Atlanta Airport Car Hire: How to Rent a Car at Hartsfield‑Jackson the Smart Way

If you’re flying into Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and need a vehicle, the good news is that Atlanta car hire from the airport is straightforward and well set up for travelers and locals alike. The key is knowing where to go, how the process works, and what’s different about renting in Atlanta compared with other cities.

Where to Hire a Car at Atlanta Airport

All major rental car companies at ATL are located at the Rental Car Center (RCC), which is separate from the main terminals but directly connected by an automated train.

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

Getting to the Rental Car Center from the Terminals

After you land at ATL:

1. Follow signs for “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Cars.”
2. Take the Plane Train or walk to the Domestic Terminal if you’re arriving on an international flight and clearing customs at the International Terminal (Concourse F).
3. Look for the ATL SkyTrain:
   • The ATL SkyTrain connects the Domestic Terminal / Ground Transportation Center directly to the Rental Car Center.
   • The ride is free and takes about 5 minutes.
4. Once you arrive at the RCC, you’ll find all the rental brands in one large facility, arranged in clearly marked counters and garages.

📝 Tip: If someone is picking you up at the airport instead of you renting, they do not need to go to the Rental Car Center. Regular pickups use the terminal passenger pickup areas.

Rental Car Center Layout at ATL (At-a-Glance)

Do You Need a Car at Atlanta Airport?

Whether you should hire a car from Atlanta Airport depends on what you’re doing in the city.

You likely want a rental car if:

• You’re staying outside central Atlanta (e.g., Marietta, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, Douglasville, Fayetteville).
• You plan to explore multiple neighborhoods or suburbs (Buckhead, Decatur, Sandy Springs, Stone Mountain).
• You’re traveling with family, luggage, or equipment.
• You have an early or late flight and prefer to drive yourself.

You might skip the rental car if:

• You’re staying mostly in Downtown, Midtown, or near the Atlanta BeltLine and don’t plan to leave those core areas much.
• You’re comfortable using MARTA trains, rideshare services, or taxis.
• Parking costs at your hotel or destination are high and you won’t drive much.

How Hiring a Car at ATL Works (Step by Step)

1. Before You Fly: Booking Your Atlanta Airport Car Hire

You can usually:

• Reserve online through your preferred company
• Book via phone
• Occasionally book on arrival at the RCC (but availability can be limited during busy times)

Details you’ll typically need:

• Pickup location: Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport / Rental Car Center
• Pickup and return times: Make sure these match your flight schedule, including any buffer for delays.
• Type of vehicle: Compact, mid-size, SUV, minivan, etc.

Common add-ons to think about:

• Child safety seats (required by Georgia law for young children)
• Additional drivers (may come with extra fees)
• Navigation options (some prefer their own phone’s GPS instead)

2. On Arrival: Getting to Your Car

Once you ride the ATL SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center:

1. Head to your rental company’s counter (signs are clear and grouped by company).
2. Provide:
   • Driver’s license
   • Payment card (usually a credit card; some companies accept debit cards with extra conditions)
   • Reservation details (confirmation number, if you have one)
3. Review:
   • Rental period
   • Mileage rules
   • Fuel policy
   • Insurance/coverage options

You’ll then be directed to the garage area to choose your vehicle (depending on your booking and the company’s system).

3. Leaving the Airport in Your Rental Car

To drive out of the ATL Rental Car Center:

• Follow exit signs from the garage to Rental Car Center Parkway.
• From there, you can connect to:
  • I‑85 (north to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead; south to Peachtree City, Newnan)
  • I‑285 (Perimeter loop around Atlanta)
  • I‑75 (north toward Marietta/Kennesaw; south toward Macon)

Approximate drive times from ATL RCC in normal traffic:

• Downtown Atlanta: 15–20 minutes
• Midtown: 20–25 minutes
• Buckhead: 25–35 minutes
• Decatur: 25–35 minutes
• Stone Mountain: 35–45 minutes
• Alpharetta / Roswell: 40–60 minutes

Traffic can be heavy during weekday rush hours, especially on I‑75/85 through Downtown and on I‑285.

Requirements to Hire a Car at Atlanta Airport

Policies vary by company, but in Atlanta you’ll generally need:

• Valid driver’s license
  • U.S. drivers: State-issued license in good standing.
  • International drivers: A valid foreign license; some companies may also request an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Minimum age
  • Often 21+ to rent at ATL.
  • Under 25 usually means a “young driver” surcharge and limited vehicle types.
• Payment method
  • Many locations prefer or require a major credit card in the renter’s name.
  • Debit card rentals may have additional ID requirements or restrictions.
• Proof of identity
  • Some companies may ask for a second form of ID or return flight details, especially for debit card rentals.

⚠️ Important: Requirements and fees can change, so it’s wise to confirm directly with your chosen rental company’s ATL location ahead of time.

Understanding Insurance and Coverage at ATL

When you hire a car at Atlanta Airport, you’ll usually be offered several types of coverage at the counter. Common options include:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) / Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
  Reduces or removes what you pay if the rental car is damaged or stolen (within the policy terms).

• Liability coverage
  Helps cover damage or injury you might cause to others in an accident. Georgia requires drivers to carry liability insurance, and rental policies may include a basic level.

• Personal accident coverage
  Coverage related to injuries for you and sometimes passengers, depending on the policy.

Many renters rely on:

• Their own auto insurance (if it covers rental cars in Georgia)
• Certain credit cards that offer secondary rental coverage when you pay for the reservation with that card

Since each situation is different, it’s best to check with your own insurer or card provider before your trip so you know what you actually need to purchase at the counter.

Driving in Atlanta: Local Tips for Airport Renters

Hiring a car is only half the story; driving in Atlanta has its own quirks.

Traffic Patterns Around ATL

• Morning rush hour: Roughly 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., especially northbound I‑75/85 into Downtown.
• Evening rush hour: Roughly 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., especially outbound from the city center.
• I‑285 (The Perimeter) can be busy in almost every direction at peak times.

Plan extra time when returning to the airport during busy periods, especially from:

• Alpharetta / Roswell / Sandy Springs (GA‑400 corridor)
• Marietta / Smyrna / Cumberland (I‑75 corridor)
• Gwinnett County (I‑85 north)

Tolls and Express Lanes

The Atlanta area uses Peach Pass express lanes on some highways (e.g., I‑75, I‑85, I‑575). Points to know:

• Some rental cars may be equipped with toll/express lane transponders.
• Using express lanes may trigger extra charges through your rental company.
• If you’re not familiar with the system, it’s often easier to avoid express lanes and stay in the general-purpose lanes, especially for shorter visits.

Parking in Atlanta

Where you park depends on where you’re going:

• Downtown & Midtown:

  • Many garages and surface lots near attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, State Farm Arena, and the Fox Theatre.
  • Expect night and event pricing for concerts, games, and shows.

• Buckhead:

  • Mix of garages, deck parking at malls (Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza), and restaurant lots.

• Residential/Neighborhood Areas:

  • Areas like Virginia‑Highland, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward have street parking, but always check for permit or time restrictions.

A quick check of hotel parking fees before you book can help decide whether an airport rental is worth it if you plan to stay mostly in one walkable area.

Returning Your Hired Car to Atlanta Airport

Returning your rental to ATL’s Rental Car Center is usually straightforward when you know the route.

How to Get Back to the Rental Car Center

1. From the Atlanta area, follow signs to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
2. As you approach, look for “Rental Car Return” signs; these will direct you away from the terminals toward:
   • Rental Car Center Parkway
   • The multi-level garages associated with your company
3. Follow the overhead and ground signs for your specific rental company.

What Happens at Return

• A staff member (or automated system) checks:
  • Fuel level
  • Mileage
  • Visible damage
  • Return time
• You’ll receive a final receipt or email confirmation.

From the Rental Car Center:

• Take the ATL SkyTrain back to the Domestic Terminal.
• If your flight leaves from the International Terminal (Concourse F), you can:
  • Take the Plane Train from Domestic to the International Terminal inside security (if you already have your boarding pass and cleared security), or
  • Use the airport shuttle between Domestic and International terminals outside security.

Allow enough time for:

• Driving to the RCC
• Returning the car
• Riding the SkyTrain
• Getting through security at your departure terminal

Many travelers plan to arrive at the Rental Car Center at least 2–3 hours before their flight, especially at busy times or on peak travel days.

Alternatives to Car Hire at Atlanta Airport

If you decide not to rent a car at ATL, these are the main options:

MARTA (Train)

MARTA is Atlanta’s public transit rail system.

• Airport Station is located inside the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim.
• The Red and Gold lines run north through:
  • Downtown (Five Points Station)
  • Midtown (Midtown Arts Center Station)
  • Buckhead and beyond on some routes

This can be a good option if:

• You’re staying near a MARTA station hotel or business district.
• You don’t want to deal with driving or parking.

Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare pickup at ATL is clearly signed and usually located in the designated rideshare area of the terminal’s ground transportation zone. Taxis are also available.

This can make sense if:

• You’re only making one or two trips from the airport.
• You’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, or near major attractions and will walk or use MARTA otherwise.

Helpful Local Contacts and Info

While your rental company handles the car itself, a few Atlanta resources can be useful:

• Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport – General Information
  6000 N Terminal Parkway
  Atlanta, GA 30320
  Main Information Line: (800) 897‑1910

• City of Atlanta – Department of Transportation (ATLDOT)
  For general information about roads, construction, and traffic patterns in the city.
  55 Trinity Avenue SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main Line: (404) 330‑6165

• Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
  For questions about Georgia driving rules, licensing, or ID requirements.
  2206 East View Parkway
  Conyers, GA 30013
  Customer Contact Center: (678) 413‑8400

These agencies don’t book vehicles, but they can help with driving regulations, IDs, and airport specifics that might affect your rental experience.

Hiring a car at Atlanta Airport gives you flexibility to explore metro Atlanta on your own schedule. By understanding where the Rental Car Center is, how to reach it via the ATL SkyTrain, what documents you’ll need, and how driving and traffic work in the city, you can move confidently from plane to driver’s seat and get where you’re going with minimal stress.