How to Rent a Car at Atlanta Airport: A Local’s Guide to ATL Car Rentals

Renting a car at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the easiest ways to get around metro Atlanta, whether you’re flying in for a quick business trip, visiting family, or you live here and need a temporary car. The airport is huge, but the rental setup is straightforward once you know where to go and what to expect.

This guide walks you through exactly how to rent a car at Atlanta Airport, from getting to the rental center to returning your vehicle, plus local tips that matter specifically in Atlanta.

Where to Rent a Car at Atlanta Airport

All on-airport rental car companies operate out of one central facility:

ATL Rental Car Center (RCC)
2200 Rental Car Center Parkway
College Park, GA 30337

It’s not inside the main terminals; instead, it’s connected by a dedicated train called the SkyTrain.

Getting to the Rental Car Center from the Terminals

No matter whether you arrive at the Domestic Terminal or International Terminal (Concourse F), you’ll end up at the Rental Car Center via these steps:

From the Domestic Terminal (North or South)

1. Follow signs for “Rental Cars” and “SkyTrain.”
2. Take the escalator or elevator up to the SkyTrain station.
3. Board the SkyTrain (it’s free and runs 24/7).
4. Ride about 5 minutes to the Rental Car Center stop.
5. Exit and follow the overhead signs to your specific rental company counter or garage.

You do not need to exit the airport or take a shuttle bus from the Domestic Terminal; it’s all connected by the SkyTrain.

From the International Terminal (Concourse F)

You have two main options:

• Option A: Free shuttle to the Rental Car Center

  • Follow signs for “Rental Car Center” and “Ground Transportation.”
  • Look for the Rental Car Center shuttle outside the terminal.
  • The shuttle will take you directly to the RCC.

• Option B: Shuttle to the Domestic Terminal + SkyTrain

  • Take the free Terminal Shuttle from the International Terminal to the Domestic Terminal.
  • Then follow the Domestic Terminal steps above to ride the SkyTrain to the RCC.

If you’re tired from a long international flight, the direct RCC shuttle is usually the simplest.

Major Rental Car Companies at Atlanta Airport

Most of the big-name rental car agencies operate in the ATL Rental Car Center. Inside you’ll find:

• National, Alamo, Enterprise
• Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty
• Avis, Budget, Payless
• And other widely recognized brands

All have customer service counters inside the building and parking decks where you pick up and return vehicles.

You’ll usually:

1. Check in at the counter or kiosk (unless using a skip-the-counter program).
2. Walk to your assigned parking area.
3. Select your car (depending on your reservation type).
4. Show your ID, credit card, and contract at the garage exit gate.

What You Need to Rent a Car at Atlanta Airport

Before you get in line at the rental counter, make sure you have:

1. Valid Driver’s License

• U.S. residents: A valid, non-expired driver’s license from your state.
• International visitors: A valid license from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is often recommended but not always required; it’s safest to have both if English is not on your license.

2. Payment Method

Most rental companies at ATL require:

• A major credit card in the driver’s name.
• Some may accept debit cards, but often with:
  • Additional ID requirements
  • Credit checks
  • Restrictions on car types
  • Higher or different deposit rules

If you’re planning to use a debit card, check the company’s specific policy in advance.

3. Minimum Age

Common age rules at ATL:

• 25 and older: Usually full access to standard vehicles with no extra age-related fee.
• 21–24: Often allowed, but:
  • A “young driver” surcharge is common.
  • Higher-risk categories (like premium or specialty vehicles) may be restricted.

Under 21? On-airport rentals are usually not available, but specialty local companies off-airport may have different policies.

4. Proof of Insurance or Coverage Decision

Rental desks will typically ask how you want to handle car insurance coverage:

• Use your personal auto insurance (if it applies to rentals).
• Use credit card rental coverage (if offered by your card).
• Purchase the rental company’s coverage options.

To keep the process smooth at ATL, many travelers bring:

• Their auto insurance card
• Credit card offering rental coverage (if applicable)
• A sense of what coverage they’re comfortable with before they step up to the counter

Step-by-Step: How to Rent a Car at ATL

Here’s how the process usually goes from plane to highway:

1. Land at ATL and collect your luggage at either the Domestic Baggage Claim or International Baggage Claim.
2. Follow the signs to “Rental Cars” and ride either the SkyTrain (Domestic) or RCC shuttle (International).
3. Enter the Rental Car Center and locate your company’s counter.
4. Check in:
   • Present your driver’s license and payment card.
   • Confirm rental dates, return time, and airport/return location.
   • Decide on fuel options, insurance, and any extras (GPS, child seats, toll options).
5. Head to the rental garage.
   • Follow signs for your company’s level and row.
   • Find your assigned vehicle or row of available vehicles.
6. Inspect the car before driving off:
   • Look for scratches, dents, windshield chips, and interior stains.
   • Take photos or a short video, including mileage and fuel level.
7. Exit through the gate.
   • Show your contract and ID if requested.
   • Confirm directions to your destination, especially if you’re new to Atlanta.
8. Drive out toward I-85, I-75, or I-285 depending on where you’re headed in the city.

Getting From the Rental Car Center to Atlanta Neighborhoods

The ATL Rental Car Center connects quickly to major interstates:

• Downtown Atlanta (Peachtree Center, State Capitol, Mercedes-Benz Stadium)

  • Usually via I-85 North or I-75 North
  • About 15–25 minutes in light traffic

• Midtown (Georgia Tech, Piedmont Park, Arts Center)

  • I-85 North, then exit into Midtown
  • Roughly 20–30 minutes in typical conditions

• Buckhead (Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza)

  • I-85 North to GA-400 or surface streets
  • Around 25–40 minutes, depending on traffic

• Cobb County / Truist Park (Braves Stadium)

  • I-75 North via Connector
  • Varies widely; 30–50 minutes at busy times

• Decatur / East Atlanta

  • I-20 East or surface routes like Moreland Avenue
  • Around 25–40 minutes

Plan extra time during weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.), when Atlanta traffic can slow to a crawl, especially through the Downtown Connector (I-75/85).

Choosing the Right Type of Rental Car for Atlanta

Atlanta’s layout and traffic patterns matter when you pick a car:

Compact & Economy Cars

Best for:

• Solo travelers or couples
• Business trips downtown or in Midtown
• Parking in tight urban garages

Pros in Atlanta:

• Easier to park in busy areas like Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward
• Generally better fuel economy in stop-and-go traffic

Midsize & Full-Size Sedans

Best for:

• Small families
• Longer drives across the metro area (Alpharetta, Marietta, Peachtree City)

Pros in Atlanta:

• Comfortable for I-75 / I-85 and I-285 highway driving
• Adequate trunk space for luggage plus shopping

SUVs & Minivans

Best for:

• Larger families or groups
• Road trips from Atlanta to the North Georgia mountains, Savannah, or coastal areas
• Travelers needing more cargo space

Atlanta-specific considerations:

• Make sure you’re comfortable with lane changes on busy interstates.
• Parking in dense neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland or Little Five Points may be tighter.

Luxury & Specialty Vehicles

These are common at ATL but:

• Can be more stressful to drive and park in heavy city traffic.
• May require higher deposits and stricter age limits.

If you’re mostly staying near Downtown, Midtown, or along MARTA rail stops, a simpler vehicle is usually more practical and cost-effective.

Estimated Cost Factors for Renting a Car at ATL

Rental prices at Atlanta Airport can vary widely. Typical cost drivers include:

• Travel season:
  • Higher during holidays, big conventions at Georgia World Congress Center, major events, and college football season.
• Vehicle type:
  • SUVs, minivans, and luxury cars usually cost more than economy or compact cars.
• Rental length:
  • Daily rates often drop for weeklong rentals compared to single days.
• Driver age:
  • Drivers under 25 often pay extra.
• Insurance and extras:
  • Optional protections and add-ons (GPS, child seats, toll programs) increase the total.

To save money in Atlanta:

• Book in advance when big events (concerts, sports, conventions) are on the calendar.
• Compare total price including airport fees and taxes, which are higher at ATL than at some neighborhood rental locations.
• Consider whether you really need add-ons like GPS (many people rely on smartphone navigation instead).

Renting a Car vs. Other Transportation Options at ATL

You might not always need a rental car, depending on your plans.

When a Rental Car Makes Sense in Atlanta

You’ll likely want a car if:

• You’re staying outside the MARTA rail corridor, such as Suburban Cobb, Gwinnett, South Fulton, or North Georgia suburbs.
• You plan to visit spread-out attractions:
  • Stone Mountain Park
  • Atlanta Motor Speedway
  • Lake Lanier
  • North Georgia wineries
• You have early-morning or late-night flights when MARTA service is more limited.
• You’re traveling with family or a group and need flexibility.

When You Might Skip the Rental

You may be fine without a car if:

• You’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead near a MARTA station.
• Most of your trip involves walkable neighborhoods and rideshare, like:
  • Old Fourth Ward and the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
  • Inman Park
  • West Midtown
• You’re primarily attending a conference at hotels connected to Peachtree Center or the Georgia World Congress Center, where walking and rideshare are common.

Many Atlanta visitors do a hybrid approach: rely on MARTA and rideshare for a few days in town, then rent a car for one or two days if they want to explore farther out.

Tolls, Parking, and Driving Tips for Atlanta Rental Cars

Atlanta’s driving environment has its own quirks. Knowing these can save you stress and money.

Tolls and Express Lanes

• Metro Atlanta has express lanes on parts of I-75, I-85, and I-575.
• These usually require a Peach Pass or compatible transponder.
• Many rental companies offer toll passes, but:
  • There may be daily or per-use fees.
  • You can often choose to avoid toll lanes if you’re not in a rush.

If you’re unfamiliar, stay in the general-purpose lanes and watch for signage that marks express lanes and entrances.

Parking in Popular Atlanta Areas

• Downtown & Midtown:

  • Expect paid garages, hotel parking fees, and some surface lots.
  • Events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Georgia World Congress Center can spike prices and reduce availability.

• Buckhead:

  • Many shopping areas (Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza) have structured parking.
  • Valet is common at high-end restaurants and hotels.

• Neighborhoods (Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, West Midtown):

  • Mix of street parking and small private lots.
  • Watch for resident-only zones and clearly posted time limits.

Always read signs carefully; Atlanta does enforce parking rules, especially in busier districts.

Local Driving Realities 🚗

• Traffic is heaviest on weekdays during rush hours and around major events.
• The Downtown Connector (I-75/85) can be intimidating for first-timers—multiple lanes, quick merges. Take your time, signal early, and avoid last-second lane changes.
• Weather during summer thunderstorms can reduce visibility quickly; slow down and keep extra distance between cars.

How to Return a Rental Car at Atlanta Airport

Returning your rental at ATL is usually simple if you follow the signs and allow enough time.

1. Follow Signs for “Rental Car Return”

From Atlanta and surrounding areas:

• Get on I-85 South or I-75 South toward the airport.
• Watch for signs to “Rental Car Center” as you approach the airport.
• Follow the dedicated exit onto Rental Car Center Parkway.

Inside the facility:

• Follow overhead signs for your specific company’s return area.
• Pull into the marked lane, and a staff member may:
  • Scan the car’s bar code
  • Check fuel level and mileage
  • Inspect for damage

2. Clear Out the Vehicle

Before you walk away:

• Check seat pockets, center console, cupholders, door compartments, trunk, and under seats.
• Make sure you grab:
  • Phone and chargers
  • Wallet, ID, and any travel documents
  • Souvenirs and shopping bags

3. Get a Final Receipt

• Ask for a printed or emailed receipt showing the return time and charges.
• Review for:
  • Correct fuel level entry
  • Correct mileage
  • Any unexpected extra fees

Keeping that receipt handy can make it easier to resolve billing questions later if they come up.

4. Get Back to Your Terminal

• From the return area, follow signs back into the Rental Car Center building.
• Ride the SkyTrain to the Domestic Terminal.
• If your flight leaves from the International Terminal, either:
  • Take the free shuttle from the Domestic side, or
  • Check your airline’s guidance—some international flights still use Domestic check-in and gates.

Allow extra time if:

• You’re traveling at peak hours.
• You’re unfamiliar with ATL’s layout.
• You’re returning after a major event when traffic on I-75/85 is heavier than normal.

Renting Off-Airport vs. At the ATL Rental Car Center

Some Atlanta visitors and residents compare airport rentals with neighborhood rental locations around the city.

On-airport (Rental Car Center) pros:

• Convenient if you’re flying in or out of ATL.
• No extra taxi or rideshare ride to pick up your car.
• Large fleets and more car choices.

On-airport possible downsides:

• Airport-related fees can make daily rates higher.
• Busy times can mean longer lines at the counters.

Off-airport locations (around Atlanta) pros:

• Sometimes lower base rates before fees.
• Can be convenient if you’re staying with friends/family in the suburbs.

Off-airport possible downsides:

• You’ll likely need MARTA, taxi, or rideshare to get there.
• Less convenient for early-morning flight departures when returning the car.

If you’re flying in and out of ATL and your trip is short, using the Rental Car Center is usually the most straightforward option.

Quick Reference: ATL Rental Car Basics

If you know when you’re arriving, where you’re staying (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or suburbs), and your comfort level with city driving, you can use this guide to decide whether to rent a car at Atlanta Airport and, if so, how to move through the ATL Rental Car Center with confidence.