ATL Airport Rental Car Guide Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport

Car Rental at Atlanta Airport

The main airport serving Atlanta is Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), located 11 km south of downtown Atlanta. This airport had the highest amount of passenger traffic in 2023, making it the ‘world’s busiest airport’. Atlanta Airport is also the primary hub of Delta Airlines, with over 1,000 flights flying out to 225 domestic and international destinations from here.

If you don’t have your own vehicle, renting a car at the airport is the best way to ensure that your trip to Atlanta is smooth and stress-free. The Rental Car Center (RCC) is home to 12 popular car rental agencies, including Avis, Alamo, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, National, and Hertz. To get to the rental car center from the arrivals area, you will need to take the SkyTrain. After you have collected your luggage from the baggage carousels, walk up to the terminal's west end and take the escalator to reach the station to board the Skytrain. The wait time between the trains is 15 minutes. Most car rental companies are open 24/7 so you will not have a problem picking up your vehicle no matter when you arrive. There are various car rental types to choose from, depending on your budget and requirements.

On arrival, simply walk up to the counter of the agency you have chosen, and their representative will provide assistance. Renting a car at the airport might just be the fastest way to start exploring all that Atlanta and the state of Georgia have to offer. The city center is around 20 minutes by car from the airport.

Downtown Car Rental in Atlanta

Atlanta has a sound transportation system but it doesn't serve some parts of the city that you might want to visit. Don't worry if you did not rent a car at the airport. If you’ve decided on a whim that you want to go road tripping from Atlanta or just want a more convenient way of traveling around the city, renting a car from downtown Atlanta is extremely easy and might even save you a couple of bucks as car rental rates tend to be cheaper outside of the airport. If you are traveling with family, rent a mid-size or full-size SUV for maximum comfort and generous luggage space. And if you are traveling alone or with your partner, opt for an economy car that is both affordable and provides good mileage. In fact, economy cars are the most booked rental car type in Atlanta. 

Driving in Atlanta

Atlanta gets quite busy during rush hours. Downtown Atlanta is most active between 6.30-9 am and 4-7 pm. Atlanta is full of highways so do take care when joining or leaving a highway because the speed limits are higher and drivers tend to take advantage of that to speed. Before renting any car in Atlanta, it is important to ensure that your vehicle has both strong acceleration and powerful brakes. Renting from a good car rental agency is one way to ensure that your car is well-maintained and in good shape to safely handle the Atlanta roads.

Here are some driving rules that can guide you while driving in Atlanta:

● It is prohibited to hold an electronic device while driving in Atlanta. However, you can use hands-free technology to communicate.

● The speed limit on highways is 70 mph and on freeways, it is 65 mph. While driving through neighborhoods, you will need to operate at 65 mph.

● You might be fined for driving considerably under the speed limit in Atlanta.

● If you see any emergency vehicle (such as an ambulance) on your way, you need to move one lane away or reduce your speed limit to 10 mph.

● If you are driving in the rain, you need to turn the headlights on even during the daytime.

● If you are found not wearing seatbelts while driving, you will be fined.

● You can drive without wearing shoes in Atlanta. Weird, but true!

● You cannot carry open alcohol containers in the car.

Parking in Atlanta can be a bit tricky. If you’ve booked a hotel in downtown Atlanta, you will most likely get free parking along with your stay. You can also look out for self-parking lots or public parking garages.

Car Rental Agencies in Atlanta

Major car rental companies serve Atlanta, but the best-rated car rental companies are Alamo, Dollar, and Enterprise. If you are looking for cheaper deals, Avis and Thrifty provide some of the most affordable rentals. The best car rental companies at the Atlanta airport car rental facility are National, Enterprise, and Alamo. Different car rental companies have various USPs. While National is rated best for its app and website, Hertz is rated the best for most customer satisfaction. 

Top Road Trips from Atlanta

Drive four hours from Atlanta to reach the charming coastal city of Savannah. Take an Old Savannah Tour that takes you through its intriguing history, fascinating ghost stories, and an overview of the antebellum architecture. Alternatively, you can also take the Old Town Trolley tour or head to Tybee Island to explore the lighthouse, forts, and museums.

Asheville is a lovely high-altitude city located three hours and thirty minutes drive from Atlanta. Go camping and explore the mountains and waterfalls. This is the perfect place for adventure activities like hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting. After all the fun, unwind at the art galleries or opt for a live music show downtown.

If you are a music lover, Nashville is a must-visit. Famously known as the ‘Music City,’ Nashville boasts live music at every corner, at cafes, restaurants, or even on the streets. Enjoy a classic drive-in concert, take a historical tour of the Ryman Auditorium, or have fun at the Soundwaves waterpark. Nashville is a four-hour drive from Atlanta.

FAQS about car rental in Atlanta

Q. Cost of renting a car in Atlanta?

A. The average cost per day of renting a car in Atlanta is just $34.22 USD.

Q. What’s the cheapest car rental in Atlanta?

A. Prices for Atlanta car rentals start from just $28.92 USD when booking in advance with our partners Enjoy Travel.

Q. What’s the minimum age to rent a car in Atlanta?

A. To rent a car in Atlanta you must be at least 21.

Q. Can I have additional drivers on the rental agreement in Atlanta?

A. Additional drivers can be added to your Atlanta car rental agreement upon request.

Q. What’s the best car for getting around Atlanta?

A. Atlanta is quite an easy city to drive in, so you can travel comfortably in an economy-size vehicle such as a Mitsubishi Mirage or similar.