Parking at Atlanta Airport: How to Choose the Best Option at ATL

Finding parking at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) can feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared. The airport is huge, it serves millions of travelers each year, and there are multiple parking lots, garages, and off-site options to sort through.

This guide breaks down all your main options for parking at Atlanta Airport—what they cost generally, where they’re located, and when each one makes sense for Atlanta residents and visitors.

Main Types of Parking at Atlanta Airport

At ATL, you’ll find several core parking choices:

• Domestic Terminal parking (North and South)
• International Terminal parking (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
• Economy and long-term lots
• Park-Ride (shuttle) lots
• Cell phone lots (free waiting areas)
• Off-airport private parking facilities
• Short-term vs. overnight vs. extended-stay options

Your best choice depends on:

• How long you’re leaving your car
• Whether you’re flying domestic or international
• How much walking or shuttling you’re okay with
• Your budget and schedule

Domestic Terminal Parking (North & South)

Most Atlanta-based travelers use the Domestic Terminal, which is split into North and South sides. Each side has similar garage and economy options.

Hourly / Short-Term Parking (Domestic)

Best for: Pickups, drop-offs, same-day business trips, or very short stays.

• Located directly in front of the Domestic North and South terminals.
• Easiest access to ticketing and baggage claim.
• Usually the most expensive per day, but extremely convenient.

Use this if you:

• Are meeting someone inside the terminal
• Have mobility concerns or heavy luggage
• Only need to park for a few hours

Daily / Long-Term Parking (Domestic)

Best for: Trips of a few days where convenience matters.

• Located near the Domestic Terminal, a bit farther than hourly parking.
• Typically less expensive than hourly, but more than economy or park-ride.
• Walkable or a short shuttle ride to the terminal, depending on location.

This is a solid middle-ground for 3–5 day trips when you want easier access but don’t want top-tier pricing.

Economy Parking (Domestic)

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers on longer trips.

• Located near both Domestic North and Domestic South terminals.
• Less expensive than the hourly and daily garages.
• Usually involves a short walk or shuttle depending on how full the lot is and which section you park in.

Good option if you’re:

• Comfortable adding a few extra minutes to your airport arrival time
• Leaving your car for several days or more
• Looking for a predictable, airport-run option that’s easy to find again

International Terminal Parking

If you’re flying in or out of the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F), parking works a bit differently than the domestic side.

International Terminal Hourly Parking

• Garage is directly in front of the international terminal.
• Best for short stays, picking up or dropping off international travelers, or meeting someone at arrivals.

International Terminal Daily / Long-Term Parking

• Located in the same general area as the hourly garage, but priced for longer stays.
• Good for international trips when you want to be close to your check-in area.

Using Domestic Parking for International Flights

If you live in metro Atlanta, you can:

• Park at a Domestic Terminal lot, then
• Take the Plane Train (airport underground train) from the domestic concourses to Concourse F or E.

This can be worthwhile if:

• You prefer the domestic side’s parking layout
• You’re familiar with the domestic terminal
• You’re okay with an extra 10–20 minutes of transit time inside the airport

Park-Ride and Long-Term Shuttle Lots

ATL often operates park-ride lots that connect to the terminals by shuttle. These are designed for longer trips at lower rates than the main garages.

When Park-Ride Makes Sense

Choose park-ride lots if you:

• Are going on a week-long or longer trip
• Don’t mind waiting a few minutes for a shuttle
• Want to save significantly compared with terminal garages

Typical experience:

1. Park your car in the lot.
2. Wait at a marked shuttle stop.
3. Ride a shuttle to the Domestic or International Terminal (depending on the lot).

These lots can be very cost-effective for vacations, holidays, and extended travel, especially if you’re parking for more than 5–7 days.

Cell Phone Lots (Free Waiting Areas)

If you’re picking someone up from the airport and don’t want to circle the terminal:

ATL offers cell phone waiting lots near both the Domestic and International terminals.

• Completely free to use.
• You must stay with your vehicle.
• Your passenger calls or texts you once they have luggage.
• You drive up to the curbside arrivals area to meet them.

This is ideal if:

• You don’t want to pay for short-term parking.
• The arriving traveler is comfortable finding you curbside.
• Their arrival time may vary, and you want to avoid looping around.

Off-Airport Parking Near ATL

In addition to airport-operated parking, there are multiple off-airport private lots and garages around the College Park and Hapeville areas and along Camp Creek Parkway and other nearby corridors.

Common features:

• Lower daily rates than most on-airport garages.
• Complimentary shuttle service to the terminals.
• Often require you to reserve a spot online or by phone.
• May offer covered parking or valet services, depending on the facility.

These are worth considering if:

• You live in Atlanta and are taking a long trip (a week or more).
• You’re comfortable with a 10–20 minute shuttle ride to the terminal.
• You want to lock in a spot during busy travel periods (holidays, school breaks).

Because specific businesses, pricing, and offerings can change, it’s a good idea to:

• Compare a couple of well-established locations.
• Check shuttle frequency and operating hours.
• Confirm how pickups work when you return to ATL.

Parking Options at ATL: Quick Comparison

Use this simple comparison to match your situation with the right option.

*Relative cost only. For current rates, check the latest information from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport before you travel.

Tips for Atlanta Residents Using ATL Parking

If you live in or around Atlanta, a few strategies can make airport parking smoother and cheaper.

1. Choose Based on Trip Length

• Weekend trip (1–3 days):
  Daily garage near your terminal is usually the best mix of convenience and cost.
• 4–7 days:
  Economy or long-term lots often offer good savings without a big inconvenience.
• More than a week:
  Consider park-ride or off-airport parking to keep your total cost manageable.

2. Plan for ATL Traffic

Atlanta traffic can add significant time to your airport drive, especially:

• Weekday mornings and late afternoons
• Around I-75, I-85, and I-285 interchanges near the airport

Add extra buffer time on top of:

• The drive to the airport
• Time to find a parking space
• Shuttle or walking time to the terminal
• Security screening

Many Atlanta travelers aim to arrive at the parking lot 2–3 hours before flight time for domestic flights and earlier for international.

3. Take a Picture of Your Parking Location

ATL’s parking structures and lots are large and can feel similar. To avoid confusion when you get back:

• Take a photo of your level, row, and section sign.
• Note whether you’re at North, South, or International.
• If using off-airport parking, save the shuttle pickup instructions in your phone.

Tips for Visitors Flying Into Atlanta

If you’re visiting Atlanta and renting a car, you’ll mostly deal with ATL’s rental car center near the Domestic Terminal. But you may still want to understand parking if you’re:

• Being picked up by friends or family
• Leaving a vehicle at the airport between multi-city trips
• Attending meetings near the airport

Helpful points:

• Ask your Atlanta host which terminal you’re using: Domestic (North or South) vs. International, so they know which side to approach.
• If they’re running early, they can wait in a cell phone lot instead of paying for short-term parking.
• For same-day trips out of ATL during your visit, daily garages are simplest if you prioritize speed.

Official Airport Information & Assistance

For the most accurate and current parking details, including rates, lot availability, and any temporary closures, it’s best to check directly with the airport.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main airport information (general): (800) 897-1910 or (404) 530-7300

You can also look for:

• On-airport signage as you approach (Domestic North, Domestic South, International, Park-Ride, Economy, Cell Phone Lot).
• Digital boards near parking entrances that show lot status (open, full, etc.).
• Airport customer service desks inside the terminal if you have trouble locating your parked car.

How to Choose the Right Parking at ATL in 3 Steps

If you want a quick decision process:

1. Decide your priority:

   • Maximum convenience → Hourly or daily garage
   • Balance of cost and convenience → Economy or on-airport long-term
   • Lowest cost for long trips → Park-ride or off-airport

2. Match to your terminal:

   • Domestic flights → Aim for Domestic North or South parking.
   • International flights → Use International terminal parking or park domestic and use the Plane Train.

3. Add extra time:

   • Budget at least 20–30 extra minutes if you’re using park-ride, economy, or off-airport parking, especially during busy Atlanta travel periods.

With a bit of planning and an understanding of how Atlanta airport parking is laid out, you can choose an option that fits your budget, schedule, and comfort level—whether you’re a local heading out for vacation or a visitor navigating ATL for the first time.