Daily Parking at Atlanta Airport: How to Choose the Right Option for Your Trip

Flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and need to leave your car for the day or longer? Daily parking at Atlanta Airport can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the layout, prices, and shuttle options.

This guide walks through all the main daily parking choices at ATL—on-site and nearby—so you can pick the best fit for your budget, schedule, and comfort level.

Key Daily Parking Options at Atlanta Airport

Atlanta Airport offers several types of daily parking on both the Domestic and International sides:

• Domestic Terminal:

  • North & South Daily Parking Garages
  • Economy Parking
  • Park-Ride Lots (typically signed as Park-Ride)
  • Cell Phone Lots (short-term waiting only, not true daily parking)

• International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Terminal):

  • International Parking Deck (covered)
  • International Park-Ride Lot

There are also off-site private lots around College Park, Hapeville, and other nearby areas that offer daily parking with shuttles to ATL.

Domestic Terminal Daily Parking Garages (North & South)

If you want to park closest to the terminal for flights on most major airlines, the North and South Daily Parking Garages are the most convenient on-site option.

What to Expect

• Location: Directly in front of the Domestic Terminal North and South.
• Best for:
  • Business trips
  • Short trips (1–3 days)
  • Travelers with heavy luggage or kids
  • Anyone who wants to walk to the terminal instead of taking a shuttle
• Type of parking: Multi-level, mostly covered garages with some rooftop spaces.
• Access:
  • North Garage: Best for Delta and many partner airlines.
  • South Garage: Often used for other domestic airlines (check your airline’s terminal).

Pros

• Very short walk to check-in counters.
• Easiest option if you’re dropped off or picked up by different people than you drove with.
• Fewer steps: pull in, park, walk into the terminal.
• Good for Atlanta residents who want a fast in-and-out experience.

Cons

• Usually more expensive per day than Economy or Park-Ride.
• Garages fill up during peak holiday and summer travel; you may need to drive higher up or consider another lot.

Economy Parking at the Domestic Terminal

If you need daily parking at ATL but want a lower rate than the main garages, the Economy lots at the Domestic Terminal offer a middle ground between cost and convenience.

What to Expect

• Location: Near the Domestic Terminal, but not as close as Daily Parking. There are usually signs for “Economy Parking” as you approach.
• Best for:
  • Trips of several days up to a week or more
  • Budget-conscious travelers who still want a relatively short shuttle or walk
• Access: Shuttle service is usually available; some spaces may be within a longer walking distance depending on where you park.

Pros

• Cheaper daily rate than the Daily Parking Garages.
• Still relatively quick access to the terminal.
• Straightforward to find from I-85 and I-75 with posted airport signs.

Cons

• Not as close or seamless as the Daily Garages.
• You may wait a bit for a shuttle during very early or very late hours.

Park-Ride Lots (Domestic Side)

ATL’s Park-Ride lots are designed for travelers who don’t mind a short shuttle ride in exchange for usually lower daily rates than the closer garages.

You’ll typically see signs for “Park-Ride” lots as you approach Hartsfield-Jackson.

What to Expect

• Location: Off the main terminal curb area, but within a short shuttle ride.
• Best for:
  • Longer trips (a week or more)
  • Families or groups wanting to save on parking
  • Travelers coming from outside the Perimeter who don’t mind shuttles
• Access: Free shuttle buses run between the Park-Ride lots and the Domestic Terminal.

Pros

• Often one of the most economical ways to park on airport property.
• You still get an official ATL lot with airport-run shuttles.
• Good option if the Daily Garages are full, especially at busy times.

Cons

• Requires extra time for shuttle pick-up and drop-off.
• If you’re traveling during severe weather, shuttles may feel less convenient than a short walk from the garage.

Cell Phone Lots (Not for Daily Parking)

The Domestic Terminal has Cell Phone Lots used for short-term waiting when picking up arriving passengers.

• Important: These are not intended for daily or overnight parking.
• Typically used by drivers who want to wait for a text or call from arriving family or friends before heading to the curb.
• You must stay with your vehicle; leaving it for hours or days can lead to towing.

If you need to leave your car while you fly out of Atlanta, choose Daily, Economy, or Park-Ride instead.

International Terminal Daily Parking

Flying internationally out of Atlanta through the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal? You have your own daily parking options on that side of the airport.

International Parking Deck

• Location: Directly adjacent to the International Terminal.
• Best for:
  • International flights where you want to walk straight into the terminal
  • Shorter trips or when convenience is more important than cost
• Type of parking: Multi-level deck, with mostly covered parking.

Pros

• Closest possible parking to the International Terminal.
• Minimal walking distance; you can go from your car to check-in quickly.
• Useful for Atlanta-area residents driving themselves to international flights.

Cons

• Daily pricing is typically similar to or higher than the Domestic Daily Garages.
• Can fill up during heavy travel seasons.

International Park-Ride Lot

If you want to save money on international daily parking, the International Park-Ride lot is the more budget-friendly airport-run option.

What to Expect

• Location: A short distance from the International Terminal, served by airport shuttles.
• Best for:
  • Longer international trips
  • Travelers who prefer to park on the International side instead of Domestic and transferring
• Access: Free shuttles take you to and from the International Terminal departures and arrivals areas.

Pros

• Lower daily rate compared to the International Parking Deck.
• Still on official airport property.
• Helpful if you’re flying in and out of the International Terminal only.

Cons

• Requires extra time for shuttle travel and waiting.
• Less convenient if you’re hauling a lot of luggage or traveling with small children.

At-a-Glance: Main ATL Daily Parking Options

Below is a simplified comparison of the main on-site daily parking choices at Hartsfield-Jackson. Exact pricing can change, so treat this as a general comparison of convenience vs. cost, not a rate sheet.

Off-Site Daily Parking Near Atlanta Airport

Beyond the airport’s own lots, there are many private daily parking facilities near ATL, especially in:

• College Park
• Hapeville
• Along Virginia Avenue and Camp Creek Parkway

These businesses typically offer:

• Daily parking at lower rates than on-site airport garages.
• Shuttle service to and from the Domestic Terminal.
• Some offer options like covered parking, valet-style service, or long-term discounts.

When Off-Site Parking Makes Sense

• You’re leaving Atlanta for a week or longer and want to minimize parking costs.
• You don’t mind factoring in extra time for shuttles and check-in at the lot.
• You’re coming from metro Atlanta suburbs (like Marietta, Alpharetta, or McDonough) and prefer to park off-site instead of navigating airport garages.

How Long Is “Daily Parking” at ATL?

“Daily parking” at Atlanta Airport usually means you pay a flat rate per 24 hours, or a maximum daily rate that applies once you pass a certain number of hours.

For example:

• Short stays (under a few hours): Some garages may charge hourly up to a capped daily maximum.
• Full-day or multi-day stays: You’re billed by the calendar day or 24-hour period, depending on the lot’s setup.

If you live in the Atlanta area and are just dropping someone off and running inside briefly, short-term/ hourly parking areas may be more cost-effective than leaving your car for a full day.

Tips for Choosing the Best Daily Parking at ATL

Here’s how to narrow down your choice quickly:

1. Decide What Matters More: Time or Money

• If you value convenience and speed:
  • Use the Domestic Daily Garages or International Parking Deck.
• If you want to save money, especially on longer trips:
  • Use Economy or Park-Ride.
  • Consider off-site private lots near College Park, Hapeville, or Camp Creek.

2. Consider Which Side of the Airport You’re Using

• Most domestic flights:
  • Park on the Domestic side (North or South, depending on your airline).
• International departures/arrivals:
  • Park at the International Parking Deck or International Park-Ride to avoid transferring between terminals.

3. Build in Extra Time for Shuttles

If you choose Park-Ride or off-site parking:

• Add at least 20–30 extra minutes for:
  • Driving into the lot
  • Finding a parking space
  • Waiting for the shuttle
  • Shuttle ride to the terminal
• During Atlanta rush hour or holidays, consider even more buffer time.

4. Note Where You Park

ATL’s garages and lots are large and can be confusing when you return.

• Take a photo of your parking level, section, and row.
• Make a quick note on your phone of:
  • Lot name (e.g., Domestic North Daily Garage)
  • Level (e.g., Level 4)
  • Row or section

This matters especially if you park in a Daily Garage or Economy area and don’t fly often.

Public Transit Alternatives to Daily Parking

If you’re trying to avoid parking fees altogether, Atlanta’s transit network gives you some options:

MARTA Rail to the Airport

• Airport Station is located inside the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim and ground transportation.
• You can ride MARTA from:
  • Downtown Atlanta
  • Midtown
  • Buckhead
  • Sandy Springs
  • East Point and College Park
• Many Atlantans who live near a MARTA station park at a MARTA lot (where allowed) and take the train to ATL instead of paying airport parking rates.

Ride-Share and Taxis

• Uber, Lyft, and taxis serve both the Domestic and International terminals.
• For some travelers, especially from intown neighborhoods (Grant Park, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown), a ride-share may cost less than several days of parking.

Where to Get Official Parking Information

For the most current details on:

• Parking rates
• Lot availability
• Which lots are open or full
• Real-time guidance

You can contact:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Parking Information
6000 North Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main Airport Information Line: (800) 897-1910 (or the general information number listed by the airport at the time of travel)

Airport signs and information booths inside the terminals can also help if you’re already on-site and unsure where to park or where you left your car.

Quick Decision Guide for Daily Parking at Atlanta Airport

• 1–3 days, want the fastest option:
  → Domestic Daily Garages (North/South) or International Parking Deck.

• 4–7 days, want to balance cost and convenience:
  → Economy Parking (Domestic) or International Park-Ride.

• A week or more, very budget-conscious:
  → Domestic or International Park-Ride, or off-site private parking near ATL.

• Picking someone up, not flying:
  → Use Cell Phone Lot until they’re ready at the curb; no true daily parking needed.

With these options in mind, you can choose daily parking at Atlanta Airport that matches your trip length, budget, and comfort level—whether you’re a local Atlantan flying out for work or a visitor heading home after exploring the city.