Atlanta Hartsfield Car Rental: How to Rent a Car at ATL Like a Local

If you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and need a car, the good news is that Atlanta makes it relatively straightforward. The airport has a dedicated Rental Car Center (RCC) with most major brands under one roof, plus a few off-airport options if you’re looking for something more specialized.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Atlanta Hartsfield car rental—from getting to the Rental Car Center to choosing the right vehicle for city traffic or a North Georgia road trip.

Where the Atlanta Airport Rental Car Center Is and How to Get There

All on-site car rental companies at ATL operate out of the Rental Car Center, which is not inside the main terminals but is connected by train.

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

Getting to the Rental Car Center from the Terminal

After you collect your bags:

1. Follow signs for “Ground Transportation / Rental Cars” from either:
   • Domestic Terminal (North or South), or
   • International Terminal (Concourse F) – typically via shuttle to the Domestic side.
2. Look for the ATL SkyTrain.
3. Board the SkyTrain (it’s free and runs 24/7).
4. Ride about 5 minutes to the Rental Car Center station.
5. Walk directly into the RCC building and follow signs to your chosen company.

You do not need to go outside the secure area until you leave baggage claim. The SkyTrain operates continuously, so late arrivals and early departures are usually no problem.

Which Rental Car Companies Operate at ATL?

The on-airport Rental Car Center houses most of the major brands that people typically search for when they think “Atlanta Hartsfield car rental.”

Inside the RCC you’ll typically find:

• Large national brands (compact to full-size, SUVs, minivans, premium cars)
• Several brands under the same corporate parent sharing counters and parking areas
• On-site staff, key pickup, and vehicle lots all within walking distance

You pick up your car directly from the adjacent parking decks, then exit via marked ramps leading toward I‑85/I‑75 and surrounding areas.

Off-Airport and Specialty Rentals

Some specialty, discount, or long-term rental companies may be located off-airport near Hartsfield–Jackson (often along Virginia Avenue, Old National Highway, or Sullivan Road in College Park). These typically:

• Use shuttle buses or vans that pick up at designated spots near Ground Transportation
• May offer:
  • Cargo vans
  • Moving trucks
  • Exotic or luxury vehicles
  • Long-term and monthly rentals

If you book one of these, confirm pickup location and shuttle instructions in advance, because you will not find them inside the RCC.

What You Need to Rent a Car at Atlanta Hartsfield

Requirements are similar across major companies, but policies can vary slightly. Typical expectations:

Basic Requirements

• Valid driver’s license
  • Must be current and readable.
  • International visitors may need both:
    • A valid home-country license, and
    • An International Driving Permit (IDP), depending on the company’s rules.
• Credit card in the renter’s name
  • Some locations accept debit cards, but often with:
    • Extra ID requirements
    • Credit checks
    • Restrictions on vehicle types
• Minimum age
  • Commonly 25 for standard rentals.
  • Drivers 21–24 are sometimes allowed but may pay a young driver surcharge and be restricted to certain vehicle classes.

Insurance and Coverage

When you rent a car at ATL, you’ll usually be asked about:

• Collision Damage Waiver / Loss Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW)
• Liability coverage
• Personal effects or personal accident coverage

Consider:

• What your personal auto policy covers (if you’re an Atlanta resident bringing your own coverage)
• Whether your credit card includes rental coverage (and under what conditions)

If you’re unsure, ask the rental agent to explain options in plain terms, then choose what fits your comfort level and budget.

Picking Up Your Rental Car at ATL: Step-by-Step

Here’s how the process typically works at the Hartsfield–Jackson Rental Car Center:

1. Reserve in advance (recommended)

   • Choose your vehicle class, pickup time, and drop-off time.
   • Enter your flight number if prompted so the company can track delays.

2. Arrive at the RCC via SkyTrain

   • Follow signage to your rental company’s counter or preferred customer area.

3. Check in at the counter or kiosk

   • Present:
     • License
     • Payment card
     • Any membership or discount information
   • Confirm:
     • Rental dates and times
     • Return location
     • Selected coverages
     • Any add-ons (GPS, toll pass, child seats, additional drivers)

4. Inspect the car before leaving

   • Walk around the car and look for:
     • Scratches, dents, windshield chips, interior damage
   • Make sure any existing damage is documented on your rental agreement or inspection form.
   • Take photos or a short video on your phone.

5. Get oriented before you drive off

   • Adjust mirrors and seat
   • Set your GPS or phone navigation
   • Check fuel level and note the fuel type (usually regular unleaded for most vehicles)
   • Know your route out of the airport:
     • I‑85 and I‑75 are the main north–south interstates.
     • I‑285 is the perimeter highway around Metro Atlanta.

Returning a Rental Car at Atlanta Hartsfield

Returning a car to ATL is usually straightforward, but traffic patterns can be confusing if you’re not prepared.

How to Return to the Rental Car Center

1. Follow signs on the interstate for “ATL Airport”.
2. As you approach the airport, watch for “Rental Car Return” or “Rental Car Center” signs.
3. Exit according to the signs; they’ll direct you to Rental Car Center Parkway.
4. Follow the lane markings to your specific rental company’s return area.
5. An attendant will typically:
   • Scan the car back in
   • Check fuel level
   • Check mileage and note any visible damage

From there, you can walk back inside, ride the SkyTrain to the terminals, and proceed to security.

Key Tips for Smooth Returns

• ⏰ Plan extra time: Atlanta traffic can be heavy, especially:
  • Weekday mornings and late afternoons
  • Holiday weekends
• ⛽ Fuel policy: If your contract requires a full tank:
  • Look for gas stations along Riverdale Road, Old National Highway, or near Camp Creek Parkway before returning.
• 📸 Final photos: Consider snapping a couple of photos at drop-off to document the vehicle’s condition and fuel gauge.

Choosing the Right Car for Driving in Atlanta

Atlanta’s mix of dense city streets and regional highways makes your car choice matter more than you might expect.

For City Stays (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead)

If you’ll mostly be around Downtown, Midtown, West Midtown, Buckhead, or near the BeltLine, you may want:

• Compact or mid-size car
  • Easier to park in tight garages and street spots
  • Better for navigating one-way streets and congestion
• Good fuel economy
  • Stop-and-go traffic on I‑75/85 through Downtown is common.

For Suburbs and Day Trips

If you’re staying or visiting areas like Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Marietta, Decatur, Peachtree City, or Stone Mountain, consider:

• Mid-size sedan or small SUV
  • Comfortable for mixing interstate driving with local roads.
• Larger SUV or minivan
  • Useful for families or groups, especially for:
    • Lake Lanier, North Georgia mountains, or Stone Mountain Park trips.

For Business Travel

If you’re coming for meetings in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near Perimeter Center:

• Look for comfortable, fuel-efficient sedans or small SUVs.
• Consider built-in GPS or smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) for quick route changes around traffic.

Navigating Atlanta in a Rental Car

Driving in Metro Atlanta can be manageable if you know a few local patterns.

Traffic and Timing

• Rush hours are typically:
  • Weekdays 7:00–9:00 a.m.
  • Weekdays 4:00–7:00 p.m.
• Congestion is most intense on:
  • I‑75/85 through Downtown (the “Downtown Connector”)
  • I‑285 (especially on the north side)
  • GA‑400, I‑75, I‑85, and I‑20 near the city

If you’re heading to or from the airport during peak times, build in a cushion of 30–60 minutes, especially for returns.

Parking Considerations

• Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead:
  • Expect paid parking in garages or lots, and some metered street parking.
  • Many hotels near Peachtree Street and around Centennial Olympic Park have valet only or limited self-parking.
• Neighborhoods like Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, and Old Fourth Ward:
  • More street parking, but check signs for time limits and permit zones.
• Attractions (such as the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium):
  • Typically use dedicated paid decks or lots.

One-Way Rentals In or Out of Atlanta

Many people use one-way rentals with Hartsfield–Jackson as either the pickup or drop-off point. For example:

• Pick up at ATL and drop off in another Georgia city
• Drive from another state and drop off at ATL before flying out

Things to know:

• There is often a one-way fee, which can vary significantly by route.
• Not all vehicle types are eligible for one-way rentals.
• Check whether your drop-off location is:
  • Another airport rental center, or
  • A neighborhood branch in Metro Atlanta (often in areas like Buckhead, Decatur, or near Perimeter Center).

Renting a Car in Atlanta Without Flying

Even if you live in Atlanta and are not using the airport, it can sometimes be convenient to use ATL’s Rental Car Center:

• It has longer hours and more vehicle availability than some neighborhood branches.
• It’s accessible by MARTA (via the airport station, then SkyTrain).

However, you may also find neighborhood rental locations around Metro Atlanta, including:

• Downtown and Midtown
• Buckhead and Lenox area
• Perimeter Center / Dunwoody
• Decatur
• Marietta, Smyrna, and other suburbs

For local residents, neighborhood locations may be more convenient if you don’t want to navigate airport traffic.

Special Situations: Family Travel, Groups, and Accessibility

Traveling with Kids

If you’re traveling through ATL with children and need a car:

• Most rental companies offer child safety seats (infant, convertible, or booster) for an additional daily fee.
• Request these in advance, as quantities can be limited during holidays and peak travel periods.

Groups and Large Families

For larger parties:

• Consider minivans or 3-row SUVs.
• Verify:
  • Luggage space if everyone has full-size suitcases
  • Whether you’ll be mostly in the city or taking longer drives

Accessible Vehicles

If you or a travel companion needs an accessible vehicle:

• Many companies can arrange:
  • Hand controls
  • Spinner knobs
  • Left-foot accelerators
• Some locations may also have wheelchair-accessible vans, but these usually require advance reservations and coordination.
• When booking, contact the rental provider well ahead of your arrival and confirm:
  • Equipment type
  • Pickup process at the Rental Car Center

Quick Reference: Atlanta Hartsfield Car Rental at a Glance

Practical Tips for a Stress-Free ATL Car Rental

• ✅ Reserve early, especially for holidays, big events, or major conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center.
• ✅ Add your flight info to your reservation so the company knows if you’re delayed.
• ✅ Take photos of the car at pickup and drop-off (including fuel gauge and odometer).
• ✅ Double-check your fuel policy before leaving the lot so there are no surprises later.
• ✅ Save the rental car company’s phone number and your reservation number in your phone.
• ✅ Plan your route from ATL to your hotel or destination in advance—know whether you’re heading toward Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the suburbs.

With a bit of preparation, renting a car at Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson can be straightforward and efficient, giving you the flexibility to explore Atlanta neighborhoods, Metro suburbs, and the rest of Georgia on your own schedule.