Parking at Atlanta Airport: A Local’s Guide to ATL Parking Options, Prices, and Tips

Flying in or out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and trying to figure out parking? You’re not alone. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are driving in from out of town, or picking up family, knowing where to park at Atlanta airport can save you money, stress, and time.

This guide walks through every major parking option at ATL, how they work, what they typically cost relative to each other, and smart local strategies for getting in and out smoothly.

Key Things to Know About Parking at Atlanta Airport

Before diving into details, it helps to understand how parking at ATL is laid out:

• Two main terminal areas:
  • Domestic Terminal (North and South sides)
  • International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
• Different ATL parking types:
  • Hourly (closest, best for short stays)
  • Daily/Terminal parking
  • Economy parking
  • Park-Ride lots with free shuttles
  • Cell phone lots (for pick-ups)
  • Off-site and hotel parking near the airport
• Traffic is heavy at peak times (early mornings, Sundays, and holidays), so parking can fill up or back up.

If you’re flying out of Atlanta, the biggest decisions are:

1. How long will you be gone?
2. Do you want convenience (walkable) or savings (shuttle)?
3. Are you flying domestic or international?

Official ATL Parking Options at the Domestic Terminal

The Domestic Terminal has separate North and South sides, but the parking options on each side are similar. Where you park usually depends on your airline and which side you’re using, but you can walk or shuttle between areas if needed.

1. Hourly Parking (North & South)

Best for:

• Picking up or dropping off passengers at the gate area
• Very short trips (same day or overnight if convenience matters more than cost)

Features:

• Closest parking to the terminal – usually just a short walk into the check-in area.
• Located in decks named North Hourly and South Hourly (right in front of each terminal).
• Designed mainly for short-term use. The rate structure is higher per hour.

Use this when:

• You’re escorting someone inside the terminal.
• You need to meet elderly relatives or families with small children at the door.
• You’re staying less than a few hours and want the shortest walk.

2. Daily/Terminal Parking (North & South)

Best for:

• Trips of a few days where you want to walk to the terminal
• Travelers who prefer not to use shuttles

Features:

• Multi-level parking decks adjacent to each side: North Daily and South Daily.
• A short walk to the terminal via walkways or covered paths.
• Typically cheaper per day than Hourly but more expensive than Economy or Park-Ride.

Good fit if:

• You’re traveling for 2–5 days and value convenience.
• You’re carrying multiple bags and don’t want to get on a shuttle.

3. Economy Parking Lots (North & South)

Best for:

• Budget-conscious travelers
• Trips ranging from a few days to a week or more

Features:

• Located a bit further from the terminal than the Daily decks.
• Usually surface lots with a slightly longer walk or shuttle ride (depending on lot and time).
• Cheaper per day than Hourly or Daily parking.

When locals choose Economy:

• For vacations or business trips of 4+ days.
• When they want to save compared with the Terminal Daily decks, but still stay on airport property.

4. Park-Ride Lots (A & C at Domestic)

Best for:

• Longer trips (e.g., a week or longer)
• Travelers who don’t mind using a shuttle to save money

Features:

• Park-Ride A and Park-Ride C serve the Domestic Terminal.
• You park in these off-terminal lots and take a free ATL shuttle bus to the terminal.
• Typically among the lowest-cost official ATL parking options.
• Shuttles run regularly and pick up at signed stops in the lots.

Pros:

• Lower daily rates compared with terminal-adjacent parking.
• Still run by the airport, with signage, security patrols, and clear drop-off points.

Cons:

• Extra time for shuttle rides, especially at peak hours.
• Can feel less convenient if you’re traveling with small kids, heavy luggage, or tight schedules.

5. Cell Phone Lot (Domestic Terminal)

Best for:

• Drivers waiting to pick up arriving passengers
• Avoiding circling the terminal or paying parking fees

Features:

• Free waiting area where you can sit in your car until your passenger is ready for pickup.
• Located near the Domestic Terminal entrance area (look for signs directing you to “Cell Phone Lot”).
• You pull in, wait for the text or call, then drive up to the curbside pick-up.

Tips:

• Ideal if you are picking up and don’t want to pay even short-term parking.
• It helps keep curbside less congested and reduces the risk of being told to move by airport police.

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

The International Terminal is on a different side of the airport from the Domestic Terminal. It has its own entrance, its own International Parking, and its own park-ride lot.

To avoid confusion, always check your airline ticket to see whether you depart from Domestic or International.

1. International Hourly & Daily Parking

Best for:

• International travelers wanting the shortest walk to check-in
• Pick-ups and drop-offs for international flights

Features:

• Multi-level deck right in front of the International Terminal.
• Similar layout to the Domestic Hourly/Daily decks, with short walking distance.
• Hourly rates for short stays and daily rates for longer stays.

Who uses it:

• International travelers with mid-length trips (2–7 days) who prioritize convenience.
• Families meeting relatives flying in from overseas.

2. International Park-Ride Lot

Best for:

• Long international trips
• Budget-focused travelers using the International Terminal

Features:

• An off-terminal lot dedicated to the International Terminal.
• Free shuttle service between the lot and the International Terminal.
• Typically cheaper than parking directly in the International Parking Deck.

Tips:

• Build in extra time for shuttles, especially during early morning and evening peak periods.
• Keep track of the lot name/letter and row where you parked; international trips are often longer, and it’s easy to forget.

3. International Cell Phone Lot

Best for:

• Free waiting while picking up travelers who arrive at the International Terminal

Features:

• Similar concept to the Domestic cell phone lot.
• Located near the International Terminal approach road.
• You wait in your car, then move up to arrivals when your passenger is through customs and baggage claim.

At-a-Glance: Main ATL Airport Parking Options

Below is a simplified summary of how ATL parking choices compare in terms of convenience and typical cost tiers (exact prices can change, so always verify current rates before you travel):

*Relative cost is shown in broad tiers, not exact prices.

How to Choose the Best Parking for Your Trip Length

If you live in or near Atlanta, you’ll probably use ATL more than once a year. Over time, you’ll start to recognize which parking option best fits each type of trip.

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

Same-Day or Very Short Trips (a few hours)

• Best option:
  • Hourly Parking at the terminal
• Alternative:
  • If you’re just picking someone up and not going in, use the Cell Phone Lot instead of paying.

💡 Local tip: If you’re meeting someone at baggage claim, Hourly is usually worth the walking convenience.

2–3 Day Trips (Weekend Getaways, Short Business Trips)

• Best balance of cost and convenience:
  • Daily/Terminal Parking (Domestic or International, depending on your flight)
• If you’re very cost-sensitive:
  • Consider Economy or Park-Ride lots, especially if you’re comfortable with shuttles.

4–7 Day Trips (Typical Vacations)

• Budget-focused:
  • Park-Ride lots (A, C, or International) usually give the best value.
• Convenience-focused:
  • Economy or Daily/Terminal lots.

💡 Local tip: For families going on week-long vacations, Park-Ride is popular. The saved parking money can go toward trip expenses.

Extended Trips (More Than a Week)

• Most people choose:
  • Park-Ride lots or off-site parking near ATL (for even lower daily rates).
• You may also find airport-area hotels that offer “park and fly” packages when you stay at least one night.

If you’re gone 10–14 days, the daily difference between Terminal and Park-Ride rates can add up to a noticeable savings.

Off-Site Parking Near Atlanta Airport

Beyond the official ATL parking, there are many private parking lots and hotels around the airport that offer:

• Lower daily rates than some on-airport options
• Shuttle service to the terminals
• Options for covered, outdoor, or valet parking

These lots and services are generally clustered in areas like Virginia Avenue, Best Road, and near Camp Creek Parkway. Many Atlantans use them for longer trips or during busy seasons when airport lots get crowded.

If you choose off-site parking:

• Confirm shuttle hours (early morning flights and late-night arrivals need reliable service).
• Allow extra transit time; shuttles can vary based on traffic.
• Keep your ticket or reservation handy for pickup instructions when you return.

Accessible Parking at ATL

ATL provides accessible parking spaces in most official lots and decks, including:

• Hourly and Daily decks at Domestic and International
• Economy and Park-Ride lots
• Marked spaces near elevator cores and shuttle stops

If you or a family member has mobility challenges:

• Look for signs indicating “ADA/Accessible Parking”.
• Shuttles from Park-Ride lots are typically equipped to accommodate mobility devices.
• Many travelers prefer Hourly or Daily parking for shorter walks and fewer transfers.

For specific accessibility questions, you can contact Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport main information line:

• Phone (main information): 1-800-897-1910 (widely published general info number)

Using Rideshare, MARTA, and Taxis Instead of Parking

If you’re trying to avoid parking at ATL entirely, Atlanta offers several alternatives.

MARTA (Rail) to ATL

Best for:

• Travelers staying near MARTA stations in Atlanta, Decatur, College Park, or other connected areas

How it works:

• Take MARTA’s Red or Gold Line to Airport Station.
• The station is located inside the Domestic Terminal, near baggage claim.

If you’re flying internationally, you can:

• Ride MARTA to Domestic Terminal, then
• Take the free Airport shuttle or the Plane Train to the International Terminal.

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) and Taxis

Best for:

• Those who prefer door-to-door service
• Residents who don’t want to leave a car at the airport

Where to meet:

• ATL has designated Rideshare Pickup Zones:
  • For the Domestic Terminal, rideshare pick-ups typically occur in a signed, centralized area of the parking structure rather than curbside.
  • For the International Terminal, follow signs for “Rideshare” or “Ground Transportation” near arrivals.
• Official taxi stands are located in Ground Transportation areas outside baggage claim.

If you’re comparing options, remember:

• For a quick weekend trip, rideshare can be cheaper than several days of parking, especially if you live inside the Perimeter (I-285).
• For longer trips but long commutes to the airport, Park-Ride or off-site parking may be more affordable.

Directions and Basic Contact Info for ATL

Knowing the main addresses for ATL can help with GPS, rideshares, or planning drop-offs:

• Domestic Terminal Address:
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320

• International Terminal Address (Maynard H. Jackson Jr.):
  2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd
  Atlanta, GA 30354

You can use these addresses when you:

• Set your GPS for the correct terminal
• Tell a rideshare driver exactly where to go
• Park at the right side of the airport for your airline

Smart Local Tips for Parking at Atlanta Airport

A few Atlanta-specific tips can make your airport parking much smoother:

• Arrive earlier than you think you need to.
  For Park-Ride or Economy lots, add 30–45 extra minutes beyond your normal airport arrival time, especially during holidays or Monday mornings.

• Know your terminal in advance.
  Many international flights still use the Domestic Terminal for check-in or departure. Always check your airline’s instructions before you pick a parking area.

• Take a photo of where you parked.
  Snap a picture of the row, section, and level sign. ATL’s lots are big, and after a long trip it’s easy to forget.

• Consider traffic patterns.
  Morning rush on I-75, I-85, and I-285 can significantly slow you down getting to the airport. If you’re driving from suburbs like Marietta, Alpharetta, or Gwinnett, build in plenty of buffer time.

• Keep an eye on major events.
  Large conventions, game days, or major events in Atlanta can increase both road traffic and airport demand, sometimes impacting parking availability.

By understanding the layout, cost tiers, and trade-offs between on-site and off-site parking at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you can match your parking choice to your trip length, budget, and comfort level. Whether you’re a frequent Atlanta flyer or visiting the city for the first time, planning your parking in advance makes starting and ending your trip much less stressful.