How To Park at Atlanta Airport: A Local Guide to ATL Parking Options
Parking at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re rushing to catch a flight or planning a long trip. ATL is huge, busy, and has more than one terminal, so where you park really matters.
This guide walks you through every major way to park at Atlanta airport—from official on-site lots to budget-friendly off-site options and quick pickup spots—so you can choose what fits your schedule, budget, and comfort level.
Key Things To Know Before You Park at ATL
Know your terminal:
- Domestic Terminal (North & South) – Most U.S. flights.
- International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Terminal / Concourse F) – Most international flights.
Some airlines may check in at Domestic even for international routes, so check your ticket.
Decide your priority:
- Closest walkable parking
- Lowest price
- Easiest for pickup/drop-off
- Electric vehicle charging
- Oversized vehicle options
Plan for traffic: Morning rush, evening rush, and holiday periods can back up I-75, I-85, Camp Creek Parkway, and Airport Blvd. Add extra time if you’re coming from Midtown, Buckhead, or the suburbs.
Main Parking Options at Atlanta Airport (At a Glance)
On-Site ATL Parking (Operated by the Airport)
These are the lots and decks run by Hartsfield-Jackson itself:
- Domestic Terminal Garages (North & South) – Hourly & Daily
- Domestic Economy Parking
- International Terminal Parking (Hourly & Daily)
- ATL West Parking Garage
- Park-Ride Lots (Economy, remote lots with shuttle service)
- Cell Phone Lots for pick-up only
Off-Site Parking (Private Operators)
Lots and garages around the airport area (College Park, Hapeville, Airport Blvd, etc.) that typically offer:
- Lower daily rates
- Free shuttles to/from terminals
Quick Comparison: Main On-Site Parking Choices
| Parking Type | Best For | Distance to Terminal | Typical Use Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Domestic Garage | Picking up, dropping off, short trips | Directly at terminal | Hours to 1–2 days |
| Daily Domestic Garage | Convenience near Domestic flights | Short walk/covered | 1–7 days |
| Domestic Economy Lots | Cheaper long-term parking | Shuttle or longer walk | Several days/weeks |
| International Terminal Garage | Direct access to International flights | Directly at terminal | Hours to 7+ days |
| ATL West Garage | Value + SkyTrain access to both sides | Short train ride | Overnight to long trips |
| Off-Site Lots (private) | Lowest prices if you plan ahead | Shuttle required | Long trips |
| Cell Phone Lots | Free wait to pick up arriving passengers | Short shuttle or quick drive | 30–60 minutes |
Rates change, so confirm current pricing with the airport or lot before you go.
Domestic Terminal Parking (North & South)
If you’re flying most major U.S. airlines, you’ll likely depart from the Domestic Terminal. There are two sides:
- North Terminal – Many Delta flights and several other carriers.
- South Terminal – Other major domestic airlines.
You can access parking from I-85, I-75, or Camp Creek Parkway via clearly marked airport signs.
1. Hourly Parking – Closest & Most Convenient
Best for:
- Picking up or dropping off passengers
- Very short business trips
- Those who want to park as close as possible to the check-in counters
Features:
- Directly in front of the North and South Domestic Terminals
- Typically multi-level garages
- Short covered walk to ticketing and baggage claim
- Designed for short stays, but you can leave your car longer if you’re okay with higher cost
Use this when:
- You’re meeting someone inside the airport
- You’re unsure how long pickup will take
- You or your passenger has mobility issues and needs the shortest walk
2. Daily Parking – Convenient but Less Expensive than Hourly
Best for:
- Travelers who want close parking but don’t need to be directly at the door
- Trips from a couple of days to about a week
Features:
- Typically the same garage structures or adjacent decks labeled Daily
- A longer walk than Hourly, but still connected via walkways
- Covered parking against weather
This is a strong compromise if you live in the Atlanta area and want a straightforward experience without hunting for cheaper off-site options.
3. Domestic Economy Parking – Budget-Friendly On-Site
Best for:
- Week-long or multi-week trips
- Travelers who prioritize lower cost over walking distance
- Frequent flyers who are comfortable with shuttles
Features:
- Located a bit farther from the terminal areas
- Usually surface lots with airport-operated shuttles to Domestic Terminal
- Marked as Economy Parking with signage from airport access roads
These are ideal if you:
- Live in Metro Atlanta and park for long business trips or vacations
- Don’t mind adding 15–30 minutes for shuttle timing, especially during peak times
- Prefer an airport-managed lot over a private operator
International Terminal Parking (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Terminal)
If you’re flying internationally (especially on airlines that depart directly from the International Terminal / Concourse F), you’ll likely park or be dropped off on the east side of the airport, off I-75 at Exit 239.
Address for general navigation (approximate):
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320 (Domestic)
2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354 (International terminal area)
1. International Terminal Hourly & Daily Parking
Best for:
- Picking up or dropping off passengers flying internationally
- International trips where you want direct terminal access
Features:
- Garage located directly at the International Terminal
- Hourly and Daily options similar to Domestic
- Short inside walk to international check-in and arrivals
If you’re splitting groups (some flying domestic, some international), be very clear about which terminal each person uses—parking on the wrong side can add significant time.
ATL West Parking Garage & SkyTrain Access
The ATL West Parking Garage is a newer parking option located west of the Domestic Terminal area, connected by the ATL SkyTrain.
Best for:
- Travelers looking for a balance of cost and convenience
- People comfortable with a quick train ride instead of walking from the garage
- Trips of several days where you want covered parking but slightly lower costs than prime garages
Features:
- Large garage near the Georgia International Convention Center and rental car center area
- Direct access to the ATL SkyTrain, a free automated train that:
- Runs between ATL West, the Domestic Terminal, the Rental Car Center, and some nearby stops
- Offers covered parking and relatively quick access to both Domestic and, indirectly, International (via Plane Train inside the airport)
This can work well if you’re coming from South Fulton, College Park, East Point, or Camp Creek Parkway, since road access is often easier than navigating the immediate terminal loop.
Park-Ride Lots and Long-Term Airport Parking
The airport also uses Park-Ride style lots (sometimes labeled as Economy or Long-Term) that are farther away but served by airport shuttle buses.
Best for:
- Budget-conscious travelers on longer trips
- ATL locals who travel frequently and know the shuttle patterns
- Those flying Domestic who don’t mind waiting 10–20 minutes for a shuttle
What to expect:
- Surface lots with numbered sections to help you remember your spot
- Clearly marked shuttle pick-up zones
- Buses that run on regular intervals, more frequently during busy hours
- Drop-off usually at Domestic Terminal, near the baggage claim or designated shuttle stops
✅ Tip: Take a quick photo of your parking row sign and text it to yourself before you leave the lot.
Off-Site Parking Near Atlanta Airport
Around Hartsfield-Jackson, particularly along Virginia Avenue, Sullivan Road, Best Road, and around Airport Blvd, there are multiple privately operated parking lots and garages.
Common features:
- Lower daily rates than on-site airport parking, especially if reserved in advance
- Free shuttle service to and from the Domestic Terminal
- Options for covered or uncovered parking
- Online booking and prepaid spots (availability varies)
Best for:
- Longer trips where saving several dollars per day adds up
- ATL residents who travel frequently and are comfortable with off-site operations
- Travelers coming from southside neighborhoods or the suburbs who can easily access side roads around the airport
When choosing an off-site lot, consider:
- Shuttle frequency: How often do shuttles run, especially late at night or very early morning?
- Operating hours: Confirm 24/7 if you have very late arrivals.
- Cancellation policies: In case plans change.
- Security features: Lighting, fencing, attendants, cameras.
Cell Phone Lots: Free Parking While You Wait
If you’re picking someone up and don’t want to circle the terminal loop, use one of the airport’s Cell Phone Lots. These are free parking areas where drivers can wait in their vehicles until their arriving passenger is ready for pickup.
Best for:
- Residents meeting friends and family at ATL
- Rideshare-style pickups where timing can be unpredictable
How it works:
- Your passenger calls or texts you once they have their bags and are headed outside.
- You leave the cell phone lot and drive to the appropriate curb (Domestic or International).
- Quick curbside pickup with minimal circling.
Cell phone lots are located near both the Domestic and International sides. Use airport signage as you approach; look for “Cell Phone Lot” directions.
ADA, Accessible, and Mobility-Friendly Parking
Hartsfield-Jackson provides ADA/accessible parking spaces in most decks and lots, including:
- Hourly and Daily garages
- Economy and Park-Ride lots
- International Terminal parking
Key points:
- Spaces are generally near elevators or shuttle pick-up points.
- Many shuttles are equipped with lifts or ramps and reserve front seating for passengers with mobility needs.
- If you or a family member has a disability plate or placard, it should be displayed clearly when parking in marked spots.
If you need special assistance from curb to gate, you can typically request wheelchair service through your airline in advance, then use the closest parking option (often Hourly/Daily).
Electric Vehicle (EV) Parking at ATL
EV drivers in Atlanta (especially those commuting from Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Sandy Springs, and beyond) often look for charging along the way.
While availability changes over time:
- ATL has historically offered some EV charging stations in select garages (mainly closer-in decks).
- Stations may be located on specific levels, near entrance areas, or in marked EV rows.
Tips:
- Arrive with enough charge in case EV spots are full.
- Do not leave your car in an active charger longer than needed if others are waiting.
- Check signage in the Domestic North, Domestic South, and International decks for EV designations.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term: How to Choose the Right Parking
When deciding how to park at Atlanta airport, focus on three questions:
1. How long will you be gone?
A few hours:
- Hourly lots at Domestic or International
- Cell Phone Lot if you’re just picking up and don’t need to go inside
1–3 days:
- Daily garages at Domestic or International
- ATL West Garage (if you’re fine with the SkyTrain ride)
4+ days or a week+:
- Domestic Economy or Park-Ride lots
- Off-site parking for lowest cost
- International Daily if you’re okay paying more for convenience
2. How important is convenience?
- Highest convenience: Direct-terminal Hourly/Daily garages
- Balanced: ATL West Garage or closer Domestic Economy lots
- Maximum savings: Economy Park-Ride or off-site lots
3. Which side of the airport are you using?
- Domestic flights: Park on the Domestic side if possible.
- International flights via Concourse F: Consider parking at the International Terminal to avoid extra transfers.
- If you accidentally park at the wrong side, you can still use the Plane Train inside the airport or surface shuttles, but it will add time.
Driving to ATL Parking from Around Metro Atlanta
From Downtown / Midtown / Buckhead
- Take I-75/85 South.
- Follow signs for Hartsfield-Jackson / Domestic Terminal or International Terminal.
- For Domestic parking: exit toward Domestic Terminal and follow signs for North or South parking.
- For International: use I-75 South to the dedicated international exit, then follow International Terminal and parking signs.
From the Southside (Fayette, Clayton, Henry Counties)
- Use I-75 North toward Atlanta, then follow signs to International Terminal or Domestic as directed.
- Some drivers prefer back-road routes (such as Riverdale Road or Old National Highway) to access off-site lots, but allow extra time for traffic lights.
From the Westside (Douglasville, West Midtown, South Fulton)
- Take I-20 East to I-285 South or use Camp Creek Parkway directly toward the airport.
- Camp Creek Parkway leads to the Domestic Terminal area and ATL West facilities.
From the Eastside (Decatur, Stone Mountain, Conyers)
- Use I-285 South to access either I-85 or I-75 for the correct terminal.
- If using the International Terminal, I-75 may be more direct.
Tips to Make Parking at Atlanta Airport Easier
Arrive early:
For domestic flights, aim to park 2 hours before departure; for international, 3 hours. Add more time during holidays or major events.Take a picture of your spot:
Capture the level, section, and the nearest elevator or stairwell sign.Keep your ticket safe:
Store the parking ticket or entry slip somewhere you can find easily when you return.Check your airline’s terminal:
Some airlines move operations or can use both Domestic and International check-in. Confirm on your boarding pass or airline app.Consider traffic patterns:
Morning southbound traffic from the northern suburbs and evening northbound traffic returning from ATL can be slow; plan buffer time.
Parking at Atlanta Airport doesn’t have to be stressful. Once you decide what matters most—price, proximity, or simplicity—you can pick the parking option at ATL that matches your trip and drive in with a clear plan.