Car Rental at Atlanta Airport: How to Rent a Car at Hartsfield-Jackson Like a Local

Renting a car at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is usually straightforward, but the airport is big, busy, and can be confusing if you do not know where to go. Whether you live in Atlanta and are flying back home, or you are visiting and need a car to get around the metro area, this guide walks you through exactly how car rental works at Atlanta’s airport.

Where Car Rentals Are Located at Atlanta Airport

All major rental car companies at ATL are grouped together at the Rental Car Center (often called the “RCC”).

Rental Car Center (RCC) – ATL
2200 Rental Car Center Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30337

You cannot walk there directly from the terminals. Instead, you take the airport’s ATL SkyTrain, an elevated, automated train.

How to Get to the Rental Car Center

From both the Domestic and International terminals:

1. From the Domestic Terminal (North or South):

   • Follow signs for “Rental Cars” or “Rental Car Center.”
   • Take the escalator or elevator up to the ATL SkyTrain station.
   • Board the SkyTrain toward “Rental Car Center.”
   • Ride time is usually about 5 minutes.
   • Exit at the Rental Car Center station and follow signs to your specific rental company.

2. From the International Terminal (Concourse F):

   • You have two main options:
     • Take the International Shuttle Connector to the Domestic Terminal, then follow signs to the ATL SkyTrain, or
     • Some renters use rental car shuttles or pre-arranged transportation, but the most common pattern is to connect through the Domestic side.
   • Once at the Domestic Terminal, take the SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center.

The good news: the SkyTrain is free, runs frequently, and is designed specifically to move travelers between terminals, parking, and the Rental Car Center.

Which Rental Car Companies Operate at ATL?

You will find a wide range of on-site rental companies at the Rental Car Center, including:

• Large national brands offering full fleets (economy to SUVs, minivans, luxury)
• Value-oriented brands with more basic fleets
• Specialty or corporate-focused brands

Inside the RCC, each company has:

• A customer service counter for check-in and questions
• Parking decks or outdoor lots where you pick up and return your vehicle
• Signage directing you to the correct level and space number

If you are comparing options, it is useful to check:

• Operating hours (some locations are 24/7, others are limited)
• Vehicle types available at ATL
• Age requirements and fees (especially if you are under 25)
• Mileage policies (unlimited vs limited)
• One-way rental options (if you plan to drop off outside Atlanta)

Step-by-Step: How to Rent a Car at Atlanta Airport

Whether you are an Atlanta local or a first-time visitor, the process is similar.

1. Reserve or Walk Up?

You can:

• Reserve in advance online or by phone (recommended during busy periods, holidays, or major Atlanta events), or
• Walk up to the counter at the Rental Car Center without a reservation, if you are flexible on price and vehicle type.

Booking ahead usually helps with:

• More predictable pricing
• Better chance of the vehicle size you want
• Smoother, faster check-out

2. What You Need to Rent a Car at ATL

Most airport rental companies in Atlanta commonly require:

• Valid driver’s license (from any U.S. state or a foreign license, typically with a passport if you are an international visitor)
• Major credit card in the driver’s name
  • Some companies accept debit cards, but may:
    • Run a credit check
    • Require proof of return travel
    • Place a larger hold on your account
• Minimum age:
  • Often 25+ to avoid extra fees
  • Drivers under 25 may be allowed, but usually pay a young driver surcharge and may face vehicle limits (e.g., no luxury or specialty cars)
• Insurance decisions:
  • You can rely on:
    • Personal auto insurance (if it covers rentals),
    • Certain credit card coverage (if applicable), or
    • The rental company’s optional coverage at additional cost.
  • It helps to know before you arrive how you plan to handle coverage.

3. At the Counter: What to Expect

Once you reach your rental company’s counter at the RCC:

1. Give your name and reservation details (if booked).
2. Present your license and payment method.
3. Confirm:
   • Rental period (dates and times)
   • Pickup and return location (ATL or elsewhere)
   • Estimated total charges, including fees and taxes
4. Decide on:
   • Insurance/waiver options
   • Fuel plan (prepay fuel vs. return full)
   • Extras (GPS, child seats, additional drivers, toll options)

You will receive:

• A rental agreement (paper or digital) – it is smart to scan it for mileage, fuel, and return details
• Instructions on where in the garage your car is parked (level, section, space number)

4. Picking Up the Car

From the counter:

• Follow signs to the correct deck and row.
• Inspect the car for:
  • Existing damage (scratches, dents, cracked glass, stains)
  • Fuel level
  • Tires and lights
• If something looks off:
  • Flag down a lot attendant or return to the booth to have it noted.
• Adjust:
  • Seat, mirrors, climate control
  • Connect your phone to Bluetooth or CarPlay/Android Auto if available
• Check that you know:
  • The return location and time
  • Any instructions for tolls (Atlanta has some tolled lanes and nearby toll roads in the region)

Driving From ATL: Getting Into and Around Atlanta

Once you exit the Rental Car Center, you will quickly meet Atlanta’s busy road network.

Key Routes Out of the Airport

• I-85 North – Main route to:
  • Downtown Atlanta
  • Midtown
  • Buckhead
  • Connections to GA 400 and I-285
• I-285 (Perimeter) – Loops around the city; used to reach:
  • Sandy Springs
  • Dunwoody
  • Decatur
  • Much of the metro area
• Camp Creek Parkway – Often used for:
  • Hotels and shopping near the airport
  • Access toward East Point and South Fulton

Traffic in Atlanta can be heavy, especially:

• Weekday mornings (roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.)
• Weekday afternoons/evenings (roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.)
• During big events (sports at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, college games, major conventions)

Using a navigation app with traffic updates is highly recommended.

Returning Your Rental Car to Atlanta Airport

Returning a car at ATL is usually easier if you plan ahead.

1. Follow Signs for “Rental Car Return”

As you approach the airport:

• Look for “Rental Car Center” or “Rental Car Return” signs on the overhead boards.
• The Rental Car Center is separate from passenger drop-off. Do not follow the signs for “Departures” or “Arrivals” unless instructed.

Once at the RCC:

• Follow company-specific signs to the correct return lane.
• An attendant may:
  • Scan the vehicle
  • Check mileage and fuel
  • Print or email a receipt

2. Fuel: Avoid Extra Charges

Most renters choose to refuel the car before returning to avoid higher refueling fees.

Near the Rental Car Center, you can usually find:

• Multiple gas stations along Camp Creek Parkway and surrounding areas
• Stations directly along routes to the RCC

To keep it simple, many drivers:

• Top off the tank within a few miles of the RCC
• Save the fuel receipt until the rental is fully closed out

3. Getting Back to Your Terminal

After returning your car:

1. Walk back into the Rental Car Center building.
2. Follow signs to the ATL SkyTrain.
3. Ride to:
   • Domestic Terminal for most U.S. flights, or
   • Connect to shuttles for the International Terminal if your airline uses Concourse F for check-in.

Allow extra time for the SkyTrain ride, any lines, and security.

Renting a Car at ATL vs. In-Town Atlanta Locations

If you will be spending most of your time inside the city and not driving long distances, you may wonder whether you should:

• Rent at the airport, or
• Rent from an in-town Atlanta location (Midtown, Buckhead, Downtown, or neighborhood branches).

Here is a simple comparison:

If you are flying in and out of ATL, most travelers and locals returning home find it simplest to use the Rental Car Center.

Tips to Save Time and Reduce Hassle at ATL’s Rental Car Center

A few small steps can make your Atlanta airport car rental smoother:

• Book ahead during busy times
  Holidays, major conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center, and big sports weekends can lead to limited vehicles and longer lines.

• Join the company’s free loyalty program
  Many programs:

  • Speed up check-in
  • Let you go directly to your car in a designated area
  • Offer digital contracts and faster returns

• Know your insurance plan in advance
  Decide before you reach the counter whether you will:

  • Use personal auto coverage,
  • Rely on credit card benefits, or
  • Purchase the rental company’s coverage.

• Check driving rules specific to Atlanta and Georgia
  Common considerations:

  • “Hands-free” law: Drivers are usually not allowed to hold a phone while driving.
  • Rules around HOV and express lanes on interstates.
  • Typical urban driving norms, including heavy rush-hour traffic and sudden lane changes.

• Plan for tolls if you will drive outside central Atlanta
  While much of Atlanta’s core does not rely heavily on toll roads, regional travel may lead you into:

  • Express lanes on certain interstates
  • Nearby toll roads in Georgia

Ask the rental company how they handle tolls, since some require specific transponders or have set fee structures.

What Atlanta Residents Should Know About Airport Car Rentals

If you already live in metro Atlanta, renting from ATL can still make sense:

• When your personal car is in the shop and you are flying out of ATL and returning shortly.
• If you are hosting guests and want them to have a vehicle directly from the airport.
• For one-way trips starting at the airport.

Things locals often pay attention to:

• Parking your personal car vs. renting at ATL
  If you are away for a long time, renting at your destination may be cheaper than paying for extended ATL parking and a short rental.

• Commuting patterns
  If you land during peak rush hour, factor in extra time and fuel when evaluating rental costs versus rideshare or MARTA.

• Neighborhood access
  Some Atlanta neighborhoods (like parts of Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, or Virginia-Highland) are easier reached via rideshare or MARTA plus a short walk, especially if you do not need a car daily.

Common Questions About Car Rental at Atlanta Airport

Is the ATL Rental Car Center open 24/7?
The building and SkyTrain generally operate around the clock, but individual rental counters may have limited hours. If you have a late-night or very early flight, it is wise to confirm hours with your specific company.

Can I return my car after hours?
Many ATL locations allow after-hours returns using a key drop, but:

• Terms vary by company
• You may remain responsible for the vehicle until it is checked in the next day
  If your flight is late at night or very early morning, verify the after-hours policy.

Do I need a car in Atlanta?
It depends on your plans:

• If you are mostly staying Downtown, Midtown, or near MARTA rail stations, you may be able to rely on:
  • MARTA trains and buses
  • Rideshare
  • Walking for nearby attractions
• If you plan to explore suburbs or outlying areas like:
  • Stone Mountain
  • Marietta
  • Alpharetta
  • Kennesaw
  • Peachtree City
    a rental car becomes much more practical.

How long should I allow for pickup and return?
General rule of thumb:

• Pickup: 30–60 minutes from landing to driving out of the RCC, depending on:
  • Checked baggage
  • Security lines
  • Rental counter lines
• Return: 30–45 minutes before you want to be at security, to:
  • Refuel
  • Return car
  • Ride the SkyTrain
  • Walk to the check-in area

Build in more time during peak travel seasons or if you are unfamiliar with the airport.

Understanding how car rental at Atlanta Airport works makes arriving at or departing from ATL far less stressful. With the Rental Car Center, the free SkyTrain, and easy access to the city’s interstate network, you can step off the plane and be driving toward your destination in Atlanta or beyond in a single, well-planned stop.