Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo

About renting a car at Georgia Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) handles the vast majority of Georgia rental traffic, and every major rental brand operates from the consolidated Rental Car Center reached via the ATL SkyTrain — a free automated people mover that runs 24/7 and drops you at the RCC in roughly five minutes. At smaller airports like Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) and Augusta Regional Airport (AGS), counters sit directly in the baggage claim area, cutting transit time to almost nothing. Demand peaks between March and October, with Atlanta's busiest periods pushing availability tight and adding processing time at the counter; allow 30 to 45 minutes from baggage claim to the RCC counter at ATL, plus up to an hour for the rental process itself during high season. Georgia's toll roads are concentrated around Atlanta and are fully cashless — the Peach Pass electronic system covers all Express Lanes, and the Peach Pass is interoperable with E-ZPass, SunPass, and several other regional transponders. Most brands offer a daily toll package; driving the Express Lanes without a valid transponder results in a violation billed back through the rental company with additional admin fees. Fuel averages around US$3.70 per gallon statewide. A credit card in the primary driver's name is required at pickup, with deposit holds typically ranging from US$200 to US$500 depending on vehicle class and brand. Drivers whose license uses a non-Latin script — Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic, for example — must carry an International Driving Permit alongside their home license.

Best Car Rental Deals

4.5/ 5
Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Venue | Automatic

SMALL

or Small similar

5 2 Automatic
From / day
4.5/ 5
Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen Jetta | Automatic

SEDAN

or Sedan similar

5 3 Automatic
From / day
4.5/ 5
Mazda CX 50

Mazda CX 50 | Automatic

SUV

or SUV similar

5 2 Automatic
From / day
4.5/ 5
Toyota Tacoma

Toyota Tacoma | Automatic

PICKUP

or Pickup similar

5 3 Automatic
From / day
4.5/ 5
AUDI A6

AUDI A6 | Automatic

or Pickup similar

5 3 Automatic
From / day
4.5/ 5
Chrysler Pacifica 7 Passengers

Chrysler Pacifica 7 Passengers | Automatic

MINIVAN

or Minivan similar

7 4 Automatic
From / day
4.5/ 5
Ford Mustang Convertible

Ford Mustang Convertible | Automatic

CONVERTIBLE

or Convertible similar

4 2 Automatic
From / day
4.5/ 5
Audi A4

Audi A4 | Automatic

LUXURY

or Luxury similar

5 4 Automatic
From / day

Traveler Tips & Price Insights

When is the best time to book a rental car in Georgia?

You should book your rental car approximately 7 days before your trip to get a below-average price.

Price Trend (Last 90 Days)

What is the most popular rental car type in Georgia?

sedan rental cars (sedan or similar) are the most popular option in Georgia.

Popular Car Types

sedan
Sedan
21
suv
SUV
17
small
Small
12
pickup
Pickup
2
minivan
Minivan
2
convertible
Convertible
1
luxury
Luxury
1

Which is the cheapest car rental agency in Georgia?

In the last 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were from Dollar at /day.

Average Price by Rental Company

Frequently Asked Questions

After landing at Atlanta’s airport (ATL), what’s the step-by-step way to reach the rental car center from baggage claim?
Once you've collected your luggage from the baggage claim carousel, look for the overhead signs directing you to Ground Transportation and the Rental Car Center. 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 just a few minutes long, delivering you directly to the lobby of the Rental Car Center where all the company counters are located.
Which ATL terminal signs should I follow to avoid ending up in the wrong shuttle or train area for rental cars?
The key is to specifically look for signs that say "Rental Car Center" and "SkyTrain." It's important not to confuse this with the "Plane Train," which is the subway that connects the different concourses behind security. You must first exit into the main terminal and go to baggage claim. 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 pickup.
If I’m arriving on an international flight into ATL, how should I plan the timing between immigration, baggage, and getting to the rental cars?
For international arrivals, it's wise to budget a generous amount of time for the entire process. Plan for at least 90 minutes to two hours from the moment you deplane to when you arrive at the rental car counter. This buffer accounts for potentially long lines at immigration and customs, waiting for your checked luggage, and then making your way to the SkyTrain. The path is well-marked, but these federal processes can have unpredictable wait times.
What’s the easiest meeting plan if my group lands at different times and we’re all heading to the ATL rental car center together?
A great meeting point is in the main atrium of the domestic terminal, near the base 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 claim. Once your entire party has gathered there, you can all proceed together to the SkyTrain station to head over to the Rental Car Center as one group, which simplifies logistics.
If I’m traveling solo with a carry-on only, what’s the quickest path from my gate to the ATL rental car pickup area?
With only a carry-on, your path is quite direct. After deplaning, take the Plane Train to the main terminal station, which is labeled "Baggage Claim/Ground Transportation." From there, head up the escalators into the main atrium. Instead of going to the baggage carousels, you can immediately follow the signs for the Rental Car Center and SkyTrain, exit the building, and board the train for the short ride to the rental facility.
What’s the most common point where first-time visitors get turned around when trying to find the ATL rental car center?
The most frequent point of confusion for new 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.
If I land at ATL late at night, what should I expect for lighting, safety, and wayfinding while getting to the rental cars?
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 Center itself are brightly illuminated and monitored. While there will be fewer travelers than during the day, airport staff and security are always present. The wayfinding signs are large and clear, making navigation straightforward at any hour.
How can I plan my arrival so I’m not trying to pick up a rental car at ATL during the busiest rush periods?
The rental car center tends to be busiest during peak flight arrival times, which are often mid-afternoon to early evening, roughly from 3 PM to 7 PM. If your travel plans are flexible, arriving mid-morning (around 10 AM) or later in the evening (after 8 PM) can often mean shorter lines 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.
What should I do if my checked bag is delayed at ATL but I still need to head to the rental car center?
If your luggage doesn't arrive, your first step should be to go to your airline's baggage service office, which is located in the baggage claim area. File a delayed baggage report with them immediately. Once you have your claim information, you can proceed to the Rental Car Center to pick up your vehicle. The airline will coordinate with you to deliver your bag to your hotel or local address once it arrives.
What’s the easiest way to handle a rental car pickup at ATL when traveling with a stroller, car seats, and multiple suitcases?
The best approach is to use a luggage cart, which are readily available in the baggage claim area. You can load all your suitcases, car seats, and the folded stroller onto a single cart. The walkways to the SkyTrain are wide and equipped with ramps and elevators, making it easy to manage. Once at the Rental Car Center, you can take the cart all the way to the rental counter and then out to the parking garage to load your vehicle.
If I need an accessible vehicle, what’s the smoothest way to handle pickup and loading at the ATL rental car center?
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 Center, inform the agent of your reservation. They will direct you to a designated pickup area in the garage that typically offers more space for maneuvering and loading, ensuring a comfortable and safe start to your journey.
What should I double-check at the rental car lot at ATL before I drive off, especially for a longer Georgia road trip?
Before leaving the lot, do a thorough walk-around of the vehicle to note any existing scratches or dings on the rental agreement. Inside the car, check that the air conditioning is working correctly, especially for Georgia's climate. It's also wise to familiarize 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.
Where are the closest places near ATL to pull over and set up GPS, connect my phone, and get situated before hitting the highways?
The airport's cell phone lot is an excellent, safe place to pull over for a few minutes. It's located just a short drive from the Rental Car Center and provides a no-pressure environment to program your GPS and connect your phone to the car's Bluetooth. Alternatively, there are several gas stations and fast-food restaurants with large parking lots on Camp Creek Parkway, the main road just outside the airport complex, which also serve as convenient spots to get organized.
What’s the least confusing route out of the ATL rental car center to get onto I-85 or I-75 in the correct direction?
The exit from the Rental Car Center is designed for easy highway access. As you leave the garage, you will be guided onto a connector road. Pay close attention to the large, green overhead signs. They will 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 get onto the correct interstate.
Which ATL-area interchanges feel the most intimidating for visitors, and how can I plan my route to avoid last-second lane changes?
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 highway) 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.
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo
Car rental company logo