Car Hire
Georgia Airport

Once you have collected your luggage from the baggage reclaim carousel, look for the overhead signs directing you to Ground Transportation and the Rental Car Centre. You will exit the terminal building and follow the covered walkways to the ATL SkyTrain station. This free, automated train is dedicated to connecting the terminal with the rental facility. The ride is only a few minutes long, taking you directly to the lobby of the Rental Car Centre where all the company counters are located.

The key is to look specifically for signs that say "Rental Car Centre" and "SkyTrain". It is important not to confuse this with the "Plane Train", which is the underground train that connects the different concourses behind security. You must first exit into the main terminal and go to baggage reclaim. From there, the signage for the SkyTrain is distinct and will lead you out of the building to the correct station for your rental car pick-up.

For international arrivals, it is wise to allow a generous amount of time for the whole process. Plan for at least 90 minutes to two hours from the moment you disembark to when you arrive at the rental car counter. This buffer accounts for potentially long queues at immigration and customs, waiting for checked luggage, and then making your way to the SkyTrain. The route is well signed, but these federal processes can have unpredictable waiting times.

A great meeting point is in the main atrium of the domestic terminal, near the bottom of the large escalators that go up to security. This area is spacious, has seating, and is a central point for all domestic arrivals after they leave baggage reclaim. Once your whole party has gathered there, you can proceed together to the SkyTrain station to head over to the Rental Car Centre as one group, which simplifies logistics.

With carry-on only, your route is quite direct. After disembarking, take the Plane Train to the main terminal station, labelled "Baggage Claim/Ground Transportation". From there, go up the escalators into the main atrium. Instead of going to the baggage carousels, you can immediately follow the signs for the Rental Car Centre and SkyTrain, exit the building, and board the train for the short ride to the rental facility.

The most common point of confusion for first-time visitors is mixing up the Plane Train with the SkyTrain. The Plane Train operates inside the secure area to connect flight concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F). To get to your rental car, you must first exit the secure area into the main terminal. From there, you follow separate signs to the SkyTrain, which is an entirely different train system that operates outside the terminal.

Hartsfield-Jackson is a major international hub that operates 24/7, so you can expect a safe and well-lit environment even late at night. All walkways, the SkyTrain station, and the Rental Car Centre itself are brightly lit and monitored. While there will be fewer travellers than during the day, airport staff and security are always present. The wayfinding signs are large and clear, making navigation straightforward at any hour.

The rental car centre tends to be busiest during peak flight arrival times, often mid-afternoon to early evening, roughly from 3pm to 7pm. If your travel plans are flexible, arriving mid-morning (around 10am) or later in the evening (after 8pm) can often mean shorter queues at the rental counters. Weekends and holidays will naturally see higher volume throughout the day, so building in extra time is always a good strategy.

If your luggage does not arrive, your first step should be to go to your airline’s baggage service office, which is located in the baggage reclaim area. File a delayed baggage report with them immediately. Once you have your claim information, you can proceed to the Rental Car Centre to pick up your vehicle. The airline will coordinate with you to deliver your bag to your hotel or local address once it arrives.

The best approach is to use a luggage trolley, which are readily available in the baggage reclaim area. You can load all your suitcases, car seats, and the folded pushchair onto a single trolley. The walkways to the SkyTrain are wide and equipped with ramps and lifts, making it easy to manage. Once at the Rental Car Centre, you can take the trolley all the way to the rental counter and then out to the car park to load your vehicle.

To ensure a smooth experience, it is crucial to reserve an accessible vehicle well in advance and call the rental company directly to confirm the reservation and your specific needs. When you arrive at the counter in the ATL Rental Car Centre, inform the agent of your reservation. They will direct you to a designated pick-up area in the garage that typically offers more space for manoeuvring and loading, ensuring a comfortable and safe start to your journey.

Before leaving the lot, do a thorough walk-round of the vehicle to note any existing scratches or dents on the rental agreement. Inside the car, check that the air conditioning is working properly, especially for Georgia’s climate. It is also wise to familiarise yourself with the headlights, wipers, and entertainment system. Finally, ensure any extras you requested, like a satellite navigation unit or child safety seat, are present and functioning properly.

The airport’s cell phone lot is an excellent, safe place to pull over for a few minutes. It is located just a short drive from the Rental Car Centre and provides a no-pressure environment to programme your GPS and connect your phone to the car’s Bluetooth. Alternatively, there are several petrol stations and fast-food restaurants with large car parks on Camp Creek Parkway, the main road just outside the airport complex, which also serve as convenient spots to get organised.

The exit from the Rental Car Centre is designed for easy motorway access. As you leave the garage, you will be guided on to a connector road. Pay close attention to the large, green overhead signs. They clearly indicate the lanes for I-85 North (towards Downtown Atlanta), I-85 South, I-75 North (towards Downtown Atlanta), and I-75 South (towards Macon). Following these dedicated signs is the most straightforward way to join the correct interstate.

The most notable interchange for visitors is the I-75/I-85 Connector, which runs through the heart of Downtown Atlanta and has numerous exits in quick succession. The interchange where I-285 (the perimeter motorway) meets I-75 or I-85 can also be challenging. The best way to plan is to use a GPS app with lane-assist guidance. Reviewing your route on the map before you start driving can also help you mentally prepare for key exits and lane changes.

While the most direct route is I-85 North, you can opt for surface streets for a less intense drive. You can take Camp Creek Parkway east, which eventually becomes Langford Parkway (GA-166). This route has fewer lanes and lower speeds than the interstate. From there, you can head north on streets like Lee Street SW or Northside Drive to reach the downtown area. It will take longer but can be a more comfortable introduction to city driving.

During peak commute times, both I-85 and I-75 North will be heavily congested. While it may not be faster, taking surface streets can be less stressful than sitting in stop-start motorway traffic. A common alternative is to take I-85 North for a short distance to the Virginia Avenue exit, then head north on local roads like Piedmont Road or Peachtree Road. This can help you bypass the worst of the downtown interstate congestion.

The area around Centennial Olympic Park is well equipped with large, multi-storey car parks designed for tourists. The official Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola car parks are safe, convenient, and located right next to the attractions. It is often possible to pre-book a space online, which can simplify your arrival. Once parked, this whole entertainment district is easily walkable.

Midtown Atlanta has numerous public parking garages, often attached to office towers or residential buildings, that are open to the public in the evening. Look for the blue signs with a white "P" indicating public parking. Be aware that many streets in Midtown are one-way, so trust your GPS. For late-night exits, choose a well-lit, centrally located garage and make a note of your parking level so you can easily find your car later.

The least stressful strategy is to buy your parking pass in advance through the stadium’s official website or a third-party parking app. This guarantees you a space in a specific lot and provides an address to enter into your GPS. It removes the need to circle the area looking for parking on the day. Arriving early is also strongly recommended to avoid the worst pre-event traffic gridlock.

The best tool for this is a reliable, up-to-date GPS app on your smartphone. Apps like Waze or Google Maps have real-time traffic data and are programmed with Downtown Atlanta’s complex one-way street grid. If your destination is north of the city, staying on the I-75/I-85 Connector through downtown is often simpler than navigating surface streets. For other destinations, let your GPS guide you around the most complex areas.

A smart strategy is to drive to one neighbourhood, find a central car park for a few hours, and explore that area on foot. For example, park once in a deck in Midtown to visit Piedmont Park and nearby restaurants. Then, to move between neighbourhoods, you can either drive your rental car or use a rideshare service for short trips. This avoids the repeated hassle of finding on-street parking in multiple dense, popular areas.

From the airport area, plan for a drive of about 45 to 60 minutes, avoiding peak rush hour. The main route is via I-285 East to US-78 East, which has a dedicated exit for the park. There is a vehicle entrance fee to access the park grounds. Once inside, the road system is easy to follow with clear signs to large car parks for key attractions like the Summit Skyride and Memorial Lawn.

The most direct and common route is to take I-85 North from the airport area. Stay on I-85 North for about 35 miles, then take Exit 106 for GA-316 East. This road takes you all the way to Athens. The drive typically takes about an hour and a half without significant traffic. On a University of Georgia football game day, plan to leave Atlanta at least four to five hours before kick-off to account for extreme traffic.

For the smoothest drive to Savannah, try to leave the airport rental car centre outside peak commuter periods. Ideal windows are mid-morning, between 9:30am and 11:30am, or after the evening rush, around 7:00pm or later. The route is straightforward: I-75 South to Macon, then I-16 East all the way to Savannah. Once you are south of the Atlanta metro area, the drive is typically clear and easy.

A great option for a scenic but manageable drive is to take I-75 North from the airport to I-575 North. This interstate eventually becomes GA-515, a modern, four-lane divided highway for most of the journey to Blue Ridge and Ellijay. This route runs through the foothills, offering beautiful scenery without the stress of narrow, winding two-lane mountain roads, making it suitable for any type of rental car.

Helen is a very popular destination, so expect significant congestion on the roads leading into and through town, especially on weekends from spring through autumn. Parking can be a major challenge. The best strategy is to arrive early, before 11am, to secure a space in one of the large, paid public lots on the edge of the village. From there, the entire Alpine-themed town is easy to explore on foot.

To get the most out of a day trip to Chattanooga, timing is key. Aim to be on I-75 North leaving the Atlanta metro area no later than 8am to get ahead of the morning rush. For your return, try to leave Chattanooga either before 3pm to beat the afternoon commuter traffic back into Atlanta, or after 7pm when congestion has typically eased. This helps you avoid the most frustrating traffic jams.

Both Amicalola Falls and Tallulah Gorge are extremely popular state parks, and their main car parks often fill by mid-morning on pleasant weekends. It is strongly recommended to arrive early, ideally before 10am, to ensure you get a space. The roads to both parks are fully paved and well maintained, so they are accessible for any standard rental car. Be prepared for a park entrance or parking fee.

The most efficient and least stressful route from ATL to the heart of wine country around Dahlonega is to take GA-400 North. You can connect to it from I-85 North shortly after leaving the airport. GA-400 is a multi-lane motorway that avoids the heavy congestion of the I-75/I-85 corridor through the city. This provides a more direct, pleasant start to your trip, taking you towards the scenic roads of the North Georgia mountains.

Georgia Express Lanes are optional toll lanes alongside major interstates such as I-75 and I-85. They require a Peach Pass transponder. It is very important to check your rental company’s specific policy on tolls and transponders before using these lanes. Some companies offer rental transponders, while others may charge administrative fees if you use the lanes without one. These lanes can be a real time-saver if your vehicle is properly equipped.

In spring and summer, Atlanta frequently gets strong but brief afternoon thunderstorms, typically between 2pm and 6pm. These can bring heavy downpours that significantly reduce visibility and cause immediate slowdowns on the motorways. When planning your drive from the airport during these seasons, it is sensible to check the forecast and build extra buffer time into your schedule in case you encounter one of these common storms.

During large-scale events, expect significant road closures and traffic diversions, particularly in Downtown, Midtown, and the Centennial Park area. This can make surface-street navigation very difficult. Your best strategy is to rely on a real-time traffic app like Waze or Google Maps, which will reroute based on closures. Also consider parking on the edge of the event zone and using MARTA public transport to reach the core area.

The best approach is to choose a large, central parking area as your base. For the popular Eastside Trail section of the BeltLine, parking at Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market is ideal. You can leave your car in one of these paid lots for several hours and explore miles of trail, shops, and restaurants on foot or by hiring a scooter. This is far more efficient than trying to find new parking every few blocks.

For the narrow ramps and tight corners common in Downtown and Midtown Atlanta parking garages, a compact or mid-size saloon is generally the easiest option. While a standard SUV is certainly manageable, larger vehicles such as full-size SUVs or people carriers can be challenging in some older structures. If parking is a concern, choosing a smaller vehicle can make the experience much less stressful.

Camp Creek Parkway, just a mile or two from the Rental Car Centre entrance, is the most convenient area for refuelling. This major road is lined with many well-known petrol station brands, all with easy access in and out. Millions of travellers use these stations for their final fill-up, so they are used to rental-car traffic and make for a quick, hassle-free stop before returning your vehicle.

As you approach the airport on any major motorway or local road, start looking for the large overhead signs specifically for "Rental Car Return". The airport has a dedicated road system that separates terminal-bound traffic from rental-centre traffic. By staying in the lanes marked for rental car return, you will be guided straight to the garage entrance, completely bypassing passenger drop-off and pick-up congestion.

It is very efficient. After you have dropped off your vehicle and completed the return with the rental agent in the garage, take your luggage and walk into the main building of the Rental Car Centre. From there, take an escalator or lift up to the ATL SkyTrain station. This free, automated train arrives every few minutes and provides a quick, non-stop ride straight back to the airport’s main terminal.

For an early flight, a conservative timeline is best. Plan to arrive at the rental car return garage at least two hours before a domestic flight’s departure time, and three hours for an international flight. While the car return itself is usually quick, this buffer allows for the SkyTrain ride back to the terminal, airline check-in queues, and potentially long waits at the TSA security checkpoint, which can be very busy early in the morning.

The most logical sequence is to follow the signs for "Departures" first to drop off your family and all luggage at the kerb for the appropriate airline. Once they are safely at the terminal, drive away from the kerb and follow the airport road signs for "Rental Car Return". This route loops you directly to the rental facility without needing to get back on the motorway, making it a simple and efficient process.