Car Rental Center at Atlanta Airport (ATL): How to Use It with CARNGO and Other Providers

Flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and need a car? The Atlanta Airport Car Rental Center (RCC) makes it relatively straightforward to pick up a vehicle from many different brands, aggregators, and booking platforms such as CARNGO.

This guide walks you through exactly how the Car Rental Center works at ATL, how to get there, what to expect if you’ve booked through a platform like CARNGO, and useful tips for both Atlanta residents and visitors.

Where the Car Rental Center Is and How It Works

The ATL Rental Car Center (RCC) is a separate facility from the main terminals, but it’s directly connected by the airport’s SkyTrain.

Location:

• Address (for GPS):
  2200 Rental Car Center Parkway, College Park, GA 30337
• The RCC is just west of the terminals and close to Interstate 85 and Camp Creek Parkway, making it convenient if you’re driving into or out of the city.

What the RCC is:

• A central hub where most major car rental brands keep their counters, parking decks, and vehicle fleets.
• Designed so passengers from both the Domestic and International Terminals can reach car rentals via a free automated train (SkyTrain) instead of shuttle buses.

If you’ve booked a car via CARNGO, your actual car will be provided by one of the participating rental companies at or near this facility. Your CARNGO confirmation will show which company to look for at the RCC.

How to Get to the Car Rental Center from ATL Terminals

From the Domestic Terminal (North or South)

1. Follow the “Rental Car Center” signs after baggage claim.
2. Walk to the MARTA/ATL SkyTrain station area (not the Plane Train underground, but the elevated train outside).
3. Board the ATL SkyTrain toward the Rental Car Center.
4. Ride time is typically about 5 minutes. The RCC is the last stop.

The SkyTrain runs frequently and is free. It also connects to the Georgia International Convention Center on the way.

From the International Terminal (Concourse F)

You have two practical options:

Option 1: International Terminal Shuttle to Domestic, then SkyTrain

1. After clearing customs and baggage, follow signs for Ground Transportation.
2. Look for the free shuttle bus to Domestic Terminal / Rental Car Center.
3. The shuttle drops you at the Domestic Terminal.
4. From there, follow the same steps as above to take the ATL SkyTrain to the RCC.

Option 2: Direct Ground Pickup (if your provider allows it)

Some niche or off-airport rental companies (sometimes used by platforms like CARNGO) may direct you to:

• Meet a shuttle or representative at the International Terminal,
• Or go to a different pickup point nearby.

Always check your CARNGO booking confirmation for exact instructions, because not every partner uses the RCC in the same way.

Car Rentals with CARNGO at ATL: What You Need to Know

CARNGO is typically an online booking platform/aggregator, not the company that physically owns the cars. When you book “Car Rental Center Atlanta Airport ATL – CARNGO,” you’re usually:

• Comparing offers from multiple rental brands,
• Paying or holding a reservation through CARNGO,
• Then picking up from a partner company like a major international brand or a local agency.

How to Use Your CARNGO Booking at ATL

1. Check your confirmation email or voucher

   • Look for the car rental company name (for example: “Your provider: ABC Rent a Car”).
   • Note the pickup location: “ATL Airport Car Rental Center” or a specific off-airport address.

2. At the RCC, follow signs to the correct company counter

   • The RCC has separate counters and parking decks for each brand.
   • Show your CARNGO voucher, driver’s license, and credit card.

3. If your provider is off-airport

   • Your confirmation will usually say something like “shuttle pickup” or list a nearby address.
   • In that case, go to the Off-Airport/Hotel Shuttles area at ATL and look for the company’s shuttle, or follow any printed instructions from CARNGO.

4. Review the rental agreement in person

   • The agreement you sign at the counter is usually the legally binding document, even if some terms were shown on CARNGO.
   • Confirm mileage, fuel policy, insurance options, and any deposits or holds.

What to Bring When Picking Up Your Car

To avoid delays at the Atlanta Airport Car Rental Center, have these ready:

• Valid driver’s license (must be in the primary driver’s name)
• Credit card (or sometimes debit card) matching the main driver
• CARNGO booking confirmation/voucher (printed or on your phone)
• Proof of insurance, if relevant and accepted by that company
• For international visitors:
  • Passport
  • Possibly an International Driving Permit (IDP) if required by the rental brand

Typical Hours and Access at the ATL Car Rental Center

Most major car rental counters at the RCC operate long hours, often from early morning into late night. Some run 24/7, while others may have slightly shorter desk hours but support after-hours returns.

Because hours can change, it’s best to:

• Check your specific rental company’s ATL hours (phone or website), especially for late-night or very early morning arrivals.
• If your CARNGO booking shows a pickup window, try to arrive within that timeframe to avoid cancellations or additional charges.

Getting from the RCC to Downtown Atlanta and Other Areas

Once you have your rental car, exiting the RCC puts you in a good position to reach many parts of metro Atlanta.

Key Routes from the Rental Car Center

• To Downtown Atlanta (e.g., Georgia State Capitol, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium)

  • Usually: I‑85 North → merge I‑75/85 North into Downtown Connector
  • Typical drive: about 15–25 minutes in light traffic; longer during rush hour.

• To Midtown and Buckhead

  • Take I‑85 North from the RCC, then follow signs to Midtown (exit 250) or Buckhead (GA‑400 North from I‑85/I‑75).

• To Atlanta’s Westside or Camp Creek Marketplace

  • Use Camp Creek Parkway west from the RCC for shopping, restaurants, or access to I‑285.

• To East Atlanta / Decatur / Stone Mountain

  • Drive Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) north → I‑20 East or you may use surface streets depending on your route.

Parking, Returns, and Fuel Near the Car Rental Center

Returning Your Car at ATL

1. Follow signs on the interstates for “Rental Car Center” or “Rental Car Return.”
2. Once at the RCC, signs will direct you to your specific company’s return area.
3. Staff typically:
   • Check fuel level and mileage,
   • Inspect for damage,
   • Print or email a final receipt.

You can then take the SkyTrain back to the Domestic Terminal or a shuttle to the International Terminal.

Fueling Up Before Return

Most rentals in Atlanta follow a “return with same fuel level” or “full-to-full” policy.

Common options:

• Gas stations near the RCC along:
  • Camp Creek Parkway
  • Riverdale Road
• Prices can be higher at stations closest to the airport. Many drivers choose to fuel up 10–15 minutes away to get better prices, then top off lightly if needed closer to the RCC.

Understanding Fees and Deposits at Atlanta Airport Rentals

When your booking is made through CARNGO, the base price is usually clear, but be prepared for the following at the counter:

Common Additional Charges

• Airport concession fees and local surcharges
• Taxes (state and local)
• Optional insurance (collision damage waiver, liability supplements, etc.)
• GPS, car seat, or toll transponder rentals
• Additional driver fees

Security Deposits and Holds

Most ATL-area rental companies:

• Place a hold on your credit card, above the rental amount.
• The amount can vary by:
  • Car type
  • Length of rental
  • Whether you use a credit or debit card

Your CARNGO confirmation may estimate this, but the rental counter’s policy is what will be applied.

Choosing the Right Car Type for Atlanta

Atlanta’s layout and traffic patterns influence what type of car may be best:

Good Options for Most Travelers

• Compact or midsize cars

  • Easier to park in Downtown, Midtown, and Decatur
  • More efficient in stop‑and‑go traffic on I‑75/85 and I‑285

• SUVs

  • Useful if you’re visiting North Georgia mountains, Lake Lanier, or hauling family luggage.
  • Common for Atlanta residents picking up a car for a road trip.

• Minivans

  • Helpful for larger families or group trips to places like Six Flags Over Georgia, Stone Mountain Park, or Georgia Aquarium.

Driving Tips for Atlanta Visitors

If you’re new to Atlanta roads, a few local tips help:

• Traffic can be heavy, especially:
  • Weekday mornings (approx. 7–9 a.m.)
  • Late afternoons (approx. 3:30–6:30 p.m.)
• The Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) and I‑285 (the Perimeter) are often congested.
• Many locals rely on navigation apps for real‑time rerouting.
• Watch for peach‑pass or express lanes on some interstates; know whether your rental vehicle is set up for tolls or not.

If you prefer not to drive during peak times, you can plan:

• Sightseeing within central Atlanta, then drive out during lighter traffic.
• Trips to nearby destinations (like Stone Mountain, Marietta, or Sandy Springs) outside of rush hours.

If You’re an Atlanta Local Using the RCC

Many Atlanta residents use the ATL Car Rental Center when:

• Their personal car is in the shop near Hapeville, College Park, or elsewhere.
• They’re starting a road trip straight after a flight.
• They’ve booked a one-way rental from Atlanta to another city.

Tips for locals:

• Use the RCC address in your GPS when returning the car:
  2200 Rental Car Center Parkway, College Park, GA 30337
• If you’re meeting family:
  • Some residents drop travelers at the RCC so they can hop on the SkyTrain instead of driving through the terminal roadways.
• Verify with your provider (via CARNGO or directly) if local renters have any different requirements, such as proof of address or insurance.

Helpful Contacts and Local Information

While CARNGO support details will be in your confirmation, the following local endpoints can be useful:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• General information line (commonly listed by the airport): (800) 897‑1910
• Use this for:
  • SkyTrain service questions
  • Terminal directions
  • Lost and found (non-rental related)

Atlanta Police Department – Airport Precinct

• For safety or incident reporting at ATL or the RCC.

For rental-specific questions (late arrivals, car issues, extensions), contact:

• The rental company’s ATL Airport office listed on your CARNGO voucher.
• In many cases, phone numbers are printed on:
  • Your email confirmation
  • Your rental agreement
  • Stickers on the rental car key sleeve

Quick Reference: Using the ATL Car Rental Center with a CARNGO Booking

Using CARNGO to book a vehicle at Atlanta Airport’s Car Rental Center generally works smoothly as long as you know which rental brand you’re picking up from, how to reach the RCC via SkyTrain, and what documents and deposits to expect. With that information in hand, you can step off the plane at ATL and be on the road toward Downtown Atlanta, Buckhead, Midtown, or beyond with minimal hassle.