Long-Term Parking at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport: A Local’s Guide

Finding long-term parking at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re leaving your car for several days or longer. Between on-airport decks, economy lots, and off-airport options, prices and convenience can vary a lot.

This guide focuses on how long-term parking works specifically at Atlanta’s airport, what your options are, typical tradeoffs, and how locals often decide where to park.

Key Long-Term Parking Options at Atlanta International Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) offers several types of long-term parking on airport property, plus many private lots nearby. Choosing the right one usually comes down to:

• Budget
• How long you’ll be gone
• How close you want to be to your terminal
• Whether you prefer covered vs. uncovered parking

Below is a simplified overview of the main on-airport options.

Major On-Airport Long-Term Parking Options

Economy Parking at ATL: Best for Most Long Trips

For many Atlanta travelers, Economy Parking is the default choice for long-term stays.

Where the Economy Lots Are

There are typically North and South Economy lots serving the domestic terminal:

• North Economy Lot – near the North Terminal (Delta and others)
• South Economy Lot – near the South Terminal (usually other airlines)

Both are accessible from Camp Creek Parkway, I-85, and I-75 via the airport’s main entrance roads. Signs for “Economy Parking” are clearly marked as you approach the terminal area.

Why Locals Use Economy Lots for Long-Term Stays

Economy lots are often preferred because they:

• Are less expensive per day than the main daily garages
• Are still on airport property, so no outside shuttle contracts
• Have simple entry and exit with ticket or card pay

Economy parking usually means a longer walk or short shuttle ride compared to the terminal garages. If you’re packing light or okay with a modest walk, this is often the best balance of cost and convenience for trips of 3–10 days.

Park-Ride Lots: ATL West and ATL Select

ATL has expanded its Park-Ride options to handle heavy demand and give travelers lower-priced choices.

ATL West Parking

ATL West Parking is a large park-ride facility located west of the airport, reached via Camp Creek Parkway near the SkyTrain Rental Car Center area.

• You park, then take a shuttle or SkyTrain connection toward the terminals.
• Typically one of the cheapest on-airport options per day, making it attractive for weeklong or longer trips.

This option adds some extra travel time from car to terminal, but it stays under airport management, which some travelers prefer over private lots.

ATL Select Parking

ATL Select is another park-ride style lot that may combine:

• General long-term parking
• Oversized vehicle parking
• Sometimes specific areas with different daily rates

ATL Select is located near the I-85 South side of the airport, with shuttle buses running to the terminals. If you’re driving an RV, truck with trailer, or very large SUV, ATL Select is often the recommended long-term option.

Daily Parking Garages (North & South Decks)

The Daily Parking Garages at the North and South terminals sit right next to the domestic terminal buildings. For long-term parking, they are:

• More expensive per day than Economy or Park-Ride
• Much closer to check-in and baggage claim
• Often include covered parking on many levels

Locals often choose the daily garages when:

• The trip is short (2–4 days)
• They’re leaving very early or arriving very late
• They prefer short walks and direct terminal access

If you’re carrying a lot of luggage, traveling with small children, or don’t want to rely on shuttles, the extra cost can be worth it.

International Terminal Long-Term Parking

If you’re flying out of the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Terminal F), parking near the international side can be more convenient than using the domestic decks.

International Terminal Parking Areas

You’ll typically see:

• International Terminal Parking Deck – directly connected to Terminal F by a pedestrian walkway.
• International Surface Lot – adjacent to or near the deck.

Both are accessed from Interstate 75, following signs for “International Terminal” and “Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd.”

When This Makes Sense

Use international-side parking if:

• Your flight departs and returns to the international terminal
• You want a short walk from parking to check-in
• You’re planning a long international trip but still value convenience

Travelers connecting through ATL on separate domestic and international segments may still prefer to park on the domestic side depending on their airline and return itinerary. Checking your departure and arrival terminals ahead of time helps you decide.

Off-Airport Long-Term Parking Near ATL

Beyond the official airport lots, there are many private long-term parking facilities around Hartsfield-Jackson, especially along:

• Virginia Avenue
• Best Road
• Camp Creek Parkway
• Areas near the I-85 and I-285 interchange south and west of the airport

Common features include:

• Lower daily rates than most on-airport decks
• Shuttle service to the domestic or international terminals
• Options for covered or uncovered parking
• Some locations with car wash or detailing services for longer trips

Pros and Cons of Off-Airport Parking

Advantages:

• Often cheaper, especially for 5+ day trips
• Can offer online reservations to guarantee a spot during busy travel periods
• Some lots have frequent shuttles with luggage assistance

Tradeoffs:

• You’re not on airport property
• Travel time depends on shuttle schedules and traffic
• You may need to allow extra time for check-in, shuttle loading, and drop-off

Many Atlanta residents who travel several times a year settle on a favorite off-airport lot and stick with it, especially if they regularly park for a week or more.

How to Choose the Best Long-Term Parking for Your Trip

When deciding where to park long-term at Atlanta International, it helps to think through a few key questions.

1. How Long Are You Gone?

• 1–3 days:
  • Daily Parking Garages or International Deck are often worth the added cost for convenience.
• 4–7 days:
  • Economy Lots or ATL West / ATL Select strike a good balance.
• 8+ days:
  • Consider Park-Ride lots or off-airport parking for significant savings.

2. Which Terminal Are You Using?

• Domestic Terminal (North or South):
  • Daily Garages, Economy Lots, or ATL West/Select are usually best.
• International Terminal (Terminal F):
  • International Terminal Deck or lot minimizes walking and transfers.
  • If you’re connecting or unsure, verify if your return flight arrives on the same side.

3. How Much Luggage and Mobility Considerations?

• Heavy bags, strollers, or mobility challenges:
  • Favor garages adjacent to terminals or lots with frequent shuttles.
• Light travelers:
  • Can more comfortably use Economy or Park-Ride and walk further if needed.

4. Time of Day You’re Traveling

Early morning or late-night flights often make short walks and simple exits more valuable:

• Late returns: Many prefer on-airport parking to avoid waiting outside for shuttles.
• Busy holidays: Off-airport lots can be crowded; advance reservations (where offered) can help.

Practical Tips for Long-Term Parking at ATL

A few habits can make long-term parking at Atlanta International much smoother:

1. Allow Extra Time

For long-term options that involve shuttles or longer walks, add:

• 20–30 minutes extra beyond your usual arrival time
• More during peak holiday periods or severe weather

2. Take a Photo of Your Location

Once you park:

• Snap a photo of the row, level, or zone sign
• Make a quick note in your phone with:
  • Lot name (e.g., “North Economy”)
  • Row/space milestone
  • Date and time you parked

After a 7–10 day trip, this can save a lot of wandering.

3. Keep Your Parking Ticket Handy

• Don’t leave your ticket buried in luggage.
• Store it in your wallet, phone case, or glove compartment so you can access it easily when exiting.

4. Check for Height Restrictions

If you’re driving a:

• Tall SUV with a rack
• Van
• Truck with ladder racks or rooftop accessories

Verify garage clearance signs at the entrance. If there’s any doubt, look for surface lots or ATL Select for oversized vehicles.

5. Plan for Weather

Atlanta weather can be:

• Hot and sunny in summer (car interiors get very hot)
• Rainy or stormy in spring and late summer
• Occasionally cold or icy in winter

For longer trips, some travelers prefer covered garages to protect their vehicle from sun and storms, even if it costs more.

Getting to ATL Long-Term Parking

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is located at:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main information line (airport-wide): (800) 897-1910

For the International Terminal (Terminal F), vehicle access is typically via:

Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd
Atlanta, GA 30354

When driving, look for roadside signs indicating:

• Domestic Terminal – North / South
• International Terminal
• Parking – Economy / Park-Ride / Hourly / Daily

Following these signs carefully is important; they will guide you into the correct traffic pattern for the parking type you want.

When to Consider Rideshare or MARTA Instead of Long-Term Parking

If you live in the Atlanta area, it’s also worth comparing long-term parking costs to other ways of getting to ATL:

• Rideshare or taxis from intown neighborhoods (Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, Westside) can sometimes be similar in cost to a week of parking, especially for solo travel.
• MARTA offers direct rail service to the Airport Station, which connects into the domestic terminal.
  • If you’re staying near a rail line (Red or Gold Line especially), this can eliminate parking costs entirely.
  • For international flights, you can ride the plane train or airport shuttle between the domestic and international terminals.

Travelers staying in hotels near the airport often use park-and-fly packages, leaving their car at the hotel while using its shuttle system, instead of parking directly at ATL.

For long-term parking at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International, the right choice depends mainly on how long you’ll be gone, which terminal you’re using, and how much convenience you want to pay for. Economy lots and park-ride facilities offer solid value, while terminal garages and international decks maximize convenience. Off-airport lots further expand your options if you’re looking to manage costs on longer trips.