Atlanta Rental Car Guide: How to Find the Right Car in the ATL

Getting a rental car in Atlanta can make the difference between a stressful trip and an easy one. Whether you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, driving in for a Braves game, or you live here and need a temporary vehicle, Atlanta has a wide range of rental options—but also some local quirks you should know.

This guide walks you through where to rent, how it works in Atlanta, typical costs, key fees, insurance choices, and smart ways to avoid hassles.

Renting a Car at Atlanta Airport vs In-Town

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) Rental Car Center

Most travelers start at the ATL Rental Car Center (RCC):

• Address: 2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy, College Park, GA 30337
• Accessed via the free SkyTrain from the airport terminals
• Open daily; many counters operate extended or 24-hour hours

Pros of renting at ATL:

• Very convenient if you’re flying in
• Large selection of cars, including SUVs, luxury, and one-way rentals
• Easy to pick up and return before/after your flight

Cons:

• Airport fees usually make rentals more expensive
• Lines can be long during peak travel times (holidays, weekends, major events)

In-Town Atlanta Rental Locations

If you’re already in the metro area or can use MARTA/ride-share first, consider renting away from the airport in places like:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta
• Buckhead
• Perimeter Center / Dunwoody
• Decatur
• Marietta
• Sandy Springs

Benefits of in-town rentals:

• Often lower daily rates and fewer airport-related fees
• Easier for local residents or long-term visitors
• Sometimes easier parking and less congestion than the airport area

Downsides:

• Smaller fleets, so specialty cars may be limited
• Shorter office hours; some close on Sundays or early evenings

Do You Really Need a Rental Car in Atlanta?

A rental car is often very useful in Atlanta, but not always essential.

When a rental car is helpful

A car is usually worth it if you:

• Plan to explore multiple neighborhoods (e.g., Buckhead, Midtown, West Midtown, East Atlanta)
• Are visiting suburban locations like Alpharetta, Marietta, Stone Mountain, or the Braves’ Truist Park at The Battery Atlanta
• Have business meetings spread out across the metro
• Need a vehicle for family trips, kids’ activities, or medical appointments outside MARTA coverage

When you might skip the rental

You might rely on MARTA and ride-share if you:

• Are staying mostly in Downtown or Midtown near MARTA rail stations
• Only need to get between the airport, hotel, and a few central attractions (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
• Want to avoid Atlanta traffic and parking fees, especially for short stays

Typical Costs for Atlanta Rental Cars

Prices change based on season, demand, and major events (like big conventions, concerts, and game days), but you can expect:

• Economy / compact cars: Commonly the cheapest option
• Midsize / full-size cars: Often just slightly more than economy
• SUVs / minivans: Higher daily rates, especially around holidays and school breaks
• Luxury / specialty vehicles: Significantly more, plus higher deposit requirements

Common extra fees in Atlanta

Be prepared for:

• Airport concession fees at ATL
• State and local taxes (applied on top of the base rate)
• Underage driver fees (commonly for drivers under 25)
• Additional driver fees
• Toll-related fees if you use Georgia’s express lanes
• One-way drop fees if you return the car at a different city or state

Booking Tips: How to Get a Better Deal in Atlanta

Use these steps to keep your Atlanta rental car affordable and smooth:

1. Book early, especially for holiday weeks, graduation weekends, or big events.
2. Compare airport and city locations—one may be significantly cheaper once fees are included.
3. Avoid unnecessary upgrades at the counter unless you truly need more space.
4. Reserve the class you actually need (e.g., compact vs. SUV) to reduce the chance of surprise charges.
5. Bring your own car seat if traveling with children, when practical, to avoid daily rental fees.
6. Check whether you can prepay for a discount versus paying at the counter—only if your plans are firm.

Age Requirements and Driver’s License Rules

Minimum age to rent in Atlanta

• Many companies rent to drivers 25 and older without extra fees.
• 21–24-year-old drivers are often allowed but usually pay a “young driver” surcharge.
• Drivers under 21 often have very limited options, mainly for specific “special” situations or corporate rentals.

License and ID

To rent a car in Atlanta, you typically need:

• A valid driver’s license (US or foreign, as long as it’s valid and readable)
• A major credit card in the primary driver’s name (some locations accept debit cards with extra verification)
• If you’re an international visitor, some agencies may ask for a passport and may recommend or require an International Driving Permit

Insurance and Protection Options in Atlanta

Understanding rental car insurance can save you a lot of money and stress.

Common coverage options offered at the counter

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) / Loss Damage Waiver (LDW):
  Reduces or removes your financial responsibility if the car is damaged or stolen, subject to the terms of the waiver.

• Liability coverage:
  Protects against damage or injury you cause to others, up to policy limits.

• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI):
  Provides limited medical and accidental death coverage for the driver and sometimes passengers.

• Personal Effects Coverage:
  Covers certain personal belongings in the vehicle (with limits and exclusions).

What to review before you buy coverage

Before you accept or decline coverage in Atlanta:

• Check your personal auto insurance policy to see what it covers in a rental.
• Look at credit card benefits; some cards offer secondary rental car coverage if you pay with that card.
• Pay special attention if you plan to drive outside Georgia (e.g., to Alabama, Tennessee, or the Carolinas) to make sure coverage still applies.

If you’re unsure, ask the rental agent to explain what is and isn’t covered with each option and how deductibles work.

Driving in Atlanta: Local Conditions and Tips

Traffic patterns

Atlanta is known for heavy traffic, especially:

• Morning rush: roughly 7:00–9:30 a.m.
• Evening rush: roughly 4:00–7:00 p.m.
• Major highways: I‑75, I‑85, I‑285 (“The Perimeter”), and I‑20

If possible, plan your rental car usage so longer drives avoid peak hours.

Parking considerations

Expect to see:

• Paid parking garages and lots in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and near stadiums
• Event pricing near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and Truist Park
• Time-limited or permit parking in some residential neighborhoods

Check signs carefully; towing is enforced in many private lots and near major venues.

Tolls and Express Lanes

Atlanta has Peach Pass / toll express lanes on some stretches of:

• I‑75
• I‑85
• I‑285

Rental vehicles sometimes come with a toll program. Important points:

• Ask if your rental car has a toll transponder and how fees are calculated.
• Avoid driving in express toll lanes if you’re not sure how your rental handles tolls; fines and administrative fees can be costly.

Where a Rental Car Helps Most in Atlanta

A rental car is particularly convenient if you plan to visit:

• Stone Mountain Park (east of the city)
• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (northwest)
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (multiple sites along the river)
• Suburban shopping centers and offices in areas like Perimeter, Alpharetta, or Norcross
• The Battery Atlanta / Truist Park for Atlanta Braves games, especially if traveling with a group

Public transit can be limited in many of these areas, making a rental car the most practical choice.

Fuel Policies and Refueling in Atlanta

Rental agencies in Atlanta commonly use one of these fuel policies:

• Full-to-full:
  Car is full at pickup; you must return it full. This is often the cheapest if you refill yourself.

• Prepaid fuel:
  You pay upfront for a full tank and return it at any level. Better for long trips where you know you’ll use most of the tank.

• Refuel-on-return:
  Company refuels the car after you return it and charges a per-gallon rate, usually higher than local gas prices.

📝 Tip:
There are several gas stations within a few miles of the ATL Rental Car Center and throughout the metro area. If you’re on a full-to-full plan, refuel before entering the airport complex to avoid premium refueling rates.

One-Way Rentals and Road Trips From Atlanta

Many agencies in Atlanta allow one-way rentals, such as:

• Pick up in Atlanta and drop off in another Georgia city (e.g., Savannah, Augusta, Columbus)
• Pick up in Atlanta and drop off in another state (e.g., Charlotte, Nashville, Birmingham, Orlando)

Points to confirm when booking:

• One-way drop fee (can be substantial, depending on distance and route)
• Whether mileage is unlimited or capped
• Whether you’re allowed to drive into certain states or regions

Renting a Car After an Accident or Mechanical Issue

If you live in Atlanta and your car is in the shop, a rental may be arranged:

• Through your auto insurance policy, if you have rental coverage
• Directly through a local rental agency near your repair shop or your home
• Via dealership programs if your car is under warranty or a service plan

Typical steps:

1. Contact your insurance company or dealership to confirm eligibility.
2. Get instructions on which rental providers they partner with in the Atlanta area.
3. Confirm daily and total coverage limits, so you don’t go over the maximum they will reimburse.

Key Things to Check Before You Drive Off

Before leaving the lot in Atlanta:

• Inspect the car for scratches, dents, or interior damage and ensure they’re documented.
• Check fuel level, mileage, and any warning lights.
• Confirm whether the car is gasoline, diesel, or hybrid, and where the fuel door release is.
• Ask how to reach roadside assistance and what to do if you have a breakdown or accident.
• Confirm your return time and location, especially if you’re returning before opening hours or at a different branch.

Quick Reference: Atlanta Rental Car Essentials

If you know how long you’ll stay, where you’re going in the metro area, and your comfort level with Atlanta traffic, you can decide what type of Atlanta rental car makes the most sense—and avoid surprises at the counter.