Best Hotels Near Atlanta Airport: Where To Stay Around Hartsfield–Jackson

Finding the best hotels near the Atlanta airport can make your trip much easier, whether you have an early-morning flight, a long layover, or you’re hosting out-of-town guests. Because Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the busiest in the world, the area around it is packed with hotel options at nearly every price point.

This guide focuses on where to stay near ATL, what each area is like, and how to choose the right hotel based on your schedule, budget, and transportation needs.

Key Areas for Hotels Near Atlanta Airport

Most airport hotels cluster around a few main zones:

• Domestic Terminal – Airport Boulevard / Virginia Avenue (College Park)
• Concourse / SkyTrain Access – Gateway Center (College Park)
• International Terminal – Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Boulevard (Clayton County side)
• I-85 Corridor – Old National Highway / Riverdale Road
• Nearby Neighborhoods – East Point, College Park, Hapeville

Each area offers a different balance of distance, price, safety, and convenience.

Closest Hotels to ATL: SkyTrain & Gateway Center

If you want to minimize transit time and avoid shuttles, look for hotels at the Gateway Center, which is directly connected to the Domestic Terminal via the ATL SkyTrain.

Why Gateway Center Hotels Work Well

• 🕒 Fast access: About a 2-minute ride from the Domestic Terminal.
• 🚆 No driving needed: SkyTrain runs from the Domestic Terminal’s Ground Transportation Center.
• 🧳 Great for tight schedules: Ideal if you land late at night or fly out early in the morning.
• 🍽 Walkable options: Access to a convention center, some dining, and nearby offices.

These hotels are popular with business travelers, airline crews, and anyone who wants the most seamless airport connection without getting on I-85.

Good for:

• Early/late flights
• Short layovers
• Travelers without a car
• People who dislike waiting on hotel shuttles

Hotels on Virginia Avenue & Around the Domestic Terminal

Just north of the Domestic Terminal along Virginia Avenue in College Park and Hapeville, you’ll find one of the densest clusters of airport hotels.

What to Expect on Virginia Avenue

• 🚐 Frequent airport shuttles to the Domestic Terminal (usually 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic).
• 🍔 Plenty of food nearby: Fast food, casual dining, and a few local spots within walking or short driving distance.
• 💼 Business-friendly: Many hotels here cater to conferences, airline staff, and corporate travelers.
• 💲 Mid-range prices: Often more affordable than the on-site SkyTrain hotels but still very close.

This area is convenient if you need both airport access and real-world amenities like restaurants and gas stations.

Tip: When booking, confirm whether the hotel’s shuttle serves both the Domestic and International terminals, or just the Domestic side.

Hotels Near the International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd)

If you’re flying internationally or picking up someone at the International Terminal (Concourse F), staying on this side of the airport can save time and reduce confusion.

Why Stay Near the International Terminal

• 🚗 Short drive to the International Terminal via Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Boulevard.
• 🧭 Easier logistics if all flights in your group use Concourse F.
• 🧳 Less back-and-forth: No need to ride the Plane Train from the Domestic side just to check in.

This area is less dense with hotels than Virginia Avenue or Gateway Center, but a few properties are positioned to serve international travelers and nearby corporate or cargo facilities.

Good for:

• International-only itineraries
• Travelers meeting family or groups at Concourse F
• Those using long-term parking lots on the International side

Budget-Friendly Airport Hotels Around Old National & Riverdale

If price is your top concern, you’ll find more budget-oriented hotels a bit farther from the airport, especially along:

• Old National Highway
• Riverdale Road
• Sections of Interstate 85 south of the airport

Pros and Cons of Budget Areas

Pros:

• 💲 Lower nightly rates compared to the hotels at Gateway Center or Virginia Avenue.
• 🛑 Some properties offer free parking and basic shuttles.

Cons:

• ⏱ Longer travel time to the airport, especially during rush hour on I-85.
• 🧹 Quality varies widely; reviews are especially important here.
• 🚶 Less walkable; you’ll likely want a car or rideshare for food and errands.

These properties can work well if you’re driving in from another part of Georgia, need cheap overnight lodging, and you’re comfortable trading convenience for cost.

Nearby Neighborhoods With Convenient Access to ATL

If you’re staying longer than one night or want more of a local feel, consider neighborhoods that still offer reasonable access to the airport:

College Park

• 📍 Immediately southwest of ATL.
• 🚆 MARTA Red/Gold Line stop at College Park Station.
• 🏙 Mix of older homes, new developments, and some boutique-style stays.
• 🍴 Historic Downtown College Park has local restaurants and coffee shops.

East Point

• 📍 North of ATL and College Park.
• 🚆 Served by East Point MARTA Station.
• 🛒 Close to Camp Creek Marketplace, a large shopping and dining area.
• 🏡 More residential options, including some short-term rentals.

Hapeville

• 📍 Just east of the airport, near I-75.
• 🌳 Smaller, more compact city with a walkable main street feel.
• 🎨 Known for public art, local eateries, and a quieter atmosphere than Virginia Avenue.

These areas are not “airport hotels” in the strict sense, but they can be ideal if you want decent airport access plus a neighborhood experience.

Transportation: Getting Between ATL and Your Hotel

When choosing a hotel near the Atlanta airport, transportation is as important as room quality.

1. Hotel Shuttles

Most airport hotels near ATL offer complimentary shuttles to the terminals.

Common patterns:

• ⏰ Runs every 15–30 minutes during peak times.
• 📍 Pickup zones at ATL are usually in the Ground Transportation area (follow signs after baggage claim).
• 📞 Some hotels require you to call the front desk after you land for pickup.

Always confirm:

• Shuttle hours of operation (some don’t run overnight).
• Whether they serve Domestic only or both Domestic and International terminals.
• Pickup location: North, South, or a shared island in Ground Transportation.

2. MARTA (Public Transit)

MARTA rail is a strong option if your hotel is near a station:

• The train stops directly at Airport Station, inside the Domestic Terminal.
• The Red and Gold Lines connect the airport to Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead, with stops at:
  • College Park
  • East Point
  • Five Points (Downtown)
  • Peachtree Center
  • Midtown
  • And beyond

Some hotels in Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead market themselves as “airport convenient” because you can ride MARTA straight from the airport and walk or take a short rideshare to your hotel.

3. Rideshare & Taxis

• 🚕 Taxi stands and rideshare pickup zones are clearly signed at both terminals.
• Expect higher prices during peak hours, big events, or severe weather.
• For late-night arrivals, rideshare can be faster than waiting on a shuttle.

4. Driving & Parking

If you’re driving:

• ATL has multiple parking options (Domestic, International, Park-Ride lots, and private off-airport lots).
• Some hotels offer park-and-fly packages where you can leave your car at the hotel during your trip and use their shuttle.

Check:

• Daily parking rates.
• Whether parking is included, discounted, or charged separately.

Quick Comparison: Hotel Areas Near Atlanta Airport

Use this simple overview to match an area to your needs:

How to Choose the Best Atlanta Airport Hotel for Your Situation

When narrowing down options, focus on your specific travel needs rather than just “closest to the airport.”

1. Early or Late Flights

• Prioritize Gateway Center or Virginia Avenue hotels.
• Confirm:
  • 24-hour or extended-hour shuttle (if applicable).
  • Breakfast times if you need a meal before an early departure.

2. Long Layover or One-Night Stop

• Consider SkyTrain-accessible hotels to skip shuttle wait times.
• Look for:
  • On-site dining or room service.
  • Comfortable lobby or workspace areas if you need to work.

3. Traveling With Family

• Look for:
  • Suites or larger rooms.
  • Free breakfast and pool (indoor or outdoor).
  • Strong reviews on cleanliness and noise levels.
• Virginia Avenue and sections of College Park or East Point can offer more space and food options close by.

4. Business Travel

• Focus on:
  • Reliable Wi-Fi and business centers.
  • Proximity to Georgia International Convention Center, Gateway Center Arena, or corporate offices in College Park and Hapeville.
  • Easy transit to Downtown Atlanta via MARTA if you have meetings there.

5. Exploring Atlanta While Staying Near the Airport

If you want to sightsee in Atlanta but still value a quick airport commute:

• Stay near a MARTA station (College Park, East Point, or further into Downtown/Midtown).
• Combine:
  • Easy airport access via MARTA.
  • Quick rail or rideshare trips to attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or Piedmont Park.

Practical Tips for Booking an Atlanta Airport Hotel

To avoid surprises, keep these points in mind:

• Check real-time distance and drive time from the hotel to your terminal using a map app, especially during typical rush hours.
• Read recent reviews for notes about:
  • Shuttle reliability
  • Noise from planes or highways
  • Neighborhood feel (especially in budget areas)
• Confirm fees:
  • Parking (self vs. valet)
  • Resort or “destination” fees, if any
  • Pet fees if you’re traveling with animals
• Clarify terminal service:
  • Some shuttles only serve the Domestic Terminal. If you’re using the International Terminal, ask how the hotel recommends you connect there.
• Consider loyalty programs:
  • If you frequently pass through ATL, choosing a hotel brand you already use can make future trips smoother.

Helpful Airport & Transit Information

For planning purposes, these are stable points of reference:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Parkway
  Atlanta, GA 30320
  Main information line: (800) 897-1910

• MARTA Headquarters / Customer Service (for routes to/from the airport)
  2424 Piedmont Road NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324
  Customer service: (404) 848-5000

Both can provide current information on terminal access, ground transportation, and service changes that may affect your hotel choice or commute.

Choosing the best hotel near Atlanta airport comes down to balancing how close you need to be, how much you want to spend, and what else you plan to do in the Atlanta area. By focusing on the zone that matches your schedule and travel style—Gateway Center for pure convenience, Virginia Avenue for a mix of access and amenities, budget corridors for cost savings, or nearby neighborhoods for a more local feel—you can make your time around ATL as stress-free as possible.