La Quinta Near the Atlanta Airport: What to Know Before You Book

If you search for “La Quinta Atlanta Airport”, you’ll quickly notice there isn’t just one option. There are multiple La Quinta–branded hotels serving Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), each with slightly different locations, access routes, and typical uses.

This guide walks through what people in Atlanta or visiting the city usually want to know:
where these properties sit in relation to Atlanta Airport, how convenient they are for early flights and layovers, what to expect in the surrounding neighborhoods, and how to pick the right spot for your trip.

Understanding “La Quinta Atlanta Airport”

When travelers say “La Quinta Atlanta Airport,” they generally mean:

  • A La Quinta Inn or La Quinta Inn & Suites close to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • A hotel that typically offers airport-friendly features, such as:
    • Proximity to the airport terminals
    • Access to I-85, I-75, and I-285
    • Often a shuttle service to ATL
    • Basic business and leisure amenities for overnight stays

Because hotel names and brands can change, it’s a good idea to search for “La Quinta near ATL” or “La Quinta Atlanta Airport North/South” and then confirm the exact address and shuttle details.

Where La Quinta Hotels Cluster Around Atlanta Airport

Most airport-oriented hotels, including La Quinta locations, cluster in a few main areas around ATL. Knowing these pockets helps you choose the best option depending on where you need to be.

1. Virginia Avenue / Airport North Area (Hapeville & East Point)

On the north side of the airport, near Virginia Avenue, you’ll find a dense strip of airport hotels. This area is convenient if:

  • You want quick access to the Domestic Terminal
  • You’re connecting to downtown Atlanta, Midtown, or Buckhead via I-85 or MARTA
  • You’re looking for restaurants within walking distance of your hotel

Key details about this area:

  • Roughly a 5–10 minute drive to ATL, depending on traffic
  • Close to Interstate 85 and the Airport Loop Road
  • Near Hapeville and East Point, which have a mix of local eateries and chain restaurants
  • Frequently used by business travelers and airline staff for short stays

If a La Quinta is labeled “Airport North,” “Near Hartsfield–Jackson,” or mentions Virginia Avenue, it is likely in this corridor.

2. Airport South / Riverdale Road / Old National Highway

On the south and southwest sides of the airport, you’ll see another cluster of airport hotels around:

  • Riverdale Road
  • Old National Highway
  • Access points to I-285 and I-85

Use this area if:

  • You need convenient access to College Park, Forest Park, Riverdale, or South Fulton
  • You’re renting a car and don’t mind a slightly longer drive to some city attractions
  • You’re looking for budget-conscious airport lodging and don’t need to be right by downtown

Some La Quinta properties associated with “Atlanta Airport” are sited here, typically within a 10–15 minute drive of the terminals, depending on traffic and which side of ATL you’re approaching.

3. I-285 Perimeter Near ATL

A few airport-oriented hotels, including La Quinta–branded ones, may sit near the I-285 perimeter to the west or south of ATL. They’re still marketed to airport users because they offer:

  • Highway access to the airport via I-285 and I-85 or I-75
  • Reasonable travel times to ATL, often in the 15–20 minute range outside of peak rush hour
  • Easier access to both airport and southwest/southeast metro Atlanta suburbs

This setup can be helpful if you:

  • Have business or family visits outside central Atlanta
  • Want a place that’s airport-convenient but not right in the immediate airport corridor

Getting From La Quinta to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Whether you’re a local catching an early flight or a visitor connecting through ATL, the biggest question is usually: how easily can I get from my La Quinta to the airport?

Hartsfield–Jackson: Layout Essentials

Knowing the layout of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport helps you judge hotel convenience:

  • Domestic Terminal (North & South): Main entrance for most U.S. flights
    Address:
    6000 N Terminal Pkwy
    Atlanta, GA 30320

  • International Terminal (Concourse F): Separate entrance on the east side of the airport
    Address:
    2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd
    Atlanta, GA 30354

Many airport hotels, including La Quinta locations, will specify whether they shuttle to:

  • The Domestic Terminal only, or
  • Both Domestic and International (sometimes via the internal Plane Train after drop-off)

Common Ways to Get Between La Quinta and ATL

  1. Hotel Shuttle (When Available)
    Many airport La Quinta properties offer a shuttle, often:

    • Running in scheduled intervals, such as every 30 minutes during peak times
    • Picking up at the Ground Transportation area at ATL
      Travelers typically:
    • Confirm shuttle availability and hours when booking
    • Build in extra buffer time, especially during early morning and evening peaks
  2. Rideshare or Taxi
    From most La Quinta hotels near Atlanta Airport, rideshare or taxi:

    • Usually takes about 5–20 minutes, depending on exact location and traffic
    • Can be faster than waiting for a shuttle during off-hours
  3. Driving Yourself
    If you’re a local or renting a car:

    • Expect straightforward access via I-85, I-75, or I-285
    • Plan your route based on whether you’re heading to the Domestic or International side

How Long Is the Drive? Quick Reference

Below is a simplified overview of typical drive times from common La Quinta clusters to Hartsfield–Jackson (traffic can significantly change these):

La Quinta Area (Typical Listing Label)Approx. Drive to ATL Terminals*Best For
Airport North / Virginia Avenue5–10 minutesQuick flights, easy access to downtown
Airport South / Riverdale / Old National10–15 minutesBudget stays, south metro access
I-285 Perimeter near ATL15–20 minutesCombining airport with suburban visits

*Times are rough estimates in typical, non-rush-hour conditions.

Choosing the Right La Quinta Near Atlanta Airport

Here are key factors Atlanta-area travelers usually weigh:

1. Which Terminal Do You Use Most?

  • Domestic flights:
    Prioritize La Quinta hotels that clearly state fast access to the Domestic Terminal or are on the north side of the airport.
  • International flights:
    Ask whether the hotel:
    • Goes directly to the International Terminal, or
    • Drops you at Domestic, with you then taking the Plane Train to Concourse F.

2. Do You Need MARTA or Downtown Access?

If you plan to use MARTA a lot—especially to reach:

  • Downtown Atlanta (Georgia State, government buildings, Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena)
  • Midtown (Georgia Tech, arts district)
  • Buckhead

Then look for La Quinta locations that are:

  • On the north side of the airport, closer to Airport Station (MARTA)
  • A short ride from the Red and Gold lines, which connect you directly up the spine of the city

3. Neighborhood Feel and Surroundings

Around Atlanta Airport, you’ll encounter:

  • Business-oriented corridors with multiple hotel chains, conference spaces, and airport-related offices
  • Surrounding areas like College Park, Hapeville, East Point, and South Fulton, which offer:
    • Local restaurants and cafes
    • Residential neighborhoods
    • Industrial and logistics facilities tied to ATL

When picking a La Quinta:

  • Check whether you want walkable dining vs. just a quick in-and-out overnight stay
  • Decide if you need to be near local offices, warehouses, or event venues in the south metro area

4. Early Morning or Late-Night Flights

If your schedule is tight:

  • Confirm shuttle start and end times if you plan to rely on it
  • Consider how easy it is to get rideshare at your property’s location, especially late at night
  • Build in extra time if driving from I-285 corridor properties during peak rush hour

Practical Details for Atlanta-Area Travelers

Key Airport Contacts and Info

When planning your stay around ATL and a nearby La Quinta, these official contacts are useful:

  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (General Info)
    Phone: (800) 897-1910 (main airport information line)
    Address (Domestic Terminal):
    6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

  • City of Atlanta – Department of Aviation
    Manages operations at Hartsfield–Jackson.
    Administrative Offices Address (often for business-related needs):
    6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Suite 4000
    Atlanta, GA 30320

Parking and Drop-Off Considerations

If you’re staying at a La Quinta and then catching a flight:

  • Some properties near ATL may offer “park and fly” style options, where you can:
    • Stay one night and leave your car for a set number of days
    • Use their shuttle to and from the airport
  • Always confirm:
    • Parking fees
    • Length of stay allowed for parked vehicles
    • Any security or access limitations

Locals often compare:

  • Hotel parking packages near ATL
    vs.
  • Official ATL parking (Domestic, International, Economy, and Park-Ride lots)

to see which fits their budget and schedule.

Tips for Locals vs. Visitors Using La Quinta at Atlanta Airport

If You Live in the Atlanta Area

Many Atlanta residents use La Quinta–type airport hotels when:

  • They have very early flights and want to avoid pre-dawn traffic from the suburbs
  • They’re returning from a trip late at night and prefer to drive home after resting
  • They need a quiet spot to work before a business flight out of ATL

Consider:

  • Picking a La Quinta along your normal drive route to avoid backtracking
  • Checking whether a park-sleep-fly arrangement is cheaper than long-term airport parking alone

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

If you’re flying into ATL and staying at a La Quinta nearby:

  • Decide whether this is a true airport layover or the base for your entire Atlanta stay
  • For short connections (one night layover):
    • Choose the closest airport-facing La Quinta you can find
    • Prioritize shuttle ease and meal options within a short distance
  • For multi-day trips:
    • Consider whether you’d be better off spending only 1 night near the airport, then moving to:
      • Downtown (for attractions and events)
      • Midtown (for arts and nightlife)
      • Buckhead (for shopping and dining)
      • Or a neighborhood closer to your planned activities

How to Verify You’ve Got the Right “La Quinta Atlanta Airport”

Because multiple hotels may include “Atlanta Airport” or “Airport South/North” in their names, it’s easy to confuse them. Before you commit, double-check:

  1. Full Street Address
    Make sure it’s clearly in the Atlanta Airport corridor (College Park, Hapeville, East Point, or nearby south metro locations).

  2. Distance to Hartsfield–Jackson
    Use a maps app to confirm real-world distance and estimated drive time at your flight hour.

  3. Shuttle Policy and Hours
    Call the front desk and ask:

    • “Do you have an airport shuttle?”
    • “What hours does it operate?”
    • “Which terminal do you pick up and drop off at?”
  4. Access to Your Next Destination
    If you’re heading on to downtown Atlanta, Midtown, or the suburbs, check:

    • How far the hotel is from major interstates
    • How long it will take to reach your next stop after check-out

By understanding how La Quinta–style properties are positioned around Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and by confirming a few practical details before booking, you can choose a “La Quinta Atlanta Airport” option that fits your schedule, terminal, and plans in and around Atlanta.