Rental Cars at Atlanta Airport: How to Pick Up, Drop Off, and Save Time at ATL

Getting a rental car at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is straightforward once you know where to go and how the system works. Whether you live in Atlanta and are flying back home, or you’re visiting and need wheels to explore the metro area, this guide walks you through exactly how rental cars work at Atlanta Airport.

Where Are Rental Cars at Atlanta Airport?

All rental car companies at ATL are grouped in one place: the Rental Car Center (RCC).

Location:
2200 Rental Car Center Parkway
College Park, GA 30337

The RCC is not inside the main domestic or international terminals. Instead, it’s connected by a dedicated SkyTrain.

How to Get to the Rental Car Center from Each Terminal

From the Domestic Terminal (North or South)

1. Follow signs for “SkyTrain / Rental Cars.”
2. Take the escalator/elevator up to the SkyTrain station at the west end of the domestic terminal.
3. Board the ATL SkyTrain (it’s free and driverless).
4. Ride about 5 minutes to the Rental Car Center station.
5. Walk straight into the RCC building and follow signs for your rental company.

The SkyTrain runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with frequent departures, so you rarely wait long.

From the International Terminal (Concourse F)

You have two main options:

Option 1: Free Airport Shuttle to Domestic Terminal + SkyTrain

• Follow signs for “Ground Transportation / Rental Cars / Domestic Terminal Shuttle.”
• Take the free shuttle bus from the international terminal to the domestic terminal.
• Once at the domestic terminal, follow the steps above to ride the SkyTrain to the RCC.

Option 2: Off-Airport Pickup (Some Companies Only)
Some smaller or off-airport rental agencies may send their own shuttles directly to the international terminal pick-up area. If you booked with one of these, follow their instructions and look for “Rental Car / Hotel Shuttle” signs.

Which Rental Car Companies Operate at ATL?

Most major national brands plus several smaller ones operate out of the Rental Car Center. Layout can change over time, but typically you’ll find:

• Large national companies with counters and on-site car lots at the RCC
• Some budget or specialty companies that operate off-site with shuttle service from the RCC

Inside the RCC you’ll see:

• A central lobby with counters for each brand
• Escalators and elevators that lead down to multi-level parking decks where the cars are parked
• Clear signage for returns, pick-up areas, and customer service

If you already have a reservation, you usually go directly to your brand’s counter or their “preferred member” or “self-service” area if you’re enrolled in a loyalty program.

Step-by-Step: Picking Up a Rental Car at Atlanta Airport

Here’s how the process typically goes for most travelers arriving at ATL:

1. Land at ATL and collect your luggage.

   • Domestic: Baggage claim at the North or South Terminal.
   • International: Baggage claim and customs at Concourse F.

2. Head to the Rental Car Center.

   • Domestic: Take the SkyTrain.
   • International: Take the shuttle to the domestic terminal, then the SkyTrain.

3. Check in at your rental company.

   • Show a valid driver’s license.
   • Present a credit card (some companies allow debit with restrictions).
   • Provide your reservation number or name.
   • Confirm insurance options, refueling policies, mileage limits, etc.

4. Go to the car lot or assigned parking spot.

   • Staff or signs will direct you to a specific floor or row.
   • Some companies let you choose from a designated aisle of vehicles.

5. Inspect the vehicle before leaving.

   • Walk around the car, check for damage, and confirm it’s noted on your agreement.
   • Take photos of any existing dents, scratches, or interior issues.
   • Set up your GPS or phone mount and adjust mirrors and seats.

6. Exit the Rental Car Center.

   • Follow signs for “Exit” / “To I-85 / I-75 / I-285.”
   • There will be a gate where staff scans your contract and often checks your driver’s license again.

Dropping Off Your Rental Car at Atlanta Airport

Returning the car at ATL is usually simpler than picking it up.

How to Return a Rental Car to the RCC

1. Follow GPS or highway signs for “Rental Car Return.”

   • Coming from I-85, I-75, or I-285, you’ll see brown and white signs pointing to the Rental Car Center.
   • You normally exit onto Camp Creek Parkway or nearby roads, then follow signs directly to the RCC.

2. Follow your company’s return signs.

   • Each company has a designated level or section in the parking structure.
   • Look for overhead signs with your rental brand name.

3. Park in a marked return lane.

   • A staff member may meet you with a handheld device to check mileage and fuel.
   • If it’s unstaffed (late night), follow posted instructions, park, and place keys in the drop box.

4. Gather your belongings.

   • Check under seats, door pockets, trunk, and any compartments.

5. Head back to the airport via SkyTrain.

   • From the RCC, follow signs to the SkyTrain station.
   • Take the SkyTrain to the Domestic Terminal.
   • If you’re flying international, follow signs for the International Terminal shuttle from the domestic side.

Rental Car vs. Other ATL Transportation Options

Before you rent, it helps to know how a car compares to other ways of getting around Atlanta.

When a Rental Car Makes Sense in Atlanta

A rental car is often useful if:

• You’re planning to visit suburbs or outlying areas (Alpharetta, Marietta, Stone Mountain, Peachtree City, etc.).
• You have early-morning or late-night flights when public transit is limited.
• You’re staying somewhere not directly served by MARTA rail or frequent bus routes.
• You’re traveling with family or a group and want flexibility.

When You Might Skip the Rental Car

Consider other options if:

• You’re staying primarily in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead and don’t plan to leave the central city much.
• You’re comfortable using MARTA rail, rideshares, and walking.
• You want to avoid hotel parking fees and Atlanta traffic.

MARTA from the Airport:
The Airport MARTA Station is directly inside the Domestic Terminal. From there you can reach downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and some suburbs without renting a car.

Costs to Expect with Atlanta Airport Rental Cars

Exact prices depend on the date, demand, and car type, but there are some common cost categories to expect at ATL.

Typical Cost Components

• Daily rental rate (varies by vehicle category and season)
• Airport concession fees and surcharges added for rentals at ATL
• Taxes (state and local)
• Optional insurance or damage waivers
• Optional extras: GPS, car seats, additional drivers, toll packages
• Fuel charges if you don’t refill before returning
• Possible young driver fees if you’re under 25

Many travelers notice that renting at the airport can be more expensive than renting at some neighborhood locations in the metro area because of added airport fees.

Timing Tips: When to Reserve and Pick Up

Best Practices for Booking

• Reserve in advance whenever possible—especially around holidays, big conventions, or college football weekends when Atlanta fills up.
• Compare car classes (compact vs. midsize vs. SUV) to see where the best value is, not just the lowest sticker price.
• Double-check pick-up and drop-off times to avoid being charged extra days.

Timing Your Pick-Up at ATL

• Midday and early afternoon can be busy with conference travelers and vacationers.
• Late evenings may have fewer staff; if your flight arrives very late, build in extra time for the rental process.
• Factor in SkyTrain travel time (about 5 minutes each way) plus walking and check-in.

Local Driving Tips for Atlanta Visitors

Once you pick up your rental car from ATL, it’s helpful to know how driving in the area typically feels.

Traffic Patterns around the Airport

• The airport sits near I-85 and close to the interchange with I-285, the perimeter highway.
• Morning rush (roughly 7–9 a.m.) and evening rush (4–7 p.m.) can be slow, especially on:
  • I-75/85 through Downtown (the “Downtown Connector”)
  • I-285 East and North
  • I-85 North toward Midtown and Buckhead

Allow extra time during these windows when returning your rental car.

Tolls and Express Lanes

• Some corridors in the Atlanta region have express lanes that require a Peach Pass or compatible transponder.
• Ask your rental company how tolls are handled so you understand:
  • Whether your vehicle is registered to an electronic toll system
  • Any administrative fees for using toll roads
  • How and when toll charges appear on your bill

Parking Considerations

• Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead often rely on paid decks and surface lots, especially near attractions and office towers.
• Many hotels around Peachtree Street and in Buckhead charge nightly parking fees.
• Residential neighborhoods may have permit zones or time limits—watch posted signs closely.

Using a Rental Car for Popular Atlanta Areas

If you’re renting at ATL, here’s how a car helps with common local destinations:

• Downtown Atlanta (Georgia Aquarium, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium):

  • Roughly 10–20 minutes from the RCC in light traffic.
  • Parking decks near Centennial Olympic Park and the stadium.

• Midtown Atlanta (Piedmont Park, Fox Theatre, arts district):

  • About 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Street parking is limited; expect decks and paid lots.

• Buckhead (Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, business district):

  • Around 25–35 minutes.
  • Heavier traffic at peak times; multiple large parking decks at malls.

• Suburban and regional destinations (Stone Mountain Park, Lake Lanier, North Georgia, Six Flags Over Georgia):

  • A rental car is often the simplest and most flexible way to reach these areas from ATL.

Key Things to Know Before You Rent at ATL

Here’s a quick reference summary:

Practical Tips to Make ATL Rental Cars Easier

• 🕒 Build in buffer time for traffic plus SkyTrain rides when heading back for your flight.
• ⛽ Refuel close to the RCC if your contract requires a full tank—look for stations along Camp Creek Parkway or nearby.
• 📸 Photograph the car at pick-up and drop-off (exterior and interior) for your records.
• 📄 Keep your rental agreement handy or on your phone; you may need it at the exit gate and during your trip.
• 📍 If you’re new to Atlanta, use a GPS app with traffic updates to navigate I-75/85, I-20, and I-285 more confidently.

With a clear understanding of how the Rental Car Center, SkyTrain, and local roads work, picking up and returning a rental car at Atlanta Airport can be a straightforward part of your trip rather than a stress point.