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

Whether you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, driving in for a weekend, or you live in the metro area and need a temporary set of wheels, understanding car rentals in Atlanta, Georgia can save you time, stress, and money.

This guide walks you through how car rentals work in Atlanta, where to rent, what to expect with local traffic and fees, and smart strategies to get a good deal tailored to how people actually move around the city.

Key Things to Know About Car Rentals in Atlanta

Atlanta is a driving city. Public transit can be useful around some core areas, but for most visitors and many residents, a rental car offers flexibility you simply will not get from trains and buses alone.

Here are the big-picture basics:

• Airport rentals are the most convenient but often not the cheapest.
• Neighborhood rental locations around Atlanta can offer lower rates and less congestion.
• Atlanta’s traffic, tolls, and parking can affect your total cost and driving experience.
• Rental rules (age limits, insurance, deposits) are similar to other U.S. cities, but knowing how they play out in Atlanta helps avoid surprises.

Where to Rent a Car in Atlanta

1. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

If you’re flying into Atlanta, the easiest place to rent a car is at ATL’s Rental Car Center.

ATL Rental Car Center

• Address: 2200 Rental Car Center Parkway, College Park, GA 30337
• Access: Take the ATL SkyTrain from the airport terminals (no ticket required).

All major rental car brands operate there, and you’ll find:

• Extended hours or 24/7 operations at many counters
• Large fleets with lots of vehicle types
• On-site fueling options and return lanes clearly marked

Pros of renting at ATL:

• Very convenient if you’re landing by plane
• Clear signs, structured pickup and return
• Good selection even during busy travel seasons

Cons:

• Airport surcharges and fees can make rentals more expensive
• Heavier crowds and potential wait times at the counter
• You start your drive right into busy Atlanta-area traffic

If you prioritize speed and convenience, airport rentals usually win. If budget matters more, it’s worth comparing airport prices with in-town rental locations.

2. In-Town and Neighborhood Rental Locations

If you live in Atlanta or are staying in town a few days, renting in the city can make more sense than picking up at the airport.

Common areas with multiple rental branches include:

• Downtown Atlanta (near Peachtree Center and major hotels)
• Midtown (around Peachtree Street, Tech Square, and Arts District)
• Buckhead (near Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza)
• Decatur, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and Marietta in the metro area

Why choose a neighborhood rental location?

• Often lower rates than the airport (fewer surcharges)
• Easier parking and less congestion than the airport loop
• Convenient for residents who only need a car occasionally

This can be ideal if:

• You live in a walkable part of town and need a weekend car
• You’re staying in a Downtown or Midtown hotel and don’t need a car every day
• You want to avoid rush-hour driving from the airport after a long flight

3. One-Way Rentals in and out of Atlanta

Atlanta is a major transportation hub, so many rental companies support one-way rentals, such as:

• Atlanta to another Georgia city (e.g., Augusta, Savannah, Macon)
• Atlanta to neighboring states (Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina)

Keep in mind:

• One-way rentals can carry additional drop-off fees.
• Availability depends on the destination city and rental company’s policies.
• It’s smart to confirm total price and allowed mileage before booking.

This option is useful if you’re:

• Moving to or from Atlanta and need a temporary vehicle
• Flying into ATL and driving to another city where you’ll fly out

What Types of Rental Cars Work Best in Atlanta?

Atlanta’s road network ranges from tight neighborhood streets to massive interstates. Your ideal rental type depends on your plans.

Common rental categories in Atlanta include:

• Economy / Compact cars

  • Best for solo travelers or couples
  • Easier parking in Midtown, Downtown, and Decatur
  • Usually the most fuel-efficient and budget-friendly

• Midsize / Full-size sedans

  • Comfortable for city and highway driving
  • Good compromise between space and cost
  • Popular for business trips and families of 3–4

• SUVs and Crossovers

  • Useful if you’re heading to North Georgia mountains, Lake Lanier, or stone mountain and want more space
  • Often preferred by larger families or groups
  • Higher seating position helps with visibility in heavy traffic

• Minivans & Passenger Vans

  • Handy for group trips, conventions, or extended families
  • Great for traveling to events at State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or Georgia World Congress Center

• Luxury or premium vehicles

  • Sometimes rented for special occasions, client visits, or events
  • Rates and deposits are generally higher

Tip: If you know you’ll be parking in tight garages (for example, Downtown office towers or Midtown condos), a compact or midsize car is usually easiest to maneuver.

Typical Requirements for Renting a Car in Atlanta

Requirements in Atlanta generally match most other major U.S. cities, but it’s worth reviewing before you book.

Age Requirements

• Standard minimum age: Usually 25 years old to rent without extra fees.
• Ages 21–24: Many companies allow rentals but may:
  • Add a “young driver” surcharge per day
  • Restrict access to certain vehicle classes (e.g., no luxury or high-end SUVs)

If you’re under 25 and renting in Atlanta, check:

• Whether your age is accepted at your preferred location
• What daily surcharge applies

Driver’s License and Identification

You will typically need:

• A valid driver’s license (U.S. or internationally recognized)
• A credit card in the primary driver’s name
• Some companies accept debit cards but may require:
  • A credit check
  • Proof of return travel (for airport rentals)
  • Additional documentation

Deposits and Holds

Most Atlanta rental locations will place a hold on your payment card beginning at pickup.

• Holds can range from a few hundred dollars and up, depending on:
  • Vehicle class
  • Length of rental
  • Payment method

The unused portion is typically released after the car is returned, though the timing can vary based on your bank.

Understanding Rental Car Insurance in Atlanta

Atlanta’s busy highways and dense traffic make it especially important to understand your coverage options. While each individual’s circumstances differ, here is how the main options are usually structured:

1. Coverage via Your Personal Auto Policy

If you live in Georgia and have your own auto insurance, your policy may extend to rental cars for personal use. Often:

• Liability coverage follows you to the rental
• Collision and comprehensive may also apply, depending on your policy

This can reduce what you need to buy at the counter, but you’ll want to:

• Confirm your coverage and deductibles beforehand
• Ask whether rentals are covered for business use if that applies to you

2. Credit Card Rental Coverage

Many major credit cards offer some form of rental car coverage if you pay for the rental with that card. Typical patterns:

• Often covers damage to the rental vehicle (collision), not liability to others
• May be secondary to your personal auto insurance, meaning it kicks in after your own policy
• Sometimes includes restrictions (vehicle type, rental length, country, etc.)

Before relying on this in Atlanta:

• Call your card issuer or check your card benefits guide
• Confirm whether coverage applies in Georgia and what exclusions exist

3. Buying Coverage from the Rental Company

Rental counters in Atlanta commonly offer:

• Liability coverage supplements
• Collision damage waivers (CDW) or loss damage waivers (LDW)
• Personal accident or personal effects coverage

These can help reduce or eliminate your responsibility if the car is damaged or stolen, but they come with daily costs. People often choose these if:

• They don’t own a car and have no existing policy
• They want to avoid placing a claim with their own insurer

Since needs vary, consider contacting your insurer or a trusted professional for personalized guidance before your trip.

Atlanta Driving Conditions: What Renters Should Expect

Driving in Atlanta can feel different from driving in smaller cities. Knowing what to expect helps you choose the right rental and plan your schedule.

Traffic Patterns

Atlanta is known for heavy rush-hour traffic, especially on:

• I-75 / I-85 (the Downtown Connector)
• I-285 (the Perimeter)
• GA-400 through Sandy Springs and North Fulton

Peak times often include:

• Morning: 7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
• Evening: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

If you can, plan your rental pickup and return:

• Outside these peak periods
• With extra time for unexpected slowdowns

Tolls and Express Lanes

Some Atlanta highways include express lanes that can require a Peach Pass or similar transponder to use. The main points to know:

• Most standard routes do not require tolls, but express lanes offer congestion relief.
• Some rental vehicles may be set up to use electronic toll payment, which can trigger additional service fees.

If you plan to use toll or express lanes:

• Ask your rental agent how tolls are handled and billed.
• Decide whether the time savings is worth potential added fees.

Parking in Atlanta

Parking availability and cost varies widely by neighborhood:

• Downtown & Midtown:

  • Expect paid parking in garages or on-street meters.
  • Event days (sports, concerts, conventions) increase demand and prices.

• Buckhead:

  • Many malls and shopping centers offer garage or surface lot parking.
  • Hotel and high-rise garage parking may have daily fees.

• Residential neighborhoods (e.g., Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Grant Park):

  • More street parking, but always check signage and time limits.

Tip: When comparing rental locations, consider:

• Whether your hotel or rental has free or affordable parking
• If not, you might prefer a smaller vehicle and shorter rental period

Common Trip Types and Rental Strategies in Atlanta

1. Business Travel or Conventions

If you’re attending meetings in Downtown Atlanta, at the Georgia World Congress Center, or nearby offices:

• An economy or midsize car is usually sufficient.
• Consider booking at the airport if you’re flying in and driving directly to meetings.
• If your hotel is next to a MARTA station, you might delay renting until the day you really need to drive.

2. Family Vacations and Attractions

Popular destinations include:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• Zoo Atlanta
• Stone Mountain Park
• Six Flags Over Georgia

For a family trip:

• A midsize SUV or minivan can make it easier to carry luggage, strollers, and gear.
• Check for child seat options, or bring your own if allowed by your airline.
• Remember that some attractions have paid parking, so factor that into your cost calculations.

3. Exploring Beyond Atlanta

Atlanta is a convenient base for regional road trips:

• North Georgia mountains and hiking areas
• Athens, GA (music and college-town culture)
• Savannah or the Georgia coast (longer drives, often 3–4 hours or more)

For these trips, you may prioritize:

• Comfortable highway vehicles (midsize sedans or SUVs)
• Unlimited or generous mileage allowances
• Clear understanding of how the rental company handles out-of-state travel if you’re crossing borders

Cost Factors to Watch in Atlanta Car Rentals

When budgeting, think beyond the daily rate. Here are common cost drivers in Atlanta rentals:

1. Daily Rate and Seasonality

• Weekends, holidays, and major events (large conventions, sporting events, festivals) can increase prices.
• Booking early typically gives you more options, especially for SUVs and vans.

2. Airport vs. Non-Airport Fees

• Airport rentals typically add surcharges and facility fees.
• Neighborhood locations may have lower base prices but different hours and availability.

3. Insurance and Protection Products

• Optional coverages can add a noticeable amount per day.
• Understanding your alternative coverage sources helps you choose only what you need.

4. Fuel Policies
Common fuel policies in Atlanta include:

• Return full: You fill the tank before returning.
• Prepaid fuel: You pay a flat rate and can return the car with any fuel level.

A quick way to estimate:

• Note gas stations near your rental return location (especially around ATL or Downtown).
• Compare the rental company’s per-gallon rate with local pump prices.

5. Additional Drivers

• Extra drivers often incur a per-day fee, unless they meet certain relationship or corporate criteria.
• Verify who’s allowed to drive the car and make sure each driver shows a valid license.

6. Mileage Limits

• Many Atlanta rentals offer unlimited mileage, especially for standard car classes.
• Some specialty or local-only deals may include mileage caps, with per-mile charges for overages.

Simple Comparison: Airport vs. In-Town Rentals

Below is a basic overview to help you decide where to pick up your car:

Practical Tips for Renting a Car in Atlanta

Here are a few simple, Atlanta-specific pointers:

• Book early for major events. Big events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, college football games, and conventions can tighten availability across the city.
• Check branch hours carefully. Some in-town locations may close earlier or have limited weekend hours; return after closing might not be allowed.
• Allow extra time for returns at ATL. Morning and evening periods can be congested both on the roads and at the Rental Car Center.
• Take note of landmarks and exits. Interstates like I-75/85, I-20, and I-285 intersect in complex ways—using a navigation app and recognizable exits helps reduce stress.
• Review your contract before you drive away. Confirm fuel policy, mileage, and any added fees while you’re still at the counter or in the lot.

Helpful Local Points of Reference

While they do not rent cars themselves, a few key Atlanta transit and travel hubs are useful to know in relation to car rentals:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

  • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Main hub for most airport-based rental pick-ups and drop-offs.

• MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)

  • Customer Service (Five Points Station): 30 Alabama St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • If you prefer to delay renting, MARTA can connect you from ATL to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and other areas where you can pick up a car later.

Having these in mind helps you coordinate public transit, rideshare, and rental car timing in a way that fits your schedule and budget.

Understanding how car rentals in Atlanta, Georgia actually work—where to rent, what vehicle to choose, how traffic and fees affect your trip—makes it much easier to plan confidently. With a clear sense of your priorities (cost, convenience, vehicle size), you can select the rental option that best fits how you want to move around Atlanta and the wider Georgia region.