Long-Term Airport Parking in Atlanta: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Trip

Flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and need to leave your car for several days or weeks? Long-term airport parking in Atlanta can range from very convenient to surprisingly budget-friendly—if you know where to look and what to expect.

This guide breaks down the main long-term parking options at ATL, typical costs, how to get to the terminals, plus local tips that matter specifically for Atlanta travelers.

The Main Types of Long-Term Airport Parking in Atlanta

When people say “long-term airport parking Atlanta,” they’re usually choosing from four broad categories:

  1. On-airport parking at Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL-owned lots and decks)
  2. Off-airport private lots with shuttle service
  3. Hotel park-and-fly packages near the airport
  4. MARTA + short-term parking or rideshare

Each has different tradeoffs in price, convenience, and security.

On-Airport Long-Term Parking at ATL

Hartsfield-Jackson operates several parking areas suitable for long-term stays. These are the closest options to the terminals and are usually the easiest to navigate if you don’t want extra transfers.

Key On-Airport Options

1. South and North Economy Lots (Domestic Terminal)

  • Best for: Multi-day or weeklong trips from the Domestic Terminal
  • General features:
    • Outdoor surface parking
    • A longer walk or shuttle ride than hourly/short-term decks
    • Typically cheaper than the main decks but more than remote/off-airport lots
  • Access:
    • Domestic Terminal – North Economy and South Economy lots are clearly signed on airport approach roads.
    • Follow signs for “Economy Parking” for the terminal you’re using.

2. ATL West Parking Deck (with SkyTrain access)

  • Best for: Travelers who want reasonable rates with a direct train into the terminal
  • General features:
    • Large multi-level deck
    • Connected to the ATL SkyTrain, which runs to the Domestic Terminal and the Rental Car Center
    • Good option if you’re comfortable using the train with luggage
  • Access:
    • Signed as ATL West Deck, off Camp Creek Parkway on the west side of the airport.
    • From there, take the SkyTrain to the terminal.

3. Park-Ride Lots (ATL-run shuttle lots)

  • Best for: Travelers who prefer airport-operated shuttles at a lower daily rate than closer decks
  • General features:
    • Large remote lots
    • Free shuttle buses to the terminals
    • Designed specifically for longer stays

International Terminal Parking (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Terminal)

If you’re flying internationally out of the International Terminal (Concourse F), you’ll find dedicated parking closer to those check-in counters.

Common features include:

  • Shorter walk to international check-in areas
  • On-airport pricing (usually similar to other decks)
  • Good for long trips abroad when convenience matters

Off-Airport Long-Term Parking Near ATL

Off-airport parking lots around Hartsfield-Jackson are a major part of the “long-term airport parking Atlanta” landscape. These are privately operated facilities clustered around Virginia Avenue, Sullivan Road, Camp Creek Parkway, and nearby areas.

What to Expect from Off-Airport Lots

Most off-airport facilities offer:

  • Lower daily rates than on-airport decks, especially for weeklong or longer trips
  • Shuttle service to and from the domestic terminals (and often the international terminal)
  • Secured lots, often fenced and monitored
  • Option to reserve spots in advance

Common patterns:

  • Shuttles run on a regular schedule or on demand, usually every 10–20 minutes.
  • Many lots provide luggage assistance when boarding the shuttle.
  • You typically park, keep your keys, and then ride the shuttle to your terminal.

Hotel Park-and-Fly Options Near ATL

Another Atlanta-specific strategy: stay at an airport hotel for a night and leave your car there while you travel. This is often marketed as “park, sleep, fly” or “park and fly.”

How It Usually Works

  • You book a hotel near ATL (often along Virginia Avenue, Sullivan Road, or near the Airport Boulevard area).
  • Your room rate or package includes several days of parking plus shuttle service to the airport.
  • For extended trips, you may pay a daily parking fee beyond the included number of days.

Advantages:

  • Good for early morning flights if you live farther from Atlanta and want to avoid pre-dawn driving.
  • Can be cost-effective if you’d already planned on a hotel stay.
  • You still get shuttle access to the terminals.

Using MARTA + Short-Term Parking or Rideshare

If you live inside Atlanta or close to a MARTA station, long-term airport “parking” might not be the best option at all.

Option 1: Park at a MARTA Station, Then Ride In

Several MARTA rail stations have daily parking lots or decks. Many Atlanta-area travelers drive to a station, park, then take MARTA’s Red or Gold line directly to Airport Station, which is attached to the Domestic Terminal.

  • Popular stations with parking include areas like North Springs, Doraville, and others in the system.
  • You pay for MARTA parking (usually more affordable than airport parking) plus your train fare.
  • This eliminates airport traffic and the parking search.

Option 2: Skip Parking Entirely with Rideshare or Taxi

For many Atlanta residents—especially those in-town or near a MARTA line—taking a rideshare, taxi, or MARTA to ATL is the most time-efficient option, particularly for short trips of 2–3 days, where long-term parking fees add up quickly.

Typical Costs: How Long-Term Parking in Atlanta Compares

Prices vary by season and exact lot, but you can think in general ranges.

Option TypeConvenience to TerminalTypical Cost Level*Good For
On-airport hourly/short-term decksEasiest (walkable)💲💲💲💲 (highest)Very short trips, pickups, drop-offs
On-airport economy / park-ride / ATL WestShuttle or SkyTrain💲💲💲 (mid-to-high)3+ day trips needing convenience
Off-airport private long-term lotsShuttle💲💲 (lower-to-mid)Weeklong stays, budget-minded travelers
Hotel park-and-fly packagesShuttle💲💲–💲💲💲 (varies)Early flights, overnight stays + parking
MARTA station parking + trainTrain💲–💲💲 (often lowest)Residents with easy MARTA access

*Icons indicate relative cost, not exact pricing.

How Early Should You Arrive if You’re Parking Long-Term?

In Atlanta, traffic plus shuttle time can catch travelers off guard. A practical rule:

  • For domestic flights:
    • Aim to arrive at your parking location2–2.5 hours before departure.
  • For international flights:
    • Aim for 3 hours or more before departure, especially if parking in a remote or off-airport lot.

Build in extra time for:

  • Atlanta traffic (I-75, I-85, I-285 bottlenecks)
  • Shuttle wait times (10–20 minutes is common)
  • Walking from your parking space to the shuttle stop or terminal

Safety and Security Considerations for ATL Long-Term Parking

Whether you park on airport property or in an off-airport lot, it’s worth taking basic precautions:

  • Remove valuables from your vehicle or lock them out of sight.
  • Avoid leaving obvious items like laptops or shopping bags on seats.
  • Take a photo of where you parked (row, level, section) for easier return.
  • In large decks like ATL West, park near lighting or main walkways when possible.

On-airport and reputable off-airport facilities typically provide:

  • Fenced or gated lots
  • Some level of camera monitoring or security patrols
  • Clearly marked shuttle pickup and drop-off points

Where ATL Parking Info Comes From and Who Manages It

For official airport-operated parking areas, information is managed by:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main Information Line (commonly published): (800) 897-1910

The airport provides:

  • Up-to-date parking rate details
  • Lot status (open/closed, full/available) for on-airport garages and lots
  • Directions for both the Domestic Terminal and International Terminal

How to Choose the Best Long-Term Parking Option in Atlanta

To narrow down your choice:

  1. How long will you be gone?

    • 1–3 days: On-airport economy, ATL West, or even a short-term deck if convenience is the top priority.
    • 4–7 days: On-airport economy or off-airport lot, depending on your budget.
    • 8+ days: Off-airport lots, hotel park-and-fly, or MARTA + station parking often become more cost-effective.

  2. Where are you coming from?

    • In-town Atlanta or near MARTA: Consider MARTA + short-term station parking or rideshare.
    • Suburbs or out of town: Off-airport lots or hotel + park-and-fly can save you time and money versus hourly decks.

  3. How much do you value convenience vs. cost?

    • If you want the fastest walk to the terminal, choose on-airport decks or the International Terminal deck.
    • If you want to keep costs in check, compare off-airport lots, hotel packages, and MARTA options.

  4. Are you flying domestic or international?

    • Domestic flights: Any ATL-connected lot works; just watch whether you prefer to arrive via Domestic Terminal North or South.
    • International flights: Parking near the International Terminal is usually the smoothest, especially with lots of luggage or family in tow.

By focusing on how long you’ll be gone, where you’re starting from in greater Atlanta, and how much convenience you want at ATL, you can quickly narrow down the best long-term airport parking option for your specific trip.