Atlanta Airport Rent‑a‑Car: How to Easily Get a Rental at Hartsfield‑Jackson

Renting a car at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is straightforward once you know where to go and what to expect. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are flying in for a business trip, or planning a weekend in the city and North Georgia, this guide walks you through how Atlanta airport car rentals work, step by step.

Where to Rent a Car at Atlanta Airport

All major rental car companies at ATL are located at the Rental Car Center (RCC), a dedicated facility separate from the main terminal.

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

The RCC is open daily, and most on‑airport rental companies operate from this complex.

How to Get to the Rental Car Center from the Terminals

You do not walk to the Rental Car Center from the terminal; you take the SkyTrain, a free, automated people mover.

From Domestic Terminal (North or South):

1. Follow signs for “Rental Cars” or “SkyTrain” after baggage claim.
2. Take the escalator or elevator up to the SkyTrain station (adjacent to the MARTA Airport Station).
3. Ride the SkyTrain about 5 minutes to the Rental Car Center.

From International Terminal (Concourse F):

• You have two main options:
  • Take the airport shuttle from outside the arrivals level directly to the Rental Car Center, or
  • Take the international shuttle to the Domestic Terminal, then board the SkyTrain to the RCC.

Travelers with a lot of luggage often prefer the direct shuttle from the International Terminal.

Which Rental Car Companies Operate at ATL?

The Rental Car Center hosts multiple on‑airport rental companies. While specific brands can change over time, travelers typically find:

• Large national brands (multiple locations across Atlanta and the U.S.)
• Mid‑size brands and value‑focused companies
• Specialty rental options (such as vans and premium vehicles) offered through some of the same counters

These companies share the RCC building but have separate counters and vehicle pickup areas. You’ll follow the signs or your reservation details to the correct counter.

Picking Up Your Rental Car at Atlanta Airport: Step‑by‑Step

1. Before You Fly to ATL (or Arrive at the Airport)

To avoid delays and higher prices, many travelers prefer to reserve in advance. You’ll typically choose:

• Pickup location: “Atlanta Airport (ATL)” or “Atlanta Airport Rental Car Center”
• Date and time: Consider your flight arrival, baggage claim time, and potential delays
• Vehicle type: Economy, midsize, SUV, minivan, premium, etc.

Have this info ready:

• Valid driver’s license (from any U.S. state or your home country, plus an international permit if required)
• Credit card (some agencies allow debit cards with extra conditions)
• Airline flight number (optional but helpful for tracking delayed arrivals)

2. After You Land at Hartsfield‑Jackson

1. Deplane and follow signs to Baggage Claim.
2. Collect your checked bags.
3. Follow signs for “Rental Car Center / SkyTrain.”
4. Board the SkyTrain (or international shuttle if arriving at Concourse F).
5. Ride to the Rental Car Center.

The process is designed so visitors who have never been to Atlanta can still navigate just by following overhead signs.

3. At the Rental Car Center Counters

Once inside the RCC:

• Look for your rental company’s counter.
• Have your ID, payment card, and reservation number ready.
• The agent may confirm:
  • Your contact information
  • Insurance options
  • Fuel options (prepay vs refill yourself)
  • Toll programs and local driving notes

If you are a member of a frequent renter program, you may be able to skip the counter and go directly to your assigned car area, depending on the company.

4. Vehicle Pickup and Inspection

After check‑in:

• Follow signs to the appropriate parking deck level and row.
• Locate your vehicle based on the stall or plate number given.
• Before driving off, inspect the car:
  • Look for dents, scratches, or interior damage
  • Check fuel level matches the contract
  • Note any existing damage with photos or video

🚗 Tip: If anything looks significant, find a lot attendant or go back to the counter and have it noted on your rental agreement before leaving the RCC.

Returning a Rental Car at Atlanta Airport

Returning your car at ATL is generally quick if you understand the road layout near the airport.

How to Drive Back to the Rental Car Center

From Downtown Atlanta (e.g., Georgia State Capitol, Centennial Olympic Park):

• Take I‑85 South or I‑75/85 South toward the airport.
• Follow signs for “Domestic Terminal / Rental Car Center / Camp Creek Parkway.”
• Look for overhead signs specifically directing you to the Rental Car Center; it is located off Camp Creek Parkway.

From Buckhead, Midtown, or North Atlanta:

• Use GA‑400 South to I‑85 South, then continue as above.

From South Atlanta / Clayton County / Fayette County:

• Take I‑75 North or local routes and follow signs to the airport, then Rental Car Center.

When you arrive:

1. Follow the rental car return signs into the multi‑level garage.
2. Look for your rental company’s return lane.
3. Pull into a marked spot, remove your belongings, and wait for an attendant or follow the posted instructions for key drop.

Many companies offer after‑hours drop‑off at the RCC, with secure key boxes and instructions inside the facility.

Domestic vs International Terminal: What Renters Need to Know

ATL has a Domestic Terminal and a separate International Terminal (Concourse F), several miles apart by road.

• If you are departing from the Domestic Terminal, returning to the Rental Car Center and taking the SkyTrain back is usually the simplest route.
• If you are departing from the International Terminal, you can:
  • Return your car to the RCC as usual, then take the airport shuttle directly from the RCC to the International Terminal, or
  • Coordinate with your rental company if they offer any special instructions for international departures.

Plan extra time if you are connecting between the RCC and the International Terminal, especially during peak travel hours.

Costs and Common Fees for Atlanta Airport Car Rentals

Car rental prices at ATL vary widely based on demand, season, and vehicle type, but most renters encounter a similar fee structure.

Typical Cost Components

• Base daily or weekly rate – Depends on vehicle class (economy vs SUV, etc.)
• Airport concession and facility fees – Added because you’re renting at the airport complex
• State and local taxes – Georgia and local jurisdiction taxes applied to rentals
• Optional insurance/coverage – Collision damage waiver, liability supplements, etc.
• Fuel charges – If you do not return the tank at the agreed level
• Additional driver fees – Unless included in a promotion or membership
• Underage driver fees – If the primary driver is under a certain age (often under 25)

On‑Airport vs Off‑Airport Car Rentals in Atlanta

Some travelers compare on‑airport rentals at the RCC with off‑airport locations around metro Atlanta.

On‑Airport (Rental Car Center)

Pros:

• Easiest access right after a flight
• No rideshare or taxi needed to another location
• Clear wayfinding via SkyTrain and airport signage

Cons:

• Often includes airport facility fees, which can make prices higher than non‑airport branches

Off‑Airport Locations Around Atlanta

Many rental brands also operate branches in areas such as:

• Downtown Atlanta (near Peachtree Center, Five Points)
• Midtown and Buckhead
• Perimeter / Sandy Springs / Dunwoody
• Cobb County / Cumberland / Vinings
• Near major MARTA stations (for renters arriving by train instead of flight)

Renters who live in Atlanta or will be staying for a longer period sometimes choose a neighborhood branch to avoid some airport‑related surcharges, especially if they do not need the car immediately upon landing.

Atlanta‑Specific Tips for Driving Your Rental Car

Once you leave the Rental Car Center, you’ll be in Atlanta traffic quickly. These local details help you plan.

1. Traffic Patterns 🔁

• Rush hours are typically:
  • Weekdays: 6:30–9:30 a.m. and 3:30–7:00 p.m.
• Major congested routes:
  • Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) through central Atlanta
  • I‑285 (Perimeter) around the city
  • GA‑400 in North Atlanta

If you’re landing during peak times and can be flexible, consider:

• Waiting out traffic at a restaurant or hotel near the airport
• Planning routes using surface streets where reasonable

2. Tolls and Express Lanes

Metro Atlanta uses Peach Pass electronic tolling for certain express lanes (for example, parts of I‑75, I‑85, I‑575). Rental car companies may:

• Offer a toll program where you’re charged later for tolls plus a service fee, or
• Require you to avoid toll roads if you opt out of their program

Ask at the counter how their toll policy works so there are no surprises on your bill.

3. Parking in Atlanta

Common parking options:

• Downtown: Parking garages and surface lots near attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Midtown & Buckhead: Garages attached to office towers, hotels, and shopping centers
• Neighborhood areas: Mixture of free street parking, time‑limited zones, and paid lots

Always check:

• Posted time limits and event parking rates near stadiums or major venues
• Whether your hotel charges overnight parking fees for rental cars

One‑Way Rentals To or From ATL

Some renters pick up a car at ATL and return it elsewhere (such as Savannah, Macon, Athens, Birmingham, or Charlotte), or the other way around.

• Many major companies allow one‑way rentals, but often charge a drop fee.
• Availability can vary by city and vehicle type.
• One‑way rentals can be useful for:
  • Road trips starting or ending in Atlanta
  • College move‑ins at Georgia universities
  • Long‑distance business travel across the Southeast

Confirm one‑way availability and costs when booking; this is not guaranteed for all locations.

Requirements to Rent a Car at Atlanta Airport

Policies vary by company, but most renters at the ATL Rental Car Center can expect:

• Age requirement: Commonly 21+, with higher fees and restrictions for drivers under 25
• Driver’s license:
  • Valid, unexpired license
  • International visitors may need an International Driving Permit alongside their foreign license, depending on the company’s policy
• Payment method:
  • Major credit card in the primary driver’s name
  • Some accept debit cards, usually with additional verification and restrictions

If you’re a local Atlanta resident renting with a debit card, you may be asked for:

• Proof of address
• Return travel documentation (for some companies)
• Additional deposit

Always check your specific rental agreement for exact requirements.

Alternatives to Renting a Car at ATL

Depending on your plans in Atlanta, you may decide you don’t need a rental car for your entire stay, or at all.

1. MARTA (Public Transit)

The airport is directly served by MARTA’s Red and Gold rail lines via:

MARTA Airport Station
Domestic Terminal – Ground Transportation Center, west end

MARTA can be convenient if:

• You’re staying near a rail station (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter)
• Your main activities are near MARTA stops (offices, hotels, some attractions)

2. Rideshare and Taxis

Uber, Lyft, and taxis operate from designated pickup areas at ATL:

• Domestic Terminal: Rideshare zone near the North and South economy lots
• International Terminal: Ground transportation area outside arrivals

Travelers sometimes use rideshare:

• For a single transfer from the airport to hotel
• While relying on walkable neighborhoods or MARTA during their stay
• Then rent a car later from a city branch if needed

Quick Reference: Atlanta Airport Rent‑a‑Car at a Glance

If you understand how to reach the Rental Car Center, what documents you need, and how driving works in and around Atlanta, renting a car at Atlanta Airport becomes a predictable and manageable part of your trip.