International Terminal, you can take the free airport shuttle between Domestic and International.

MARTA Headquarters (for general info):
2424 Piedmont Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer Service (commonly listed): 404-848-5000

2. Rideshare, Taxi, or Car Service

Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxis regularly serve Hartsfield–Jackson:

• Dropped off directly at Domestic North, Domestic South, or International Terminal curbs.
• Can be cheaper than paying for multi-day parking, especially if you live inside the Perimeter or close to the airport.

3. Drop-Off by Friends or Family

If someone can drop you off and pick you up:

• Use curbside drop-off for departures.
• Have them wait in the Cell Phone Lot for arrivals until you’re outside and ready.

Simple Comparison of ATL Parking Options

Below is a general comparison (not exact pricing) to help you decide which type of Atlanta airport parking might fit your situation:

*Cost level is relative and can change; always check current posted rates before you go.

Practical Tips for Parking at Atlanta Airport

• Plan for traffic: ATL is just south of Downtown, and I-75, I-85, and I-285 can be slow during rush hours. Build in extra time to find a spot and use shuttles.
• Allow extra time on holidays and Mondays: Atlanta business travelers often fill the closer lots early in the week.
• Take photos: Capture your parking section, nearby signs, and level on your phone.
• Check your return time: If you land late at night or early morning, confirm that your shuttle or transit option runs 24/7.
• Consider weather: If storms are in the forecast, some travelers prefer covered parking decks to avoid hail or heavy rain.

Helpful Official Contacts for Atlanta Airport

For the most current airport parking information, you can contact or visit:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main Information Line (commonly listed): 404-530-7300

This number can route you to general airport information, including parking updates and terminal guidance.

Understanding how Atlanta airport parking works—and which option matches your budget, schedule, and comfort level—can make flying in and out of ATL much smoother. With the right plan, you can choose between convenience and savings, and get to your gate with less stress.