Car Parking at Atlanta Airport: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Trip

Finding car parking at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re rushing to catch a flight or juggling family luggage. The good news: once you understand the layout and options, it’s straightforward to match your parking choice to your budget, schedule, and comfort level.

This guide breaks down all major ATL parking options—on-airport, off-airport, and alternatives—so you can plan ahead with confidence.

Key Things to Know About Parking at Atlanta Airport

• ATL has two main sides:
  • Domestic Terminal (North & South)
  • International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
    Each has its own parking facilities and entrances.
• You’ll find hourly, daily, economy, and park-ride lots on both sides of the airport.
• For the lowest airport-run prices, most travelers look at Economy or Park-Ride options.
• If you’re dropping someone off or picking up, you may not need to pay at all if you use the Cell Phone Lot or stay a very short time.

Main On-Airport Parking Options at ATL

On-airport parking is run by Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and is generally the most convenient, especially if you want to walk straight into the terminal.

1. Hourly Parking (Most Convenient, Most Expensive)

Best for: Short stays, pickups, drop-offs, business meetings, and anyone who wants to park closest to the terminal.

• Located directly in front of the Domestic Terminal (North and South) and International Terminal.
• Short walk to check-in counters—usually just across a walkway or bridge.
• Designed for stays of a few hours up to one day.
• Usually the highest per-day rate at the airport.

Use it when:

• You’re picking up or dropping off travelers and expect to go inside.
• You’re meeting someone for a quick airport meeting or meal.
• Convenience is more important than cost.

2. Daily Parking (Garage Parking Near Terminals)

Best for: Travelers who want covered parking close to the terminal, without paying the higher hourly rates.

• Multi-level garages near both Domestic North/South and International terminals.
• Shorter walk than Economy lots; often a quick pedestrian route or short ride.
• Costs less per day than Hourly but more than Economy or Park-Ride.

Good fit if:

• You’re going on a short trip (1–3 days) and want to minimize walking or shuttle time.
• You prefer covered parking to protect your car from weather and sun.
• You’re okay paying a moderate rate for convenience.

3. Economy Parking (Budget-Friendly, Still Walkable or Short Ride)

Best for: Travelers wanting to save money while staying relatively close to the terminals.

• Located within walking distance or a short shuttle ride from terminals.
• Common choice for weekend trips and budget-conscious travelers.
• Often open-air lots (uncovered).

Why many locals use Economy lots:

• Reasonable balance of price, convenience, and security.
• Often easier for longer weekend or multi-day trips.

4. Park-Ride Lots (Lowest-Cost Airport-Run Parking)

Best for: Longer trips where cost is the main concern.

• At ATL, there are Park-Ride options that sit farther from terminals.
• You park your car, then take a free shuttle to the Domestic or International Terminal.
• Typically the cheapest official airport parking per day.

You’ll want to:

• Allow extra time—shuttle frequency is regular, but it still adds to your total travel time.
• Factor in shuttle rides when arriving and returning (especially during peak times).

5. International Terminal Parking (Specific to International Side)

If you’re departing from or arriving at the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal, it’s often easiest to use parking on the International side, not the Domestic Terminal.

Options usually include:

• International Hourly Parking: Closest and most expensive; ideal for pickups/drop-offs.
• International Daily Parking: A good option for international trips if you want to park where you’ll arrive back.

Tip: If you’re being dropped off or picked up by someone else, make sure they follow signs specifically for the International Terminal, not the Domestic Terminal, to avoid a long loop around the airport.

Quick Comparison of Main ATL On-Airport Parking Types

Off-Airport Parking Near Atlanta Airport

Off-airport lots around Hartsfield–Jackson are popular with both locals and frequent visitors. These are usually private lots or garages located near the airport with shuttle service to ATL.

Common features:

• Lower daily rates than many on-airport options.
• Shuttle buses run to the Domestic and sometimes International terminals.
• Some offer covered, uncovered, or valet parking.
• Often allow online reservations for a guaranteed spot.

When using off-airport parking:

1. Arrive earlier than you would for on-airport parking, to account for shuttle time and check-in.
2. Confirm shuttle hours and frequency, especially for very early or very late flights.
3. Make sure you understand pickup instructions for your return (which curb, which zone, any phone number to call).

Short-Term Options: Drop-Off, Pick-Up, and Waiting

If you’re not actually leaving your car while you travel, you have free or low-cost options around ATL.

Curbside Drop-Off and Pick-Up

• Both Domestic and International sides offer curbside drop-off and pick-up.
• Stopping is meant to be very short—you may be asked to move if you’re waiting.
• Not a place to park and wait; it’s for active loading and unloading only.

Cell Phone Lot (Free Waiting Area)

Best for: People waiting to pick up arriving passengers without circling the airport.

ATL offers Cell Phone Lots where drivers can wait for free until their passenger calls.

• You must stay with your vehicle; no long-term parking.
• Once your traveler has their bags, you drive to the terminal curb for pickup.
• Reduces congestion and saves you from paying for short-term parking.

Look for signage on airport approach roads for “Cell Phone Lot” and follow the directions specific to Domestic or International.

Long-Term Parking Strategy for Atlanta Residents

If you live in the Atlanta area and fly regularly, you can save time and money by developing a consistent parking habit.

For Frequent Flyers

Consider:

• Picking one Economy or Park-Ride lot you’re comfortable with and using it each time so you know the layout.
• Arriving 30–45 minutes earlier than you otherwise would, especially during busy travel times.
• Keeping a small “airport kit” in your car (notebook with parking details, small flashlight, pen, etc.).

For Occasional Travelers

If you only fly a few times a year:

• Compare the cost of on-airport Economy/Park-Ride to off-airport lots for your specific trip length.
• If you’re stressed by shuttles, choose the Daily Garage and weigh the time saved against higher cost.
• For long trips (a week or more), off-airport and Park-Ride lots often become much more cost-effective.

Parking When Using Rideshare or Taxis

You might not need parking at all if you use Uber, Lyft, taxis, or local car services.

At ATL:

• Rideshare pickups for the Domestic Terminal are usually directed to specific pickup areas (often separate from standard arrivals).
• The International Terminal has its own designated rideshare area.

This can be useful if:

• You live within the Atlanta metro area and don’t want to leave your car for a week or more.
• You’re staying at a hotel near the airport that offers a free shuttle and prefer not to pay parking at all.

Tips for Parking at Atlanta Airport Like a Local

A few practical habits can make parking at ATL smoother and less stressful:

• Plan your side of the airport first. Domestic and International areas are separated; going to the wrong one can cost 15–30 minutes to correct.
• Check your airline’s terminal. Most major U.S. carriers use the Domestic Terminal, while many foreign carriers use the International Terminal.
• Build in margin. If you’re using Economy, Park-Ride, or off-airport parking, add at least 20–30 extra minutes for shuttle time and potential crowds.
• Take a photo of your space and level. Snap a picture of the row sign or write it down; ATL parking lots are large, and trips can be long.
• Keep your parking ticket safe. Store it in your wallet or phone case right away so it doesn’t get lost under seats.
• Watch for event surges. Major events in Atlanta (big games, conventions) can increase traffic to and from the airport and around I-85/I-75.

Basic Location & Contact Info for ATL Parking Questions

If you need official, up-to-date information on parking at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Parkway
  Atlanta, GA 30320
• Airport main information line: 1-800-897-1910 (automated and information options)

You can call or check the airport’s official resources for:

• Current parking rates and availability
• Any lot closures or construction
• Accessibility and ADA parking details

Understanding your options for car parking at Atlanta Airport makes travel days smoother, whether you’re an Atlanta local heading out for a week or a visitor flying home after a conference downtown. Decide how much you want to spend, how far you’re willing to park from the terminal, and how comfortable you are with shuttles—and then choose the ATL parking option that matches your priorities.