At Atlanta International Airport, you get a number of car rental services that ensure you get your own freedom and comfort to the maximum. Whether you are traveling for work, a family vacation, or only a short trip to Georgia, renting a car at ATL would be the easiest way for you to get around the city, visit different attractions, and go to other places.
Accessing car rental services at the Atlanta Airport is very easy; if passengers get lost, they can just follow the well-marked signs or ask for directions on the airport map for help.
Almost all the leading car rental companies operate their services in the central Rental Car Center at ATL. This way, picking up or dropping off your car will be fast and hassle-free for you.
| Car Rental Company | Local Contact Number | Toll-Free Number |
| Ace Rent A Car | (877) 822-3872 | 1-800-822-3872 |
| Advantage Rent A Car | (404) 761-4999 | 1-800-777-5500 |
| Alamo | (833) 315-5893 | 1-888-233-8749 |
| Avis | (404) 763-6333 | 1-800-352-7900 |
| Budget | (404) 530-3000 | 1-800-218-7992 |
| Dollar | (866) 434-2226 | 1-800-800-4000 |
| Enterprise | (833) 315-5894 | 1-800-736-8222 |
| FOX Car Rental | (770) 455-5515 | — |
| Hertz | (404) 530-2925 | 1-800-654-3131 |
| National | (833) 315-5895 | 1-888-826-6890 |
| Payless Rent A Car | (404) 768-2401 | 1-800-729-5377 |
| Sixt | (888) 749-8227 | 1-888-749-8227 |
| Thrifty | (877) 283-0898 | 1-800-847-4389 |
| E-Z Rent A Car | — | 1-800-277-5171 |
Counter locations vary by level: Level 2 (Alamo, Budget, Dollar/Thrifty, Enterprise, National), Level 3 (Ace, Avis, Fox, Hertz, Payless, Sixt).
Only a few car rental services are located outside Atlanta Airport. Most people prefer those located inside the airport because all major companies are in the Rental Car Center. The following is one of the car rental companies found outside the airport:
ATL airport offers only a few options outside that provide free shuttle services. Most customers prefer those at the Rental Car Center since there is a free SkyTrain service.
For those who like driving around Atlanta, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is blessed with an excellent road network. Therefore, one can easily access roads like I-75/I-85, I-285, and US-19.
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time | Highlights |
| Downtown Atlanta | 10 miles | ~20 minutes | High-rise offices, CNN Center, Centennial Olympic Park, food & arts scene |
| Georgia Aquarium | 11 miles | ~20–25 minutes | World’s largest aquarium with marine exhibits |
| World of Coca-Cola | 11 miles | ~20–25 minutes | Interactive beverage museum & tasting |
| CNN Center | 11 miles | ~20 minutes | CNN tour headquarters & shopping |
| Centennial Olympic Park | 11 miles | ~20 minutes | 21-acre park from the 1996 Olympics, free concerts |
| Stone Mountain Park | 26 miles | ~40 minutes | Georgia’s largest attraction, a 100-acre park, hiking, and amusement |
| Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park | 12 miles | ~25 minutes | Dr. King’s home, church, & tomb |
| Fernbank Museum of Natural History | 14 miles | ~25 minutes | Dinosaurs, science exhibits, 65-acre forest |
| Athens, GA | 63 miles | ~90 minutes | College town, live music, foodie scene |
| Chattanooga, TN | 118 miles | ~2 hours | Riverwalk, Blue Ridge Mountains, Chattanooga Choo Choo |
Important Note: Availability of cars for rent, car models, operating hours, rates, and minimum age limits can differ depending on the company you choose and the season of the year when you travel. It is strongly advised to book in advance to avoid issues upon arrival at ATL Airport.
You can get to the Rental Car Center at ATL by taking the complimentary ATL SkyTrain. The train station is conveniently located right outside the baggage claim area (Domestic Terminal). Exit the train at the second stop at the Rental Car Center. The journey should take 4-5 minutes.
Almost all on-site car rental providers will offer 24-hour service. Yet a few companies are only open for a limited time at night. So it is better to check with your company about its working hours before arriving late.
There are hardly any off-site car rentals at ATL. You may want to book the car online in advance or check out locations in the nearby towns of College Park and Hapeville. Nearly all travelers find all major car rental chains operating from the Rental Car Center.
You get the best value when you rent a car that you can use anytime. But the benefits of car rental become obvious only if you are willing to take a trip to Stone Mountain Park, Athens, or Chattanooga. If your only destination is downtown, it is better to take MARTA, which is very cheap ($2.50 fare) and directly connected to the airport.
The time you spend at the rental desk depends on both the vehicle rental company and the season. Usually, travelers estimate the wait at 15-30 minutes, but during busy times it may be 30-60 minutes due to lines at the counters. One of the best ways to speed up the procedure is to complete the online check-in.