Atlanta Hartsfield Rental Car Center: Your Complete Guide to Renting a Car at ATL

If you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and need a car, almost everything runs through one hub: the Rental Car Center (RCC). Whether you live in Metro Atlanta and are returning a vehicle, or you’re visiting and picking one up, knowing how the Atlanta Hartsfield Rental Car Center works will save you time and stress.

This guide walks you through how to get there, what to expect, how long it takes, local tips, and nearby alternatives—all focused on Atlanta.

Where the Atlanta Rental Car Center Is and How It Works

The Atlanta Hartsfield Rental Car Center is a large off-terminal facility serving most major rental car companies. It is:

  • Located just west of the main airport
  • Connected to the terminals by the ATL SkyTrain, a free, automated people mover
  • Designed so all major on-airport rental counters, parking decks, and returns are in one place

Address (for GPS / returns):
Rental Car Center
2200 Rental Car Center Parkway
College Park, GA 30337

This address is commonly used by residents around the Atlanta area when returning a rental without going into the terminal.

Getting to the Rental Car Center from Inside the Airport

From the Domestic Terminal (North or South)

  1. Follow signs for “Rental Cars” or “SkyTrain.”
  2. Take the short walk to the ATL SkyTrain station, located near the airport’s Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) connector bridges.
  3. Board the SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center. Trains typically run frequently, and the ride is usually about 5 minutes.

You do not need to exit security to follow the signs—by the time you leave the concourse and head to baggage claim, you’ll see clear “Rental Car” markings.

From the International Terminal (Concourse F)

You have two main options:

Option 1: Free Airport Shuttle (usually simplest with luggage)

  • Follow signs for “Ground Transportation” and look for the Rental Car Center shuttle.
  • These buses connect the International Terminal directly to the RCC.
  • The ride generally takes 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic around the airport loop.

Option 2: Shuttle to Domestic Terminal + SkyTrain

  • Take the International–Domestic Shuttle to the Domestic Terminal.
  • Once at the Domestic Terminal, follow signs to the SkyTrain and ride to the Rental Car Center.

For most travelers landing at Concourse F, the direct shuttle to the Rental Car Center is usually the most straightforward route.

Getting to the Rental Car Center from Around Metro Atlanta

If you’re a local or being dropped off:

  • Use your GPS with “2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy, College Park, GA 30337”.
  • Follow signs for “Rental Car Return” as you approach the airport area—these signs are posted along I‑85 and Camp Creek Parkway.
  • The facility has structured parking decks for each rental company, with clearly marked Return lanes.

If someone is dropping you off to pick up a rental, they can follow signs to the Rental Car Center rather than the terminal curbside. It’s often less congested than Domestic Terminal passenger drop-off during peak times.

How the ATL SkyTrain Connects You

The ATL SkyTrain links three main points:

  1. Domestic Terminal
  2. Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) and adjacent hotels
  3. Rental Car Center

Key things to know about the SkyTrain:

  • ✅ Free to ride
  • ✅ Runs automatically, usually with short wait times
  • ✅ Operates 24/7 in coordination with airport operations
  • 🚆 Ride time: typically about 5 minutes from the Domestic Terminal to the RCC

If you’re staying at a hotel near the GICC or the Gateway Center area in College Park, the SkyTrain can also be a convenient way to get to your rental car without driving or using a shuttle.

What You’ll Find Inside the Rental Car Center

The Atlanta Rental Car Center is designed as a one-stop facility. Inside, you will typically find:

  • Rental counters for major on-airport companies
  • Parking decks and pick-up levels assigned by company
  • Return lanes clearly labeled for each brand
  • Wayfinding signs directing you to:
    • Customer service
    • Elevators and escalators
    • SkyTrain station
    • Restrooms and waiting areas

While layouts can change over time, the general flow is:

  1. Arrivals:
    • Get off the SkyTrain
    • Walk into the main lobby
    • Follow signs to your rental company’s counter or pre-check-in area
  2. Departures/Returns:
    • Follow signs for your company’s Return level
    • Park in the indicated lane
    • An attendant or kiosk will process your return
    • Follow signs back to the SkyTrain or shuttle as needed

Major Rental Companies at the ATL Rental Car Center

Most of the widely used rental car brands with on-airport service in Atlanta operate out of the RCC. While specific lineups can change, you’ll usually find companies such as:

  • Large national brands (commonly the ones frequent flyers use)
  • Mid-market and value-focused brands
  • Specialty or extended-use brands in some cases

Within the RCC, each company has:

  • A customer service counter or kiosk area
  • Designated vehicle pickup areas in the attached parking decks
  • Clearly labeled return lanes

If you already have a reservation, you can typically head straight to the proper area after a quick stop at the counter or a self-service kiosk, if available.

Typical Timing: How Long Will It Take?

For planning around Atlanta traffic and flight times, here’s a general sense of how long each leg can take.

From Plane to Rental Car

  • Deplaning + walk to baggage claim: 10–20 minutes (longer from the far ends of large concourses)
  • Baggage claim time: 10–30 minutes, depending on the flight
  • Walk to SkyTrain + ride to RCC (Domestic Terminal): about 10 minutes total
  • Shuttle + transfer (International Terminal): 15–25 minutes total to get to the RCC

In normal conditions, many travelers at ATL budget 30–60 minutes from landing to sitting in a rental car, depending on checked bags, time of day, and crowds.

From Rental Car Center Back to the Terminals

  • Return process: 5–15 minutes (longer if lines are heavy)
  • Walk to SkyTrain + ride to Domestic Terminal: about 10 minutes
  • Shuttle to International Terminal: add 15–20 minutes

For a departing flight, many Atlanta-based travelers plan their rental car return at least 1–1.5 hours before domestic flights and earlier for international flights, to allow for traffic, return procedures, and security screening.

Quick Snapshot: Getting Around the ATL Rental Car Center

Need to…Go Here / Do This
Pick up a car (Domestic arrivals)Follow “Rental Cars” → SkyTrain → RCC → your company’s counter
Pick up a car (International arrivals)Take RCC shuttle from International Terminal → RCC → company counter
Return a car from Atlanta roadsUse GPS to 2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy → follow “Rental Car Return” signs
Catch a flight after return (Domestic)Return car → SkyTrain to Domestic Terminal
Catch a flight after return (International)Return car → SkyTrain to Domestic Terminal → airport shuttle to International Terminal
Get to nearby hotels (GICC/Gateway)Use SkyTrain between RCC and GICC Gateway Station

Driving Out of the Rental Car Center: Local Tips for Atlanta Roads

Once you’ve picked up your rental car, you’ll quickly be on major Metro Atlanta highways. A few practical notes:

Key Routes Leaving the RCC

  • I‑85 / I‑75 North: Main route into Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.
  • Camp Creek Parkway: Useful for reaching East Point, Camp Creek Marketplace, and the I‑285 West loop toward Cobb County or Douglas County.
  • I‑285: The perimeter highway circling Atlanta; useful for bypassing downtown traffic or reaching suburbs.

Traffic Patterns to Expect

  • Morning rush: Roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m., especially heavy heading northbound into the city.
  • Evening rush: Roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m., heavier southbound and around major interchanges (Downtown Connector, I‑20 junctions, etc.).

If your schedule allows, consider avoiding pickup or return right in the middle of rush hour, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Atlanta’s highway system.

Renting a Car in Atlanta: Documents, Payment, and Age

Policies vary between rental car companies, but in Atlanta you’ll typically need:

  • Valid driver’s license (U.S. or accepted international license)
  • Major credit card in the driver’s name (some companies also accept debit cards with conditions)
  • Age requirements: Commonly 25+ for standard rentals, with possible surcharges or restrictions for drivers 21–24

If you live in the Atlanta area and plan frequent rentals from the RCC, it can be useful to:

  • Enroll in your rental company’s loyalty or expedited service program, which may allow you to bypass the main counter.
  • Save your license and payment details with your profile to speed up pick-up.

Returns for Atlanta Residents vs. Visitors

If You Live in Atlanta

Many residents use the RCC when:

  • Renting a car for out-of-town road trips
  • Temporarily replacing a personal vehicle after service or an accident
  • Taking advantage of unlimited-mileage rentals instead of using their own car

Tips for locals:

  • Consider traffic on I‑75/I‑85 when planning your return—it can add significant time if you’re coming from Cobb, Gwinnett, or North Fulton during peak hours.
  • If you do not need to catch a flight after returning your car, you can arrange a pickup at the RCC or use rideshare/taxis from the Rental Car Center back to your home or office.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

Use the RCC as your base point for exploring:

  • Downtown / Midtown: 15–25 minutes in light traffic
  • Buckhead: 25–40 minutes depending on conditions
  • Cumberland / The Battery area: 30–45 minutes, typically via I‑75
  • Decatur and East Atlanta: Often 25–40 minutes depending on your route (I‑20 East or local arteries)

When planning your last day:

  • Factor in return drive time + return process + travel to your terminal.
  • If you’re staying in suburban areas like Alpharetta, Marietta, or Lawrenceville, traffic toward the airport can be heavy during peak hours; leaving earlier than you think you need to is wise.

Accessibility and Special Assistance

The Rental Car Center and SkyTrain system are generally designed to be accessible:

  • Elevators and ramps connect different levels and the SkyTrain platform.
  • Many rental companies offer hand-control-equipped vehicles or other adapted options with advance notice.
  • Curbside areas and short-term parking zones near the RCC may be used for mobility assistance pick-ups and drop-offs where permitted.

If you need specific accommodations, it’s best to:

  • Contact your rental car company ahead of time, and
  • Let airport or shuttle staff know you require assistance navigating between the International Terminal, Domestic Terminal, and RCC.

Alternatives to Renting at the Airport

Not everyone needs a car directly from the Atlanta Airport. Depending on your plans, you might consider:

  • Neighborhood rental branches in areas like Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, or Sandy Springs if you only need a car for part of your stay.
  • Rideshare, MARTA, or taxis from ATL to central Atlanta, then renting later from a neighborhood office.
  • Using MARTA’s Airport Station directly under the Domestic Terminal if you’re staying along the rail line and don’t need a car immediately.

However, for many visitors—especially those planning to drive beyond the core of the city—the Atlanta Hartsfield Rental Car Center remains the most convenient and centralized place to pick up and return a rental vehicle.

By understanding how the Rental Car Center at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport connects with the terminals, local roads, and the broader Metro Atlanta area, you can plan smoother pickups and returns, avoid common timing surprises, and navigate Atlanta like a local—whether you call the city home or you’re just passing through.