Atlanta Airport Rental Car Return: How to Find and Use the ATL Rental Car Center

Returning a rental car at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is easier once you know exactly where to go and how the process works. Atlanta handles rental cars a little differently than some other major airports, so it helps to understand the Rental Car Center (RCC) and the SkyTrain before you drive in.

This guide walks you through step-by-step directions, timing, drop-off tips, gas and toll info, and what to expect if you’re coming from different parts of metro Atlanta.

Where to Return a Rental Car at Atlanta Airport

All major rental car companies serving ATL operate out of one shared facility:

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

You do not return your rental directly to the Domestic or International Terminals. Instead, you bring it to the RCC, then ride the ATL SkyTrain (or a shuttle, if needed) to your terminal.

Driving Directions to the ATL Rental Car Center

From Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead (via I‑75/85 South)

1. Take I‑75/85 South toward Atlanta Airport.
2. Follow signs for Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
3. Stay alert for signs that say “Rental Car Center” or “Car Rental Return.”
4. You will typically exit onto Camp Creek Parkway or Airport Boulevard/Rental Car Center depending on your route and current signage.
5. Follow the overhead Rental Car Center arrows; they lead directly to Rental Car Center Parkway and into the RCC garage.

Traffic on I‑75/85 can stack up, especially during weekday rush hours and game/event days. If you are coming from central Atlanta, build in extra time.

From the Northern Suburbs (Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Roswell via GA‑400 / I‑285)

1. Head toward I‑285 and follow it west or south to connect with I‑85 South or follow I‑285 West/South around directly toward the airport area.
2. Watch for signs to “Airport” and then specifically “Rental Car Center.”
3. Follow the directional signs to Rental Car Center Parkway, then into the RCC.

Using I‑285 often helps you avoid some downtown congestion, but it can still be heavy during peak times around the I‑20 and I‑75/85 interchanges.

From the Southside (Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Stockbridge, McDonough)

1. Take I‑75 North or I‑85 North toward Atlanta.
2. Follow signs for Atlanta Airport and then “Rental Car Center.”
3. Exit toward Rental Car Center Parkway and follow the roadway into the RCC.

Because you’re coming from the south, you sometimes avoid downtown traffic, but airport access roads can still back up during busy flight banks.

From the West (Douglasville, Lithia Springs, I‑20 West Corridor)

1. Take I‑20 East to I‑285 South.
2. Continue on I‑285 and follow signs for Atlanta Airport.
3. Watch closely for “Rental Car Center” signs and exit as directed to Rental Car Center Parkway.

What to Expect When You Arrive at the Rental Car Center

The ATL Rental Car Center is a large multi-level parking structure with separate areas for each rental company.

Step-by-Step: How Drop-Off Works

1. Follow company-specific signs
   As you enter, you’ll see overhead signs directing you to each rental brand’s return area. Stay in your company’s lane.

2. Drive into the return lane
   An attendant may direct you to a specific row or tell you to follow the arrows to an open return space with a scanner or kiosk.

3. Park and leave the car running or on (if instructed)
   Many companies prefer you leave the car unlocked with keys inside or hand the keys to an attendant. Follow any instructions posted at the return lane.

4. Have your fuel level ready to show
   If you refueled, keep your gas receipt accessible in case the agent wants to verify you filled up near the airport.

5. Get a return receipt
   Either:

   • An attendant scans your car and hands you a paper receipt, or
   • You receive a digital receipt by email or the company app.

   Before you walk away, check the mileage, fuel level, and time on the receipt for accuracy.

6. Gather your belongings
   Double-check:

   • Seatback pockets
   • Under seats
   • Trunk/cargo area
   • Cupholders and console

   Lost items are common at busy locations like ATL.

Getting from the Rental Car Center to the Terminals

The ATL SkyTrain

After you return your car, you’ll walk into the RCC building and follow signs to the ATL SkyTrain, an elevated train that connects:

• Rental Car Center (RCC)
• Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) / Gateway Center hotels
• Domestic Terminal (North side, near MARTA)

Key points:

• The ride between RCC and Domestic Terminal is usually about 5 minutes.
• Trains run frequently throughout the day.
• The SkyTrain does not go directly to the International Terminal (Concourse F).

When you arrive at the Domestic Terminal via SkyTrain, you’ll be on the North side of the terminal. From there, you can:

• Go upstairs to check-in and ticketing (for domestic flights).
• Walk across to the MARTA Airport Station if you’re heading into the city by train.

Getting to the International Terminal (F)

There are two main ways to reach the International Terminal after returning your car:

1. 🚍 Free Airport Shuttle from the Rental Car Center to International Terminal

   • Follow signs in the RCC for the International Terminal shuttle.
   • The bus takes you directly to Terminal F.
   • Allow extra time for wait and travel, especially during busy periods.

2. 🚆 SkyTrain to Domestic Terminal, then Airport Shuttle to International

   • Ride the SkyTrain from RCC to Domestic Terminal.
   • From the lower (ground) level, catch the International Terminal shuttle to Concourse F.

If you’re flying internationally and returning a car, give yourself a generous buffer of time to account for this connection.

How Much Extra Time to Allow for Rental Car Return at ATL

Because the Atlanta Airport Rental Car Center is separate from the main terminals, build in time for:

• Driving and following signage into the RCC
• Potential congestion on access roads
• Dropping the car and walking into the SkyTrain area
• The SkyTrain ride or shuttle to your terminal
• Getting through check-in and security

Here’s a general timing guide many travelers use:

These are comfort margins, not official rules; adjust based on your comfort level, driving distance, and the day’s traffic.

Gas, Tolls, and Fees Near Atlanta Airport

Refueling Before You Return

Most rental agreements around Atlanta work on one of these fuel options:

• Return full (you refuel before drop-off)
• Prepaid fuel (you pay upfront for a full tank)
• Refueling service (the company refuels at a per-gallon rate, often higher than local prices)

If your agreement requires a full tank, it’s usually safest to:

• Fill up within 5–10 miles of the Rental Car Center.
• Keep your receipt in case there’s any question about fuel level or distance from the airport.

There are several gas stations off Camp Creek Parkway, Riverdale Road, and other roads near the airport, but these can be busy and sometimes priced higher. If you’re coming from inside the city, many people prefer to fill up at a station closer to where they started the drive, then top off once near the airport if needed.

Tolls in and Around Atlanta

Within the central Atlanta area, you won’t encounter traditional tollbooths, but you may see Peach Pass / Express Lanes on certain interstates. Common rental car considerations:

• Some companies offer toll programs where your license plate is registered and tolls are charged automatically plus a service fee.
• If you do not enroll, driving through a plate-based toll area may trigger bills later.
• Check the toll policy with your rental company when you pick up the car so you know what to expect at return time.

If You’re Dropping Off Locally but Not Flying

Many Atlanta residents use the airport rental locations for local rentals, then return the car without catching a flight.

After returning your car at the RCC, you can:

• Take the SkyTrain to the Domestic Terminal and then connect to:
  • MARTA (Airport Station) for trains to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and beyond.
  • Rideshare pickup areas for Uber/Lyft.
  • Hotel shuttles around the airport area.
• Use a local rideshare or taxi directly from the RCC area, if permitted by your provider.

If you live nearby in College Park, East Point, or Hapeville, coordinating a pickup at the Rental Car Center can sometimes be simpler than meeting at the busy curb of the main terminal.

Late Returns, After-Hours, and Extended Rentals

Policies vary by company, but at the ATL Rental Car Center, these patterns are common:

• 24/7 returns are often allowed
  Many airport locations accept returns even when the rental desk is closed. You typically:

  • Park in the return area.
  • Place keys in a secure drop box (if instructed by your rental company).
  • Receive your final statement later by email or online.

• Grace periods and late fees
  There may be a brief grace period (for example, 29–59 minutes) after the scheduled return time, after which hourly or daily charges can kick in. Check your rental agreement.

• Extending your rental
  If you realize you’ll be late or want to keep the car longer, most companies prefer you:

  • Call the location or main customer service number before your return time, or
  • Extend via their app/website, if available.

  Rates can change when you extend, especially around holidays and busy weekends in Atlanta.

Tips to Make Your Atlanta Rental Car Return Smoother

• Save the RCC address: Program 2200 Rental Car Center Parkway, College Park, GA 30337 into your GPS or map app before you start driving.
• Watch for signage early: Around the airport, Rental Car Center signs come quickly; stay in the correct lane so you don’t overshoot an exit.
• Plan around traffic: I‑75, I‑85, I‑285, and I‑20 can all bottleneck. If you’re driving from Midtown, Buckhead, or the northern suburbs, add more time than you think you need.
• Check your contract: Note your return time, fuel policy, mileage limits, and any one-way fees if you’re not returning to the same location.
• Inspect with your phone: Many renters snap quick photos or video of the car (fuel gauge, odometer, exterior) at drop-off in case of later questions.
• Keep essential items in one bag: To avoid leaving things behind, consolidate valuables in a single bag you grab as soon as you park.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta International Airport Rental Car Return

• All major returns go to the Atlanta Airport Rental Car Center (RCC) at 2200 Rental Car Center Parkway, not directly to the main terminals.
• From the RCC, you’ll ride the ATL SkyTrain to the Domestic Terminal or take a shuttle to the International Terminal (F).
• Build in 30–60 extra minutes before your airline’s recommended airport arrival time to comfortably handle return, SkyTrain/shuttle, and check-in.
• Refuel close to the airport if your contract requires a full tank, and keep the receipt.
• Pay attention to traffic patterns in and around Atlanta, especially around rush hours and event days, since they can significantly affect your schedule.

With these steps in mind, returning a rental car at Atlanta’s airport becomes a straightforward final stop on your trip instead of a stressful scramble.