Atlanta Airport Sixt: How to Rent a Car at Hartsfield‑Jackson (ATL) Without Stress

If you’re flying into Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and searching for Sixt car rental, you’ll actually pick up your vehicle at the airport’s Rental Car Center (RCC)—not at the main terminals. This guide walks you through exactly how to find Sixt at Atlanta Airport, what to expect, and how to make the process smoother if you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or helping someone plan their trip here.

Where Is Sixt at Atlanta Airport?

Sixt operates out of the Atlanta Airport Rental Car Center, a dedicated complex separate from the domestic and international terminals.

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

Sixt is one of the rental brands with counters and parking spaces inside this facility.

How to Get From Your Plane to Sixt

The process is slightly different depending on where you land.

If You Arrive at the Domestic Terminal

1. Follow signs for “Ground Transportation / Rental Cars.”
2. Head to the ATL SkyTrain station just outside the Domestic Terminal North (near the Georgia International Convention Center sign).
3. Board the free ATL SkyTrain. It runs 24/7 and usually arrives every few minutes.
4. Ride the train about 5 minutes to the Rental Car Center station (it’s clearly announced and marked).
5. Once inside the RCC, follow the overhead signs to the Sixt counter.

If You Arrive at the International Terminal (Concourse F)

You do not have SkyTrain access directly from Concourse F.

You have two main options:

• Option 1: Airport Shuttle to the RCC

  • Follow the signs for “Rental Car Center Shuttle.”
  • Board the free shuttle bus that runs between the International Terminal and the RCC.
  • Ride time is typically 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic around the airport.
  • Get off at the Rental Car Center and follow signs to Sixt.

• Option 2: Shuttle to Domestic Terminal + SkyTrain

  • Take the shuttle from the International Terminal to the Domestic Terminal.
  • Then use the SkyTrain from the Domestic Terminal to the RCC (as described above).
  • This can be helpful if you’re meeting someone at the domestic side before getting your car.

Sixt at Atlanta Airport: What to Expect

Typical Layout Inside the Rental Car Center

Once you reach the RCC:

• You’ll walk into a central hall with multiple rental counters in a row.
• Look for the Sixt branding and counter area.
• Check-in usually happens at the counter, then you’ll be directed to the Sixt parking area in the adjacent garage to pick up your car.

Hours, Lines, and Timing

• The RCC is open 24/7, though individual rental brands may have specific staffed hours.
• Lines can be long during peak times, especially:
  • Weekday mornings
  • Sunday evenings
  • Holiday travel periods

To keep things smoother:

• ✅ Keep your driver’s license, credit card, and reservation number ready.
• ✅ If you’re local, you might want to avoid peak times when possible, especially after major events (Falcons games, large conventions at Georgia World Congress Center, or big concerts in downtown or Midtown).

Key Info at a Glance: Sixt at ATL

Picking Up Your Sixt Car: Step‑by‑Step

1. Arrive at the RCC (via SkyTrain or shuttle).
2. Go to the Sixt counter.
   • Present your driver’s license.
   • Provide the credit card you used to book (or another accepted card).
   • Confirm details like rental period, mileage terms, and insurance options.
3. Review the rental agreement.
   • Check fuel policy (full‑to‑full is common).
   • Ask about any toll policies (important if you’ll be using Georgia’s toll lanes).
4. Proceed to the Sixt parking area.
   • Follow the signs or directions from the agent.
   • Inspect the vehicle for existing damage and take photos before leaving the lot.
5. Adjust your GPS before driving off.
   • Setting your destination while still parked makes leaving ATL much less stressful.

Driving From Atlanta Airport in Your Sixt Rental

Whether you’re a local borrowing a rental during repairs or a visitor here for a few days, it helps to know the major routes out of ATL.

Key Routes Leaving the Airport

• To Downtown Atlanta (around 10–15 minutes, traffic permitting)

  • Take I‑85 North.
  • This leads to Downtown, Midtown, and connections to I‑20 and I‑75.

• To Midtown / Buckhead

  • Take I‑85 North through Downtown.
  • For Midtown, exit near 10th/14th Street.
  • For Buckhead, continue north to exits near Lenox Road or Wieuca Road.

• To the Southside (College Park, East Point, Union City)

  • Use I‑85 South or I‑285 depending on your exact destination.

• To the Perimeter and Suburbs

  • I‑285 forms a beltway around Atlanta, connecting to areas like Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Decatur, and Smyrna.

Tips for First‑Time Atlanta Drivers

• Traffic can be heavy, especially:
  • Weekday rush hour (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.).
• Many locals rely heavily on GPS for:
  • Avoiding congestion
  • Navigating frequent lane changes near major interchanges

If you’re not used to large multi‑lane interstates, give yourself plenty of time to adjust before heading into busy stretches like the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85).

Returning Your Sixt Car at Atlanta Airport

Car return also happens at the Rental Car Center, not at the terminal curb.

How to Get Back to the Rental Car Center

As you approach the airport:

1. Follow the “Rental Car Return” or “Rental Car Center” signs along the access roads.
2. These signs will guide you to Rental Car Center Parkway and into the multi‑level garage.
3. Inside the garage, look for Sixt‑marked lanes or parking areas.
4. Park in the designated return area and wait for an attendant, or follow posted instructions to log your return.

After You Drop Off the Car

• From the RCC, take the ATL SkyTrain back to the Domestic Terminal.
• If your flight departs from the International Terminal (Concourse F), you can:
  • Take the shuttle bus from the Domestic Terminal to the International Terminal, or
  • Follow the airport’s guidance on the best connection at that time.

⏱️ Time buffer tip: Many travelers build in at least 30–45 minutes for car return, especially during busy times, since you must still ride SkyTrain or a shuttle to your terminal afterward.

Planning Your Rental as an Atlanta Local

Even Atlanta residents often use the Sixt Atlanta Airport location when:

• Their personal car is in the shop.
• They need a larger vehicle for a family trip, moving day, or a weekend gathering.
• They’re picking up out‑of‑town guests and need an extra car.

Consider:

• Parking at the airport vs. ride share: If you’re leaving from home without a car, using MARTA, a rideshare, or an airport shuttle to reach the RCC can be simpler than paying for airport parking.
• Neighborhood access: From the RCC, it’s relatively easy to reach College Park, Hapeville, East Point, and Downtown Atlanta for quick errands or drop‑offs before heading elsewhere.

Helpful Practical Tips for Using Sixt at ATL

• Bring a physical driver’s license.
  Digital IDs typically are not accepted for car rental.
• Check your payment options.
  Major credit cards are commonly used; debit cards may have restrictions.
• Fuel up before returning.
  There are several gas stations on Camp Creek Parkway and near Sullivan Road that many drivers use before heading back to the RCC.
• Inspect and photograph the car at pickup and drop‑off.
  Many travelers find that having time‑stamped photos helps avoid confusion about pre‑existing damage.
• Note your return route early.
  Save “Rental Car Center, ATL” in your GPS so you’re not trying to figure it out in heavy traffic close to the airport.

Nearby Atlanta Spots You Can Reach Easily From the Airport

With a rental car from Sixt at ATL, you’re in a good position to explore or handle errands around the city:

• Downtown Atlanta: State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium.
• Midtown: Piedmont Park, High Museum of Art, Fox Theatre.
• College Park & East Point: Residential neighborhoods, local restaurants, and access points to I‑285.
• Camp Creek Marketplace: Popular shopping and dining area near the airport along Camp Creek Parkway.

All of these are reachable within roughly 15–30 minutes of the Rental Car Center, traffic permitting.

By understanding exactly where Sixt is located at Atlanta Airport, how to reach the Rental Car Center, and what the driving environment is like around ATL, you can plan your pickup and return with far less stress—whether you’re an Atlanta local or a first‑time visitor navigating the city’s busy airport.