Payless Car Rental in Atlanta: How It Works, Where To Go, and What To Know

If you’re searching for “Payless Car Rental Atlanta”, you’re most likely flying into the city, planning a road trip out of Atlanta, or need a temporary car while you’re here. This guide walks through where Payless operates in Atlanta, how airport car rental works, ways to save money, and what locals and visitors should know before booking.

Where You’ll Find Payless Car Rental in Atlanta

In the Atlanta area, Payless Car Rental is typically accessed through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). That’s the main hub for most national rental brands and the most convenient option for many travelers.

Atlanta Airport Location: Rental Car Center (RCC)

Most major rental brands at ATL, including Payless, operate out of the Rental Car Center, not directly in the airport terminals.

Rental Car Center (RCC)
2200 Rental Car Center Parkway
College Park, GA 30337

Phone numbers and exact counter details may change, but the RCC itself is a stable, long-term facility. From there, you can follow airport signage to the specific company counter or parking space you’re assigned.

Getting to Payless from Your Terminal at ATL

You can’t walk directly from your gate to Payless; you have to use the airport’s SkyTrain.

Step-by-step: From Plane to Payless 🚗

1. Arrive at ATL and collect your bags
   • Follow signs to Baggage Claim in your concourse.
2. Head to the SkyTrain
   • Look for signs for “Rental Cars / SkyTrain” after baggage claim.
   • You’ll go to the Airport SkyTrain station (connected to the Domestic Terminal).
3. Ride the SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center
   • The ride is usually only a few minutes.
   • The Rental Car Center is the last stop.
4. Enter the RCC and follow signs to Payless
   • Inside the building, overhead signs list all rental brands and direct you to their counters.

If you’re arriving internationally, you may need to clear customs, then take a brief shuttle or walk (depending on current airport routing) to reach the SkyTrain access point. Signs for “Rental Cars” are well marked, but it’s wise to plan a bit of extra time.

Booking a Payless Car in Atlanta: What to Expect

Common Options You’ll See When Reserving

When you search for Payless car rental in Atlanta, you’ll typically choose:

• Pick-up location: Hartsfield–Jackson Airport (ATL) / Rental Car Center
• Dates & times: The earlier you set specific times, the easier it is to compare prices across days.
• Vehicle class:
  • Economy / Compact – better for budget and city parking
  • Midsize / Full-size – good for families and highway comfort
  • SUVs – useful if you’re heading to North Georgia mountains or traveling with a group
  • Vans – often used for larger families or group trips

In many cases, prices vary by time of day, day of week, and season (holidays, big conventions, and major events in Atlanta can affect rates).

Typical Requirements to Rent a Car in Atlanta

Although exact policies can change, most major airport rental locations in Atlanta expect:

• Valid driver’s license
  • Typically must be in good standing, not expired.
  • International visitors may need their home country license and, in some cases, an international driving permit.
• Credit card in the renter’s name
  • Used for the rental and deposit.
  • Some locations accept debit cards with extra requirements (such as proof of return flight, credit checks, or additional documentation).
• Minimum age
  • Commonly 25 years or older to avoid extra fees.
  • Renters under 25 may face a “young driver surcharge” and be restricted from certain vehicle classes.
• Insurance decision
  • You’ll be asked to accept or decline various coverage options at the counter.

If you’re local to Atlanta and using a debit card, it’s a good idea to check in advance what extra documents might be required, such as:

• Proof of address (like a utility bill)
• Return travel information if you’re flying
• Additional ID

Understanding Fees and Costs at Atlanta’s Rental Car Center

Renting a car at ATL is convenient, but airport rentals often come with extra fees that can surprise people who are not used to them.

Common Costs to Watch For

• Base daily or weekly rate – The headline price you see when browsing.
• Airport-related surcharges – Extra fees related to the airport location and facility use.
• Taxes – State and local taxes are applied on top of the base rate and surcharges.
• Optional add-ons:
  • Insurance/waiver coverage
  • Additional drivers
  • GPS, toll passes, or child seats
  • One-way fees if dropping off at a different city

For Atlanta renters, especially if you’re comparing airport vs. off-airport options, it can help to:

• Price out the full total at checkout, not just the daily rate.
• Consider whether using MARTA or a rideshare to an off-airport location (if available) could offset some fees, factoring in time and convenience.

Insurance & Coverage: What Atlanta Drivers Commonly Consider

Many people renting in Atlanta, whether local or visiting, have questions about insurance at the counter. Staff will usually offer several types of coverage.

Typical Coverage Categories

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) / Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
  • Reduces or removes what you pay if the rental is damaged or stolen, subject to terms.
• Liability coverage
  • Covers damage or injuries you might cause to others in an accident, beyond what’s legally required.
• Personal accident coverage
  • Relates to medical costs for you or your passengers.
• Personal effects coverage
  • Relates to items in the vehicle.

Because insurance situations are highly individual, many Atlanta renters:

• Check with their own auto insurer before traveling.
• Review credit card benefits if paying with a credit card that may include rental coverage.

At the rental counter, it helps to arrive knowing what you already have, so you can decide more confidently whether to accept or decline the offered options.

Dropping Off Your Payless Car at ATL

Returning a rental at the Atlanta Rental Car Center is straightforward, but timing matters.

How Return Usually Works

1. Follow airport signs for “Rental Car Center” as you approach ATL.
2. Enter the RCC complex and follow company signs to the proper return lane.
3. Park in the directed return area
   • Staff generally check fuel level and mileage.
4. Remove all personal belongings from the vehicle.
5. Get a final receipt or email confirmation of your return.

If you’re catching a flight:

• Build in time to return the car, get your receipt, and ride the SkyTrain back to the terminal.
• For domestic flights from ATL, many travelers plan to reach the Rental Car Center at least 2–3 hours before flight time, especially at peak travel periods.

Tips If You’re an Atlanta Local Renting from Payless

Many Atlantans rent cars temporarily for road trips, special occasions, or while their own vehicle is in the shop. A few local-specific tips:

• Compare pickup times
  • Midday pickups can sometimes differ in price from early morning or late evening, depending on demand.
• Think about Atlanta traffic
  • Give yourself extra time at rush hours:
    • Morning: roughly 7–9 a.m.
    • Afternoon: roughly 4–7 p.m.
• Check mileage policies
  • If you’re driving to places like:
    • Savannah or the Georgia coast
    • Chattanooga or Nashville
    • Florida beaches
  • Confirm whether your rental has unlimited miles or a mileage cap.
• Match the vehicle to your plans
  • In-town errands: smaller car is easier around Midtown, Downtown, and parking decks.
  • Mountain or lake trips (Lake Lanier, Blue Ridge, etc.): SUVs or larger vehicles may be more comfortable for gear and passengers.

Visiting Atlanta and Using Payless: Getting Around the City

If you’re flying in and renting from Payless at ATL, you’ll likely be driving through major Atlanta corridors soon after pickup:

• I-85 and I-75: Main north–south routes through the city.
• I-285 (“the Perimeter”): The loop around metro Atlanta.
• Downtown Connector (I-75/85): Often congested, especially during rush hours and around major events.

Helpful Driving Notes for Visitors

• Plan for traffic
  • Build in extra drive time for routes between the airport and areas like Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, or suburban cities such as Sandy Springs, Marietta, or Decatur.
• Know about tolls
  • Metro Atlanta currently has express toll lanes on some stretches of I‑75, I‑85, and I‑575.
  • Ask at the rental counter how tolls are handled if you expect to use these lanes.
• Parking in town
  • Downtown and Midtown rely heavily on paid garages and lots.
  • Many entertainment districts (like near State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the Georgia World Congress Center) use app-based parking payment.

Quick Reference: Payless Car Rental at Atlanta Airport

If You Need Help or Run Into Issues

If something goes wrong with your rental—billing questions, damage disputes, or customer service concerns—there are a few general routes Atlanta drivers often consider:

• Contact the rental company’s customer service directly (check your rental agreement for the most accurate phone number).
• Document issues immediately:
  • Take photos of the car at pickup and drop-off.
  • Keep all paperwork and receipts.
• For accidents in the Atlanta area:
  • In emergencies, call 911.
  • For non-emergency police assistance in the City of Atlanta, you can reach the Atlanta Police Department non-emergency line at 404-658-6666.
  • Notify the rental company as soon as it is safe and reasonable to do so.

By understanding where Payless operates in Atlanta, how the airport Rental Car Center works, and the typical requirements and fees, you can decide if this fits your plans and budget—whether you’re an Atlanta resident needing a short-term vehicle or a visitor using the city as your starting point.