Atlanta Hartsfield‑Jackson Car Rental: How to Get a Car Fast, Cheap, and With Less Stress

Atlanta’s Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the busiest airports in the world, and its car rental center is designed to handle huge demand. Whether you’re an Atlanta local flying back home or a visitor planning to explore the city and metro area, knowing how Atlanta Hartsfield‑Jackson car rental works will save you time, money, and confusion.

This guide walks you through where to go, how to get there, what to expect, and smart ways to choose and use a rental car at ATL.

Where the ATL Car Rental Center Is and How to Get There

All major car rental companies at Hartsfield‑Jackson operate out of the Consolidated Rental Car Center (CONRAC), a separate facility just off airport property.

Address (for mapping/GPS):
Consolidated Rental Car Center
2200 Rental Car Center Parkway
College Park, GA 30337

You cannot walk to the rental car center from the terminals. Instead, you’ll use the ATL SkyTrain, a free, automated people mover.

Step‑by‑Step: Getting to the Car Rental Center

From Domestic Terminal (North or South):

1. Follow signs for “Rental Cars” or “ATL SkyTrain.”
2. Go up to the SkyTrain station, located near the Georgia International Convention Center signs.
3. Board the ATL SkyTrain headed to the Rental Car Center.
4. Ride time is usually about 5 minutes. Trains run frequently (typically every few minutes).

From International Terminal (Concourse F):

You have two main options:

• Option 1: Free airport shuttle to Domestic Terminal, then follow the steps above to reach the SkyTrain.
• Option 2: Occasional direct shuttle from the International Terminal to the rental car center (availability can vary; check airport signage or ask an agent).

Once you arrive at the Rental Car Center, you’ll find rental counters on one level and the parking decks with vehicles on another. Clear signage points you to each company.

Rental Car Companies at Atlanta Hartsfield‑Jackson

Most national rental brands operate from ATL’s Consolidated Rental Car Center. While specific company lists can change over time, you can typically expect:

• Full‑service national brands: Often with large fleets, loyalty programs, and business‑friendly options.
• Value‑focused brands: May offer lower base rates with more add‑on fees.
• Specialty and luxury options: Some brands or sub‑brands focus on premium, SUV, or luxury vehicles.

Inside the center, you’ll see customer service counters for each company and clearly marked garage areas where specific brands keep their cars.

If you’re a member of a loyalty or “skip‑the‑counter” program, you may be able to go straight to your car in the garage and bypass the main line.

What You Need to Rent a Car at ATL

When you reach the counter (or sometimes at the garage exit), expect to show:

• Valid driver’s license
  • If you’re from outside the U.S., your home country license plus a passport is typically required; some countries may also need an International Driving Permit.
• Credit card in your name
  • Some companies accept debit cards with extra requirements (proof of travel, credit check, or return ticket), but credit cards are more widely accepted and easier.
• Reservation confirmation (printout or on your phone)
• Age verification
  • Standard minimum rental age is often 25, though many companies rent to drivers 21–24 with a young driver surcharge.

If you live in metro Atlanta and are using ATL as a pickup location (instead of a neighborhood branch), the same rules generally apply, but local renters may see different deposit amounts or documentation rules.

Typical Costs and Fees to Expect

Rental prices at Atlanta Hartsfield‑Jackson change based on season, demand, holidays, major events, and time of booking. Common cost components include:

• Daily or weekly base rate: Depends on vehicle class (economy, midsize, SUV, minivan, luxury).
• Taxes and airport fees:
  • These can be higher at ATL than at off‑airport locations because of airport concession fees and facility charges.
• Optional add‑ons:
  • Insurance/waivers (collision damage waiver, liability options)
  • GPS, toll programs, Wi‑Fi hotspots
  • Child safety seats
  • Additional driver fees (unless included or waived in a loyalty program)
• Fuel costs:
  • Fuel‑prepay options vs. returning the car full
• One‑way drop fees:
  • If you pick up at ATL and drop off at another city or state, expect a drop charge.

Quick Cost Comparison: Airport vs. Neighborhood Pickup

While exact numbers vary, here’s how ATL airport rentals typically compare to in‑town branches:

Many Atlanta residents avoid airport pickup if they’re not flying, specifically to save on airport surcharges.

Tips to Save Time and Money on ATL Car Rentals

1. Book Early, Especially for Holidays and Events

Atlanta hosts major conventions, college sports, and big events year‑round. During:

• Spring break
• Summer travel season
• College football games and bowls
• Major conventions at Georgia World Congress Center

rental cars at ATL can sell out or jump in price. Booking early usually gives you better options and rates.

2. Compare Airport vs. City Pickup

If you’re:

• An Atlanta local going on a road trip, or
• A visitor staying in Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead for a day or two first

consider renting from a city branch instead of the airport. You may:

• Avoid airport concession fees
• Have simpler neighborhood pickup and return
• Park more easily when you get back

3. Use Loyalty Programs for Faster Service

Many frequent Atlanta travelers sign up for loyalty programs so they can:

• Skip the counter
• Go directly to a row in the garage and pick a car
• Earn credits toward future rentals

If you fly through ATL often, this can significantly cut wait time, especially during busy afternoons and evenings.

4. Understand Insurance Before You Arrive

To avoid rushed decisions at the counter:

• Check whether your personal auto insurance covers rental cars.
• Confirm if your credit card provides rental damage coverage (and what exclusions apply).
• If you don’t have either, consider whether you’re comfortable with the company’s damage waiver for peace of mind.

In Atlanta, where interstates like I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285 are busy and traffic is dense, many renters choose some level of extra protection, but it should match your budget and risk tolerance.

5. Plan for Atlanta Traffic and Tolls

While most roads around ATL are not tolled, nearby states and certain regional routes may have tolls.

• Some rental companies at ATL offer electronic toll passes as an add‑on.
• If you decline, ask how tolls are handled if you accidentally use a toll road (some companies charge administrative fees later).

Also remember:

• Rush hours in Atlanta are typically 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m., especially on I‑75/85 (Downtown Connector), I‑285, and GA‑400.
• Allow extra time to drive from the Rental Car Center to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the suburbs during peak times.

Picking the Right Car for Driving in Atlanta

Atlanta is spread out, with everything from tight city streets to long stretches of interstate. Choose a car with your primary driving pattern in mind:

• Compact or economy
  • Good for Downtown, Midtown, Decatur, and tight hotel parking.
  • Better fuel economy if you’re doing a lot of city driving.
• Midsize sedan
  • Versatile option for city plus suburban drives (Sandy Springs, Marietta, Tucker, Gwinnett).
• SUV or crossover
  • Helpful if you’re heading to North Georgia for hiking, wineries, or mountain trips.
  • More space for families and luggage.
• Minivan
  • Practical for large families visiting attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, or Stone Mountain Park.
• Luxury or premium
  • Often chosen for business travel in Buckhead, Midtown, or Perimeter.

Remember that Atlanta parking garages (Downtown and Midtown, especially) can be tight; if you’re not comfortable with larger vehicles, choose something easier to maneuver.

Driving Out of the ATL Rental Car Center: Key Local Directions

Once you exit the Rental Car Center, follow signs for I‑85 North / I‑85 South or I‑285 depending on your destination.

Common routes:

• To Downtown Atlanta

  • Follow signs to I‑85 North → I‑75/85 North (Downtown Connector).
  • Allow about 15–30 minutes depending on traffic.

• To Midtown & Georgia Tech

  • Take I‑85 North to the 10th/14th/17th Street exits.

• To Buckhead

  • Take I‑85 North or GA‑400 North (depending on your GPS routing).

• To Perimeter (Sandy Springs / Dunwoody)

  • Use I‑285 and GA‑400 connections as directed by your GPS.

Atlanta roads can be complex, so using GPS or a phone navigation app is strongly recommended, especially after a long flight.

Returning Your Rental Car at Atlanta Hartsfield‑Jackson

Returning to the airport is straightforward if you watch for signs.

How to Return the Car

1. Follow GPS or roadway signs toward “Rental Car Return” or “Rental Car Center.”
2. Enter the Rental Car Center complex and follow signs for your specific rental company.
3. Park in the designated return lane and wait for an attendant or follow posted instructions for self‑check‑in or key drop.

When you’ve turned in the car:

4. Take your belongings and proceed into the building.
5. Follow signs for the ATL SkyTrain.
6. Ride the SkyTrain back to the Domestic Terminal.
7. If you need the International Terminal, take the internal airport shuttle from the Domestic Terminal after getting off the SkyTrain.

Timing Tips ⏱️

To avoid missing a flight:

• Add 30–60 minutes to your airport arrival time to allow for
  • Driving back to the Rental Car Center
  • Return inspection or line wait
  • SkyTrain ride to the terminal
  • Security screening

The busier the time of day in Atlanta, the more buffer you should build in.

Special Situations: One‑Way, Long‑Term, and Local Rentals

One‑Way Rentals From ATL

If you’re planning to:

• Fly into ATL, rent a car, and drive to another city (e.g., Charlotte, Birmingham, Nashville, Savannah) and return the car there,

ask about:

• One‑way fees (drop charges)
• Mileage limits
• Allowed states or regions

Many companies based at Hartsfield‑Jackson support one‑way rentals, but the costs vary widely.

Long‑Term and Monthly Rentals

Staying in Atlanta for:

• An extended work assignment,
• A long visit with family, or
• Temporary relocation?

Some companies at the ATL Rental Car Center and in metro Atlanta neighborhood branches offer:

• Weekly or monthly rates
• Sometimes lower per‑day costs for longer commitments

If you’ll be mainly in town (and not constantly driving to/from the airport), ask whether a non‑airport branch might be more economical for a long‑term rental.

Local Atlanta Residents Renting at ATL

If you live in the area (e.g., Atlanta proper, East Point, College Park, Decatur, Marietta, or Gwinnett) and want to use ATL as your pickup, keep in mind:

• You may face stricter debit card rules than out‑of‑town travelers.
• Security deposits can sometimes be higher for local renters.
• A neighborhood branch (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or your suburb) may be cheaper and more convenient unless you’re coordinating around a flight.

Accessible Car Rentals and Special Needs at ATL

If you need accessible vehicle features, such as:

• Hand controls
• Left‑foot accelerators
• Spinner knobs
• Wheelchair‑accessible vans (limited availability, usually special order)

you should:

• Call the rental company in advance (often several days before arrival)
• Specify exactly what equipment or vehicle type you require
• Confirm pickup location is the ATL Rental Car Center (not an off‑site location)

The Rental Car Center is designed with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms, making it easier for travelers with mobility needs.

Helpful Local Contacts and Info

For general airport information (including current details about rental car services), you may contact:

Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Customer Service
6000 N Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main information line: (800) 897‑1910 (toll‑free) or (404) 530‑7300

For local traffic and road conditions while driving your rental car in Atlanta, Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) offers:

• 511 Georgia travel info line: Dial 511 in Georgia
  (for live traffic, incidents, and construction updates)

By understanding where the Rental Car Center is, how to get there, what documents you need, and how Atlanta’s roads and fees work, you can make your Atlanta Hartsfield‑Jackson car rental experience smoother—whether you’re coming home, visiting for the first time, or planning a road trip that starts at ATL.