Parking at Six Flags Over Georgia in Atlanta: What It Costs and How It Works
If you’re planning a day at Six Flags Over Georgia just west of Atlanta, parking is one of the first costs you’ll want to nail down. Between general parking, preferred options, and passes, it can feel confusing if you haven’t been in a while.
Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to how much parking costs at Six Flags Over Georgia, what your options are, and how locals typically save money and time.
Where You’re Going: Six Flags Over Georgia Basics
Six Flags Over Georgia
275 Riverside Parkway
Austell, GA 30168
The park sits right off I‑20 West, about 15–20 minutes from downtown Atlanta in light traffic. Almost everyone arriving by car will use the main entrance off Riverside Parkway and then follow signs into the official Six Flags parking lot.
Parking is not included with regular admission unless you have a season pass or membership that specifically includes parking benefits.
How Much Is Parking at Six Flags Atlanta?
Parking prices at Six Flags can change, and the park sometimes adjusts rates between seasons or on peak days. As of the most commonly reported setup, you’ll typically see these types of parking:
Main Parking Options
1. General Parking
This is the standard self‑parking option in the main lot.
- Typically the lowest-cost option
- A short walk from the gate, but you may be farther back on busy days
- You usually pay once per vehicle per day
2. Preferred Parking
Preferred parking gets you closer to the front gate than general parking.
- Higher cost than general parking
- Can save walking time, especially in heat or with kids
- Limited availability; can sell out on busy weekends or holidays
3. Premium / Front-Gate–Style Parking (if offered)
On some days, the park may offer even closer parking options, often right near the entrance.
- Highest parking price tier
- Best for visitors who want the shortest walk or plan to leave midday and return
Quick Parking Comparison
While individual prices can shift, here’s how the options usually compare relative to each other:
| Parking Type | Relative Cost | Distance to Gate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Parking | $ (lowest tier) | Longest walk | Most visitors, budget-conscious guests |
| Preferred Parking | $$ (mid-range) | Closer than general | Families, short visits, hot days |
| Premium / Front-Gate | $$$ (highest tier) | Closest to entrance | Those prioritizing convenience |
| Season Pass Parking | Included/Discount* | Usually general or better | Frequent Atlanta-area visitors |
*Only if your season pass or membership includes parking. Not all passes do.
Paying for Parking: What Atlantans Should Expect
How You Pay
Most Atlanta-area visitors find that Six Flags Over Georgia leans toward cashless payments. In practice, that usually means:
- Credit and debit cards commonly accepted at the toll plaza
- Some parks are fully cashless, while others allow limited cash use
To avoid surprises, plan to have:
- A major credit/debit card ready
- Enough funds to cover parking plus any tolls or rideshares if needed
If you rarely use cards and prefer cash, it’s worth checking the current payment policy before you drive out from Midtown, Buckhead, or the suburbs.
Parking for Season Pass and Membership Holders
If you visit Six Flags Over Georgia multiple times a year from Atlanta or nearby suburbs like Mableton, Smyrna, Douglasville, or Marietta, a season pass or membership may reduce or include parking.
Depending on the specific pass:
- Parking may be included (often at the general parking level)
- Or you may get a discounted parking rate
- Higher-tier passes might include upgraded parking on some days
Always confirm what your exact pass type includes so you don’t get surprised at the gate.
Arriving and Parking: What Local Visitors Usually Do
Best Arrival Times from Around Atlanta
Traffic patterns matter. From inside the Perimeter, drive time to Six Flags can vary widely.
From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:
- Early morning (opening time) or later in the evening tends to be smoother
- Weekday rush hours on I‑20 West can be heavy
From Eastside (Decatur, Stone Mountain, I‑285 East):
- You’ll usually take I‑20 through the city
- Plan extra time around typical rush hours and during major events
From North Atlanta (Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Dunwoody):
- You’ll often come down I‑75/85 or I‑285 and then pick up I‑20 West
- Weekend mornings are typically easier than late afternoon
Arriving at or before park opening not only helps with traffic but also makes parking simpler—you’ll usually get a spot closer to the front even in general parking.
Tips to Save on Parking at Six Flags Over Georgia
While you can’t usually avoid parking fees entirely if you drive, Atlanta visitors use a few strategies to reduce the total cost:
1. Carpool with Friends or Family
Because parking is typically charged per vehicle, not per person, filling one vehicle instead of two can cut your group’s total parking cost in half.
- Common for groups coming from college campuses (Georgia State, Georgia Tech)
- Also popular for families meeting up from different metro suburbs
2. Consider a Season Pass if You Go Often
If you plan several visits within a season, look closely at:
- How many visits you’re likely to make
- Whether upgrading to a pass that includes parking would pay for itself
after a few trips
For many Atlanta-area families, the parking savings becomes a big factor when they plan multiple summer trips.
3. Check for Online Account or App Options
When Six Flags offers online pre-purchase of parking, that can sometimes:
- Speed up entry at the toll plaza
- Help you lock in the current rate before any on-site changes
If you’re already buying tickets or passes online, look to see if parking add-ons are shown and compare.
Accessibility and Special Parking Needs
Six Flags Over Georgia typically offers additional parking accommodations:
Accessible / ADA Parking
Visitors with a valid disabled parking placard or license plate can generally access designated accessible spots closer to the entrance.
- You’ll still need to pay the standard parking fee unless your pass covers parking
- Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so early arrival helps
Drop-Off and Pick-Up
If someone else is dropping you off, especially from inside Atlanta or via rideshare:
- The park generally maintains a designated drop-off / pick-up area near the entrance
- This can be useful if one member of your group isn’t staying for the full day
Check posted signs and ask staff at the entrance if you’re unsure where to go.
Parking with Rideshare or Shuttles from Atlanta
If you’d rather avoid parking altogether, you can look into:
Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
Many Atlanta visitors use rideshare from:
- Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead hotels
- Neighborhoods like West End, East Atlanta, or Inman Park
Consider:
- Surge pricing during peak times or after closing
- Planning an easy meeting point for pickup at the end of the day
While you won’t pay for parking, a longer ride from far suburbs (e.g., Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, Fayetteville) can cost more than simply driving and paying for parking, especially for larger groups.
Private or Hotel Shuttles
Occasionally, group tours or certain hotels near downtown or the airport may offer shuttle buses to Six Flags Over Georgia.
- These are more common during peak tourism seasons or with group events
- If you’re part of a school, camp, or church group in metro Atlanta, check whether transportation and parking for charter buses are handled by the organizer
Practical Parking Tips for an Atlanta Six Flags Visit
Here are a few additional ways to make parking at Six Flags Over Georgia smoother and less stressful:
Take a photo of your parking row/section.
After a long day in the Georgia heat, it’s easy to forget where you parked in a large lot.Expect hot pavement in summer.
If you’re coming from car to gate and back in July or August, shoes that handle pavement heat well are helpful—especially for kids.Plan your exit route.
Leaving close to closing time can create a slow exit from the lot onto Riverside Parkway and I‑20.- Leaving a bit before closing can reduce congestion
- If you live inside the Perimeter, consider navigation apps to route you around traffic back toward downtown or Midtown
Have your payment ready at the toll plaza.
This speeds up the line and reduces overall wait times for everyone.
Key Takeaways for Parking at Six Flags Over Georgia
- You will almost always pay for parking if you drive, unless your season pass or membership includes it.
- You’ll typically choose between general, preferred, and possibly premium/front-gate parking, each at different price tiers.
- Parking prices can change, so always verify current rates directly with Six Flags Over Georgia before you leave home.
- Atlanta locals often save by carpooling and using season passes that include or discount parking.
- Rideshare and group shuttles from around Atlanta can be an alternative if you want to avoid parking entirely.
With the parking costs and options in mind, you can plan your Six Flags Over Georgia visit from Atlanta with fewer surprises and a smoother start to your day.
