Rental Car Center Atlanta GA: How to Use the ATL Rental Car Center Like a Local

If you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and need a vehicle, you’ll be using the ATL Rental Car Center—a large, dedicated facility just off airport property that serves almost all major rental brands in one place.

Whether you live in metro Atlanta, you’re visiting, or you’re coordinating a pickup for someone else, understanding how the Rental Car Center works in Atlanta, GA can save you time, confusion, and stress.

Where Is the Rental Car Center in Atlanta?

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

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

It sits just west of the main airport runways, not directly attached to the domestic or international terminals. You cannot walk there from the terminals; you must use the airport’s free SkyTrain.

How to Get to the Rental Car Center from the Airport

From the Domestic Terminal (Main Terminal)

1. Follow signs for “SkyTrain” and “Rental Cars.”
   After exiting security into the main Airport Atrium, look for clearly marked overhead signs.

2. Go up to the SkyTrain station.
   You’ll take an escalator, elevator, or stairs up to the SkyTrain platform above the terminal.

3. Board the “ATL SkyTrain.”
   • The ride is free.
   • Trains run frequently—usually every few minutes.

4. Ride to the Rental Car Center station.
   • Travel time is typically around 5 minutes.
   • The RCC is the last stop, and the train announcements make it clear.

5. Exit into the Rental Car Center building.
   You’ll come directly into the main lobby with customer service counters for the different rental companies.

From the International Terminal (Concourse F)

If you’re arriving directly at the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (F), you have two main options:

Option 1: Shuttle to Domestic Terminal, then SkyTrain (most common)

• Follow signs outside for the “Domestic Terminal / Ground Transportation” shuttle.
• Ride the shuttle to the Domestic Terminal.
• Once at the Domestic Terminal, follow the same steps as above to reach the SkyTrain, then the Rental Car Center.

Option 2: Ground Transportation Direct From International Terminal
Some travelers arrange off-airport rental pickups or rideshare/taxis directly from the International Terminal, then drive over to the RCC later if needed. For standard airport rentals, though, most rental reservations are tied to the RCC, so Option 1 is usually the most straightforward.

Getting to the Rental Car Center from Around Metro Atlanta

You don’t have to be flying to use the Rental Car Center. Many Atlanta residents pick up vehicles there because of the large selection and extended hours.

By Car

Use your GPS or map app with the address:

2200 Rental Car Center Parkway, College Park, GA 30337

General approach directions:

• From Downtown/Midtown Atlanta:
  Take I-75/85 South, follow airport signs. As you approach the airport area, follow signs for Rental Car Return / Rental Car Center, which will guide you off the main interstate and toward the RCC.

• From I-285:
  Approach the airport area from any direction and follow posted “Rental Car Center” signage. The airport road network is heavily signed, and the Rental Car Center has specific exits.

Parking for customers who are picking up or dropping off renters is generally available in short-term or hourly parking areas near the RCC building. Look for “Visitor Parking” or “Short-Term” signs near the entrance.

By MARTA (Atlanta’s Rail System)

If you’re coming from downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or elsewhere on MARTA rail:

1. Take any MARTA train to Airport Station (the southern end of the Red/Gold lines).
2. Exit the train and follow signs for the SkyTrain / Rental Car Center.
3. Take the free SkyTrain as described earlier.

This can be convenient if you live in the city, don’t want to pay for airport parking, and simply need a rental car for a day or weekend.

What to Expect Inside the Rental Car Center

The ATL Rental Car Center is a large, multi-level facility designed to handle high passenger volume. Inside, you’ll typically find:

• Rental company counters (almost all major national brands)
• Self-service kiosks for quicker check-in with some companies
• Customer waiting areas
• Restrooms
• Wayfinding signs for car pickup levels and return ramps

After you complete your paperwork:

1. You’ll typically be directed to a garage level (often by letter or number) where your car is parked.
2. An attendant may check your driver’s license and paperwork again.
3. You’ll walk to the designated row or space to find your vehicle.

Picking Up a Rental Car at ATL: Step-by-Step

Here’s how the process usually goes if you’re arriving by plane:

1. Land and collect your luggage.
   From Domestic or International, follow the route described earlier to reach the RCC.

2. Go to your rental company’s counter or kiosk.
   Have your driver’s license, payment card, and reservation details ready.

3. Review your rental agreement carefully.

   • Check the pickup and return times.
   • Confirm mileage limits (if any).
   • Review fuel policy (full-to-full is common at ATL).

4. Ask about local details.
   Because Atlanta traffic and tolls can be confusing, many people ask about:

   • Toll handling (especially if you’ll be driving into neighboring states).
   • Age-related surcharges if you’re a younger driver.
   • Options for adding additional authorized drivers.

5. Inspect the car before driving off.

   • Walk around the vehicle and look for scratches, dents, or interior damage.
   • Take quick photos or video of all sides, the interior, and the fuel gauge.
   • If you notice anything significant, speak with the attendant before leaving.

6. Exit the garage and merge onto local roads.
   You’ll follow posted signs to the airport roadways, then onto I-75/85, I-285, or local routes depending on your destination.

Returning Your Rental Car to the ATL Rental Car Center

Return is usually straightforward but can be stressful during Atlanta rush hour, so planning matters.

How to Get There for Returns

From most directions, you’ll see large highway signs for:

• “Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport”
• “Rental Car Center”
• “Rental Car Return”

Follow these signs carefully—they will guide you:

1. Into the airport roadway system.
2. Then off into a dedicated entrance ramp for Rental Car Return.
3. Up a ramp into your rental company’s marked return area.

Inside the garage, you’ll see overhead signs by brand. Pull into the correct lane for your company and wait for an attendant or follow posted self-check-in instructions.

What To Do Before You Return the Car

• Refuel if your policy requires it.
  Many rental agreements at ATL use a full-to-full policy. You return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges. There are gas stations along Camp Creek Parkway, Riverdale Road, and other nearby routes, but they can be busy.

  • ⏰ Plan an extra 10–20 minutes if you’re refueling close to the airport.

• Remove all personal items.
  Double-check:

  • Trunk
  • Glove box
  • Center console
  • Cup holders
  • Under seats

• Check your receipt or digital return confirmation.
  Many companies at ATL now offer email receipts or mobile app confirmations when you return the vehicle.

After You Return the Car

Once you’ve dropped off the car and gathered your bags:

1. Follow the signs back into the RCC lobby.
2. Head to the SkyTrain station on the upper level.
3. Take the SkyTrain back to the Domestic Terminal.
4. From the Domestic Terminal, you can:
   • Check in for flights
   • Take shuttles onward to the International Terminal if needed
   • Access MARTA, rideshares, or taxis back into Atlanta

Rental Car Center Hours and Availability

The ATL Rental Car Center itself operates to support the airport’s heavy flight schedule, and many rental counters are open extended hours, with some operating 24/7. However:

• Counter hours can vary by company.
• Some smaller brands may have limited late-night or early-morning staffing.
• Vehicle availability during peak Atlanta travel times (holidays, big conventions, major games) can be tight.

For the smoothest experience:

• 📝 Reserve in advance, especially for holiday weekends or large events downtown or in College Park.
• ⏱️ Confirm your company’s desk hours if you have a very late or very early flight.

Using the Rental Car Center as an Atlanta Local

Many Atlanta residents use the Rental Car Center even when they’re not flying because:

• The car selection is often broader than smaller neighborhood branches.
• It’s convenient if you live near south Atlanta, East Point, College Park, or along the MARTA Gold/Red lines.
• The RCC is well-signed and built to handle heavy volume.

If you’re local:

• Consider riding MARTA to Airport Station, then taking the SkyTrain, instead of paying for parking near the RCC.
• Build in extra time during weekday afternoon traffic when heading back toward the airport area, especially if you’re coming from Downtown, Midtown, or the northern suburbs.

Quick Reference: Using the ATL Rental Car Center

ATL Rental Car Center Snapshot

Tips for Driving a Rental Car in Atlanta

Once you leave the Rental Car Center, you’re immediately in metro Atlanta traffic, which can be intense, especially near:

• Downtown Connector (I-75/85)
• I-285 Perimeter
• Camp Creek Parkway near major shopping areas

Helpful local-style tips:

• Plan for rush hour.
  Weekday morning and evening commutes can add substantial time to your drive between the RCC and areas like Midtown, Buckhead, or the northern suburbs.

• Use navigation that accounts for traffic.
  Real-time GPS routing can help you avoid heavy congestion or incidents.

• Know your parking situation at your destination.
  Downtown Atlanta, Midtown, and popular areas like Little Five Points, Atlantic Station, or the BeltLine may have limited or paid parking.

• Watch speed limits near the airport.
  Roadways around ATL and College Park often have strict enforcement, particularly on ramps and main arteries leading to and from the airport.

When the ATL Rental Car Center Is the Right Choice

The Rental Car Center in Atlanta, GA is especially useful if:

• You’re flying into ATL and need a car immediately.
• You’re a local Atlantan who wants a wide selection of vehicles and doesn’t mind heading to the airport area.
• You want straightforward public transit access via MARTA and the SkyTrain.
• You’re coordinating transportation for out-of-town guests and want a central, well-marked pickup and return location.

By understanding how to reach the Rental Car Center, how pickup and return work, and what to expect when driving in and around Atlanta, you can move through the process confidently and focus on your trip, not the logistics.