Car Rentals at Atlanta Airport: How to Navigate ATL Like a Local

Renting a car at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is often the fastest way to get around metro Atlanta, especially if you’re heading to the suburbs, business parks, or planning day trips. The good news: ATL has a well-organized, dedicated Rental Car Center (RCC) — but it helps a lot to know the layout and process before you land.

This guide walks you through exactly how car rentals work at Atlanta Airport, what to expect, and how to make the best choices for your budget and travel plans.

Where to Find Car Rentals at Atlanta Airport

All major car rental companies at ATL operate out of the Rental Car Center (RCC), a separate facility just outside the main airport terminals.

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

You don’t walk there from your gate. Instead, you’ll use ATL’s SkyTrain, an automated people-mover.

Getting to the Rental Car Center from Your Plane

1. Arrive at ATL

   • Domestic flights: You’ll come into the Domestic Terminal (North or South).
   • International flights: You may arrive at the International Terminal (Concourse F).

2. From the Domestic Terminal:

   • Follow signs for “Rental Cars” and “SkyTrain”.
   • Go to the SkyTrain station just outside the Domestic Terminal (up an escalator or elevator).
   • Board the SkyTrain toward Rental Car Center.
   • The ride is usually about 5 minutes, with clear audio and visual announcements.

3. From the International Terminal (Concourse F): You have two main options:

   • Free shuttle bus to the Rental Car Center
     • Follow signs for “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Cars Shuttle”.
     • A shuttle bus will take you directly to the RCC without needing to enter the Domestic Terminal.
   • Or shuttle to the Domestic Terminal, then SkyTrain
     • Some travelers prefer this if they’re connecting with others or picking up domestic baggage.

4. Arriving at the Rental Car Center:

   • Exit the SkyTrain or shuttle at the RCC stop.
   • Inside, you’ll find multiple rental counters arranged side by side.
   • Escalators, elevators, and clear signs guide you to rental counters, garages, and returns.

Which Car Rental Companies Are at ATL?

The Rental Car Center hosts most of the well-known national and international brands. While specific lineups can change over time, you can usually expect:

• Large national brands (with multiple car classes and loyalty programs)
• Mid-size and value-focused brands
• Specialty or regional companies depending on availability

Because they are all in the same building, you can:

• Compare options on the spot (if you haven’t booked in advance)
• Walk between counters without leaving the RCC

For local Atlanta plans, think about:

• Suburban driving (e.g., Alpharetta, Marietta, Peachtree City): Midsize sedan or small SUV is often ideal.
• Downtown or Midtown (tight parking, one-way streets): Compact or midsize car for easier parking.
• North Georgia trips (mountains, Lake Lanier, wineries, hiking): SUV or crossover can be more comfortable, especially for luggage or gear.

Car Rental Pick-Up Process at ATL

Most rental experiences at the Atlanta Airport follow a similar pattern.

1. Check In at the Rental Counter or Kiosk

You’ll typically need:

• Driver’s license (valid and not expired)
• Major credit card in the driver’s name
• Reservation details (confirmation number or app)
• Proof of return travel sometimes requested for debit card rentals

Some companies offer:

• Self-service kiosks
• Loyalty program lanes (for faster pickup and bypassing the main counter)

If you’re from outside the U.S., you may need:

• Your home country license
• Potentially an International Driving Permit (IDP), depending on your home license’s language and the company’s policy

2. Walk to the Garage

After you’ve checked in:

• You’ll receive a rental agreement, car details, and parking level information.
• Follow signs to the appropriate garage level or row for your company.
• Some brands use “choose your car” aisles within your reserved class.

3. Inspect the Vehicle

Before driving out of the RCC:

• Walk around the car for scratches, dents, or windshield chips.
• Check the interior for cleanliness and existing wear.
• Confirm:
  • Fuel level
  • Mileage
  • Any noted damage on your rental paperwork or app

If you see something not listed:

• Find an attendant in the garage
• Ask them to mark the damage on your agreement or in their system before you leave

4. Exit the Facility

• Follow signs for “Exit” and “To I-85 / I-75 / I-285”.
• The RCC directly feeds into nearby highways:
  • I-85 North/South
  • Access to I-75, I-20, and the Downtown Connector isn’t far once you’re on I-85.

Traffic near the airport can be busy, especially:

• Weekday mornings (rush hour) heading north toward Downtown/Midtown
• Late afternoons and early evenings heading south or circling I-285

Allow extra time if you’re new to Atlanta’s road system.

Where to Return Your Rental Car at ATL

All car rental returns also go back to the Rental Car Center.

Step-by-Step Rental Car Return

1. Follow “Rental Car Return” Signs

   • On your way back to the airport, you’ll see clear highway signage for “Rental Car Center”.
   • The RCC entrance leads you into brand-specific return lanes.

2. Pull Into Your Company’s Return Lane

   • Look for your rental company’s clearly marked area.
   • An attendant may direct you to a specific lane or parking spot.

3. Check Fuel Level

   • If you opted to refuel yourself, the tank should be at or near the agreed level (usually full).
   • There are gas stations within a few miles of the RCC, especially along Camp Creek Parkway and around the airport area.

4. Complete the Return

   • An attendant may:
     • Scan the car
     • Check mileage and fuel
     • Print or email a receipt
   • If no attendant is present (late-night returns), follow posted instructions for:
     • Key drop boxes
     • Self-service return documentation

5. Ride the SkyTrain or Shuttle Back to the Terminal

   • From the RCC, take the SkyTrain back to the Domestic Terminal if you’re flying domestically.
   • If you’re flying out of the International Terminal, you may:
     • Take an airport shuttle from the Domestic Terminal to the International Terminal, or
     • Use any dedicated international shuttle options posted at the RCC or main terminal.

Timing Tip

⏱️ Plan at least 30–45 minutes from entering the airport road system to:

• Return the car
• Clear the return process
• Ride the SkyTrain or shuttle to your terminal

During heavy traffic, build in more time.

On-Airport vs. Off-Airport Car Rentals in Atlanta

In addition to the official RCC, you’ll find off-airport rental locations around College Park, East Point, and greater Atlanta.

On-Airport (Rental Car Center) Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Direct connection via SkyTrain or shuttle
• No separate taxi or rideshare needed to get to your car
• Easy returns integrated into airport signage
• Multiple companies in one building

Cons:

• Base rates and fees can be higher due to airport surcharges
• Heavier demand during peak travel seasons and holidays

Off-Airport Locations Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Sometimes lower daily rates or fewer airport-specific fees
• May be closer to your hotel or home if you’re a local

Cons:

• You’ll need extra transportation (MARTA, rideshare, taxi, shuttle) from ATL
• Returns close earlier than the 24-hour RCC operations at some locations
• Less convenient if you’re in a hurry to make your flight

For many travelers, especially those arriving from out of town, the Rental Car Center at ATL is usually the most straightforward choice.

What Type of Car Is Best for Atlanta?

Atlanta’s layout affects which car might make the most sense.

If You’re Mostly Staying In-Town

Areas: Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Buckhead

• Compact or midsize car
• Easier to park in decks and tight spots
• Better for navigating one-way streets and busy corridors like Peachtree Street or Ponce de Leon Avenue

If You’re Exploring the Suburbs

Areas: Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Marietta, Decatur, Peachtree Corners, Fayetteville

• Midsize sedan or SUV
• More space for luggage, shopping, or kids
• Comfortable for longer drives on I-285, GA-400, I-75, and I-85

If You’re Heading to the Mountains or Lakes

Destinations: North Georgia mountains, Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Dahlonega, Lake Lanier

• SUV or crossover recommended
• Better for steep or winding roads and unpredictable weather
• More room for hiking gear, coolers, or outdoor equipment

Costs and Fees to Expect at ATL Car Rentals

Actual prices vary by season, demand, and company, but you can anticipate several typical charges at Atlanta Airport rental counters.

Common Charges

• Base daily rate for the car class (economy, midsize, SUV, etc.)
• Airport concession or facility fees
  • Added for using airport property and the RCC
• Taxes (state and local sales taxes, rental car fees)
• Fuel options
  • Prepay fuel vs. refill yourself
• Add-ons
  • Extra driver fees
  • GPS devices (often redundant if you use your phone)
  • Child safety seats
  • Toll packages (relevant if you’re crossing toll roads outside metro Atlanta)

Saving Money in the Atlanta Area

• Compare:
  • On-airport vs. off-airport locations if you’re price-sensitive
• Reserve:
  • In advance, especially for weekends, holidays, and large events (e.g., major sporting events, conventions)
• Consider:
  • Whether you really need a rental if you’re staying mainly Downtown or Midtown and can combine MARTA, walking, and rideshare instead

Driving in Atlanta: Local Realities to Know

Atlanta can be easy to navigate if you prepare for a few local quirks.

Traffic Patterns Around the Airport

• I-85 and I-75 near the airport can back up quickly.
• Expect rush hour congestion:
  • Weekdays roughly 7:00–9:00 a.m. and 4:00–6:30 p.m.
• Heading north from the airport puts you on the Downtown Connector (I-75/85), a frequent bottleneck.

Parking Considerations

In-town areas (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead):

• Public and private parking garages are common.
• Street parking may be metered with strict enforcement.
• Some neighborhoods use permit-only residential parking.

Suburbs and shopping areas:

• Most offer free parking lots or large decks.

If you’re staying at a hotel, check in advance:

• Overnight parking fees
• Valet vs. self-parking availability
• Maximum vehicle height in parking decks if renting a large SUV or van

Using MARTA and Other Options Instead of Renting

If you’re not sure whether you need a car:

MARTA from the Airport

The MARTA Airport Station is inside the Domestic Terminal.

• Trains run north toward Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and further.
• Many business travelers staying near Peachtree Center or Midtown use MARTA plus occasional rideshare instead of a car rental.

When a Rental Car Still Makes Sense

• You’re visiting family or friends in the suburbs.
• You have multiple off-the-beaten-path stops (parks, attractions, or business parks).
• You’re doing day trips to places not easily reached by transit.

Accessibility and Special Requests

If you or someone in your group has specific needs, most ATL rental companies can accommodate:

• Hand controls and other adaptive driving equipment (usually by advance request)
• Wheelchair-accessible shuttles at the airport and RCC
• Child car seats (reserve ahead, availability can be limited during peak times)

Contact your rental company before you arrive in Atlanta to confirm:

• Equipment availability
• Any documentation required
• Pickup and return procedures with accessibility in mind

Key Takeaways for Car Rentals at Atlanta Airport

Quick Reference Summary

Understanding how car rentals at Atlanta Airport are organized — especially the Rental Car Center and SkyTrain connection — makes it much easier to land, pick up your car, and start driving with confidence around Atlanta and the rest of Georgia.