Thrifty Car Rental at Atlanta Airport: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and searching for Thrifty Atlanta Airport rental information, it helps to know exactly where to go, how the process works, and what to expect on the ground in Atlanta.

This guide walks you through how to reach Thrifty from your terminal, local tips that matter in Atlanta traffic, and practical details to make pickup and return smoother.

Where Thrifty Is Located at Atlanta Airport

At ATL, all major rental car companies, including Thrifty Car Rental, operate from the Rental Car Center (RCC), which is not inside the main terminal but connected by a dedicated train.

Rental Car Center address

Most rental car signs and GPS directions will send you here:

Rental Car Center – Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
2200 Rental Car Center Parkway
College Park, GA 30337

Thrifty’s counters and vehicles are inside this facility alongside other rental brands.

How to Get to Thrifty from Your Arrival Terminal

No matter which airline you fly, your path to Thrifty is basically the same:

1. Follow signs to the ATL SkyTrain

After you collect your bags:

• Look for signs marked “Rental Cars” or “ATL SkyTrain.”
• If you arrive at Domestic Terminal (North or South), walk to the SkyTrain station at the Gateway Center area following overhead signs.
• If you arrive at the International Terminal (Concourse F):
  • You can take airport shuttles directly to the Rental Car Center, or
  • Ride the Plane Train to the domestic side and then follow signs to the SkyTrain.

2. Ride the ATL SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center

• The ATL SkyTrain is an elevated, automated train that:
  • Runs 24/7
  • Is free to use
  • Takes about 5 minutes from the main terminal area to the Rental Car Center
• Stay on until you reach the “Rental Car Center” stop (you’ll see clear signs and hear announcements).

3. Walk to the Thrifty counter

Once you exit the train:

• Follow interior signs to Thrifty.
• You’ll first see the rental car counters area; Thrifty has a staffed counter there.
• After completing your paperwork, you’ll be directed outside to the Thrifty vehicle pickup area in the adjacent garage.

Picking Up Your Thrifty Rental Car at ATL

The pickup process at Atlanta airport usually follows this flow:

What you typically need

Have these ready when you reach the Thrifty counter:

• Valid driver’s license (from your home state or country)
• Credit or debit card in the primary driver’s name (requirements can vary)
• Reservation details or confirmation number, if you booked in advance

If you’re an Atlanta local renting from ATL, the process is the same, but you may be asked for:

• Proof of address (such as a license with current address)

At the counter

Common steps include:

1. Verification of your ID and payment method
2. Choosing coverage options (liability, collision damage, etc.) if needed
3. Confirming:
   • Return location (usually the same Rental Car Center)
   • Fuel policy (e.g., return full vs. prepay)
   • Mileage terms and any local fees

You’ll then receive:

• A rental agreement
• Instructions on where your car is parked in the Thrifty section of the rental garage

Returning Your Thrifty Car at Atlanta Airport

Returns are also done at the Rental Car Center, not at the terminal curb.

Step-by-step return

1. Follow airport signs for “Rental Car Center” as you approach ATL.
2. Once on Rental Car Center Parkway, watch for signs directing you to your company.
3. Enter the Thrifty return lane in the multi-level garage area.
4. A staff member will:
   • Check the fuel level
   • Note the mileage
   • Inspect the vehicle’s condition

After you’re done:

• Take your receipt (or digital confirmation).
• Follow signs inside the building to the ATL SkyTrain back to the terminals.

Timing tip ⏱️

For departures from ATL:

• Add at least 30–45 minutes to your schedule to allow for:
  • Driving to the airport through Atlanta traffic
  • Vehicle return process
  • SkyTrain ride
  • Getting through check-in and security

During heavier traffic times (weekdays 7–9 a.m. and 3:30–6:30 p.m.), consider allowing extra buffer if you’re driving in from Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.

Driving From Atlanta Airport: Local Road & Traffic Tips

Once you pick up your Thrifty car, you’ll likely be heading toward one of Atlanta’s major areas. Knowing what the roads are like can reduce stress, especially if you’re not used to big-city driving.

Key routes from ATL

Common exits and highways you’ll see leaving the airport area include:

• I-85 North – toward Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and the northern suburbs
• I-75 North – toward Downtown, Midtown, west side of town, and northwest suburbs
• I-285 – Atlanta’s perimeter highway circling the city

Approximate drive times from ATL in light traffic:

Traffic can be significantly heavier during rush hours, major events, or bad weather.

Local driving considerations

• Rush hour can be intense. Expect slowdowns on I-75/85 through Downtown and the Downtown Connector.
• Peachtree Street and Peachtree Road areas are often congested in Midtown and Buckhead.
• Many intown neighborhoods (like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Grant Park) have:
  • Narrow residential streets
  • Street parking
  • Lower speed limits
• If you’re not confident with dense urban traffic, consider:
  • Avoiding peak rush hour when planning your arrival or departure
  • Using navigation apps that account for real-time Atlanta traffic patterns

Thrifty at Atlanta Airport vs. Other Pickup Locations

Some travelers compare renting at ATL versus renting from neighborhood locations around the city. For those who:

• Fly into ATL and leave the same day – the airport Rental Car Center is usually simplest.
• Are staying near MARTA stations in the city – it’s sometimes convenient to:
  • Take MARTA from ATL into the city (for example, to Midtown or Buckhead)
  • Rent later from a neighborhood location, depending on availability and schedule

However, many visitors prefer picking up at Thrifty Atlanta Airport immediately, especially if:

• They’re traveling with family or lots of luggage
• Their hotel is not close to MARTA
• They plan to explore suburbs, attractions like Stone Mountain Park or Six Flags Over Georgia, or areas outside central Atlanta

Practical Tips for Renting at ATL as an Atlanta Local

If you live in the metro area and are renting from Thrifty at the airport:

• Parking your own car:
  • You can use ATL’s long-term parking, economy parking, or private off-airport parking if you’re flying out after returning a rental or picking up a different vehicle later.
• Avoiding airport fees:
  • Airport rentals may include additional surcharges linked to airport operations. Some locals compare with neighborhood locations, but availability, hours, and selection differ.
• One-way rentals:
  • If you’re planning a one-way trip out of Atlanta (for example, driving to another state), confirm:
    • Drop-off city
    • Extra fees
    • Mileage terms

Fueling Up Near Atlanta Airport

To avoid extra fuel charges, many drivers top off the tank close to ATL before returning their Thrifty vehicle.

Common options:

• Gas stations along Camp Creek Parkway: Popular when approaching from I-285 or the west side.
• Stations near Riverdale Road or Old National Highway: Often used when coming in from the south.

Fuel pricing and availability can change, so it helps to:

• Watch your fuel gauge as you near the airport
• Plan a quick stop 5–10 minutes before you reach the Rental Car Center

Helpful ATL Airport Contacts & Information

While Thrifty itself handles your rental agreement, a few airport-related contacts are useful if you have general questions about getting to or from the Rental Car Center:

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

For public transit to and from ATL (if some of your group is using MARTA and others are driving):

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
Customer Service: (404) 848-5000

With a basic understanding of how Thrifty operates at Atlanta’s Rental Car Center, how to reach it via the ATL SkyTrain, and what local driving conditions are like around the city, you’ll be better prepared for a smoother rental experience at Thrifty Atlanta Airport.