Atlanta Airport Rental: How to Rent a Car Easily at Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)

Renting a car at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is straightforward once you know how the airport’s rental system works. Atlanta handles a huge volume of travelers, so the process is built for efficiency—but it can feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared.

This guide walks you through Atlanta airport rental step by step: where to go, how to get there, what to expect with pricing and policies, and how locals and visitors typically use airport rentals to get around metro Atlanta.

Where to Find Rental Cars at Atlanta Airport

All major rental car companies at ATL are located in one central area:

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

You do not pick up rental cars directly at the terminals. Instead, you take a dedicated train to the RCC.

Getting to the Rental Car Center from the Terminals

After you collect your bags:

1. Follow signs for “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Car Center.”
2. Take the Airport SkyTrain:
   • The SkyTrain station is just outside the Domestic Terminal, near the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) connector.
   • If you arrive at the International Terminal (Concourse F), you’ll usually:
     • Take a shuttle to the Domestic Terminal, then
     • Transfer to the SkyTrain for the RCC.
3. Ride the SkyTrain directly to the Rental Car Center (a few minutes, no cost).

The SkyTrain runs frequently and is designed specifically for getting passengers to and from the Atlanta airport rental area quickly.

Major Rental Companies at ATL

The Rental Car Center houses most large, well-known car rental brands. You’ll typically find:

• National car rental brands (economy to luxury)
• Brands focused on value or budget
• Some offering pickup trucks, SUVs, minivans, and specialty vehicles

Inside the RCC, each company has:

• A counter or self-service kiosk for check-in
• A designated parking area for vehicle pickup and return
• Signage guiding you to the correct level and row

You can usually:

• Reserve online or by phone before your trip, then check in at the counter or kiosk.
• Sometimes go walk-up, though selection and pricing may be more limited during busy travel times.

How the Rental Process Works at Atlanta Airport

Even though each company has its own system, the overall process at ATL is similar:

1. Make a Reservation (Recommended)

Reserving ahead is common for:

• Better rates
• Ensuring the vehicle type you want (SUV, minivan, EV, etc.)
• Faster pickup (especially if you’re part of a loyalty program)

When reserving for Atlanta:

• Double-check the location is listed as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport or the ATL Rental Car Center, not a neighborhood branch.

2. Arrive at the Rental Car Center

Once you arrive by SkyTrain:

• Look for overhead signs with your rental company’s name.
• Go to their counter or self-service kiosk.
• Have ready:
  • Driver’s license
  • Credit card (or acceptable form of payment)
  • Reservation details (confirmation number or email)

Some renters with membership in a company’s loyalty program may be able to skip the counter and go directly to the parking area.

3. Choose and Inspect Your Car

Once assigned a car or row:

• Check the exterior and interior for:
  • Scratches, dents, windshield chips
  • Stains or odors inside
• Take photos or video with your phone before you leave the lot.
• Confirm:
  • Fuel level
  • Mileage
  • Any existing damage noted on your contract or digital record

If something seems off, you can request a different car before you drive out.

4. Leaving the Rental Car Center

You’ll exit through your company’s gated exit:

• Show your rental agreement and ID if asked.
• Staff typically confirm the car, fuel level, and mileage at exit.

From the RCC, you can access:

• I-85 and I-285 (for most metro Atlanta destinations)
• I-75 (toward downtown/Midtown or south to Macon)
• Nearby areas like College Park, East Point, and Hapeville in just a few minutes.

Returning Your Rental Car at ATL

Returning your rental to the Atlanta airport rental car center is similar for all companies:

1. Follow airport signs for “Rental Car Return” and “Rental Car Center.”
2. As you approach the RCC, look for your company’s signs and follow them to the right lane and level.
3. Pull into the return area where staff will:
   • Check fuel level and mileage
   • Inspect for visible new damage
   • Print or email your final receipt

After return, you can:

• Take the SkyTrain back to the Domestic Terminal.
• From there, reach:
  • Check-in and security for departures
  • Shuttle buses to the International Terminal if needed

Typical Requirements to Rent a Car at Atlanta Airport

While details vary slightly by company, most Atlanta airport rental locations expect:

• Valid driver’s license
  • In your name, not expired
  • Some companies may have rules for temporary or digital licenses
• Minimum age
  • Often 25+ for standard rentals
  • Renters 21–24 may be allowed with a “young driver” surcharge
• Payment method
  • Major credit card in the renter’s name is widely accepted
  • Some companies accept debit cards with:
    • Proof of return travel (e.g., flight)
    • A credit check or additional ID
    • Limitations on vehicle class

If you’re visiting from outside the U.S., some renters may be asked for:

• A passport
• An International Driving Permit (depending on home country and company policy)

Understanding Pricing for Atlanta Airport Rentals

Costs for renting a car at ATL vary based on:

• Time of year (holidays, major events, conventions)
• Vehicle type (economy vs. SUV vs. luxury)
• Length of rental (daily vs. weekly)
• Extras (GPS, car seats, toll packages, insurance options)

Common price components include:

• Base daily or weekly rate
• Airport concession fees and surcharges
• Taxes (state and local)
• Optional add-ons:
  • Additional driver fees
  • Young driver fees
  • Roadside assistance packages
  • Prepaid fuel or refueling charges

💡 Tip: Renting away from the airport at an in-town Atlanta location can sometimes reduce airport-specific fees, but you’ll need to factor in the cost and time of getting to that location from the airport.

Parking, Tolls, and Driving Around Atlanta

Once you leave the Rental Car Center, you’re driving in one of the busiest metro areas in the Southeast. A few Atlanta-specific considerations:

Traffic

• Rush hours: Typically heavy on weekdays from 6:30–9:30 a.m. and 3:30–7:00 p.m.
• Congestion is common on:
  • Downtown Connector (I-75/85)
  • I-285 (Perimeter) around major interchanges
  • I-20 east and west of downtown

Plan extra time if you need to return your rental during busy periods.

Tolls

Georgia does not have a large number of traditional toll booths around metro Atlanta, but you may encounter:

• Express lanes on sections of I-75, I-85, and I-575 that use electronic tolling.
• Some rental companies offer toll programs that charge a per-day fee plus tolls used.

Ask your rental company:

• Whether your car is equipped for tolls
• How tolls are billed
• What happens if you drive in express lanes without using their program

Parking in Atlanta

In-town, you’ll find:

• Paid parking decks and lots around Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and near major attractions (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Georgia Aquarium, etc.)
• Street parking meters in many neighborhoods
• Event-day parking rates that may be higher than usual

One-Way Rentals From Atlanta Airport

If you plan to pick up at ATL and return elsewhere, most major brands offer:

• One-way rentals within Georgia (e.g., to Augusta, Savannah, Macon)
• Some allow one-way trips to other states

Expect:

• A one-way or “drop” fee in many cases
• Different availability of vehicle types for one-way travel

Verify:

• Destination city is available as a return location
• Total cost including one-way fees

Atlanta Airport Rental vs. Other Transportation Options

Whether you need an airport rental in Atlanta often depends on your plans.

When an Airport Rental Makes Sense

A rental car is usually helpful if you:

• Plan to explore multiple neighborhoods or distant suburbs
• Are visiting areas outside MARTA’s rail reach, such as:
  • Certain parts of Cobb, Gwinnett, or Cherokee County
  • Lake Lanier, Stone Mountain, or rural areas
• Have a family group or lots of luggage
• Need flexibility for early-morning or late-night travel

When You Might Skip the Rental

You might rely on other options if you:

• Stay mostly in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead near MARTA stations
• Prefer rideshare, taxis, or hotel shuttles
• Are comfortable using MARTA for airport-to-city and local transit

MARTA Airport Station is located right inside the Domestic Terminal, making rail a convenient option if you don’t need a car for the whole trip.

Quick Reference: Atlanta Airport Rental Basics

Practical Tips for Renting at Atlanta Airport

• Reserve early during:
  • Summer travel
  • Major events (large conventions, college football games, holiday weekends)
• Check pickup and return hours if you have very late or very early flights; the RCC stays active, but some services may be more limited overnight.
• Compare fuel options:
  • Filling yourself at a nearby gas station is often cheaper than refueling charges.
• Allow extra time on return:
  • Build in 30–45 minutes before you want to be at your terminal, especially during peak traffic or bad weather.
• Know your destination:
  • Program your GPS or phone navigation before leaving the RCC.
  • Many visitors head toward Downtown/Midtown via I-85 or the Downtown Connector.

With a basic understanding of the Atlanta airport rental setup and a little planning, picking up and returning a car at Hartsfield-Jackson can be a smooth part of your trip—whether you’re a local needing a temporary vehicle or a visitor exploring the city and beyond.