Atlanta, Georgia National Car Rental: Locations, Tips, and Local Advice

If you are flying into or driving around Atlanta, Georgia and searching for National Car Rental, you have several convenient options in and around the city. This guide focuses on where to find National locations, what to expect when renting in Atlanta, and practical tips for using a rental car in local traffic and neighborhoods.

Main National Car Rental Locations in Atlanta

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

For most visitors, the easiest and most common place to use National Car Rental in Atlanta is at the airport.

National Car Rental – ATL Airport
Located at the ATL Rental Car Center (RCC)
Address: 2200 Rental Car Center Parkway, College Park, GA 30337

How it works:

• After landing, follow signs for Ground Transportation / Rental Car Center.
• Take the ATL SkyTrain from the terminal to the Rental Car Center (a short automated train ride).
• Once at the RCC, follow the signs for National. You’ll generally find a row of cars you can select from within your reserved class.

This location is usually open extended hours and tends to have the widest selection of vehicles, which is helpful if you need:

• One-way rentals
• Larger vehicles (SUVs, minivans) for group travel
• Business-ready vehicles for corporate trips

In-Town and Suburban National Locations

In addition to the airport, there are off-airport National locations in the Atlanta metro area. Exact addresses and hours can change, but renters typically find National counters or joint-brand facilities in or near:

• Downtown Atlanta / Midtown – convenient if you are staying near Peachtree Street, Georgia State University, or the central business district.
• Buckhead – useful for hotels and offices around Peachtree Road and Lenox Square area.
• Perimeter / Dunwoody / Sandy Springs – serves offices and residential areas near Perimeter Mall and the I‑285 corridor.

These neighborhood branches can be helpful if:

• You live in Atlanta and don’t need to go to the airport
• You’re already in town and decide you need a car for a day trip
• You want to avoid airport fees sometimes associated with renting at ATL

For the most accurate current addresses, hours, and contact numbers, it’s best to check directly with National or call ahead before you go, especially on weekends or holidays.

Quick Comparison: Airport vs. In-Town National Locations

What to Know About Renting a Car in Atlanta

Required Documents and Basics

When renting from National in Atlanta, most renters will need:

• A valid driver’s license (U.S. or accepted international license)
• A major credit card in the primary driver’s name (some locations may accept debit with conditions)
• To meet minimum age requirements, often 25+ for standard rentals, with possible surcharges or restrictions for younger drivers

Policies can differ slightly by location, so it is wise to verify:

• Age requirements
• Accepted payment methods
• Any deposit or additional hold on your card

Common Vehicle Types for Atlanta Trips

Think about where you will be driving:

• Downtown and Midtown:
  • Compact or midsize cars are easier for tight parking garages and hotel parking.
• Suburbs and day trips (Stone Mountain, Lake Lanier, North Georgia):
  • SUVs or crossovers can be more comfortable for longer drives or family trips.
• Business travel:
  • Standard sedans often balance comfort, fuel economy, and professional appearance.

If you plan to drive into hilly North Georgia or go on longer highway trips, it may be worth asking about vehicles with better highway mileage or all-wheel drive, depending on the season.

Navigating Atlanta by Rental Car

Understanding Atlanta Traffic

Atlanta is known for heavy traffic, especially on:

• I‑75 / I‑85 (the Connector) through Downtown
• I‑285 (the Perimeter) around the city
• Georgia 400 north toward Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and Alpharetta

Rush hours are typically:

• Morning: roughly 7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
• Evening: roughly 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

If you are picking up or returning your National rental:

• Allow extra time to reach Hartsfield–Jackson during these windows.
• If you are at an in-town location, factor in city traffic and potential delays near major venues like State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or Georgia World Congress Center when events are scheduled.

Parking Tips in Atlanta

When planning your rental, consider where you’ll park:

• Downtown / Midtown:
  • Expect paid parking garages and surface lots.
  • Many hotels charge nightly parking fees, sometimes with valet only.
• Buckhead and Perimeter:
  • Larger malls and office complexes often have garages or surface lots, sometimes free or validated.
• Neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, West Midtown:
  • Street parking may be available but can be limited at busy times; read signage carefully.

Before choosing your rental size, check:

• Whether your hotel or lodging includes parking
• Any height restrictions in garages if you’re considering a large SUV or van

Using Your Rental Car for Popular Atlanta Destinations

A National rental car can be useful for visiting attractions that are spread out or less convenient by transit.

Some common routes include:

• Airport to Downtown or Midtown:
  • Roughly 15–25 minutes in light traffic via I‑75/85 North.
• Downtown to Buckhead:
  • Typically via Peachtree Street or GA‑400, depending on your starting point and traffic.
• Downtown to Stone Mountain Park:
  • East on US‑78; many visitors use rentals for this day trip.
• Atlanta to North Georgia Mountains (e.g., Dahlonega, Blue Ridge):
  • Head north on GA‑400 or I‑575; a rental car offers flexibility for scenic stops.

If you’re unfamiliar with Atlanta’s layout, using navigation and planning your routes outside of peak rush hour can make your trip smoother.

Insurance and Protection Options

When renting from National in Atlanta, you may be offered several optional protections at the counter. While the specific names and details can vary, common categories include:

• Collision or Loss Damage coverage – may limit your financial responsibility if the rental is damaged or stolen.
• Liability coverage – sometimes offered to supplement your existing coverage limits.
• Personal effects or personal accident coverage – optional add-ons that some renters consider based on their own circumstances.

Before you arrive:

• Review your personal auto insurance to see what it covers for rental cars.
• Check whether a credit card you use for payment includes any rental coverage and what conditions apply.

This can help you decide at the counter which options you want or do not need.

One-Way Rentals and Driving Beyond Atlanta

Many renters use National in Atlanta for one-way trips, such as:

• Atlanta to Savannah, Nashville, Charlotte, or Florida destinations
• Picking up at ATL and returning at another city’s airport

If you plan a one-way rental:

• Ask in advance about drop-off fees and availability of your desired vehicle type at the destination.
• Confirm whether there are any state or mileage restrictions for your route.

For drives into neighboring states, interstates like I‑20, I‑75, and I‑85 connect Atlanta to much of the Southeast, so having your own rental car can be practical for multi-city trips.

Tips for Atlanta Residents Renting from National

If you live in the Atlanta area, you might use National for:

• Weekend getaways
• Temporary replacement when your car is in the shop
• Trying a different vehicle type before a potential purchase

Helpful steps:

1. Check off-airport branches first if you don’t need to go to ATL; this can save time and sometimes reduce fees.
2. Bring proof of residence and driver’s license; some locations may have specific guidelines for local renters.
3. Verify whether a credit check or additional restrictions apply when using a debit card as a local resident.

Calling ahead to the specific branch can clarify local policies before you arrive.

Accessibility and Special Requests

If you need specific accommodations or vehicle features in Atlanta, National locations often can arrange:

• Hand controls or other accessibility adaptations (usually with advance notice)
• Child safety seats for infants and young children
• GPS units, if not already built into the vehicle
• Toll options, if you expect to drive on nearby toll roads outside the immediate Atlanta area

Requests for specialized equipment are usually best made before your pickup date to give the location time to prepare.

Key Takeaways for Using National Car Rental in Atlanta

• The primary National Car Rental hub is at Hartsfield–Jackson’s Rental Car Center in College Park, with additional in-town and suburban branches serving residents and business travelers.
• Choose airport pickup for maximum selection and convenience right after your flight, or in-town locations if you are already in Atlanta or want to avoid airport-related fees.
• Plan around Atlanta traffic, especially during rush hours and major events, and allow extra time for returns.
• Consider parking costs and garage access when selecting your vehicle size, especially in Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.
• Review your insurance and payment options before arriving so you can decide quickly on coverage at the counter.

With a bit of planning, renting from National in Atlanta, Georgia can be a straightforward way to navigate the city, explore nearby attractions, or handle business trips across the metro area and the broader Southeast.