Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport Car Rental Deals

How to Book Your ATL Ride: Our search tool connects you to Atlanta’s best car rental options in seconds:

• Pick-up Location: Choose Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL). All rentals at ATL are handled at the consolidated Rental Car Center (RCC), a separate facility connected by a quick SkyTrain ride from the terminals. You can also select an alternate location (Midtown, Buckhead, etc.) if it suits you, but most travelers find the airport RCC most convenient for immediate mobility.
• Dates & Times: Enter your arrival and departure info. If your flight gets in late (ATL has 24-hour operations), no worries, ATL’s Rental Car Center and SkyTrain run 24/7, so you can pick up at any time. Just ensure your reservation reflects the correct time (and include your flight number if possible, so the rental agency knows if you’re delayed).
• Vehicle Type & Vendor: Filter by car category, Economy for budget-minded, Full-size or SUVs for comfort, Minivans for family trips, or perhaps a luxury car to cruise in style. With 10+ rental companies on-site at ATL, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty, you have a wide selection. If you have a preferred brand or membership (say, Hertz Gold or National Emerald Club), you can filter or simply compare and see if their rate or a competitor’s is better. Our system will present all the options, from cheapest available to premium offerings.
• Reserve: Found a deal that looks peachy? Go ahead and book it. Most reservations on our site don’t require a credit card upfront, you’ll simply pay when you pick up the car at ATL. You’ll instantly receive a confirmation with all the details, including how to get to the Rental Car Center via the ATL SkyTrain (spoiler: it’s just a 5-minute ride from the terminal).

Why Rent with AirportVanRental at ATL?

Atlanta is a vibrant, sprawling metro area, having a car is often the key to unlocking its gems. Here’s why booking your ATL airport car through AirportVanRental is a smart move:

• One-Stop Comparison: We bring you all the offers from ATL’s airport in one place. Instead of checking each company individually, see them all at a glance on our site. This means you’ll spot the best price or a special upgrade deal immediately. For example, we might show a surprise “free GPS included” offer from Budget or a weekend special from Dollar, deals you’d easily miss if you weren’t comparing widely.
• Competitive Prices & Savings:Cheap rates from ~$25/day (sometimes even lower in off-peak times) are available, and we make sure you get them. Our network often has exclusive discounts, maybe a free additional driver or a percentage off for a weekly rental, that you won’t get by walking up at the counter. Plus, we automatically factor in any current promotions. Essentially, we hunt the deals so you don’t have to. With Atlanta being a convention and business hub, rental prices can surge during events, booking through us early can lock in a lower rate before demand spikes.
• Free Cancellation & No Prepayment: Plans changed and you no longer need a car, or your flight got moved? No problem. Most of our ATL bookings come with free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup. And since you often don’t pay until pickup, you aren’t out-of-pocket. You can reserve confidently even if your itinerary isn’t 100% final. We understand travel can be unpredictable (just like Atlanta’s weather!), so flexibility is baked into our service.
• No Hidden Surprises: The price you see on our website includes mandatory taxes and ATL airport fees. Hartsfield-Jackson has a facility charge for the Rental Car Center and other tourism taxes, we display those upfront in the quote. So, you won’t be stunned by a higher total at checkout. Moreover, we’re transparent about typical deposits, young driver fees, etc., in our terms. We’d rather over-inform you now than have you annoyed later. It’s all about trust.
• Specialized in Vans & Group Travel: As our name implies, AirportVanRental doesn’t just do cars, we’re specialists in van rentals too. Atlanta sees a lot of group travel (church groups, sports teams playing in tournaments, college tours, etc.). Through us, you can find 12 or 15-passenger vans and minivans that might not show up readily on other sites. These larger vehicles are perfect if you’re in town with a big crew (maybe for a family reunion or a Falcons game trip). We often partner with agencies that have these vehicles at ATL but aren’t well-advertised elsewhere.
• Local Insights & Support: Booking with us gives you more than a car, you get our expertise. We provide handy info (see our driving tips and road trips below) specifically tailored to Atlanta and the Southeast. And if you have any questions or hiccups, our customer support is 24/7. Stuck in the infamous Atlanta traffic and running late to return your car? Call us, we can liaise with the rental company to possibly extend your return time a bit. Basically, we’ve got that famous Southern hospitality in our service DNA, ensuring your rental experience is smooth.

Top Atlanta (ATL) Car Rental

• Economy Car, from $25/day, e.g. Mitsubishi Mirage or similar. Ultra fuel-efficient for zipping through city streets and finding snug parking spots in Atlanta’s Midtown.
• Midsize Sedan, from $30/day, e.g. Toyota Corolla or similar. A balance of comfort and economy; great for couples or small families exploring Atlanta’s suburbs or taking a day trip to Stone Mountain.
• Standard SUV, from $45/day, e.g. Ford Edge or similar (5-passenger). Ideal for family outings, plenty of cargo space for luggage or shopping bags after hitting Atlantic Station.
• Minivan, from $55/day, e.g. Dodge Grand Caravan or similar (7-passenger). Visiting with a larger family or a group? This is your road-trip shuttle to Six Flags Over Georgia or up to the Chattanooga aquarium.
• Luxury Sedan, from $60/day, e.g. Mercedes C-Class or similar. Arrive in style in Buckhead or impress clients; also nice for a scenic drive up to the Blue Ridge mountains. Taxes and fees not included in “from” prices above. These example deals were recently found; actual prices will depend on your dates and availability. Start a search to see current Atlanta rates and any newer discounts, you might catch a flash sale!

Driving Tips for Atlanta Visitors

Atlanta is a bustling city known for its traffic and sprawling metro area. But don’t worry, with a bit of preparation, you can navigate like a local. Here are some key driving tips for the ATL area:

• Atlanta Traffic Realities: It’s no secret, Atlanta often ranks among the worst US cities for traffic congestion. Peak rush hours (approximately 7:00–9:30 AM and 4:00–7:00 PM on weekdays) can turn interstates into parking lots. The Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85 through the heart of the city) is especially notorious, as is the Perimeter (I-285) on the north side. If possible, schedule activities to avoid driving through downtown at these times. Use a traffic app (Google Maps, Waze), they are lifesavers here, often routing you onto surface streets to dodge jams. Also, don’t be alarmed by the ‘Peach Pass’ Express Lanes on I-75/I-575 and I-85 in certain suburbs, these are optional toll lanes to bypass congestion. Rental cars can use them if equipped/toll opted-in, but they’re mostly useful if you’re commuting from areas like Kennesaw or Gwinnett during rush hour.
• Airport to City & Car Rental Center: ATL’s Rental Car Center is connected via the SkyTrain, a free automated train from both domestic and international terminals, operating 24/7. Once you have your car, getting to downtown Atlanta is straightforward: it’s about 10 miles north via I-85/75 (the Connector). Without traffic, it’s a 15-20 minute drive. With traffic... plan for much more (we’re talking 30-45 mins or more at peak). If you arrive during rush hour and are heading north of downtown, an alternate is to take I-285 West (the Perimeter highway) around to your area, but that can also be congested. In short: check live traffic as soon as you pick up your car, then choose a route.
• Navigation & Signage: Atlanta’s interstates have numerous merging lanes and exits close together, especially downtown. Keep an eye on the overhead signs and stay in the correct lane for your route (GPS will help, but sometimes even it can be overwhelmed by how close exits are). For example, if you’re on I-85 North heading to Midtown, and you need I-75 North, those splits happen fast on the Connector. Don’t be afraid of Atlanta’s surface streets: sometimes taking arterial roads like Peachtree Street, Northside Drive, or Freedom Parkway can be saner than the highway. Also, note that many surface streets change names frequently (that joke about every street being named Peachtree has some truth!). Pay attention to route numbers (e.g., US 19, GA 400) in addition to street names when navigating.
• Parking in Atlanta: Downtown and Midtown Atlanta have plenty of parking garages and lots. Rates are usually around $10-20 for a day in commercial garages, less for evenings. Street parking exists, especially in areas like Midtown or Virginia-Highland, but be mindful of permit-only spots in residential zones. The ParkMobile app is commonly used for metered parking in the city (download it to pay by phone). Around tourist spots like the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola, the official decks are convenient (around $12-15). In Buckhead, malls like Lenox Square have free parking if you’re shopping there, and there are paid lots/valet at nightlife spots. Importantly, never leave valuables visible in your car, this is standard advice for any city to prevent break-ins.
• Driving Style: Atlanta drivers are generally assertive. Quick accelerations and sudden lane changes are part of the game on the interstates. Be a defensive driver, keep safe distances because stop-and-go traffic can slam to a halt quickly. Yellow lights in the city are often treated as suggestions to hurry through (not that we endorse that, but be aware cross-traffic might wait a second after their light turns green). Georgia law requires you to stop for school buses when their stop sign is out, even on some divided roads (unless there’s a physical median). Also, note that in Georgia, it’s illegal to hold your phone while driving (hands-free only), police do enforce this with tickets.
• Tolls and Payment: Aside from the Express Lanes (which require a Peach Pass toll transponder, your rental company’s toll program would cover this if you opt in), metro Atlanta doesn’t have traditional toll roads. GA-400 inside the perimeter used to have a toll, but that’s gone. So, you likely won’t encounter toll booths at all in the Atlanta area except the automated express lanes. If you head out of state (say, up I-85 into Florida’s turnpikes or east to some Florida toll roads), then you’d hit tolls, but in Georgia, you’re mostly toll-free.
• Weather Considerations: Atlanta’s weather can be a mixed bag. Spring and summer bring heavy thunderstorms, if rain is pounding, slow down to avoid hydroplaning; Atlanta’s roads can get slick and water can pool. Always turn on headlights when wipers are in use (state law). In winter, while snow is infrequent, if there’s even a hint of ice or snow, the city can grind to a halt (remember the infamous “Snowpocalypse” of 2014?). If you happen to visit during a rare winter storm, it might be best to stay put, the city’s road clearing is limited and hills + ice = trouble. Lastly, be prepared for heat: summer temperatures in July/August climb into the 90s °F with high humidity. Carry water in the car, and don’t leave electronics or aerosols (or kids/pets!) in a hot car even for short stops.

Road Trip Ideas from Atlanta (ATL Airport Starting Point)

One of the joys of having a rental car in Atlanta is the ability to explore the rich history, nature, and neighboring states of the Southeast. Here are a few road trip ideas to consider:

Southern Coastal Adventure: Atlanta to Savannah & Charleston

Distance: ~250 miles to Savannah (4 hours), then 108 miles to Charleston (about 2 hours).
Route: Take I-75 South from Atlanta, then switch to I-16 in Macon to head straight into Savannah, GA. After enjoying Savannah, follow US-17/I-95 North into South Carolina, then East on I-26 to Charleston.
Highlights: Start with Savannah, one of the South’s most charming cities. Wander the historic district with its moss-draped oak trees, cobblestone streets, and 22 iconic squares (parks). Don’t miss Forsyth Park with the famous fountain, and perhaps take a ghost tour at night, Savannah loves its haunted history. The food is a highlight too: try Leopold’s Ice Cream or The Olde Pink House for a classic southern meal. From Savannah, the drive to Charleston is short and sweet. Charleston offers its own blend of history and coastal beauty: stroll the French Quarter and Battery promenade with views of Charleston Harbor, tour the pastel-colored Rainbow Row houses, and learn about colonial and Civil War history at sites like Fort Sumter or a plantation like Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. Both cities are pedestrian-friendly, so park the car and explore on foot to soak in the ambiance. If you have extra time, swing out to Tybee Island (20 min from Savannah) for a beach break, or stop at Beaufort, SC on the way to Charleston, a small historic town that’s like a mini Savannah.
Tips: When leaving Atlanta, try to depart either very early or after morning rush hour, since I-75 through Macon can back up with commuter and trucking traffic. Along I-16, note that it’s a fairly remote highway, make sure you have gas and maybe snacks, as services can be 40+ miles apart. In Savannah and Charleston, many streets are one-way and narrow; your rental car’s GPS or a phone map is handy for navigating the colonial street layouts. Both cities have plenty of public parking garages (in Savannah, look for Liberty Street garage or Robinson garage, for example; in Charleston, there are garages near the City Market). Pay attention to local parking signs if you park on the street, as some areas are residential permit only. The climate on the coast is warmer and more humid than Atlanta, spring and fall are ideal times for this trip, while summer will be hot (but manageable if you break for sweet tea or ice cream!). Also, watch your speed on I-16 and I-95; they’re patrolled by state troopers (the limit is often 70 mph, and speed traps can pop up near small towns).

Mountain Getaway: Atlanta to Great Smoky Mountains (via Blue Ridge & Chattanooga)

Distance: ~200 miles if direct (3.5–4 hours) to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (through Chattanooga and Knoxville), but with our scenic route plan, it’s more like 300 miles with stops.
Route: Head north on I-75 from ATL to Chattanooga, TN (around 2 hours, 118 miles). After exploring Chattanooga, continue on I-75 to Knoxville, TN, then take I-40 East to Exit 407 for TN-66/US-441 into Great Smoky Mountains National Park (near Gatlinburg). Optionally, you can detour from Chattanooga along US-74 (the Ocoee Scenic Byway) through the Cherokee National Forest to reach the Smokies from the south side (through Cherokee, NC).
Highlights: First stop, Chattanooga, a fun, underrated city. Check out the Tennessee Aquarium (one of the best in the nation), stroll the riverfront and Walnut Street pedestrian bridge, or ride the Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain for a panoramic view of the region. Don’t forget to sample a Chattanooga specialty, maybe a MoonPie (originated here!) or some BBQ. Next, heading towards the Smokies, consider a pit stop in Knoxville or skip ahead to the mountains. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the US, and for good reason. From Gatlinburg, drive the scenic Newfound Gap Road through the park (with stops at Newfound Gap overlook on the TN/NC state line, and Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smokies, via a side road and a steep half-mile walk to the observation tower). If you love waterfalls, do the short hike to Laurel Falls or Grotto Falls. On the North Carolina side, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center often has elk grazing at dusk. For a charming town experience, Gatlinburg offers touristy fun (sky-lifts, pancake houses, distilleries with free moonshine tastings), and nearby Pigeon Forge is home to Dollywood theme park if that’s your thing. Alternatively, for a more peaceful vibe, the towns of Blue Ridge, GA or Ellijay, GA (on a different route through North Georgia) offer mountain scenery and apple orchards, respectively, options if you wanted a shorter loop just within Georgia.
Tips: The Smokies have bear country, if you drive early morning or late evening, keep eyes peeled for wildlife on the roads (especially in the park). Never feed bears (for safety, and it’s illegal) and secure food/trash if picnicking. Traffic in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area can be very heavy on summer weekends and during fall foliage season, be patient or plan to arrive at off-peak times. The park itself has no entry fee (a rarity among national parks). Parking at popular spots can fill up; consider starting your day early to beat crowds (for example, be at Clingmans Dome in morning). When driving mountain roads, use lower gear on steep descents to avoid overheating brakes, and don’t ride your brakes. If you took the Ocoee Scenic Byway detour from Chattanooga, note that section is curvy and slower but very scenic along the Ocoee River (famous for whitewater rafting). For comfort, fill up your gas tank before venturing into the national park; towns like Gatlinburg, Cherokee, or Townsend on edges have fuel, but none inside the park. Lastly, weather in mountains can be cooler, bring a light jacket even if Atlanta was hot when you left.

Gulf Coast Drive: Atlanta to Gulf Shores (Alabama Beaches) (Bonus shorter trip)

Distance: ~350 miles (5.5 hours).
Route: Take I-85 South from Atlanta to Montgomery, AL, then I-65 South to Mobile, AL. From Mobile, it’s about an hour east on I-10 then south on AL-59 to Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area.
Highlights: This trip takes you from city to sand. It’s a longer drive, but doable for a long weekend. En route, you could stop in Montgomery, Alabama’s capital rich in civil rights history (consider the Rosa Parks Museum or the Civil Rights Memorial). Further down, Mobile is a historic port city (with lovely oaks in the downtown squares and the USS Alabama battleship to tour). But the crown jewel is the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area on the Alabama coast, known for sugar-white sand and warm Gulf of Mexico waters. Relax on the beach, visit Gulf State Park (they have a great pier and trails), or partake in water sports like jet skiing or deep-sea fishing. For family fun, there’s also the Hangout (a famous beachside restaurant with music and games) or OWA amusement park a bit inland in Foley. Seafood here is a must, try some Gulf shrimp or oysters at a local eatery. Sunsets over the Gulf are spectacular, and you might catch dolphins playing just offshore.
Tips: Start with a full tank; while there’s plenty of services on the interstates, once you get off I-10 for the coast, stations are fewer (though AL-59 has some in Foley and such). Watch your speed in small towns, especially around Montgomery and Mobile, Alabama state troopers are active. The drive on I-65 around Birmingham and I-85 out of Atlanta can have heavy traffic at times, leaving early in the morning from ATL will help beat congestion. For Gulf Shores lodging/parking: many beach access points have public parking (often free or low cost), and if you’re staying at a hotel/condo they’ll provide parking. Summer is peak season at the Gulf, so be prepared for crowds and book accommodations in advance. Also, the sun is strong, pack that sunscreen. One fun optional detour: from Mobile, instead of I-10, take the scenic AL-193 down to Dauphin Island and then a ferry (with your car) across Mobile Bay to Fort Morgan, then drive into Gulf Shores. The ferry ride is about 40 minutes and a beautiful way to arrive (you might see dolphins). Just check the schedule and arrive early, as lines can form in summer.

Quick Atlanta Rental Car Info

• Distance from ATL to Downtown: ATL Airport is roughly 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta. By car, that’s about a 15–20 minute drive without traffic via I-85/75 North. With typical traffic, plan for 30 minutes or more. The airport is also about 25 miles from Midtown’s north end or Buckhead (in light traffic ~30-35 minutes but again can be longer during rush hour).
• Fuel Types: Most rental cars take regular 87 octane gasoline. Unless you rent a specialty or a diesel vehicle (diesel is uncommon in rental fleets here, mainly large trucks if any), use regular unleaded. Gas prices in Georgia are often a bit below national average thanks to lower gas taxes. There are plenty of gas stations around the metro; if heading north into the mountains, fill up before you go as stations can be sparse in rural areas.
• ATL Rental Car Center Hours: The RCC is open 24/7. All companies operate with some staff or on-call agents at all hours to accommodate the constant flow of flights. If you have a super early flight and need to return at, say, 4 AM, it’s not a problem, you can drop off any time. The SkyTrain also runs continuously 24/7 to ferry you back to the terminal (with maybe brief pauses overnight but generally always an option).
• Vehicle Choices: In Atlanta, common rentals include lots of sedans (midsize and full-size are popular for business travelers), SUVs (for families or those heading to mountainous areas), and luxury vehicles (Atlanta has a demand for luxury and premium cars, so don’t be surprised if you see BMWs or Infinitis available). Minivans and 12-15 passenger vans are also in demand for groups. If you need 4WD/AWD: note that most standard cars are front-wheel drive which is fine for city and even mountain roads in normal conditions. If you’re visiting in winter and plan to drive to potentially snowy areas (rare, but up in Smokies could snow), you might request an SUV, though even those may not always be 4WD. Atlanta itself seldom needs 4WD.
• Tech Toll Devices: Georgia’s Peach Pass is used for those express lanes, many rental cars might not have a dedicated Peach Pass device, but if you opt into the rental’s toll program, the license plate gets registered or they have an interoperable system. Florida’s SunPass works on Georgia’s lanes too, and vice versa, thanks to compatibility. So if your rental had a SunPass (for Florida tolls), it would actually cover GA express lanes as well.
• Alternative Transportation: Atlanta does have MARTA rail that connects the airport to downtown, Midtown, and a bit beyond. It’s a good option if you’re solo and just going to those areas. But to reach suburbs or do sightseeing like Stone Mountain, having a car is far more convenient. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is widely available in Atlanta as well, but costs can add up if you’re doing multiple trips, which is why many choose the rental route for flexibility.
• Popular Car Rental Times: Expect the rental center to be busiest weekday mornings (7-10 AM) when business travelers land to start their day, and Sunday afternoons when people pick up for the week or leisure travelers arrive. If you’re landing in one of those windows, you might find lines at the counter, consider joining any expedited program (like Hertz Gold or similar) to skip the counter, or just budget a bit more time.
• Dropping Off, Timing: When returning at ATL, it’s fairly efficient: you drive into the Rental Car Center, follow signs to your company’s return area. It usually takes just a few minutes for them to check you in. After that, remember you still need to catch the SkyTrain back to the terminal (5 min ride) and then clear security, etc. So ensure you leave enough cushion. If returning a car and flying out of the International Terminal, know that the SkyTrain goes to the domestic terminals; from there, you’d take an airport shuttle to the international terminal (adds ~15 more minutes). Plan accordingly.