Atlanta International Airport Long-Term Parking: How to Choose the Best Option at Hartsfield-Jackson

If you’re flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and need to leave your car for several days or weeks, understanding long-term parking at Atlanta’s airport can save you money, time, and stress.

This guide walks through all major long-term parking options at ATL, what they cost in general terms, how far they are from the terminals, and when each one makes sense for an Atlanta traveler.

Overview: Long-Term Parking at Atlanta Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson offers several types of official airport parking plus many off-airport lots nearby. The right choice depends on:

  • How long you’ll be gone
  • Your budget
  • Whether you’re flying domestic or international
  • How much you value convenience vs. savings

At a high level, you’ll be choosing between:

  • Official ATL parking garages and lots (closest and most convenient)
  • Economy and park-ride lots on airport property (cheaper, shuttle-based)
  • Private off-airport lots and park-and-fly services (often lowest cost for long trips)

Main Long-Term Parking Options at Hartsfield-Jackson

1. Domestic Terminal Parking (North & South)

Best if you prioritize convenience and you’re flying domestic.

Types of long-term friendly parking here:

  • Domestic Terminal Daily Parking Garages (North & South)
  • Economy Parking Lots (typically a lower daily rate than the garages)
  • Park-Ride Lots (shuttle to the terminal)

These options serve:

  • North Terminal – most Delta and partners use this side
  • South Terminal – used by many other domestic carriers

If you’re coming from inside the Perimeter (I-285), these are easy to reach via I-75, I-85, or the Connector, following airport signs for Domestic Terminal North or Domestic Terminal South.

Good for:

  • 1–7 day trips when you want to park close to the terminal
  • Travelers with heavy luggage or kids
  • Early-morning or late-night flights where you want a short walk or quick shuttle

2. International Terminal Parking (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)

If you’re flying internationally on carriers operating out of the International Terminal (Concourse F), you have dedicated long-term options on that side:

  • International Terminal Parking Deck (short walk to the terminal)
  • International Park-Ride Lot (shuttle-based, usually cheaper than the deck)

You’ll access this area from I-75 (not I-85), following signs for International Terminal / Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Boulevard.

Good for:

  • International trips of any length
  • Those who want to avoid shuttling between Domestic and International
  • East and south metro drivers (Henry, Clayton, DeKalb counties) using I-75

3. ATL Economy & Park-Ride Lots

These are usually the best balance of cost and convenience for long-term parking on airport property.

Common choices:

  • Economy Lots near the Domestic Terminal
  • Park-Ride Lots (A, B, or similar) serving domestic terminals
  • International Park-Ride Lot serving the International Terminal

You park your car, then take an airport-operated shuttle to your terminal.

Pros:

  • Typically lower daily rates than the terminal decks
  • Still official ATL parking with airport security patrols and lighting
  • Shuttles run frequently, with pickup points near each lot section

Cons:

  • You must factor in shuttle time (often 10–20 minutes plus waiting)
  • Can be crowded during major holidays or big convention weeks in Atlanta

4. Off-Airport Long-Term Parking Near ATL

Around Hartsfield-Jackson, especially along Camp Creek Parkway, Sullivan Road, and Virginia Avenue, you’ll find multiple private parking operators and park-and-fly hotels.

These typically offer:

  • Lower daily and weekly rates than the airport
  • Shuttle service to the Domestic Terminal (and sometimes International by request)
  • Options like covered parking, valet, or basic car care while you’re away

Since these are private businesses, exact prices and amenities vary. They’re popular with:

  • Travelers leaving their car 7+ days
  • Families trying to keep costs down over long school breaks
  • Frequent flyers who know the location and shuttle schedule they like

If you live in the Atlanta metro, these lots are easy to reach via:

  • I-85 and I-285 (most off-airport parking is just off these interstates)
  • Camp Creek Parkway if you’re coming from the west side or South Fulton

Comparing ATL Long-Term Parking Options

Below is a simplified comparison to help you narrow things down. Exact prices can change, but the relative differences are consistent.

Option TypeDistance to TerminalTypical Cost LevelBest For
Domestic/International Decks (Daily)Walkable or very short walk$$$1–5 days, max convenience
Economy Lots (on airport property)Shuttle (short ride)$$3–10 days, balanced cost and convenience
Park-Ride Lots (official ATL)Shuttle (moderate ride)$–$$Longer trips, budget-conscious travelers
Off-Airport Private LotsShuttle (varies by provider)$Extended trips (1–3+ weeks), lowest total cost

Rule of thumb:

  • Under 3 days – consider terminal decks or daily garage if budget allows.
  • 3–7 days – economy or park-ride lots usually make more sense.
  • Over 7 days – off-airport lots often offer the best long-term value.

How to Access Each Parking Area at ATL

Getting to Domestic Terminal Parking

From most of metro Atlanta:

  1. Take I-75/85 south toward the airport.
  2. Follow signs for Domestic Terminal.
  3. Choose North or South based on your airline’s terminal.
  4. Follow signs for Daily, Economy, or Park-Ride parking.

If you’re coming from:

  • Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead – use the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) south.
  • East side (Decatur, Stone Mountain) – take I-285 to I-20 or I-75/85 as appropriate, then follow airport signs.
  • West side (Cascade, West End, Douglasville)I-285 south to I-85 north briefly, then follow airport signs.

Getting to International Terminal Parking

The International Terminal has its own entrance separate from Domestic:

  1. Get on I-75 (not I-85).
  2. Follow signs for Exit to International Terminal / Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal.
  3. Continue on Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Boulevard.
  4. Follow signs to International Parking Deck or International Park-Ride.

This route avoids driving around the Domestic side and can be more direct if you:

  • Live in DeKalb, Henry, Rockdale, or Clayton counties
  • Are already on I-75 heading north or south

Tips for Choosing the Right Long-Term Parking at ATL

1. Match Parking to Your Flight Terminal

  • Domestic flight, Domestic check-in: Park on the Domestic side (North or South).
  • International flight using International Terminal: Park at the International Terminal deck or International Park-Ride.

Mixing terminals is possible, but you may need an internal airport shuttle between Domestic and International, which adds time.

2. Think in Terms of Total Trip Cost

When evaluating long-term parking, use total cost for your entire trip, not just daily rate:

  • For a 2-day work trip – paying more for the deck may be worth the shorter walk.
  • For a 14-day vacation – even a few dollars difference per day adds up quickly.

If you live far from ATL (e.g., north suburbs like Alpharetta, Cumming, or Buford), also factor in:

  • Gas or rideshare to/from the airport
  • The time you’d spend having someone else drop you off vs. parking yourself

3. Allow Extra Time for Shuttles

For economy, park-ride, and off-airport lots, build in:

  • 10–20 minutes for shuttle rides
  • Extra time during rush hour, holidays, and big Atlanta event weekends

Many Atlanta travelers aim to arrive at the parking lot 2–2.5 hours before departure for domestic flights and 3 hours before for international, especially if using a shuttle.

4. Consider Security and Lighting

On-airport lots and decks at ATL generally have:

  • Lighting, patrols, and call boxes
  • Clearly marked rows and sections

Off-airport lots around Hartsfield-Jackson often advertise:

  • Fenced or gated areas
  • Staffed booths or video surveillance

When you park:

  • Choose a well-lit spot, especially for late-night returns.
  • Note landmarks, row numbers, and take a photo of your parking location.

Paying for Long-Term Parking at ATL

Payment Methods

Official ATL parking facilities typically accept:

  • Credit and debit cards
  • Sometimes mobile payment options at exit gates

Private off-airport lots often allow:

  • Online prepayment or reservations
  • Pay-on-exit with major cards

If you prefer to budget ahead, consider:

  • Calculating your expected total (daily rate × days parked)
  • Prebooking in advance for some off-airport options when available

Long-Term Parking for ATL Residents vs. Visitors

If You Live in Metro Atlanta

For locals, your main decision is time vs. money:

  • If you fly several times per year, you may get comfortable with a specific lot or deck.
  • If you’re in-town (e.g., Grant Park, Virginia-Highland, West Midtown) and near MARTA, consider whether taking MARTA to the Airport Station and skipping parking entirely could be cheaper—especially for longer trips.

Some Atlanta residents:

  • Use on-airport economy or park-ride for 3–7 day trips.
  • Switch to off-airport lots for week-long or multi-week vacations.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta and Renting a Car

If your trip starts and ends at ATL and you’re using a rental car, you generally do not need long-term airport parking:

  • You’ll return the car to the rental car center, accessed by the ATL SkyTrain near the Domestic Terminal.
  • Parking at that facility is handled through the rental company itself, not airport long-term parking.

Practical Long-Term Parking Tips Specific to ATL

  • Peak travel times in Atlanta: Spring break, Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year, and major conventions or sporting events. Parking fills up faster; consider economy lots or off-airport options and arrive early.
  • Weather: Atlanta summers can be hot. If you’ll be gone a long time, you may prefer covered parking (deck or designated covered sections in private lots) to protect your vehicle interior and electronics.
  • Game days & events: Large events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or downtown can cause traffic on the Connector. Build extra time into your drive to ATL, especially if your route goes through central Atlanta.
  • Flight delays: If your return is delayed and your car is parked long-term, you’ll typically just pay for the extra time when exiting the lot. Keep a card handy for any overage.

Where to Get Official ATL Parking Information

For the most current details on:

  • Exact daily and hourly rates
  • Which lots are open or temporarily full
  • Real-time parking availability by lot

You can contact or check resources from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The airport is located at:

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

Airport staff and automated systems commonly provide:

  • Parking guidance
  • Directions to specific lots or decks
  • Updates during high-demand periods

By choosing the right long-term parking option at Atlanta’s airport—whether it’s a terminal deck, economy lot, park-ride shuttle, or off-airport lot—you can match your budget, schedule, and comfort level for a smoother start and finish to your trip through ATL.