Hertz Car Rental in Atlanta: Locations, Tips, and What to Expect

If you’re searching for “Hertz Atlanta”, you’re likely trying to figure out where to rent a car, what your options are around the city, and how to avoid surprises with fees, timing, and returns. This guide focuses specifically on using Hertz in Atlanta, Georgia—whether you’re flying into Hartsfield‑Jackson, live in the metro area, or need a local rental for a day trip or repairs.

Main Places to Rent from Hertz in Atlanta

Hertz has multiple locations across the Atlanta area. The two main types most people use are:

• Airport locations – usually open long hours, more vehicle variety, higher fees.
• Neighborhood locations – often cheaper, more convenient if you’re staying or living in the city.

Below is a simple overview of key Hertz spots many Atlanta renters use. Always confirm exact address and hours directly with Hertz before you go.

Major Hertz Locations in and around Atlanta

You’ll typically find Hertz inside or near:

• ATL’s Rental Car Center
• Hotel corridors (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead)
• Major arterial roads like Peachtree Street, Cobb Parkway, and around the Perimeter (I‑285).

Renting from Hertz at Atlanta Airport (ATL)

If you’re flying into Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Hertz operates from the Rental Car Center (RCC), which serves almost all major rental companies.

How to Get to Hertz at ATL

1. Land at ATL and follow signs for Ground Transportation / Rental Cars.
2. Take the Plane Train to the Domestic Terminal (if needed).
3. Follow signs to the SkyTrain (free elevated train).
4. Ride the SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center.
5. Inside the RCC, follow signs for Hertz counters and parking.

If you’re flying internationally, you may need to transfer to the domestic side or ground transportation area first, then continue to the RCC.

Pros and Cons of Renting at ATL with Hertz

Advantages:

• Extended hours compared with many neighborhood branches.
• Larger vehicle selection: SUVs, minivans, premium models, and one-way rentals to other cities.
• Easy pickup right after your flight and direct drive onto I‑85, I‑75, or I‑285.

Trade-offs:

• Airport fees and surcharges can make rentals more expensive than neighborhood locations.
• Lines can be longer during peak travel seasons (holidays, big events, game days).
• Driving from ATL into central Atlanta usually involves heavy traffic, especially on weekdays.

If you’re staying near Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead and arriving during the day, it can sometimes be more cost-effective to use MARTA or a rideshare into the city and rent from a neighborhood Hertz the next morning.

Renting from Hertz in Atlanta Neighborhoods

Neighborhood Hertz locations are spread through the metro area and work well if:

• You live in Atlanta and need a temporary car.
• You’re visiting and staying in a hotel or Airbnb in the city.
• You need an insurance or replacement rental while your car is in the shop.

Common Neighborhood Areas for Hertz

You will typically find neighborhood Hertz branches in or near:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta – convenient to convention centers, offices, and hotels.
• Buckhead – near Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, and major commercial corridors.
• Perimeter / Sandy Springs / Dunwoody – near the I‑285 corridor, office parks, and apartments.
• Cobb County (Marietta, Smyrna) – near big shopping areas and suburban neighborhoods.
• Decatur / East Atlanta – serving intown residents without a personal vehicle.

Neighborhood branches often have more limited hours than the airport. Weekday mornings are usually easiest for fast pickup; Saturdays can be busy, and some locations have limited or no Sunday hours.

What You Need to Rent from Hertz in Atlanta

Requirements are similar across metro Atlanta, but a few local realities are worth noting.

Basic Requirements

Most Atlanta renters will need:

• A valid driver’s license (U.S. or accepted international license).
• A major credit card in the renter’s name.
• To meet minimum age requirements (usually at least 20–25, with extra fees for younger drivers).
• To show proof of identity that matches your reservation details.

Certain neighborhood locations may:

• Place a hold/deposit on your card.
• Require proof of address for local renters.
• Ask additional questions if paying with a debit card.

Under-25 and Student Renters

Younger drivers in Atlanta commonly face:

• Young renter fees added per day.
• Limits on vehicle categories (for example, no luxury or high-performance vehicles).

If you’re a college student at Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Emory, or another Atlanta-area school, it can help to:

• Bring your student ID and proof of local address (campus housing documents, lease, or utility).
• Reserve a standard or compact class, which is more likely to be approved for younger renters.

Pricing and Fees: Atlanta-Specific Considerations

Rental costs in Atlanta can vary significantly depending on location, timing, and vehicle type.

What Tends to Affect Hertz Prices in Atlanta

• Pick-up location: Airport rentals often show higher listed rates due to taxes and facility fees.
• Local events: Major events like big concerts, conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center, or game days for the Falcons, Braves, or Hawks can raise prices across the city.
• Season and day of week: Peak travel seasons and weekends can be more expensive.

Common Extra Charges to Watch For

In Atlanta, renters often report encountering:

• Airport concession and facility fees at ATL.
• Additional driver fees, unless covered by a specific program.
• Fees for young renters.
• Fuel charges if you return the car without refueling.
• Toll-related services if you regularly use express lanes or out-of-state toll roads.

🚗 Tip: If you’re staying primarily inside the city and using surface streets, you may be able to avoid many tolls entirely by planning routes that skip Peach Pass express lanes.

Driving a Hertz Rental in Atlanta: Local Tips

Atlanta driving has its quirks—heavy traffic, complicated interchanges, and occasional severe weather. Knowing this ahead of time can save headaches.

Traffic Patterns to Expect

• Morning rush: Roughly 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., especially on I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, and I‑285.
• Evening rush: Roughly 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) – especially congested, often both directions.
• Game and event days: Traffic near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Truist Park, and major concert venues can be intense before and after events.

If your Hertz rental pick-up or return time is flexible, aim for mid-morning or early afternoon to avoid the worst congestion.

Parking Your Hertz Car in Atlanta

Parking rules vary by neighborhood:

• Downtown / Midtown: Mix of paid decks, street meters, and private lots. Many hotels add nightly parking fees.
• Buckhead: Malls often offer structured parking; some hotels add fees.
• Neighborhoods like Inman Park, Virginia‑Highland, Old Fourth Ward: Mostly street parking; read signs carefully to avoid tickets or towing near busy corridors.

Always keep the rental agreement in the glove box and avoid leaving valuables in view in parking lots or decks.

Weather and Road Conditions

Atlanta’s weather can affect driving:

• Heavy rain and thunderstorms can make highways slick; hydroplaning is common at higher speeds.
• Occasional winter ice can close roads or cause widespread slowdowns, even with light accumulation.
• Road construction on interstates or major roads around the Perimeter can cause sudden lane merges and delays.

If severe weather is predicted on the day you’re scheduled to return your Hertz car, give yourself extra time to reach the branch or airport.

One-Way Rentals and Road Trips From Atlanta

Many Hertz renters in Atlanta use the city as a starting point for road trips or one-way journeys.

Popular Destinations from Atlanta with Hertz Rentals

• Savannah or Tybee Island – coastal Georgia.
• Augusta, Macon, Columbus – intrastate travel.
• Chattanooga, Nashville, Birmingham, Charlotte – nearby states.
• Florida Panhandle beaches – via I‑85 or I‑75 and connecting routes.

When planning a one-way rental:

• Check whether drop-off is allowed at your destination city’s Hertz location.
• Confirm one-way fees and any mileage conditions.
• Make sure the return location’s hours match your arrival plans.

Insurance, Coverage, and What’s Typical in Atlanta

At Hertz in Atlanta, you’ll be offered several types of protection or coverage. It’s important to decide before you arrive what you’re comfortable with.

Common Types of Coverage Offered

• Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or similar – shifts damage responsibility away from you within the terms of the waiver.
• Liability coverage options – may supplement state minimum coverage.
• Personal accident or effects coverage – for injuries or belongings in the car.

Many Atlanta renters:

• Rely on personal auto insurance (if it extends to rentals).
• Use certain credit cards that may offer rental coverage.
• Decline additional coverage when they confirm they’re adequately protected elsewhere.

📌 Important: Coverage rules and eligibility vary. Review your own insurance and card benefits in advance, so you’re not making a rushed decision at the counter.

Using Hertz for Insurance or Repair-Related Rentals

If you live in Atlanta and your car is in a body shop or dealership, Hertz is often used as the rental partner.

How This Usually Works Locally

• Your insurance adjuster or repair shop sets up a reservation with a nearby Hertz branch.
• You may be picked up by Hertz from your home, office, or the repair shop, depending on the branch.
• The billing may go directly to your insurance company, subject to coverage limits.

When coordinating this in Atlanta:

• Confirm which Hertz location you’re supposed to use (there may be several close by).
• Ask what daily rate or vehicle class your policy covers.
• Clarify who pays for fuel, parking tickets, and tolls (these often remain your responsibility).

Returning Your Hertz Rental in Atlanta

Returning a car in Atlanta is generally straightforward, but small details matter—especially at the airport.

Airport Returns (ATL)

At Hartsfield‑Jackson:

1. Follow signs on the interstate for Rental Car Return.
2. Drive to the Rental Car Center, following Hertz signs.
3. Park in the Hertz return area.
4. Wait for an attendant or follow the posted key drop instructions.

It’s wise to:

• Refuel just before reaching the airport—there are gas stations along Camp Creek Parkway and near the airport exit, though some charge higher prices.
• Budget extra time during peak traffic or heavy weather—being late can add an extra rental day.

Neighborhood Location Returns

For in-town Hertz branches:

• Check whether after-hours key drop is available.
• Park only in the designated area to avoid towing or tickets.
• Take clear photos of the car’s condition and fuel gauge, especially if returning when the office is closed.

Returning during posted business hours makes it easier to immediately resolve any questions about damage, mileage, or fuel.

How to Choose the Best Hertz Location in Atlanta for Your Situation

Here’s a quick decision guide tailored to common Atlanta scenarios:

• Flying in and out of ATL in the same day or weekend?
  Use the Hertz at ATL’s Rental Car Center for maximum convenience.

• Staying in a Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead hotel for a conference and only need a car for one or two days?
  Consider a neighborhood Hertz close to your hotel to avoid airport fees and some parking costs.

• Live in metro Atlanta and need a short-term car while yours is being repaired?
  Coordinate through your body shop or dealership with the nearest Hertz branch they use regularly.

• Planning a road trip that starts and ends in different cities?
  Look for Hertz locations that support one-way rentals, comparing ATL airport vs. neighborhood branches for cost and convenience.

By focusing on where you’re staying, when you’re traveling, and how you plan to drive around Atlanta, you can pick the Hertz location and setup that fits your needs—whether you’re a local, a frequent business traveler, or a first-time visitor navigating the city’s interstates and neighborhoods.