National Car Rental in Atlanta: How and Where to Rent a Car

If you’re flying into Atlanta, planning a road trip from the city, or need a short-term replacement car, National Car Rental in Atlanta is a popular option—especially for frequent travelers. This guide walks through where to find National in the Atlanta area, how rentals typically work here, and what locals and visitors should know before booking.

Where to Find National Car Rental in Atlanta

National has a major presence at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), plus locations that often serve business districts and suburban areas.

1. National Car Rental – Atlanta Airport (ATL)

Most people renting from National in Atlanta will do it at the airport.

Location within the airport system

Hartsfield-Jackson uses a Consolidated Rental Car Center (CONRAC):

• Address (for navigation):
  2200 Rental Car Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30337
• Access:
  • After baggage claim, follow signs to “Rental Cars”
  • Take the SkyTrain (free automated train) to the Rental Car Center
  • National is one of the major rental counters inside

This setup means you don’t pick up cars at the terminals. Everything is centralized at the Rental Car Center, which serves almost all major brands, including National.

What to expect at ATL:

• Large vehicle selection during typical travel hours
• Extended hours, generally aligned with flight schedules
• Self-service kiosks and traditional counters
• Emerald Club members often go directly to the aisles to choose a car (depending on membership tier and availability)

If you’re landing late at night or very early in the morning, it’s helpful to verify hours of operation and after-hours return instructions in advance.

2. Neighborhood and Off-Airport National Locations

In addition to the airport, National may operate or share locations in the metro Atlanta area, often in:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta – convenient for business travelers staying in hotels or working near Peachtree Street, the Peachtree Center area, or near Georgia State University.
• Buckhead – commonly used by corporate travelers and residents in north Atlanta.
• Perimeter / Sandy Springs / Dunwoody – near Perimeter Center, where many corporate offices are located.
• Suburban areas – such as Marietta, Alpharetta, or Norcross, often combined with or adjacent to other rental brands.

Neighborhood locations can be useful if:

• You’re an Atlanta local needing a car while yours is in the shop
• You want to avoid airport fees associated with on-airport rentals
• You’re staying in the city and don’t need to go back to the airport to pick up a vehicle

Because specific addresses and hours can change over time, it’s best to confirm the closest Atlanta-area National location and hours when you’re ready to book.

Getting to National Car Rental at ATL

If you’re unfamiliar with Atlanta’s airport layout, the Rental Car Center can be confusing the first time. Here’s the basic process.

From the Plane to the Rental Car Center

1. Deplane and follow baggage claim signs
   Head to the domestic or international baggage claim, depending on your arrival.

2. Locate signs for “Rental Cars” or “Rental Car Center”
   These are clearly marked throughout Hartsfield-Jackson.

3. Take the ATL SkyTrain

   • The SkyTrain connects:
     • Domestic Terminal
     • Georgia International Convention Center / Gateway Center
     • Rental Car Center
   • It’s free and runs frequently, typically every few minutes.

4. Arrive at the Rental Car Center
   Once you step off the SkyTrain, you’ll see major rental brands lined up. Look for National Car Rental’s counters and signage.

5. Proceed to the counter or self-service area

   • Standard renters: visit the counter or kiosk with your ID, payment method, and reservation info.
   • Emerald Club members: may proceed directly to the aisle (depending on the setup at ATL and your reservation type).

What You Need to Rent from National in Atlanta

Requirements can vary slightly, but most Atlanta renters should expect to need:

• Valid driver’s license

  • Must typically be in good standing and not expired
  • International visitors often need a passport and may need an International Driving Permit, depending on their home country and rental policy

• Credit card in your name

  • Many car rental companies strongly prefer a major credit card
  • Some locations may accept debit cards with added requirements (proof of return travel, credit checks, or extra documentation)

• Minimum age

  • Commonly 25+ for standard rentals
  • Younger drivers (often 21–24) may be allowed but usually pay a young driver surcharge and may have restricted vehicle types

• Proof of insurance or acceptance of coverage

  • You can typically use:
    • Your personal auto insurance (if it covers rentals)
    • Credit card rental coverage (if available)
    • Or purchase coverage offered at the National counter
  • Always confirm what your coverage actually includes (liability, collision, etc.) before you arrive

Common Types of Vehicles and When They Make Sense in Atlanta

Atlanta traffic patterns, weather, and road layouts can influence what kind of car is most comfortable.

Typical National vehicle categories you’ll see in Atlanta:

• Economy / Compact cars

  • Good for solo travelers or couples
  • Easier to park in Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead
  • Usually more fuel-efficient in stop-and-go traffic

• Midsize and Full-size sedans

  • Comfortable for families or business travelers
  • Work well for highway drives along I-75, I-85, I-285, and GA-400

• SUVs and Crossovers

  • Helpful if you’re traveling with kids, luggage, or sports gear
  • Useful for driving to mountainous areas north of Atlanta (e.g., Blue Ridge, Dahlonega) or on longer road trips

• Minivans / Passenger vans

  • Best for group trips to events, conventions, or games (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Truist Park)

• Premium / Luxury vehicles

  • Common among corporate travelers or for special occasions
  • Expect higher rental cost and deposit requirements

Atlanta-Specific Tips for Renting from National

1. Consider Your Pickup Timing Around Atlanta Traffic

Atlanta is known for heavy rush hour traffic, especially on:

• I-75 / I-85 through Downtown
• I-285 (The Perimeter)
• GA-400 through Buckhead and Sandy Springs

If you can, schedule your pickup and return outside peak times:

• Morning rush: roughly 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
• Evening rush: roughly 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

This can make getting from the Rental Car Center to your hotel or meeting much faster and less stressful.

2. Factor in Parking Where You’re Staying or Working

Before selecting a larger vehicle, think about:

• Downtown and Midtown hotels – often charge nightly parking fees, sometimes for both self-park and valet
• Residential neighborhoods in the city – some have street parking restrictions or limited guest parking
• Office buildings – may require paid deck parking or visitor passes

If you’ll be spending most of your time inside the city, a smaller or midsize vehicle can be easier and cheaper to park.

3. Plan for Tolls and Driving Outside Atlanta

While the core of Atlanta doesn’t have toll roads, you may encounter toll lanes (express lanes) on some highways in the region, such as parts of:

• I-75 / I-575
• I-85 north of the city

Rental cars may not be pre-equipped with a toll transponder by default, or there may be special billing arrangements for toll usage. When you rent:

• Ask how tolls are billed if you drive in express lanes
• Consider avoiding toll lanes if you want to skip extra billing complexities

If you’re heading to other Georgia cities (Savannah, Augusta, Macon) or to neighboring states, keep in mind:

• Different states have different toll systems and payment methods
• Return times and one-way drop fees may apply if you do not bring the car back to the same Atlanta location

Picking Up Your National Rental in Atlanta: Step-by-Step

Here’s a simple process to follow, especially at the Atlanta airport:

1. Reserve Ahead (Recommended)

   • Choose your pickup location (ATL airport or a neighborhood office)
   • Select dates, times, and vehicle type
   • Add any extras you know you’ll need (car seats, GPS, etc.), if available

2. Arrive with Documents Ready

   • Driver’s license
   • Credit card (and any additional driver’s ID)
   • Insurance information, if you’re using your own coverage

3. Check the Rental Agreement Carefully
   Pay attention to:

   • Mileage limits (many rentals in Atlanta are unlimited, but always verify)
   • Fuel policy (return full vs. prepay fuel)
   • Pickup and return times
   • Additional driver fees

4. Inspect the Car Before Leaving

   • Walk around and check for dents, scratches, or interior damage
   • Make sure any existing damage is documented with the rental staff
   • Confirm fuel level, odometer reading, and that key features work (lights, AC, wipers)

5. Set Up for Atlanta Driving

   • Program your hotel or first destination into your GPS or phone
   • If using a phone, set up a hands-free mount before driving
   • Review parking options at your destination ahead of time

Returning Your National Rental in Atlanta

Returning to the Airport (ATL)

1. Follow signs to “Rental Car Return” as you approach the airport

   • From I-85, I-75, or I-285, watch for signs directing you to the Rental Car Center rather than directly to the terminals

2. Go to the National return area

   • Lanes are clearly labeled by company
   • An attendant usually guides you to a return row

3. Have these ready:

   • Fuel receipt (if you filled up right before returning)
   • Keys
   • Any paperwork provided at pickup

4. Get a receipt or confirmation

   • Confirm the return time, fuel level, and any notes about damage while you’re there

Returning to a Neighborhood Location

If you’re using an in-town or suburban National branch:

• Double-check closing time; some close earlier than the airport
• Ask in advance about after-hours drop — many locations allow keys to be placed in a secure drop box, but the vehicle remains your responsibility until they check it in

Costs and Fees to Watch for in Atlanta

While exact prices vary, Atlanta renters commonly encounter:

• Base rental rate – changes with vehicle type, season, and demand
• Airport-related fees – often higher when renting at Hartsfield-Jackson vs. an off-airport location
• Sales tax and local fees – added at checkout
• Fuel charges – if you don’t refill the tank to the required level
• Young driver surcharges – if you’re under the standard age threshold
• Additional driver fees – unless certain conditions apply (such as spouses or domestic partners, depending on the policy)

To keep costs predictable:

• Return the car on time
• Refill the tank near your return location
• Avoid unnecessary extras you don’t need (duplicate GPS if your phone already works well, for example)

Quick Comparison: Airport vs. Neighborhood Pickup for National in Atlanta

When Renting from National in Atlanta Makes the Most Sense

National Car Rental is especially useful in Atlanta if you:

• Fly frequently into Hartsfield-Jackson and use loyalty programs like Emerald Club
• Need a car that’s easy to pick up right after landing and return before departure
• Prefer a selection of cars you can choose from on-site (depending on your membership and reservation type)
• Are a local Atlantan who wants a short-term replacement vehicle or an upgrade for a road trip

Whether you’re commuting between meetings in Midtown and Buckhead, heading out to Stone Mountain or the North Georgia mountains, or simply navigating the Perimeter, planning your pickup location, timing, and vehicle type will make renting from National in Atlanta smoother and more cost-effective.