Your Guide to the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport Rental Car Center

If you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and plan to drive yourself around metro Atlanta, you’ll almost certainly pass through the Rental Car Center (RCC). This dedicated complex brings nearly all of ATL’s rental car companies into one place, separate from the passenger terminals but easy to reach.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide covering how to get there, what to expect, and how to use it efficiently.

Where the Rental Car Center Is and How It Works

The ATL Rental Car Center is located just west of the main airport, at:

2200 Rental Car Center Parkway
College Park, GA 30337

It’s a separate facility from the Domestic Terminal and International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr.), but it’s connected to both by the ATL SkyTrain, an elevated, automated people mover.

Key things to know

• All major rental brands are in one complex.
• No shuttles from the terminals – you use the SkyTrain instead.
• The facility is designed for 24/7 operations, though individual counter hours may vary by company.
• It’s directly next to the Gateway Center area (hotels, Georgia International Convention Center) in College Park.

How to Get to the Rental Car Center from Your Flight

From the Domestic Terminal (North or South)

1. Follow signs for “Rental Cars” or “ATL SkyTrain.”
   After baggage claim, look for overhead signs directing you to the SkyTrain station.

2. Walk to the SkyTrain station.
   It’s attached to the Domestic Terminal via covered walkways and escalators/elevators.

3. Ride the ATL SkyTrain to the RCC.

   • The train is free.
   • Runs 24/7 at frequent intervals.
   • Travel time is about 5 minutes from the Domestic Terminal to the Rental Car Center.

4. Exit at “Rental Car Center” station.
   You’ll arrive on an upper level; follow signs down to the rental counters.

From the International Terminal (Concourse F / Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Terminal)

You have two main options:

Option A: Free Airport Shuttle to Domestic Terminal, Then SkyTrain

• Follow signs for the “Ground Transportation / Domestic Terminal Shuttle.”
• Take the shuttle (typically running 24/7) from the International Terminal to the Domestic Terminal.
• Once at the Domestic Terminal, follow the same steps as above to reach the SkyTrain and then the RCC.

Option B: Direct Taxi or Rideshare to the RCC

• If you prefer not to transfer through the Domestic Terminal, you can catch a taxi or rideshare from the International Terminal’s ground transportation area directly to:
  2200 Rental Car Center Parkway, College Park, GA 30337
• This is usually a short drive, but may involve airport loop traffic.

What You’ll Find Inside the Rental Car Center

The RCC is a multi-level facility with:

• Rental company counters and kiosks
• Parking decks where you pick up and drop off vehicles
• Wayfinding signs with company names and arrows to each aisle
• Customer service desks, restrooms, and seating areas

Rental Companies at ATL’s RCC

Companies commonly operating at the ATL Rental Car Center include:

• Alamo
• Avis
• Budget
• Dollar
• Enterprise
• Hertz
• National
• Payless
• Thrifty
• Sixt

Names and mix of companies can change over time, but most major national brands have a desk inside the main building and dedicated parking spaces in the attached deck.

Step-by-Step: Picking Up Your Rental Car at ATL

1. Land and collect your luggage.
   Make sure you have:

   • Driver’s license
   • Credit/debit card (matching the primary driver’s name)
   • Reservation confirmation (printed or on your phone)

2. Ride the ATL SkyTrain to the RCC.
   Follow “Rental Car Center” signs. The ride is quick and free.

3. Find your rental company’s counter.
   The companies are listed overhead; counters are grouped together. Look for large, color-coded signs.

4. Check in at the counter or kiosk.
   You may:

   • Confirm your reservation
   • Show your ID and payment card
   • Decide about optional add-ons (GPS, toll transponder, car seats, additional drivers, insurance options)

5. Proceed to the garage level your company uses.
   Staff will direct you to the specific floor and aisle (for example, “Level 3, Row E”).

6. Inspect the vehicle before driving out.
   Before leaving the lot:

   • Walk around the car and note existing damage (scratches, dents, windshield chips)
   • Check fuel level
   • Confirm the mileage matches what’s on your rental agreement
   • Take pictures or short videos of all sides of the vehicle

7. Exit through the gate.
   A gate agent may:

   • Scan your contract
   • Ask to see your driver’s license
   • Confirm destination or length of stay

You will exit the RCC directly onto nearby roads that connect to I-85, I-285, and surface streets into College Park, East Point, and the rest of metro Atlanta.

Returning a Rental Car to Hartsfield–Jackson’s RCC

When your Atlanta trip ends, you’ll bring your car back to the same complex.

Directions Back to the Rental Car Center

From most parts of metro Atlanta, you’ll follow signs for “Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport”, then:

• Watch closely for “Rental Car Center” signs as you approach the airport area.
• The RCC is generally accessed via Rental Car Center Parkway near the airport’s western side.

Tips:

• Allow extra time during rush hours (weekday mornings and late afternoons) and during major events (Falcons or United games, concerts, conventions).
• Navigation apps usually recognize “ATL Rental Car Center” or the street address.

What Happens When You Arrive

1. Follow signs for your rental company’s “Returns” or “Car Return.”
   Each company has a marked lane and section in the deck.

2. Park in a designated return space.
   Keep the engine running until you’ve gathered your belongings.

3. Gather all personal items.
   Double-check:

   • Glove box
   • Door pockets
   • Trunk / cargo area
   • Under seats and between seat cushions

4. Note fuel and mileage.

   • If you did not prepay fuel and the tank isn’t full, the company may charge refueling fees.
   • Some renters prefer to top off at a nearby gas station before entering airport roads.

5. Meet or find a return agent.
   Some companies have an attendant scan your car; others may ask you to:

   • Leave the keys in the car or drop them at a return box
   • Take a printed or electronic receipt for your records

6. Head back to the terminal on the ATL SkyTrain.
   After dropping your car:

   • Follow signs inside the RCC to the SkyTrain station
   • Ride to the Domestic Terminal or Gateway Center
   • If departing from the International Terminal, transfer to the International Shuttle at the Domestic Terminal.

Timing: How Much Extra Time to Plan

Because Hartsfield–Jackson is large and busy, building in buffer time is important.

When Picking Up a Car

• SkyTrain ride: about 5 minutes from Domestic Terminal
• Walks, escalators, and lines: plan 10–30 minutes, depending on crowds and whether your rental company has a queue
• If you’re arriving during peak periods (Sunday evenings, Monday mornings, holiday weekends), add more time in case of lines at the counter.

When Returning a Car

As a general guideline:

• For domestic flights: aim to have your car back at the RCC 2–2.5 hours before departure.
• For international flights: aim for 3 hours or more before departure.
• This allowance covers:
  • Driving back, potential traffic
  • Fuel stop if needed
  • Vehicle return process
  • SkyTrain ride
  • Check-in, bag drop, and security screening

Using the ATL SkyTrain: What to Expect

The ATL SkyTrain is central to the Rental Car Center experience.

Key points:

• Cost: Free
• Hours: Designed to operate 24/7
• Stops:
  • Domestic Terminal
  • Gateway Center (hotels and convention center)
  • Rental Car Center
• Accessibility:
  • Elevators and escalators
  • Space for luggage
  • Suitable for travelers with mobility devices and strollers

Trains run continuously, so you rarely wait more than a few minutes.

Renting a Car at ATL: Practical Tips for Atlanta Drivers

Atlanta’s layout, traffic patterns, and weather can influence your rental car experience.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Atlanta

Consider:

• Highways vs. surface streets:
  Metro Atlanta relies heavily on interstates (I‑75, I‑85, I‑285, I‑20). If you plan a lot of highway driving, a comfortable, fuel-efficient sedan or SUV is often practical.
• Parking in the city:
  If you’ll spend a lot of time in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, a mid-size vehicle can be easier to park in tight decks.
• Group size and luggage:
  For groups heading to conferences near the Georgia World Congress Center, or staying around Perimeter, an SUV or minivan may be more comfortable.

Navigating Atlanta from the RCC

From the Rental Car Center, many visitors head to:

• Downtown Atlanta (State Farm Arena, Georgia World Congress Center, Centennial Olympic Park)
• Midtown (Piedmont Park, Fox Theatre, museums)
• Buckhead (shopping, dining)
• Suburbs like Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Marietta, Decatur, or Stone Mountain

Common routes include:

• I‑85 North: To Downtown/Midtown and beyond
• I‑285 (the Perimeter): To circle around the city
• I‑75/I‑85 “Downtown Connector”: Passes straight through the heart of the city

Be prepared for rush-hour congestion and use navigation apps to check real-time conditions.

Parking and Tolls Around Atlanta

Parking Considerations

• Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead:
  Parking is often in paid decks or surface lots. Many hotels and attractions charge daily or hourly parking.
• MARTA stations:
  If you want to avoid driving in heavy traffic, you can park at select MARTA rail stations (such as College Park, Lindbergh Center, Doraville, North Springs) and ride the train in.
• Neighborhoods:
  Residential areas may have permit or time restrictions; read signs carefully.

Tolls and Express Lanes

Most core Atlanta roads do not have traditional toll booths. However, there are express lanes on some interstates (like parts of I‑75, I‑85, and I‑575) that require specific passes or payment methods.

• Ask your rental company about toll policies and devices.
• If unsure, you can avoid express lanes by staying in the general-purpose lanes.

Special Situations: One-Way Rentals and Local Renters

One-Way Rentals

If you plan to:

• Pick up at ATL and drop off in another city, or
• Pick up elsewhere and return at ATL

Check in advance:

• One-way fees or restrictions
• Drop-off instructions specific to the Rental Car Center

The drop-off area is the same RCC complex, but your pricing and contract terms may differ from a round-trip rental.

Atlanta-Area Residents Renting from the RCC

If you live in metro Atlanta, you may still choose the airport’s RCC because:

• It often has a large fleet selection
• Hours can be more flexible than some neighborhood branches

However, be aware:

• Some local renters report different deposit or payment requirements compared with travelers arriving by air.
• You’ll access the RCC by driving directly to 2200 Rental Car Center Parkway rather than using the SkyTrain from the terminal.

Quick Reference: ATL Rental Car Center at a Glance

When to Call or Ask for Help

For airport-level questions (directions to SkyTrain, general RCC access, lost-and-found in terminals), you can contact:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (General Information)

• Main airport address:
  6000 N Terminal Parkway
  Atlanta, GA 30320

For rental-specific questions (rates, reservations, required documents, payment types, tolls, insurance options), contact your rental car company directly at their customer service line or their counter at the RCC.

Understanding how the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport Rental Car Center works will make starting and ending your Atlanta trip smoother, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local heading out of town.