Atlanta Airport Parking Rates: How Much You’ll Pay and How to Save

Figuring out parking rates at Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) can be confusing, especially with multiple decks, lots, and off-site options. This guide breaks down what you can expect to pay, how the different options work, and tips to keep your costs under control if you live in Atlanta or are visiting the city.

Quick Overview: What Does Parking Cost at ATL?

Atlanta’s airport offers several main types of parking:

  • Hourly parking – closest to the terminals, most expensive, meant for short stays
  • Daily parking decks – convenient for multi-day trips at a mid-range rate
  • Economy lots – cheaper daily parking farther from the terminal
  • Park-Ride lots – lowest on-airport daily rates, shuttle to terminals
  • ATL West Deck – large, modern deck connected by SkyTrain
  • Cell phone lot – free short-term waiting area if you’re picking someone up

Below is a general rate snapshot for ATL on-airport parking. Exact prices can change, so always confirm closer to your travel date.

Parking OptionTypical UseApproximate Cost Level*Notes
Hourly (North/South)Drop-offs, quick visitsHighestRight next to terminals
Daily Parking Decks1–7+ days, closer convenienceHigh–MediumCovered decks, walk to terminal
Economy LotsLonger trips, cost-consciousMediumShuttle or short walk depending on lot
Park-Ride LotsBudget long-term parkingLowFree shuttle service to terminals
ATL West DeckLong trips, SkyTrain accessMediumConnected to Domestic Terminal via SkyTrain
Cell Phone LotWaiting to pick up passengersFreeNo parking and leaving your car unattended

*Cost level is relative to other on-airport options, not off-site private lots.

On-Airport Parking Options at ATL

Hourly Parking (North and South Terminals)

Best for:

  • Picking up or dropping off someone at the terminal
  • Short meetings, quick check-ins, or assisting elderly travelers

Key points:

  • Located directly in front of the North and South Domestic Terminals.
  • This is the most expensive parking at ATL on a per-hour and per-day basis.
  • Designed for stays of a few hours, not for multi-day trips.

If you’re an Atlanta local driving someone to the airport, use hourly parking only if you plan to walk them inside or spend time at the terminal. For simple curbside drop-offs, just use the regular departures level and keep moving.

Daily Parking Decks (North, South, and International)

Best for:

  • Trips lasting 2–7 days when you want easier walking access
  • Travelers with kids, lots of luggage, or mobility concerns

What to expect:

  • Multi-level covered parking directly adjacent to the North and South Terminals.
  • Short covered walk or use of pedestrian bridges to terminals.
  • Higher daily rate than economy or Park-Ride, but often worth it for convenience.

For the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F), there is a designated International Parking Deck with similar “daily” style pricing and easy walking access.

This option makes sense if you live in metro Atlanta and prefer to park close enough to walk indoors directly to check-in, especially on business trips or early-morning flights.

Economy Parking Lots

Best for:

  • Budget-conscious travelers staying several days
  • Families or groups wanting to save without being too far away

Features:

  • Usually open-air surface lots with a lower daily rate than the main decks.
  • Located a bit farther from the terminals than hourly/daily decks, but still on airport property.
  • Some lots are walkable, others rely on short shuttle rides.

For many Atlanta residents flying out for a long weekend or a week-long trip, economy parking often hits the best balance between price and convenience.

Park-Ride Lots (Remote / Long-Term Parking)

Best for:

  • Longer trips (5–14 days or more)
  • Travelers who prioritize lowest on-airport cost over walking distance

How it works:

  • You park in a remote lot and take an airport-operated shuttle to and from the terminals.
  • Shuttles typically run frequently; look for signs in the lot that indicate the bus pick-up areas.
  • These lots are usually open-air and clearly marked as Park-Ride / long-term options.

If you’re heading out from Atlanta for a weeklong vacation or a business trip and don’t mind a shuttle ride, this is usually the most cost-effective official ATL option.

ATL West Parking Deck

Best for:

  • Travelers departing from the Domestic Terminal
  • Those comfortable using the SkyTrain system
  • People looking for covered parking at a mid-range rate

Details:

  • Located on the west side of the airport, this large deck is connected to the Domestic Terminal by the ATL SkyTrain.
  • You park, walk to the SkyTrain station within the deck, ride a few minutes, and arrive at the terminal.
  • This can be a good alternative when the main decks fill up or when you want consistent access and clear signage.

If you’re coming from downtown or Midtown Atlanta via I-85 or the Camp Creek Parkway area, ATL West can be a straightforward option.

Free Parking Options: Cell Phone Lot and Short Waits

Cell Phone Waiting Lot

Best for:

  • Drivers waiting to pick up arriving passengers
  • Rideshare drivers, friends, or family who don’t want to circle the terminal

Key points:

  • Located near the Domestic Terminal area (watch for “Cell Phone Lot” signs as you approach the airport).
  • Free to use, but you must remain with your vehicle—no leaving it unattended.
  • When your passenger has collected their bags, they call or text you; then you drive up to the arrivals curb.

This is a simple way for Atlanta drivers to avoid paying hourly parking or being forced to circle repeatedly during delays.

How ATL Parking Rates Compare by Trip Length

Choosing the right ATL parking option depends heavily on how long you’ll be gone.

For same-day or a few hours

  • Use Hourly Parking if you need to go inside the terminal or help someone check in.
  • Use curbside drop-off and the cell phone lot if you’re only picking up or dropping off.

For 1–3 days

  • Daily Parking Decks at the North/South terminals or the International Terminal are often the most convenient choice.
  • If you’re cost-conscious, check Economy or ATL West Deck for a lower daily rate.

For 4–7 days

  • Economy Parking or ATL West strike a reasonable balance between daily cost and convenience.
  • Park-Ride lots typically give you the lowest on-airport rate if you’re comfortable with shuttle service.

For 8+ days

  • Park-Ride / long-term lots are usually the most economical on-airport choice.
  • At this point, some travelers also compare off-airport private lots near College Park, East Point, or on Camp Creek Parkway, which may offer competitive long-term pricing.

Domestic vs. International Terminal Parking at ATL

Hartsfield–Jackson essentially functions as two major entry points:

  • Domestic Terminal (North and South) – Main entrance for most U.S. flights
  • International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr., Concourse F) – For international departures and many international arrivals

Parking differences:

  • Domestic Terminal:

    • Hourly, Daily, Economy, Park-Ride, ATL West, and Cell Phone Lot options
    • Heavier traffic, more options, and more signs
  • International Terminal:

    • Has its own dedicated parking deck adjacent to the terminal
    • Primarily structured as daily-style parking; rates are generally in the higher range compared with economy or long-term lots
    • Easier if your entire trip is international and you want the most direct walk into the terminal

If you’re flying international but connecting from a domestic leg, your airline itinerary will usually indicate which terminal to use. Many Atlanta-area travelers departing directly on an international flight prefer to park at the International Terminal deck for simplicity.

Ways Atlanta Travelers Can Save on Airport Parking

Even without specific promo codes, there are practical ways to keep parking costs lower:

1. Choose Park-Ride or Economy for Long Trips

  • For weeklong or multi-week trips, the lower daily rate adds up to meaningful savings.
  • Factor in the shuttle time (build in an extra 20–30 minutes before your airline’s check-in cutoff).

2. Avoid Hourly for Overnight Stays

  • Hourly decks are not priced for overnight trips.
  • A single day in hourly parking can cost as much or more than multiple days in Park-Ride or Economy.

3. Consider Off-Airport Parking Near ATL

In areas like College Park, East Point, and along Camp Creek Parkway, there are long-established private parking lots and garages that:

  • Run their own shuttles to ATL terminals
  • Often offer multi-day or weekly rates

These can be attractive for frequent flyers living in metro Atlanta, but compare:

  • Daily price
  • Shuttle frequency and hours
  • Any extra fees for larger vehicles

4. Use Rideshare, MARTA, or Drop-Off When It Makes Sense

Sometimes, not parking at all is the biggest savings:

  • If you live close to a MARTA station (such as Lindbergh Center, Midtown, Five Points, or College Park), you can ride MARTA directly into the Airport Station inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • If you’re only gone for a day or two, compare the cost of rideshare from neighborhoods like Buckhead, Midtown, Decatur, or Sandy Springs to the total parking cost.

For some short trips, especially if you live inside the Perimeter (I-285), using MARTA or rideshare can be cheaper than multi-day parking.

Practical Tips for Using ATL Parking Smoothly

1. Follow the Signs Early

As you approach the airport via I-85, I-75, or Camp Creek Parkway, watch overhead signs that separate:

  • Domestic Terminal – North / South
  • International Terminal
  • Park-Ride / Economy / ATL West / Cell Phone Lot

Getting in the correct lane early prevents last-minute lane changes and missed exits.

2. Take a Photo of Your Parking Location

Lots and decks at Hartsfield–Jackson can be large and busy, especially around holidays:

  • Snap a quick photo of the level, row, and section sign where you park.
  • Some people also take a photo of a nearby elevator bank or stairway sign with a number or letter.

This is particularly helpful when returning from a long trip or arriving on a late flight.

3. Build in Extra Time for Shuttles

If you choose Park-Ride, Economy lots, or ATL West, give yourself extra time:

  • Allow at least 30 extra minutes beyond your usual airport arrival time during busy periods.
  • Shuttles usually run regularly, but traffic, weather, or crowds can add a delay.

If you’re traveling with young children or people who move slowly, you may want even more buffer.

4. Keep Payment Options Handy

Most ATL parking facilities accept:

  • Major credit and debit cards
  • Some accept mobile payment methods at exit gates

To avoid delays at the exit, have:

  • Your parking ticket or ticketless entry method handy
  • A backup form of payment in case one method fails

Where to Get Official Parking Information for ATL

For the most accurate, up-to-date parking rate details and lot status (such as decks being full or temporarily closed), use official airport resources:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main airport information: (800) 897-1910 (automated/general info line)

Phone menus and posted signs at the airport can direct you to:

  • Current parking rates
  • Lot/deck availability updates
  • Directions to the correct terminal or lot

If you’re planning a major trip or traveling during peak holiday periods, it can be useful to check this information the day before you leave for the airport.

By understanding how parking rates at Atlanta Airport vary by location and trip length, you can choose the option that fits your budget and schedule—whether you’re an Atlanta resident flying out for a quick work trip or a visitor heading home after exploring the city.