Car Rental in Atlanta: How to Find the Right Ride for Your Trip

Looking to rent a car in Atlanta—whether you’re flying into Hartsfield-Jackson, visiting for a weekend, or you live here and need a temporary vehicle? Atlanta is a car-centered city, and having your own wheels can make it much easier to get around the metro area, especially beyond MARTA rail lines.

This guide walks you through how car rental works in Atlanta, where to rent, what to expect for prices and requirements, and how to avoid common local hassles like traffic, tolls, and airport fees.

Do You Really Need a Rental Car in Atlanta?

Before you book, think about where you’ll spend most of your time:

• If you’ll stay mostly in Downtown, Midtown, or near major MARTA rail stations, you may be able to rely on MARTA trains, streetcars, and rideshare for much of your trip.
• If you’re visiting suburbs like Alpharetta, Marietta, Sandy Springs, Decatur, or Stone Mountain, or planning day trips to places like Lake Lanier or the North Georgia mountains, a rental car is usually the most practical option.
• Metro Atlanta is spread out, and many attractions (shopping centers, business parks, suburban event venues) are not easily walkable or near rail stations.

For most visitors and many residents dealing with car repairs or temporary needs, renting a car in Atlanta is often the fastest, most flexible choice.

Where to Rent a Car in Atlanta

You have three main options:

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
2. Neighborhood car rental locations across the metro
3. Car-sharing and short-term rentals in select areas

1. Renting at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

If you’re flying in, the Airport Rental Car Center (RCC) is usually the most convenient spot.

Atlanta Airport Rental Car Center (RCC)

• Address: 2200 Rental Car Center Parkway, College Park, GA 30337
• Access:
  • From the terminals, follow signs to the ATL SkyTrain
  • The SkyTrain is free and runs directly to the Rental Car Center in a few minutes

Most major national rental companies operate here.

Pros of renting at ATL:

• One central location for multiple companies
• Open extended hours, often late night
• Easy pickup when you land and easy return before you fly out

Cons to consider:

• Airport concession fees and surcharges can make rentals more expensive
• Lines can be longer during peak travel times (weekends, holidays, big conventions, sports events)

If you’re staying near the airport or need a car immediately, this is usually the most straightforward option.

2. Neighborhood Car Rental Locations in Metro Atlanta

If you’re already in town, you may prefer a local branch in or near your neighborhood. You’ll find branches in or near:

• Downtown & Midtown Atlanta
• Buckhead, Brookhaven, and Sandy Springs
• Decatur and East Atlanta
• Marietta, Smyrna, and Cumberland/Galleria area
• Duluth, Norcross, and Peachtree Corners
• College Park, East Point, and Forest Park

Why choose a neighborhood location?

• Often lower taxes and fees than airport locations
• Convenient if you’re local and don’t want to deal with airport traffic
• Some offer pickup service within a limited radius

When comparing prices, it’s worth checking both airport and neighborhood locations; sometimes the airport is more expensive, but not always.

3. Car-Sharing & Short-Term Rentals in Atlanta

In some parts of the city—especially Midtown, Downtown, Georgia Tech area, and near major office hubs—you may find:

• Hourly or daily car-sharing services parked in garages or lots
• Cars you unlock with an app and return to designated spots

These options can make sense if:

• You’re mostly using MARTA or walking but need a car for a specific errand
• Parking at your hotel or apartment is limited or expensive
• You only need a vehicle for a few hours instead of a full day

Car-sharing is more common in central Atlanta than in the outer suburbs.

Typical Requirements to Rent a Car in Atlanta

Most major rental companies in Atlanta follow similar basic requirements:

Age Requirements

• Standard minimum age: Usually 25 for full access to most vehicle types
• Ages 21–24: Often allowed to rent, but with:
  • Young driver surcharge (extra daily fee)
  • Limited vehicle categories (typically no premium luxury, specialty, or large vans)
• Under 21: Generally not able to rent from traditional agencies in Atlanta

Always check the specific company’s policy, especially if you’re under 25.

Driver’s License

You’ll need:

• A valid, unexpired driver’s license
• If you’re an international visitor:
  • Many companies accept a foreign license if it’s in English
  • Some may recommend or require an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home-country license
  • Make sure the license name matches your credit card and reservation

Payment Methods

Most Atlanta locations require:

• A major credit card in the renter’s name, with enough available credit for:
  • Estimated rental charges
  • A security hold or deposit

Some neighborhood locations accept debit cards, but often with extra steps:

• Proof of return travel or residency
• Credit check or additional documentation
• Restrictions on vehicle classes

If using a debit card, confirm the exact policy with the specific location before you go.

What Kinds of Cars Can You Rent in Atlanta?

Atlanta rental fleets often include:

• Economy & compact cars – Good for city driving and fuel savings
• Midsize and full-size sedans – Common for families and business travel
• SUVs (small to large) – Popular for group trips, mountain drives, or extra luggage
• Minivans & passenger vans – For larger groups, events, and sports teams
• Pickup trucks – Useful for moving small loads or DIY projects
• Luxury & premium models – Commonly available in Buckhead, Midtown, airport, and some high-demand business areas

Availability can fluctuate during major events, like:

• Big conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center
• Games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena
• College football weekends and holidays

Booking in advance is smart if you’re visiting during busy seasons or large events.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Atlanta?

Pricing depends on season, demand, vehicle type, location, and length of rental. While specific prices change often, you can expect these components to influence your total:

Common Cost Factors

• Base daily or weekly rate – Varies by vehicle class and season
• Airport fees and concessions – Often higher at ATL than at neighborhood branches
• Taxes – Includes state and local taxes; these are standard across Georgia
• Young driver surcharge – If you’re under 25
• Optional add-ons – GPS, car seats, toll passes, extra drivers

To keep costs down:

• Compare airport vs. in-town locations
• Check if longer rentals (weekly) are cheaper per day than short ones
• Decline extras you don’t need (for example, GPS if you’ll use a smartphone)

Insurance and Protection Options in Atlanta

You’ll be asked about insurance or damage waivers when you rent. Understanding your options ahead of time can prevent confusion at the counter.

Common types of coverage offered:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) / Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
  • Shifts financial responsibility for damage or theft, subject to terms
• Liability coverage
  • For damage or injury to others, above state minimums
• Personal accident coverage
  • For medical expenses related to an accident
• Coverage for personal belongings
  • For items in the vehicle, sometimes limited

Many Atlanta renters:

• Use coverage from their personal auto insurance if it applies to rentals
• Rely on credit card rental benefits for damage to the rental vehicle (if offered by the card)

It’s important to check your own policies and card benefits before you travel, so you can decide confidently at the counter. If you are unsure how your coverage works, ask your insurer or card issuer directly.

Driving in Atlanta: What Renters Should Know

Atlanta’s driving conditions have some local quirks worth preparing for.

Traffic & Timing

• The Downtown Connector (I‑75/I‑85) is often heavily congested, especially during rush hours:
  • Morning: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
  • Evening: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.
• I‑285 (the Perimeter) can be extremely busy, especially on the north side (near Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and the I‑75/I‑285 “Cobb Cloverleaf” area).

When planning your rental use:

• Allow extra time for airport trips, especially if you’re returning a car at the RCC before a flight.
• Check navigation apps for real-time traffic and alternate routes.

Tolls: Georgia Peach Pass and Express Lanes

Metro Atlanta has express toll lanes on some highways, especially:

• Portions of I‑85
• Sections of I‑75 and I‑575

These are usually pay-by-plate or Peach Pass lanes. With a rental car:

• Some agencies offer toll programs or transponders for an extra fee
• If you drive through toll lanes without a plan, you may:
  • Incur toll charges billed through the rental company
  • Pay administrative fees on top of the tolls

If you plan to use express lanes regularly, ask about toll policies at pickup.

Parking in Atlanta

Parking rules and availability vary by area:

• Downtown and Midtown
  • Many garages and surface lots near Peachtree Street, the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and State Farm Arena
  • Street parking with meters or pay-by-app in many zones
• Buckhead
  • Heavier emphasis on garages and private lots at malls and office towers
• Neighborhoods (like Virginia‑Highland, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward)
  • Mix of street parking, small lots, and residential restrictions in some streets

Tips:

• Check if your hotel or rental charges for parking; this can be a significant daily cost.
• Read signs carefully—some areas have time limits and permit-only restrictions.

Atlanta Car Rental: Key Locations and Helpful Contacts

While rental companies change locations over time, the following stable, public-facing points are useful if you’re planning travel or dealing with issues like traffic tickets or accidents involving a rental car.

Atlanta Airport & Transportation

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Main phone (information): (800) 897-1910
• Rental Car Center: 2200 Rental Car Center Parkway, College Park, GA 30337
  • Reachable via ATL SkyTrain from the terminal

Georgia Driver & Vehicle Information

If you need information about driving laws, licenses, or traffic violations while using a rental:

Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) – Atlanta-area Customer Service Center

• Address: 400 Whitehall Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Phone: (678) 413-8400

Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) – General information

• Main Phone: (404) 631-1990

These agencies do not manage rentals, but they handle road rules, licensing, and traffic operations that may affect your driving in a rental car.

Tips for Getting the Best Experience Renting a Car in Atlanta

Here are practical steps to make car rent in Atlanta smoother and more cost-effective:

1. Book early during busy times

   • Events, holidays, and major conferences can limit vehicle availability.

2. Compare airport and city rates

   • Even if you’re flying in, it may be cheaper to take MARTA or a rideshare to a neighborhood rental location and pick up your car there.

3. Check your insurance situation before you go

   • Know whether your auto policy or credit card covers rentals and in what ways.

4. Consider your real driving needs

   • If you’ll stay mostly near MARTA and only need occasional driving, consider short-term rental or car-sharing instead of a full-week rental.

5. Inspect the car carefully at pickup and drop-off

   • Note existing damage on the agreement or via photos/video
   • Confirm fuel level and return requirements

6. Plan your routes with traffic in mind

   • Use navigation apps and try to avoid peak times on the Downtown Connector and I‑285, especially if you’re catching a flight.

Quick Atlanta Rental Car Planning Sheet

Use this as a quick outline when planning your Atlanta car rental, whether you’re a local needing a temporary replacement vehicle or a visitor trying to see more than just the city center.