Car Rentals in Atlanta, GA: How to Find the Best Option for Your Trip

Atlanta is a driving city. Whether you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, living in Midtown without a car, or visiting to explore neighborhoods like Buckhead, Decatur, or Westside, renting a car can make getting around much easier.

This guide walks you through how car rentals work in Atlanta, GA, where to rent, what to expect with pricing, insurance, age rules, traffic, and more—so you can choose the right option for your needs.

Where to Rent a Car in Atlanta

1. Airport Car Rentals (ATL)

If you’re flying into Atlanta, the busiest and most convenient hub for rentals is Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

• Rental Car Center (RCC)
  • Address: 2200 Rental Car Center Parkway, College Park, GA 30337
  • Access: Take the ATL SkyTrain from the airport (runs 24/7, free)
  • Services: Multiple major rental brands, fuel stations nearby, returns area clearly marked

Pros of renting at ATL:

• Large vehicle selection, including SUVs, minivans, and premium cars
• Easy pick-up right after your flight
• Good option if you’re heading straight onto interstates like I‑75, I‑85, or I‑285

Cons:

• Airport fees and surcharges often make rentals more expensive
• Can be busy during peak flight times

2. Downtown & Midtown Atlanta Rental Locations

If you’re staying in the city center or arriving by bus/train, renting in-town may be more convenient and sometimes cheaper than the airport.

Common clusters of rental offices:

• Downtown Atlanta – around Peachtree Center, near many hotels and offices
• Midtown – near Peachtree Street NE, often close to MARTA stations like Midtown or Arts Center
• Buckhead – in and around Peachtree Road and major shopping areas

These locations are useful if:

• You only need a car for a day trip outside the city
• You arrive by MARTA, Greyhound, or Amtrak and plan to drive later in your stay
• You want to avoid airport rental fees

3. Neighborhood & Suburban Rental Offices

You’ll also find rental locations in:

• Decatur
• Sandy Springs
• Dunwoody
• Marietta
• College Park and East Point (near the airport, but off-site)
• Stone Mountain and other suburbs

These are often used by locals who:

• Need a temporary car while theirs is in the shop
• Want a larger vehicle for weekend trips to places like Lake Lanier or the North Georgia mountains

Types of Car Rentals Available in Atlanta

You can generally find the full range of vehicle types:

• Economy & compact cars – best for solo travelers, city driving, and saving on fuel
• Sedans (midsize/full-size) – comfortable for small families or work trips
• SUVs & crossovers – popular for groups, road trips, and navigating varied terrain outside Atlanta
• Minivans & passenger vans – for larger groups, sports teams, or family gatherings
• Pickup trucks – often used for moves, home projects, or hauling
• Luxury & premium vehicles – common in Buckhead and airport locations for business or special occasions

If you’re traveling during major events (SEC Championship, college football games, large conventions, music festivals), it’s best to reserve early—vehicle selection can shrink quickly.

Typical Costs: What Affects Atlanta Car Rental Prices

Rental rates in Atlanta can vary widely depending on:

• Time of year – Higher during holidays, big sporting events, and peak travel seasons
• Pickup location – Airport tends to be more expensive than neighborhood locations
• Vehicle type – SUVs, minivans, and luxury models cost more than compact or economy cars
• Rental length – Weekly rates often give better value than daily rentals
• Age of driver – Drivers under 25 usually pay an additional daily fee
• Extras – GPS units, child seats, toll transponders, and additional drivers add to the bill

Common Fee Types to Watch For

When renting a car in Atlanta, expect some or all of these charges:

• Base rate – the daily or weekly rental price
• Airport concession fees (at ATL)
• State and local taxes – Georgia and City of Atlanta taxes may apply
• Facility or vehicle license fees
• Young driver surcharges (if under 25)
• Additional driver fees (if more than one person will drive)
• One-way drop fees (if you return the car to a different location)

📝 Tip: Before confirming your reservation, review the total estimated cost, not just the daily rate.

Minimum Age & Driver Requirements in Atlanta

Age Rules

In Atlanta and throughout Georgia:

• Many major rental companies set the minimum rental age at 21
• Drivers 21–24 are commonly allowed but may face:
  • A young driver surcharge
  • Restrictions on vehicle types (sometimes no luxury or specialty cars)

Some specialty rentals or local policies may require drivers to be 25 or older.

License & ID

To rent a car in Atlanta, you typically need:

• A valid driver’s license (U.S. or international, as accepted by the rental company)
• A major credit card in the renter’s name
• For international visitors, some agencies may request an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your home-country license

If you’re a local Atlanta resident using a debit card, some locations may:

• Run a credit check
• Require proof of address, return travel plans, or recent pay stub
• Limit which vehicles you can rent

Always confirm payment and ID requirements with the specific location before you go.

Insurance and Protection Options in Atlanta

Georgia requires drivers to have liability coverage, but how that applies to rentals can be confusing. In Atlanta, you’ll commonly see:

1. Using Your Own Auto Insurance

If you live in Atlanta or elsewhere in the U.S. and own a car, your personal auto policy may:

• Extend to rental cars for liability and sometimes collision/comprehensive
• Have the same deductibles and limits you usually carry

To avoid surprises, check with your insurance provider about:

• Rental car coverage
• Any limitations (such as vehicle type or coverage in other states)

2. Coverage From Credit Cards

Some major credit cards offer secondary or occasionally primary coverage for rental cars when:

• You pay for the rental with that card
• You decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver (if required)

Coverage details vary, so it’s worth confirming:

• Whether Atlanta/Georgia rentals are covered
• What types of damage or exclusions apply (e.g., luxury cars, trucks)

3. Buying Protection From the Rental Company

At Atlanta rental desks, you’ll usually be offered:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
  • Reduces or removes your responsibility if the rental is damaged or stolen (within the policy terms)
• Liability coverage supplements
  • Increase protected limits beyond state minimums
• Personal accident coverage or personal effects coverage
  • For injuries or belongings in the vehicle

These add to your daily cost but can simplify things if you don’t have your own coverage or don’t want to involve your personal insurance.

Driving in Atlanta: Local Conditions to Know

Atlanta driving can feel intense if you’re new to the area. Before you rent, it helps to understand how traffic and roads work here.

Major Highways and Routes

You’re likely to encounter:

• I‑75 / I‑85 (Downtown Connector) – The main north–south artery through central Atlanta
• I‑20 – East–west across the city
• I‑285 (The Perimeter) – Loops around the metro area; used to reach suburbs and bypass downtown
• GA 400 – Runs north through Buckhead and into the northern suburbs
• I‑75 and I‑575 – Head toward Marietta and north Georgia
• I‑85 North – Toward Gwinnett County and beyond

If you’re not comfortable with multilane interstates and fast traffic, consider renting a smaller car that’s easier to maneuver and park.

Rush Hour & Traffic Patterns

In Atlanta, rush hour is a real factor:

• Weekday mornings: roughly 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
• Weekday evenings: roughly 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The Downtown Connector and sections of I‑285 often back up significantly, especially near major interchanges.

🚦 Local tip: If possible, plan airport trips, downtown meetings, or longer drives outside peak times. Build in extra time when traffic or weather is questionable.

Tolls & Express Lanes

The Atlanta area has optional express lanes on some interstates, which can save time but often require a Peach Pass or compatible transponder.

On a rental:

• Some companies offer toll programs where you pay tolls plus a daily or per-use fee
• Others charge administrative fees if you drive through toll lanes without a transponder

Ask the rental counter how tolls and express lanes are handled before you leave the lot.

Parking in Atlanta: What Renters Should Expect

Parking conditions change by neighborhood:

Downtown & Midtown

• Expect paid parking garages and lots near major attractions like the Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and State Farm Arena
• Street parking is available in some areas but often metered or time-limited
• Event days can mean higher parking prices and limited availability

Buckhead

• Many shopping centers (e.g., near Lenox and Phipps areas) offer garage or deck parking, sometimes validated with purchases
• Street parking is more limited

Neighborhoods & Suburbs

• Areas like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and Westside may have:
  • Free but limited on-street parking
  • Private lots for businesses with posted rules

🅿️ Tip: If your downtown or Midtown hotel or rental property charges nightly parking fees, factor that into your total cost of renting a car.

Alternatives to Traditional Car Rentals in Atlanta

Depending on your plans, you may not always need a standard rental car for your entire stay.

Short-Term or Local Trips

• Rideshare services can handle airport transfers and nights out, so you only rent a car for day trips.
• Some residents combine MARTA (rail and bus) with occasional rentals for weekend getaways.

MARTA Access

Key points if you’re considering mixing transit with car rental:

• Hartsfield–Jackson ATL has a MARTA station at the domestic terminal
• Many hotel clusters near Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead are close to MARTA stations
• You can use MARTA to get to an in-town rental office and pick up a car later in your trip

This can reduce how many days you pay for a rental, especially if you’re mostly staying in central Atlanta at first.

Key Documents & Prep Checklist

Before you arrive at the rental counter in Atlanta, it helps to have:

• Driver’s license (and IDP if required)
• Credit card in the main driver’s name
• Proof of insurance (if relying on your personal policy)
• Any membership or corporate codes you plan to use
• A general idea of:
  • Where you’ll be driving (city only vs. North Georgia, other states)
  • Where you’ll park overnight
  • Whether you’ll face tolls or express lanes

Simple Comparison: Airport vs. In-Town Rentals in Atlanta

Practical Tips for Renting a Car in Atlanta, GA

• Book early if you’re traveling during holidays, major conventions, or big game days.
• Compare airport vs. city locations to see if avoiding airport fees saves money.
• Double-check your pickup and drop-off times; small changes can affect pricing.
• Take photos of the car (inside and out) at pickup and return for your records.
• Plan your routes in advance, especially if you’ll be driving through downtown or using the interstates at rush hour.
• If you’re not used to city driving, consider a smaller vehicle for easier parking and lane changes.

By understanding how car rentals in Atlanta, GA work—where to rent, what affects cost, and how local driving conditions feel—you can choose an option that fits your schedule, budget, and comfort level on Atlanta’s roads.