Car Rental in Downtown Atlanta: How to Find the Best Option for Your Trip

Looking for car rental in downtown Atlanta can feel confusing if you don’t know where to start. Traffic patterns, parking costs, and the layout of the city all affect which rental option makes the most sense.

This guide walks you through how car rentals work specifically in downtown Atlanta, where to rent, what to watch out for, and smart tips for both visitors and locals.

Downtown Atlanta at a Glance: Do You Even Need a Car?

Before you book, ask whether you need a car for your whole stay.

Downtown Atlanta is compact and fairly walkable, especially around:

• Peachtree Street corridor
• Centennial Olympic Park area
• Georgia World Congress Center / State Farm Arena / Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Georgia State University area

You also have easy access to:

• MARTA rail (Peachtree Center, Five Points, GWCC/CNN Center stations)
• Streetcars, scooters, and rideshare services

If you’re mostly staying downtown for a conference, game, or short visit, you might:

• Skip a car entirely and use MARTA + rideshare
• Rent only for day trips (Stone Mountain, North Georgia, suburbs, etc.)

But if you’re planning to explore multiple neighborhoods (Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Westside) or head outside the city, a downtown car rental can be very practical.

Main Types of Car Rental in Downtown Atlanta

1. Traditional Car Rental Counters

These are the familiar national rental brands with offices in and around downtown. You’ll typically find them:

• In or near major hotels
• Near Peachtree Center and Five Points
• Closer to the Georgia World Congress Center and tourist corridors

They usually offer:

• Sedans, SUVs, minivans, and sometimes premium vehicles
• Daily and weekly rentals
• Standard counter pickup with a garage or lot nearby

Best for: Visitors staying in downtown hotels, business travelers, families needing larger vehicles.

2. Airport vs. Downtown Rental: Which Is Better?

Even if you want the car downtown, you may compare Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport rentals with downtown rentals.

Why some people choose the airport:

• More vehicle choices (larger fleets)
• Often more competitive daily rates
• All major brands in one consolidated rental center

Why others prefer downtown:

• Avoid driving on the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) right after a flight
• Skip airport transit and crowds
• Better suited for mid-trip rentals (e.g., conference downtown, then road trip)

A common approach for visitors:

1. Take MARTA from the airport to your downtown hotel.
2. Rent a car only for the days you’re leaving downtown.
3. Return it downtown before your last night and use transit/rideshare to get back to the airport.

This cuts parking costs and downtown driving stress.

3. Car Sharing & Hourly Rentals

In central Atlanta, you may see car-sharing or more flexible, app-based rentals. These can be handy if:

• You’re a local who usually relies on MARTA but needs a car for errands.
• You’re staying car-free downtown and just need a few hours for shopping or a short outing.

They’re typically:

• Booked by the hour or day
• Picked up at specific designated spots or garages
• Unlocked via an app instead of a counter

Best for: Short trips, quick errands, or locals who don’t want long-term rental commitments.

4. Specialty & Luxury Rentals

If you’re in town for:

• A wedding
• A special event
• Entertaining clients
• A game day experience around Mercedes-Benz Stadium

You can find:

• Luxury sedans and SUVs
• Premium or performance vehicles
• Occasionally convertibles or specialty models

These are more common near Buckhead and Midtown, but some providers serve downtown or offer delivery to hotels and event venues in the downtown area.

Where Car Rental Fits into the Downtown Atlanta Layout

Here’s a simplified look at how downtown Atlanta is laid out and how it affects your car rental decisions:

What to Know About Parking a Rental Car in Downtown Atlanta

1. Hotel Parking

Most downtown hotels charge nightly parking fees, which can be significant. Common options:

• Valet parking – most convenient but usually the most expensive
• Self-parking garages – slightly cheaper, may have in/out privileges
• Nearby private lots – sometimes cheaper, but may not allow overnight parking

💡 Tip: Before booking your rental, confirm your hotel’s parking cost and rules. Sometimes it’s cheaper to:

• Delay your rental until the day you actually need to drive, or
• Return the car earlier and rely on MARTA or rideshare for your last day or two.

2. Street Parking and Garages

Downtown Atlanta has:

• Metered street parking in certain areas
• Numerous paid garages and surface lots, especially around:
  • Peachtree Street
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • State Farm Arena / Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Keep in mind:

• Rates and time limits vary by block and garage.
• Event days can raise prices and fill garages quickly.
• Always check posted signs for time limits, tow-away zones, and overnight rules.

Traffic, Timing, and Getting Around in Your Rental

1. Rush Hour in Downtown Atlanta

Traffic peaks most weekday mornings and evenings, especially on:

• I-75/85 (Downtown Connector)
• I-20 near downtown
• Main downtown surface streets leading to the interstates

If you want a smoother experience:

• Schedule pickups and returns outside rush hour when possible.
• Allow extra time if you’re returning a car before a flight or catching a train.

2. Using MARTA with a Downtown Rental

Many people mix MARTA and car rentals for flexibility and cost savings.

Key downtown MARTA stations:

• Peachtree Center Station – close to many hotels and offices
• Five Points Station – major transfer point for all lines
• GWCC/CNN Center Station – near Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the convention center

Smart patterns include:

• Taking MARTA to your hotel, then walking to a nearby downtown rental office.
• Dropping your car near the end of your trip and using MARTA back to the airport.

Documents and Requirements for Renting a Car in Downtown Atlanta

Most downtown Atlanta rental offices will expect:

• A valid driver’s license (U.S. or accepted international license)
• A credit card in the driver’s name (some accept debit cards with extra requirements)
• You to meet a minimum age, commonly 21 or 25 depending on the company and vehicle type

Important notes:

• Drivers under 25 may face additional “young driver” fees.
• International visitors should carry their passport and, if recommended, an International Driving Permit.

Always confirm policies with the specific rental location before arrival, especially around:

• Age requirements
• Additional drivers
• Insurance coverage

Insurance, Liability, and Coverage Options

When renting in downtown Atlanta, you’ll typically be asked to choose between several insurance/coverage options:

• Collision Damage Waiver / Loss Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW) – Reduces or removes your responsibility for damage or theft of the rental vehicle, subject to conditions.
• Liability coverage – For damage or injury you may cause to others. Rental companies usually include the minimum required by Georgia law, with options to buy more.
• Personal effects coverage – For belongings in the car.

Consider:

• Whether your personal auto insurance (if you have it) extends to rentals.
• Whether your credit card provides some level of rental car protection.

If you’re unsure or visiting from abroad and don’t have U.S.-based coverage, many travelers choose to purchase coverage through the rental company for peace of mind. Read the terms carefully and ask staff to clarify anything that feels unclear.

Costs to Expect with Downtown Atlanta Car Rentals

Common costs and fees can include:

• Base daily or weekly rate
• Taxes and local surcharges
• Airport fees (more relevant at the airport; usually lower downtown)
• Insurance or coverage options you choose
• Fuel charges if you return the car without a full tank
• Additional driver fees, if applicable
• Parking costs at hotels or garages

Ways people often keep costs down:

• Renting only for the days they actually need to drive.
• Comparing airport vs. downtown rates and total cost including transportation, parking, and time.
• Returning the vehicle full of gas from a regular gas station rather than prepaying fuel at higher per-gallon rates.

Tips for Different Types of Renters in Downtown Atlanta

For Visitors Staying Downtown (Conventions, Events, Sightseeing)

• Start car-free, especially if most of your time is at:
  • Georgia World Congress Center
  • State Farm Arena
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • Centennial Olympic Park attractions
• Add a rental car only on days you plan to:
  • Visit Stone Mountain Park
  • Explore suburbs, North Georgia mountains, or lakes
  • Shop at perimeter malls or outlets

This helps avoid several days of hotel parking fees and downtown traffic.

For Locals Living or Working Downtown

Even if you don’t own a car, you may occasionally need one:

• Weekend trips out of the city
• Family visits or transporting larger items
• Visiting friends or events in areas with limited transit

Locals often choose:

• Short-term rentals for weekend getaways
• Car share or hourly rentals for Costco runs, furniture pickups, or day trips

If you live in an apartment or condo:

• Check whether your building offers guest or temporary parking for rental cars.
• Ask about parking passes or validation rules if you’re using a nearby garage.

For Business Travelers and Conference Attendees

If you’re attending a conference, trade show, or business meetings downtown:

• Confirm whether most of your events are within walking distance or accessible by MARTA.
• Consider renting a car only if you have meetings in multiple parts of the metro area (e.g., Buckhead, Perimeter, Alpharetta, or the airport area).
• If your company is booking the rental, ensure you understand:
  • Approved rental providers
  • Coverage rules
  • Whether you’re allowed to add personal side trips

Safety and Practical Driving Tips in Downtown Atlanta

• Watch for one-way streets. Downtown has several; using a navigation app helps.
• Expect pedestrians and scooters, especially around Peachtree Street and Centennial Olympic Park.
• Secure your belongings. Don’t leave valuables visible in the car, particularly in surface lots or on side streets.
• Plan for events. On game days or during large conventions, streets near the stadium, GWCC, and the park can be heavily congested or closed to regular traffic.

How to Decide if a Downtown Atlanta Car Rental Is Right for You

Ask yourself:

1. Where will I spend most of my time?

   • Mostly downtown? Consider waiting to rent or skipping it.
   • Multiple neighborhoods or suburbs? A rental is often worth it.

2. Can I handle downtown driving and parking?

   • Comfortable using navigation and garages? A downtown rental is manageable.
   • Prefer to avoid congestion? Use MARTA and rent only for trips out of the core.

3. What is my true total cost?

   • Factor in parking, fuel, insurance, and time along with the daily rate.
   • Compare that with MARTA + rideshare + a shorter rental period.

By thinking through how you plan to move around Atlanta, not just how much the daily rate is, you can decide whether a downtown car rental is the right fit—and if so, for exactly which days you need it.