Getting Around the ATL SkyTrain & Rental Car Center at Atlanta Airport

If you’re flying in or out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and need a rental car, you’ll almost certainly use the ATL SkyTrain and the Rental Car Center (RCC). Together, they function like a small, efficient transit system dedicated to getting you from the terminal to your car with as little stress as possible.

This guide explains how the ATL SkyTrain works, what to expect at the Rental Car Center, and practical tips for Atlanta residents and visitors using it as part of their travel plans.

What Is the ATL SkyTrain?

The ATL SkyTrain is an elevated, automated people mover that connects:

• The Domestic Terminal (North and South)
• The ATL Airport Rental Car Center
• The Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) and nearby hotels

It’s designed to make it easy to move between the airport terminals and the off-site rental car complex without needing a taxi, shuttle bus, or rideshare.

Key points:

• Cost: The ATL SkyTrain is free to ride.
• Hours: It runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Ride time: About 5 minutes from the Domestic Terminal to the Rental Car Center.
• Frequency: Trains typically arrive every few minutes, so wait times are usually short.

Where to Find the ATL SkyTrain at ATL Airport

From the Domestic Terminal

Whether you arrive at North or South Domestic Terminal:

1. Follow signs for “SkyTrain” or “Rental Car Center.”
2. Signs will lead you to the elevated SkyTrain station, located just outside the main terminal near the Ground Transportation area.
3. You’ll take an escalator or elevator up to the platform.

The SkyTrain station is clearly marked and designed to be accessible, including elevator access for travelers with luggage, strollers, or mobility devices.

From the International Terminal (Concourse F)

If you’re arriving or departing through the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F):

• The ATL SkyTrain does not stop directly at the International Terminal.
• You have two main options to reach the Rental Car Center:

Option 1: Airport shuttle to the Rental Car Center

• Follow signs for “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Car Center Shuttle.”
• Take the free airport shuttle bus that goes directly from the International Terminal to the Rental Car Center.
• This option avoids transferring through the Domestic Terminal.

Option 2: Take the Plane Train to Domestic, then the SkyTrain

• From your arrival concourse, follow signs to the Plane Train (the underground train inside ATL).
• Ride the Plane Train to the Domestic Terminal (either North or South baggage claim).
• Then follow signs to the ATL SkyTrain and ride to the Rental Car Center.

For most international travelers headed straight to a rental car, the direct shuttle from Concourse F to the Rental Car Center is usually the simplest.

The ATL Rental Car Center: What to Expect

The ATL Rental Car Center (RCC) is a large, consolidated facility where nearly all major rental car companies at Atlanta’s airport are located.

Location:
ATL Rental Car Center
2200 Rental Car Center Parkway
College Park, GA 30337

You’ll step off the SkyTrain inside or directly adjacent to the Rental Car Center building and walk straight into the rental car lobby areas.

What’s Inside the Rental Car Center

Inside the RCC, you’ll typically find:

• Rental car counters and customer service desks for multiple companies
• Parking garages where you pick up and return your vehicle
• Signage and kiosks directing you to specific companies and reservation lines
• Restrooms, seating areas, and vending machines
• Walkways and elevators connecting the train station, counters, and car decks

The design is meant to be walkable and intuitive, with overhead signs indicating each rental car brand and return levels.

Step-by-Step: How to Use the ATL SkyTrain to Get Your Rental Car

Here’s a simple walkthrough for a typical arrival:

1. Land at ATL and collect your bags.
2. Follow signs for “Rental Car Center” or “SkyTrain.”
3. Go up to the SkyTrain station from the Domestic Terminal.
4. Ride the ATL SkyTrain (about 5 minutes) to the Rental Car Center stop.
5. Exit the train and follow the clear signs into the Rental Car Center building.
6. Check in at your rental car company’s counter or kiosk.
7. Proceed to the parking level indicated by your rental agreement or the staff.
8. Pick up your vehicle and follow the signs to exit onto local roads and highways.

Returning your car is essentially the reverse: follow signs for “Rental Car Return” to the RCC, drop off the vehicle, then walk back into the building and board the SkyTrain to return to the Domestic Terminal (or take the shuttle to the International Terminal if departing from there).

Returning a Rental Car to the ATL Rental Car Center

When driving back to the airport from around metro Atlanta, look for:

• Highway signs for “Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport”
• Then follow the airport roadway signs for “Rental Car Center” or “Rental Car Return.”

Once you enter the Rental Car Center complex:

1. Follow posted signs for your specific rental company’s return lane.
2. Park where directed and complete the return inspection/check-in.
3. Take your luggage and walk back into the main Rental Car Center building.
4. Take the SkyTrain back to the Domestic Terminal or follow guidance for shuttles to the International Terminal if needed.

Quick Comparison: SkyTrain vs. Other Airport Transit Options

Below is a simple overview of how the ATL SkyTrain compares to other ways of getting between the airport, rental cars, and nearby locations:

Using the SkyTrain to Reach Nearby Hotels and the GICC

The ATL SkyTrain doesn’t only serve rental cars. It also stops at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) and is convenient for certain airport-area hotels in College Park.

If you’re attending a conference at the GICC or staying at a nearby hotel:

• From the Domestic Terminal, board the SkyTrain.
• Get off at the GICC/Gateway Center stop.
• From there, you can walk to the convention center or follow signage to your hotel.

This can be especially useful for Atlanta residents attending events or trade shows near the airport who prefer to use MARTA to the airport and then SkyTrain to the GICC instead of driving.

Tips for Atlanta Locals Using the SkyTrain & Rental Car Center

If you live in metro Atlanta, there are a few ways this setup can make your travel smoother:

• Drop-off & pickup:
  If a friend or family member is renting a car, you can meet them at the Domestic Terminal so they can take the SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center on their own, avoiding circling the rental facility in your own car.

• MARTA + Rental Car:
  You can ride MARTA to Airport Station, walk into the Domestic Terminal, then take the SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center to pick up a rental car—useful if you don’t want to leave your own vehicle at the airport.

• Traveling during peak times:
  During busy travel seasons, using the SkyTrain and the consolidated Rental Car Center can be faster and more predictable than navigating multiple scattered off-airport rental locations.

Accessibility and Luggage Friendliness

The ATL SkyTrain and the Rental Car Center are built with travelers in mind:

• Elevators and escalators at stations and inside the RCC
• Wide walkways that accommodate rolling luggage and strollers
• Level boarding on the SkyTrain, making it easier for wheelchairs and carts
• Clear signage for directions and company locations

If you’re traveling with children, lots of luggage, or mobility devices, allow yourself a little extra time so you can move comfortably between the terminal, SkyTrain, and car decks.

How Long to Budget from Plane to Rental Car

Timing can vary based on your arrival gate, checked baggage, and crowds, but many travelers find:

• From Domestic baggage claim to RCC by SkyTrain: about 10–20 minutes

  • Walking to the SkyTrain station
  • Waiting a few minutes for a train
  • 5-minute ride to the RCC
  • Walking to your rental counter and car deck

• From International Terminal to RCC by shuttle: often 15–30 minutes, depending on shuttle timing and traffic around the airport.

If you’re scheduling a meeting, dinner reservation, or driving further into metro Atlanta (like Midtown, Buckhead, or the northern suburbs), it’s smart to add a buffer to whatever estimate your map app suggests.

Common Questions About the ATL SkyTrain & Rental Car Center

Is the ATL SkyTrain the same as MARTA?
No. The ATL SkyTrain is an airport-operated people mover that stays within the airport/GICC area and is free. MARTA is the regional public transit system with trains and buses throughout metro Atlanta and charges a fare.

Can I walk from the airport terminal to the Rental Car Center instead of taking the SkyTrain?
Walking is not practical or recommended. The Rental Car Center is separated by airport roadways and is designed to be accessed via the SkyTrain or shuttle.

Does the SkyTrain go to the International Terminal?
No. For the International Terminal (Concourse F), use the free shuttle between the Rental Car Center and the International Terminal, or go through the Domestic Terminal and ride the SkyTrain from there.

Do all rental car companies operate out of the Rental Car Center?
Most major on-airport rental companies use the consolidated Rental Car Center. Some off-airport or neighborhood branches around Atlanta may have separate locations, but those typically provide their own shuttles or require a separate trip.

When the ATL SkyTrain Is Most Useful

The ATL SkyTrain and Rental Car Center are especially helpful when:

• You’re flying into ATL and need a rental car for a business trip or vacation.
• You’re an Atlanta resident who prefers to pick up a rental at the airport before heading out of town.
• You’re staying near the Georgia International Convention Center or nearby airport hotels and want a quick connection from the Domestic Terminal.
• You want to avoid multiple shuttles or navigating unfamiliar roadways around the airport just to get to a rental car counter.

Knowing how the ATL SkyTrain and Rental Car Center fit together makes arriving in or departing from Atlanta far more straightforward—whether you’re a local heading out on a road trip or a visitor getting your first taste of the city right at the airport.