Cheap Car Rental in Atlanta: How to Actually Get a Low Rate

Finding a cheap car rental in Atlanta is possible, but it takes a little strategy. Prices can swing a lot depending on when you book, which part of the city you pick up the car in, and what type of vehicle you choose.

This guide focuses specifically on renting a car affordably in Atlanta, Georgia—whether you’re flying into Hartsfield-Jackson, staying downtown for a convention, or you’re a local who needs a short-term ride.

Is It Cheaper to Rent a Car at Atlanta Airport or in the City?

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the busiest airports in the world, which means lots of rental options—but also extra airport-related costs.

Renting at ATL Airport

The ATL Rental Car Center (RCC) is located at:

• 2200 Rental Car Center Parkway, College Park, GA 30337

You reach it via the free SkyTrain from the airport terminals.

Pros of renting at ATL:

• Very wide selection of vehicles
• Most major rental brands in one place
• Open long hours, often 24/7
• Convenient if you’re flying in and out

Cons for price:

• Airport concession and facility fees often make airport rentals more expensive than neighborhood locations
• Higher demand during big events (conventions, concerts, game days)

Renting in the City (Off-Airport)

Neighborhood rental branches can sometimes be found in:

• Downtown & Midtown Atlanta
• Buckhead
• Decatur
• Sandy Springs / Perimeter
• Near major MARTA stations and along Peachtree Street

Potential savings:

• Lower daily rates than airport locations
• Lower or no special airport fees
• Easier parking if you’re keeping the car at your home, hotel, or Airbnb

However, factor in the cost and time of:

• Getting from the airport to the off-airport location (MARTA, rideshare, taxi)
• Adjusted hours—many neighborhood branches close early or aren’t open Sundays

👉 Atlanta tip:
If you’re staying several days inside the city and don’t need a car every day, compare:

• 1–2 days of rental from a Midtown or Buckhead location
  vs.
• A full week from ATL

Total cost (including transit to pick up the car) can be much lower with a shorter, off-airport rental.

When Are Car Rentals Cheapest in Atlanta?

Atlanta prices move with:

• Season:
  • Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are busy with events, conferences, and football.
• Events:
  • Prices often rise for major events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and around Georgia World Congress Center.
• Day of the week:
  • Weekday rentals can be pricier in business-heavy areas (Downtown, Buckhead).
  • Weekend rentals may sometimes be cheaper in those same areas.

General money-saving timing tips

• Book early if you’re traveling around:

  • Spring Break
  • SEC Championship, college football games, or major NFL matchups
  • Large conventions near GWCC or Downtown
  • Major concerts and festivals (e.g., in Piedmont Park or Central Park)

• Avoid walk-up rentals at ATL when possible. Online or advance bookings often have lower base rates.

• Check pickup times:
  Shifting your pickup or drop-off by a few hours can move you into a better daily rate or avoid being charged an extra day.

Choosing the Right Car Type for Atlanta (and Your Budget)

Atlanta’s traffic patterns and layout matter when picking a cheap rental.

Economy vs. Compact vs. Larger Vehicles

Economy / Compact cars

• Usually the cheapest category
• Easier to park in dense areas like Midtown, Inman Park, or Virginia-Highland
• Best if you’re mostly driving:
  • Around the city
  • Short trips on I-75, I-85, I-20, or the Downtown Connector

Midsize / Full-size sedans

• Slightly higher price, more trunk space
• More comfortable for trips to:
  • Stone Mountain Park
  • Lake Lanier
  • Athens or Macon

SUVs / Minivans

• Generally more expensive
• Useful for:
  • Larger families
  • Group trips to the North Georgia mountains or Six Flags Over Georgia
• But higher fuel and rental cost, so not ideal if you only need cheap transportation around town

👉 For the lowest price in Atlanta, start your search with economy and compact cars and only move up if you truly need the space.

How to Actually Lower Your Car Rental Cost in Atlanta

Here are practical, Atlanta-specific ways to keep the bill down.

1. Compare Neighborhoods, Not Just Companies

Within Atlanta, daily rates can vary by neighborhood. Consider:

• Midtown & Downtown: Good if you’re staying in a hotel there; may be pricier during events.
• Buckhead: Busy business area; weekdays can be more expensive, weekends sometimes cheaper.
• Decatur or East Atlanta: Fewer branches, but sometimes lower demand.
• Perimeter / Sandy Springs: Lots of business travel; timing affects price.

Check at least 2–3 different neighborhoods if you have flexibility and can use MARTA or rideshare to reach them.

2. Avoid Unneeded Add-Ons

Common add-ons that increase cost:

• Extra insurance coverage
• Roadside assistance packages
• GPS units
• Toll passes
• Prepaid fuel

If your personal auto insurance or credit card already covers rentals, you may not need all the extra coverage. Call them ahead of time and ask what’s included for rentals in Georgia.

🚫 Do not assume coverage—clarify before you decline or accept rental insurance.

3. Watch Mileage Limits

Some Atlanta-area rentals offer:

• Unlimited mileage within the U.S.
• Limited mileage (daily cap) with per-mile overage

If you’re just staying in-town—Little Five Points, Midtown, West Midtown, Buckhead—limited mileage might be fine.

If you’re planning road trips to:

• Savannah
• Chattanooga
• Birmingham
• Blue Ridge or Ellijay

…unlimited mileage is usually cheaper in the long run.

4. Factor in Atlanta-Specific Costs

When comparing “cheap” car rentals in Atlanta, include:

• Fuel prices:
  Off the main highways or away from the airport often means cheaper gas.

• Parking:

  • Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead garages can be expensive.
  • Many hotels near Peachtree Street, Georgia Aquarium, and Centennial Olympic Park charge nightly parking fees.
  • If your hotel has high parking costs, consider whether you need a car for every night of your stay.

• Tolls:

  • Georgia uses Peach Pass / E-ZPass-compatible express lanes on some interstates (I-75, I-85, I-575).
  • Many visitors stay in the rightmost general lanes to avoid toll charges.
  • If the rental includes a toll device, ask:
    • Daily fee
    • How tolls are billed
    • Any service charges

One-Day vs. Weekly Rentals in Atlanta

The best price often depends on how long you need the car.

Short Rentals (One Day to a Weekend)

Ideal if:

• You live in Atlanta and need a car for:
  • A day trip to Stone Mountain
  • Moving small items
  • A quick trip outside MARTA’s reach
• You’re visiting and:
  • Staying in a walkable area (Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward)
  • Only need a car for a specific outing

Check:

• Day rates at city locations near MARTA stations
• Weekend promos that apply if you pick up Thursday/Friday and return Sunday/Monday

Longer Rentals (3+ Days or a Week)

If you’re planning:

• A full week of exploring metro Atlanta and North Georgia
• Multiple longer drives (e.g., Atlanta → Savannah → back)

Then:

• Compare a weekly rate from ATL vs. city branches
• Check the total including:
  • Airport fees
  • Taxes
  • Parking where you’re staying

Sometimes, weekly airport rentals can be competitive once you spread out the fees over more days.

Table: Key Ways to Get a Cheaper Car Rental in Atlanta

Using Transit and Rideshare to Reduce Rental Days

Atlanta has enough MARTA rail and bus coverage in key areas that you may not need a car for your entire visit.

MARTA Rail

Useful lines/stations for visitors:

• Airport Station: Directly inside ATL; connects to Downtown and Midtown.
• Peachtree Center, Five Points, Civic Center, Midtown: Good for hotels and attractions.
• Arts Center: Access to High Museum of Art and Midtown.
• Buckhead, Lenox, Lindbergh Center: For hotels and shopping in the Buckhead area.
• Decatur Station: For staying or visiting in-town Decatur.

A common cost-saving approach:

1. Use MARTA from the airport to your hotel.
2. Explore central neighborhoods by train, walking, scooters, or rideshare.
3. Rent a car only on days you head out to suburbs, mountains, or other cities.

This reduces the total number of rental days, which often saves more than any daily discount.

Local Considerations If You’re a Resident Renting in Atlanta

If you live in the metro area and occasionally need a rental:

• Neighborhood branches may offer:
  • Local-friendly hours
  • Easier pickup and drop-off than the airport
• Be prepared with:
  • A valid Georgia driver’s license
  • A major credit card (some places accept debit with extra requirements)
  • Proof of insurance if you plan to decline theirs

Watch for:

• Under-25 surcharges if you’re a younger driver
• Additional fees for:
  • Adding extra drivers
  • One-way rentals (e.g., Atlanta to another city)

Where to Get Help Navigating Driving Rules in Atlanta

If you’re new to Atlanta or the United States and want to be sure you’re driving legally:

Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)

• Headquarters (Metro Atlanta region):
  2206 East View Parkway, Conyers, GA 30013
• Atlanta-area DDS Customer Service Centers are located in:
  • Decatur
  • Norcross
  • Forest Park
  • Lithonia
    (Check the DDS website or call ahead for current hours and services.)

DDS can help with:

• Georgia driver’s licenses or permits
• International driving permit recognition questions
• General driving rules in Georgia

Knowing the basics—speed limits, right-on-red rules, school zones—helps avoid tickets that add to the cost of your “cheap” rental.

Quick Checklist Before You Book a Cheap Car Rental in Atlanta

Use this 1-minute checklist to avoid surprise costs:

• [ ] Compare airport vs. at least two city locations (Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead/Perimeter).
• [ ] Start with economy or compact cars for the lowest daily rate.
• [ ] Confirm:
  • [ ] Taxes and fees
  • [ ] Mileage policy (unlimited vs. limited)
  • [ ] Young driver fees (if under 25)
• [ ] Ask your auto insurer and credit card what rental coverage you already have.
• [ ] Decide if you really need:
  • [ ] Rental insurance add-ons
  • [ ] GPS
  • [ ] Toll pass
  • [ ] Prepaid fuel
• [ ] Check your hotel’s parking fees or available street parking.
• [ ] Consider using MARTA and rideshare for some days instead of renting the whole trip.
• [ ] Re-check rates a few times before your trip; prices in Atlanta often move with event schedules.

By combining location choices, timing, and smart add-on decisions, you can usually turn a “standard” Atlanta car rental into a genuinely cheap car rental in Atlanta without sacrificing what you need for your trip or daily life.