Cost of Parking at Atlanta Airport: What You’ll Really Pay at Hartsfield-Jackson

If you’re flying in or out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), parking costs can add up fast—especially if you’re not sure which lot fits your budget or schedule. This guide breaks down the cost of parking at Atlanta Airport, from on-site garages to cheaper off-site options, and gives you practical tips for saving money whether you live in Atlanta or are just visiting.

Main Parking Options at Atlanta Airport (ATL)

Hartsfield-Jackson is a huge airport, with multiple lots and garages on both the Domestic Terminal and International Terminal sides. The main official options include:

• Hourly Parking (Garages)
• Daily Parking (Garages)
• Economy Parking Lots
• Park-Ride Lots (Shuttle Lots)
• ATL West / SkyTrain-connected parking
• International Terminal parking (hourly and economy)
• Cell Phone Waiting Lots (for pick-ups only)

Each has a different price point and walking or shuttle distance to the terminal.

Quick Cost Comparison: Atlanta Airport Parking

Use this as a general price guide for on-site Atlanta Airport parking:

*Always confirm current posted rates at ATL before parking.

Hourly vs. Daily Parking at the Domestic Terminal

Hourly Parking (North & South Garages)

The Hourly Parking decks are attached directly to the Domestic Terminal on both the North and South sides:

• Best for:
  • Quick drop-offs and pick-ups
  • Escorting someone inside the terminal
  • Short business meetings or brief stays (a few hours)
• Pros:
  • Very close to the terminal (a short walk or elevator ride)
  • Covered parking
• Cons:
  • Most expensive option for full-day or multi-day parking
  • Daily max adds up quickly if you leave your car overnight

If you live in the metro Atlanta area and you’re just running in to meet someone at the gate area or baggage claim, Hourly Parking is convenient—but not a good choice for a week-long trip.

Daily Parking (North & South Garages)

The Daily Parking sections in the same general garage complexes are designed for:

• Weekend trips
• Business travel
• Short vacations

Key points:

• Costs less per day than Hourly Parking.
• Still a short walk to the Domestic Terminal.
• Good trade-off between price and convenience.

For most Atlanta-area residents flying out of the Domestic side for 2–5 days, Daily Parking is a common choice when convenience matters more than squeezing out every dollar of savings.

Economy Parking Lots: Lower-Cost Domestic Options

ATL has Economy lots on the North and South sides of the Domestic Terminal:

• Designed for longer stays at a more affordable daily price.
• Usually uncovered surface lots.
• Require a slightly longer walk or a short shuttle ride, depending on where you park and current operations.

These lots are popular with:

• Families going on week-long vacations
• Frequent travelers looking to cut parking costs
• Visitors who don’t mind a slightly longer walk in exchange for savings

If you’re flying out of Atlanta for several days and don’t need to park in a garage, Domestic Economy is often one of the best value options on-site.

Park-Ride Lots (C & D): Budget-Friendly with Shuttle

Park-Ride C and D are large surface lots connected to the Domestic Terminal by airport shuttles:

• Best for:
  • Longer trips (week-long or more)
  • Travelers prioritizing lowest on-site cost
• Pros:
  • Among the cheapest official airport parking options
  • Regular shuttle service to the terminal
• Cons:
  • You must allow extra time for the shuttle
  • Can be less convenient with heavy luggage or small children

If you live in Atlanta and take several flights a year, Park-Ride lots are a common go-to, especially for budget-conscious travelers who still want to remain on airport property.

ATL West / SkyTrain-Connected Parking

ATL West Parking is a large garage complex located west of the main Domestic Terminal area and connected via the ATL SkyTrain, the automated rail system.

• How it works:
  • You park at the ATL West or nearby SkyTrain-connected facility.
  • You ride the SkyTrain directly to the Domestic Terminal.
• Advantages:
  • Generally competitive daily rates.
  • Covered parking in many sections.
  • SkyTrain runs frequently and is free.
• Considerations:
  • You’ll need to factor in SkyTrain travel time, though it’s usually quick.
  • Good option if the main Domestic garages are full or very busy.

For many Atlanta residents leaving their car for several days, ATL West can be a comfortable middle ground between cost and convenience.

International Terminal Parking Costs (Concourse F / Maynard H. Jackson Jr.)

If you’re flying internationally or picking up someone arriving from abroad, you will likely use the International Terminal on the east side of the airport.

There are two main options here:

International Hourly Parking Garage

• Located next to the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal.
• Ideal for:
  • Picking up or dropping off international travelers
  • Short stays
• Similar to Domestic Hourly:
  • Higher hourly and daily rates
  • Very short walk into the International Terminal
  • Covered garage parking

International Park-Ride Economy Lot

• A separate economy lot serving the International Terminal.
• Connected via shuttle bus to the terminal.
• Typically offers lower daily rates than the International Hourly Garage.
• Best for:
  • International travelers on longer trips
  • Anyone wanting to leave a car for several days at a lower cost than the garage

If you’re driving from the suburbs (e.g., Gwinnett, DeKalb, or east side neighborhoods) and flying internationally, using the International Park-Ride Economy lot can be both convenient and cost-effective, especially when returning directly to that terminal.

Free Parking for Pick-Ups: Cell Phone Lots

For drivers picking up arriving passengers, ATL offers Cell Phone Waiting Lots:

• Located near:
  • Domestic Terminal area
  • International Terminal area
• Cost: Free
• Rules:
  • You must stay with your vehicle.
  • No overnight parking.
  • Intended only for short-term waiting while the arriving passenger is getting to the curb.

This is the best option if you live in Atlanta and are just swinging by to pick someone up. Your passenger can text or call when they have their bags, and you can pull up to the curb without paying parking fees.

Off-Site Parking Near Atlanta Airport

Beyond official ATL lots, there are numerous private parking facilities in the areas surrounding the airport, especially around:

• Camp Creek Parkway
• Virginia Avenue
• Old National Highway and nearby access roads

Typical features:

• Lower daily rates than many on-site lots, especially for longer stays.
• Shuttle service to and from the terminals.
• Some offer:
  • Valet parking
  • Covered parking
  • Car wash or detailing (for an additional fee)

Things to consider:

• Total cost including taxes and fees
• Shuttle frequency and hours
• Extra charges for late-night pick-ups or oversize vehicles

For Atlanta-area residents going on long trips (1–2 weeks or more), off-site parking is often one of the cheapest overall options, as long as you’re comfortable relying on a shuttle.

How Long Is Your Trip? Matching Parking Type to Stay Length

Here’s a simple way to choose based on how long you’ll be gone:

Same-Day or Under 4 Hours

• Best options:
  • Hourly Parking (Domestic or International Garages)
  • Cell Phone Lot for pick-up only (free)
• Why:
  • You’re paying mostly by the hour and need to be steps from the terminal.

1–3 Days

• Best options:
  • Daily Parking (Domestic)
  • International Hourly Garage (if flying internationally and prioritizing convenience)
• Why:
  • Reasonable cost vs. convenience. You avoid shuttles and minimize walking time.

4–7 Days

• Best options:
  • Economy Lots (Domestic North/South)
  • International Park-Ride Economy
  • Park-Ride C or D
  • ATL West / SkyTrain Parking
• Why:
  • Daily fees are lower, and the total for a week stays manageable.

7+ Days (Extended Trips)

• Best options:
  • Park-Ride lots (C/D)
  • International Park-Ride Economy
  • Off-site private lots near the airport
• Why:
  • Over a week or more, even small savings per day can add up to a significant difference.

Tips to Save Money on ATL Parking

Here are practical ways people in Atlanta often trim their airport parking costs:

• Compare on-site vs. off-site
  For long trips, run the numbers: 7–10 days in an Economy or Park-Ride lot can cost less than several days in a Daily Garage, and off-site lots may be even cheaper.

• Factor in rideshare or MARTA
  If you’re close to a MARTA rail station (for example, in Midtown, Downtown, or near Lindbergh Center), taking rail to the Airport Station can eliminate parking entirely. For some, a rideshare or taxi from in-town neighborhoods is cheaper than parking for a week.

• Travel with others
  Have a friend or family member drop you off and use the Cell Phone Lot for pick-up. You avoid parking costs altogether.

• Arrive early and be flexible
  Popular lots can fill up during holidays or big events. Being open to parking in a different lot (for example, using ATL West or Park-Ride when closer garages are full) prevents last-minute, more expensive choices.

• Watch for maximum daily caps
  Even in Hourly Parking, there is often a daily maximum. If you accidentally leave your car overnight in the hourly section, you’ll likely pay that higher daily maximum rather than a purely hourly rate—often much more than Economy or Park-Ride.

Accessibility, EV Parking, and Other Practical Details

Accessible Parking

Accessible parking spaces are generally available in:

• Hourly and Daily garages
• Economy lots
• Park-Ride lots

Shuttle buses serving Economy and Park-Ride lots typically have lifts or ramps for passengers with mobility challenges. If accessibility is a concern, the Hourly or Daily garages next to the terminal may be simplest, though not always the cheapest.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Parking

ATL has offered EV charging stations in some garages and lots. Availability, locations, and any additional fees can change, so it’s worth:

• Checking posted signs when you arrive.
• Allowing extra time to find a charging space.

If driving from Atlanta suburbs in an EV, some travelers choose on-site garages for better access to charging, even if it costs a bit more.

Where the Airport Is and How Parking Fits into Your Trip

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

Key local context:

• From Downtown Atlanta, the airport is roughly a 10–20 minute drive in light traffic via I-75/I-85 South.
• Many metro Atlanta residents opt for:
  • MARTA rail to avoid parking entirely, or
  • Economy / Park-Ride / off-site parking for longer trips.
• If you’re visiting from out of town and staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, comparing:
  • Hotel parking + rideshare
    vs.
  • Driving to ATL and paying airport parking
    can help you decide the most cost-effective setup.

How to Decide Quickly: A Simple ATL Parking Decision Tool

Ask yourself these three questions:

1. How many days will I be gone?

   • 0–1 day: Hourly or Daily Garage (or no parking if just picking up)
   • 2–5 days: Daily Garage or Economy
   • 6+ days: Economy, Park-Ride, ATL West, or off-site

2. Is convenience or cost more important?

   • Need fastest walk: Hourly or Daily garages at Domestic or International
   • Fine with shuttles: Economy, Park-Ride, ATL West, or off-site

3. Am I leaving from Domestic or International?

   • Domestic flights: Domestic garages, Economy, Park-Ride, ATL West
   • International flights: International Hourly Garage or International Park-Ride Economy

Once you answer those, you’ll usually land on the most reasonable parking choice for your Atlanta Airport trip—and have a good idea of what it will cost.