Rental Car Rates at Atlanta Airport: How to Find the Best Deal at ATL
If you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and need a car, understanding how rental car rates at Atlanta airport really work can save you a lot of money and frustration. This guide walks through what affects prices at ATL, typical rate ranges, how the Consolidated Rental Car Center (CONRAC) works, and practical tips to keep your bill under control.
Where to Rent a Car at Atlanta Airport (ATL)
All on-airport rental car companies operate out of the ATL Rental Car Center, also called the CONRAC.
Location & basics:
- ATL Rental Car Center (CONRAC)
2200 Rental Car Center Parkway
College Park, GA 30337 - Connected to the terminals via the SkyTrain (an automated train)
- Open 24/7 for most major companies
- Houses most national rental brands in one complex
To get there after landing:
- Follow the signs in the terminal for “Rental Cars” or “SkyTrain.”
- Take the ATL SkyTrain from the main terminal (no ticket needed).
- Ride to the Rental Car Center station; walk directly into the CONRAC building.
This is where you’ll pick up and drop off your vehicle if you’re renting “at the airport.”
What Affects Rental Car Rates at Atlanta Airport?
Rental car rates at ATL change constantly. The price you see is shaped by several predictable factors:
1. Time of Year & Local Events
Atlanta is a major convention, sports, and entertainment hub. Rates can climb when:
- Big events are in town (college football, pro sports playoffs, major concerts, large conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center)
- Peak travel seasons hit:
- Spring break
- Summer vacation
- Thanksgiving and late December holidays
During these times, on-airport rentals can be significantly higher than off-peak weekdays.
2. Pickup Day and Time
In general:
- Weekday business travel (especially Monday–Wednesday mornings) often sees higher prices at ATL.
- Weekend leisure travel can be cheaper in some cases, but holiday weekends often spike.
- Late-night arrivals may limit your options if some counters have reduced staffing, which can push you toward more expensive remaining options.
3. Vehicle Type
At the ATL Rental Car Center, you’ll commonly see:
- Economy / Compact – usually the lowest base rate
- Midsize / Standard – slightly higher
- Full-size / Premium sedans – more space, higher price
- SUVs (compact, midsize, full-size) – usually more expensive than sedans
- Minivans & passenger vans – priced higher due to demand from families and groups
- Luxury & specialty vehicles – premium daily rates
If you’re flexible, choosing a smaller class usually gets you the best rate at Atlanta airport.
4. Rental Length
At ATL, rates frequently work like this:
- Daily rate for 1–4 days
- Weekly rate (often cheaper per day) once you hit 5–7 days
- Longer rentals can sometimes trigger special pricing, but may also include mileage caps or different terms, especially with local Atlanta renters.
Always check whether your quote is a daily or weekly rate and how returning the car early or late affects the price.
5. Fees, Surcharges, and Taxes at ATL
Airport rentals at ATL include several location-specific charges that push the final price above the base rate.
Common add-ons you’ll see on an ATL airport rental bill:
- Airport concession recovery fee (for operating at ATL)
- Customer facility charge (helps fund the Rental Car Center and SkyTrain)
- State and local sales tax
- Possible vehicle license recovery or similar fees
These can add a noticeable percentage to your total. When comparing ATL airport rates to off-airport locations (like in Midtown, Buckhead, or around College Park), remember that airport surcharges are a major reason on-airport rentals often cost more.
Typical Price Ranges for Rental Cars at Atlanta Airport
Actual prices vary based on demand, timing, and vehicle type. But for planning purposes, many Atlanta travelers commonly see:
| Vehicle Type | Typical ATL Airport Daily Base Rate* | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Economy / Compact | Lower range among all classes | Cheapest most of the year, except during peak demand |
| Midsize / Standard | Slightly higher than economy | Often a small step up in comfort and space |
| Full-size Sedan | Mid-range | Popular with families and business travelers |
| Small / Midsize SUV | Mid-to-high range | Often higher in high-demand seasons |
| Minivan / Large SUV | Higher range | Can jump significantly during holidays and big events |
| Luxury / Specialty | Highest range | Strongly affected by demand and availability |
*These are relative, not fixed dollar amounts. Always check current quotes for actual prices.
On-Airport vs. Off-Airport Rental Rates in Atlanta
Many travelers wonder whether to rent directly at ATL or from an off-airport location in the Atlanta metro area.
On-Airport ATL Rental Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Most convenient for flyers – walk off the plane, hop on the SkyTrain, and pick up your car.
- Easier same-day changes or swaps if there’s a problem with the vehicle.
- Wide selection of vehicle types, especially during normal demand.
Cons:
- Airport surcharges increase the final price.
- Prices can spike heavily during peak travel and big Atlanta events.
- Traffic around the airport and I-85/I-75 interchange can be heavy during rush hours.
Off-Airport Atlanta Rental Pros and Cons
Many rental brands also have branches in areas like Downtown Atlanta, Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Decatur, and near Perimeter Center, as well as College Park and East Point near the airport.
Pros:
- Often lower base rates and fewer airport-specific fees.
- Sometimes easier to find local-only deals or weekday specials.
- Useful for Atlanta residents who don’t need to go to the airport at all.
Cons:
- You’ll need to get from ATL to the off-airport location (rideshare, MARTA, shuttle, or friend/family pickup).
- Some neighborhood branches have limited hours (closed evenings or Sundays).
- Vehicle selection can be more limited than at the airport.
If you already plan to stay in a central Atlanta neighborhood and don’t need a car for your entire trip, picking up a rental from a city location after you’re settled at your hotel can sometimes save money.
How to Compare Rental Car Rates at Atlanta Airport
To get the best deal at ATL without spending hours searching:
Check several rental companies at the ATL Rental Car Center.
Compare:- Vehicle class
- Daily/weekly rate
- Total estimated charges (with taxes and fees)
Test different pickup and drop-off times.
Sometimes:- Shifting your pickup from late night to early morning (or vice versa) can change the rate.
- Moving from a 4-day to a 5-day rental triggers a lower weekly rate.
Compare airport vs. in-town locations.
Look at:- An ATL pickup/drop-off versus a nearby College Park, Downtown, or Midtown branch.
- Total price including transportation to get to the off-airport location.
Look at the total price, not just the daily rate.
Because of airport fees, an Atlanta airport rental with a low daily rate can still end up more expensive than a slightly higher daily rate in town.
Extra Costs That Affect Your ATL Rental Bill
Beyond the base rate and taxes, you may see additional charges on Atlanta airport rentals, depending on what you choose.
1. Insurance and Coverage Options
You may be offered:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) / Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
- Supplemental Liability Coverage
- Personal Effects or Injury coverage
Whether you need these depends on:
- Your own auto insurance (if you’re an Atlanta resident or U.S. driver with coverage).
- What your credit card offers for rental cars.
- Any coverage your employer provides for business travel.
It’s best to confirm your existing coverage before you get to ATL so you can make a clear choice at the counter.
2. Young Driver Fees
At most Atlanta rental locations (including ATL airport):
- Drivers under a certain age (commonly under 25) may be charged an additional daily fee.
- Special rules can apply to:
- Local Atlanta renters
- Out-of-state visitors
- Military or government travelers
If you’re a younger driver flying into ATL, factor this into your budget.
3. Additional Drivers
Adding an extra driver—such as a spouse, friend, or colleague—often includes:
- A daily fee per additional driver (though some exceptions may apply, such as spouses on certain contracts).
In Atlanta, this can noticeably add to the final rental car rate, especially for longer trips.
4. Equipment and Extras
Common add-ons at the ATL Rental Car Center include:
- Child safety seats
- GPS units (though many people now use smartphone navigation)
- Toll transponder programs or toll packages
Atlanta’s main interstate highways around the airport (I-85, I-75, I-285) do not require tolls, but express lanes in the region use electronic tolling. If you plan to travel outside the immediate metro or onto toll roads, review how the rental company handles toll fees.
5. Fuel Charges
You’ll usually choose between:
- Return full – You refuel the car near ATL before drop-off.
- Prepaid fuel – You pay for a full tank in advance.
- Refuel on return – The company refuels for you at a usually higher per-gallon rate.
Gas stations are available near the airport, particularly along Camp Creek Parkway, Virginia Avenue, and Riverdale Road, but prices and congestion can vary. Returning full is often cheaper if you have time to stop.
Tips to Keep Rental Car Rates Lower at Atlanta Airport
A few Atlanta-specific strategies can help keep costs in check:
1. Book Early, Especially for Big Events
Atlanta hosts large events throughout the year. If you know you’re coming for:
- A major sporting event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- A big concert at State Farm Arena or an outdoor festival
- A convention at the Georgia World Congress Center
Book your ATL rental car as early as possible. Prices commonly climb as vehicles sell out.
2. Be Flexible with Your Vehicle Type
If you’re comfortable driving a compact or midsize instead of an SUV or minivan, you’ll usually find:
- Lower base rates at ATL
- More availability during busy times
Only move up classes if you truly need the extra space.
3. Consider a Split Rental
If you’re staying mostly in-town (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near MARTA rail lines), you may not need a car for every day of your trip. Options include:
- Use MARTA or rideshare from ATL to your hotel.
- Rent a car only for day trips (e.g., to the North Georgia mountains, Stone Mountain, or outside the city) from a city branch.
- Return the car early if you don’t need it at the end of your stay.
This approach can reduce both rental costs and hotel parking fees, which can be high in parts of central Atlanta.
4. Check Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations Carefully
When you compare prices online, verify:
- The rental is listed as “Atlanta Airport (ATL)” or “Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson Airport” if you want the CONRAC location.
- Or that it clearly lists a city neighborhood if you’re comparing off-airport options.
Some reservations default to off-airport branches around College Park or Downtown Atlanta, which may look cheaper but require separate transportation from ATL.
5. Know Atlanta Traffic Patterns
When choosing pickup and drop-off times at ATL, consider:
- Morning rush (roughly 7–9 a.m.) and evening rush (roughly 4–7 p.m.) on I-75, I-85, and I-285.
- Busy travel weekends and Fridays around the airport.
Avoiding peak traffic can reduce the chance of:
- Late returns that trigger extra day charges
- Stressful last-minute fueling or rushing back to the Rental Car Center
How the Rental Car Return Works at ATL
When it’s time to fly out of Atlanta:
- Follow signs for “Rental Car Center” as you approach the airport.
- Return your vehicle to the company’s section in the CONRAC.
- A staff member will:
- Check the fuel level
- Inspect for damage
- Provide a receipt or final bill
- Take the SkyTrain back to the main terminal and proceed to your airline check-in or security.
Allow enough time for:
- Traffic into the ATL area
- Fueling up nearby if you didn’t prepay for gas
- Checking in and clearing security for your flight
Many Atlanta travelers plan to be at the Rental Car Center at least 90–120 minutes before their domestic flight, and earlier for international departures.
Key Takeaways for Rental Car Rates at Atlanta Airport
- ATL rentals are centralized at the Rental Car Center (CONRAC), reached by the free SkyTrain.
- Airport-specific fees and surcharges raise total costs compared with some off-airport Atlanta locations.
- Prices vary by season, local events, vehicle class, and rental length.
- Factor in insurance choices, young driver fees, additional drivers, equipment, and fuel options when comparing rates.
- Consider whether an off-airport rental or a shorter rental window (especially if you’ll primarily stay in central Atlanta) might better fit your budget and plans.
Understanding these Atlanta-specific details will help you read rental quotes accurately, avoid surprise charges, and choose the rental setup—airport or city—that best matches your trip.
