Renting a Car in Downtown Atlanta: What to Know Before You Book

Renting a car in downtown Atlanta can be very convenient—whether you’re flying into the city and staying near the central business district, commuting for work, or planning day trips around the metro area. But with busy streets, event traffic, and a mix of rental locations, it helps to understand how the process works specifically in Atlanta.

This guide walks through where to rent, what to expect with traffic and parking, how to save money, and key tips for locals and visitors renting a car in Atlanta’s downtown area.

Should You Rent a Car in Downtown Atlanta?

Before booking, it’s useful to decide whether a car is actually the best option for what you’re doing in the city.

When renting a car downtown makes sense

You’ll likely benefit from a downtown rental if:

• You’re staying in or near Downtown, Midtown, or Old Fourth Ward but plan to explore farther out (e.g., Stone Mountain, Lake Lanier, Six Flags Over Georgia, Marietta, Fayetteville).
• You’re in town for business and need to visit multiple offices or job sites spread across the metro area (Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, etc.).
• You want flexibility for family visits, college tours (Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Emory, Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta), or scouting neighborhoods for a potential move.
• You prefer to avoid renting at the airport and dealing with Hartsfield-Jackson traffic or the rental car center shuttle.

When you might not need a car

You might skip a rental, or rent for only a portion of your trip, if:

• You’re mainly staying downtown and nearby—for example, around Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, or Mercedes-Benz Stadium—and can walk or use MARTA.
• Your plans are focused on Midtown, Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, or the BeltLine, which are walkable and rideshare-friendly.
• You’re attending a large downtown convention or trade show, where parking can be expensive and scarce during peak times.

A common strategy for visitors: use MARTA and rideshare the first day or two, then rent a car downtown only for any day trips or suburban exploring.

Where to Rent a Car in Downtown Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta isn’t huge, but it has several clusters of rental offices. Locations and specific companies change over time, but most agencies group around a few key areas.

1. Near major hotels and Peachtree Street

Most large hotel corridors in downtown have at least one nearby rental branch.

Common areas include:

• Peachtree Center area (around Peachtree St NE and John Portman Blvd)
• Near Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium
• Close to Georgia State University and the government district

These spots are convenient if you’re staying at:

• Big-name hotels near Peachtree Center, CNN Center, or Marriott Marquis
• Conference hotels in the Georgia World Congress Center area

You can often walk from your hotel to pick up or drop off a car, which saves on arranging rides at the start or end of your rental.

2. Downtown/Midtown border

Some rental locations sit along the edge between Downtown and Midtown, often near:

• North Avenue
• Ponce de Leon Ave
• Spring St NW / West Peachtree St NW

These branches can be a good middle ground if:

• You’re staying in Midtown but need a car for a day or two.
• You want to avoid airport surcharges but still stay close to MARTA rail.

3. Nearby neighborhood branches

Depending on where you’re staying, you may find additional agencies or smaller branches in:

• Old Fourth Ward
• West End / Castleberry Hill
• Grant Park
• Edgewood / Sweet Auburn

These branches may have shorter lines and easier parking for pickup, but they might have more limited weekend hours. Always check that the branch is truly accessible from where you’ll be (walkable or a short rideshare).

Renting at the Airport vs. Downtown Atlanta

Many visitors wonder whether to rent at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) or wait and rent in downtown.

Pros of renting at the airport

• Pick up right when you land (via the SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center)
• Usually more vehicle inventory (compact, SUVs, vans, premium)
• Longer operating hours, often 7 days a week

Pros of renting downtown

• You can avoid airport crowds and shuttle time.
• You may avoid some airport-specific fees added to rentals.
• If you won’t use a car the entire trip, you can pick up later and pay only for the days you truly need.

If you’re staying downtown for a conference, one strategy is:

1. Take MARTA from the airport to one of the downtown stations (Peachtree Center, Five Points, Garnett, or Civic Center).
2. Use rideshare or walk to your hotel.
3. Rent a car from a nearby downtown branch only on days you’ll be leaving the core city.

What You Need to Rent a Car in Downtown Atlanta

Requirements are similar across major agencies, but it’s smart to check your chosen branch in advance. In general, you will need:

1. Valid driver’s license

• U.S. residents: A valid, non-expired U.S. state driver’s license.
• International visitors: Your home-country license is usually required, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be recommended or required depending on the agency and license language.

2. Minimum age

Most downtown Atlanta rental locations:

• Rent to drivers 21 and older.
• May charge a “young driver” fee for drivers under 25.
• May limit certain vehicle classes (luxury, large SUVs) to drivers 25+.

Policies vary by company and location, so confirm before you reserve.

3. Payment method

• A major credit card in the renter’s name is typically preferred.
• Some downtown branches accept debit cards, but they may:
  • Run a credit check,
  • Place a higher deposit hold, or
  • Require proof of return travel (for visitors) or proof of address (for locals).

If you live in the Atlanta area, bring:

• Your driver’s license
• A backup ID and possibly utility bill or bank statement with your current address, if the branch requests it

4. Insurance and coverage

You generally have three options:

1. Use your own auto insurance (if it covers rentals).
2. Use credit card rental coverage (if your card offers it and you pay with that card).
3. Buy the rental agency’s coverage (Collision Damage Waiver, liability protection, etc.).

In Atlanta, where traffic is dense and bumper-to-bumper dings are not unusual, many renters choose some form of damage protection, whether via personal insurance, credit card, or the rental’s own policy. If you’re unsure what your own coverage includes, check with your insurer or card provider before your trip.

Downtown Atlanta Traffic: What to Expect

Driving downtown is different from driving in the suburbs. Timing and route planning matter.

Peak traffic times

• Weekday mornings: Roughly 7:00–9:30 a.m.
• Weekday evenings: Roughly 4:00–7:00 p.m.
• Event times: Nights and weekends when there are games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, or big events at Georgia World Congress Center.

During these periods, allow extra time for:

• Getting to and from your rental branch
• Returning the car before the agreed drop-off time
• Navigating around I-75/85 (the Downtown Connector) and major surface streets like Peachtree St, Spring St, and Courtland St

One-way streets and turns

Downtown has several one-way streets and restricted turns, especially around:

• Peachtree Center
• Edgewood Ave
• The government district north of MLK Jr. Drive

A navigation app is highly recommended. If you’re unfamiliar with Atlanta, plan your route before pulling out of the rental lot.

Construction and detours

It’s common for parts of downtown to have:

• Lane closures
• Utility or building construction
• Temporary detours near major projects

Build in a buffer for drop-offs, particularly if your rental deadline is close to rush hour.

Parking a Rental Car in Downtown Atlanta

Parking can be one of the biggest surprises for visitors and new residents.

Types of parking you’ll find

• Hotel parking
  Many downtown hotels charge nightly parking fees, often:

  • Self-parking in a deck
  • Valet parking at the lobby entrance
    Confirm the nightly rate before you decide whether to keep the car for your entire stay.

• Public parking decks and garages
  Common around:

  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • Georgia World Congress Center
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • Office towers on or near Peachtree St

• Surface lots
  Open-air lots are scattered throughout downtown, typically pay-by-machine or via mobile app.

• Street parking
  Limited in many parts of downtown and often metered with posted time limits and hours of enforcement.

Tips to avoid parking headaches

• ✅ Ask your hotel about:
  • Overnight parking costs
  • In/out privileges
  • Height restrictions (important for SUVs, vans, or trucks)
• ✅ Use pay apps or kiosks immediately—downtown enforcement is active.
• ✅ Be especially careful during Falcons, Hawks, or United games, big concerts, and major conventions—rates often increase.
• ✅ Never leave valuables visible in the car; standard safety advice in any large city.

Cost Factors: What Affects the Price of a Downtown Rental

The base price you see online is rarely the final amount you pay. In Atlanta, common cost factors include:

1. Time of year and events

Rates in downtown Atlanta can rise during:

• Major conventions at Georgia World Congress Center
• Big sports events or concert weekends
• Holiday travel periods

If your dates are flexible, check prices on nearby days—shifting by even one day may reduce your rate.

2. Rental duration

• Weekly rates can sometimes be cheaper per day than shorter rentals.
• One-day rentals often have a higher per-day price but can make sense if you’re taking a single day trip.

3. Pick-up and drop-off location

Renting downtown and returning to the airport (or vice versa) may involve:

• One-way fees
• Different local taxes and surcharges

Check whether your exact pick-up and drop-off combination is priced as a one-way rental.

4. Mileage

Most major downtown rentals are unlimited mileage within the U.S., but always confirm:

• Whether mileage is indeed unlimited
• If there are restrictions on crossing state lines (for example, visiting Alabama, Tennessee, or the Carolinas)

5. Add-ons

Costs can increase with:

• Additional drivers
• GPS units (if you’re not using your phone)
• Child safety seats
• Toll packages (see the tolls section below)

Using Tolls Around Atlanta With a Rental Car

Within the immediate Atlanta area, there are no traditional toll booths, but there are Express Lanes on certain interstates (mainly outside downtown).

Key points:

• Express Lanes use peach-colored electronic signs and typically require a Peach Pass or compatible transponder.
• If your rental car doesn’t have a pass and you use these lanes, you may face:
  • Bills mailed to the rental company
  • Administrative fees charged back to you

If you plan to travel often on metro interstates outside downtown (especially north or south of the city), ask the rental agency how they handle Express Lane and toll charges.

One-Way Rentals Starting in Downtown Atlanta

You might want to:

• Pick up a car downtown and drop it off at ATL airport
• Start in Atlanta and end in another city (e.g., Charlotte, Birmingham, Savannah, Orlando)

Most larger agencies in downtown Atlanta offer one-way rentals, but:

• There may be drop-off fees.
• Vehicle choice may be more limited for one-way bookings.
• You typically must book the one-way in advance, not at the counter.

One-way rentals can make sense if you’re ending your trip at the airport and don’t want to return downtown before your flight.

Tips for Locals Renting a Car in Downtown Atlanta

Many Atlanta residents rent cars for weekend trips, moving furniture, or when their own vehicle is in the shop.

Consider the following:

• Neighborhood vs. downtown branches
  If you live in the city, compare:

  • A neighborhood branch near your home
  • A downtown branch close to your workplace or MARTA stop
    Parking for your own car may be simpler at a neighborhood location.

• Using MARTA to reach a rental
  Some downtown branches are walkable from:

  • Peachtree Center Station
  • Five Points Station
  • Garnett Station
  • Civic Center Station
    If you don’t want to deal with parking two cars, this can be a good option.

• Insurance details
  If your own car is being repaired, check whether the repair shop or your insurance company has preferred rental arrangements or negotiated rates in downtown or nearby.

Tips for Visitors Renting a Car in Downtown Atlanta

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying downtown:

Use transit smartly

• The MARTA Red and Gold lines connect the airport to downtown stations.
• Once downtown, you can often:
  • Walk to your hotel and nearby attractions.
  • Rent a car later in your stay only when you’re leaving the core city area.

Check hotel and rental hours

• Some downtown branches have shorter weekend hours, especially on Sundays.
• Verify:
  • Pickup and return hours
  • Whether after-hours key drop-off is allowed
  • Any late return grace period

Plan for luggage

• If you’re picking up a car from a downtown location rather than the airport, consider:
  • Taking MARTA or rideshare to your hotel first.
  • Dropping off major luggage in the room.
  • Walking or ridesharing to the rental office with only what you need.

This makes downtown walking and parking much easier, especially around busy convention times.

Simple Planning Checklist for Renting a Car in Downtown Atlanta

Use this quick reference before you book:

Renting a car in downtown Atlanta is straightforward once you understand local traffic patterns, parking realities, and how airport vs. city rentals compare. With a bit of planning around branch location, timing, and your actual need for a vehicle, you can navigate Atlanta confidently and avoid unnecessary costs or stress.