Dollar Car Hire
Georgia

After collecting your luggage from baggage reclaim, look for overhead signs directing you to Ground Transportation and the ATL SkyTrain. This is a free and efficient automated train that connects the terminals to the Rental Car Center (RCC). The SkyTrain station is located at the west end of the terminal, and the ride to the RCC is just a few minutes. Once you arrive at the Rental Car Center, you will find the Dollar desk inside the main facility along with other rental agencies.

To make the journey easier, consider a divide-and-conquer approach. One adult can wait with the children in the baggage reclaim area while the other collects all the checked luggage from the carousel. Once you have your bags, proceed together to the ATL SkyTrain, which is the most direct way to the Rental Car Center. The train is spacious enough for luggage trolleys and families, providing a quick and climate-controlled ride directly to the building where the Dollar desk is located.

The most straightforward and recommended method is to use the ATL SkyTrain. This dedicated train service is designed specifically to transport passengers from the airport terminal to the Rental Car Center (RCC), completely avoiding any confusing airport road traffic. After you exit the main security area and collect any bags, simply follow the prominent signs for the SkyTrain and Rental Car Center. The train runs frequently and delivers you directly to the RCC lobby, where you’ll find the Dollar service desk.

A convenient and easy-to-find meeting point is the main atrium area just after you exit the security concourse but before you head down to baggage reclaim. Another excellent option is to meet at the baggage reclaim carousel corresponding to the last arriving flight. If you prefer to meet after everyone has their luggage, the lobby of the Rental Car Center (RCC) itself is a great spot. You can wait there comfortably before approaching the Dollar desk as a group to complete your rental process.

Before leaving the rental facility, take a few moments to conduct a thorough walk-around of the vehicle. Check the exterior for any pre-existing scratches, dents, or dings, and ensure they are noted on your rental agreement. Inside the car, familiarise yourself with the controls, such as the headlights, windscreen wipers, and indicators. It’s also a good idea to adjust your mirrors, connect your phone to the car’s system if needed, and set your navigation before you start driving.

The exit from the ATL Rental Car Center is well designed to guide drivers towards major motorways. As you leave the parking garage, follow the large overhead signs for "Airport Exit". These signs will quickly direct you towards I-85, which runs north into downtown Atlanta and south away from the city. To access I-75, you will typically merge onto I-85 North for a very short distance and then follow the signs for the I-75 split. Using a GPS app from the moment you start the car is the best way to ensure a stress-free departure.

For a first-time visitor, taking I-85 North is by far the simpler and more direct route to Buckhead. While surface streets like Peachtree Road can eventually get you there, they involve numerous traffic lights, complex junctions, and local traffic that can be confusing to navigate. I-85 provides a major artery directly through the city, and your GPS will guide you to the correct exit for the Buckhead area, such as the one for GA-400 North. This motorway route is generally the most efficient choice outside of peak rush hour.

Atlanta has a network of Georgia Express Lanes on major interstates like I-75 and I-85, which are managed-toll lanes designed to offer a more reliable journey time. These lanes require a Peach Pass transponder for access. Many car-hire companies offer programmes that allow you to use these lanes and other toll roads. It’s a good practice to ask at the Dollar desk about their specific tolling solutions so you understand how it works before you begin your drive.

The Georgia Aquarium has a large, dedicated parking garage that is the most convenient option for visitors. The entrance is clearly marked and located at 357 Luckie Street NW. When arriving from the airport, your GPS will guide you directly to this area. Many nearby hotels also offer guest parking, so if you are staying overnight, it’s best to park at your hotel first and then consider walking to the aquarium and other nearby attractions like Centennial Olympic Park to avoid moving your car.

The Downtown Connector, where I-75 and I-85 merge to pass through Atlanta’s core, can be challenging for drivers unfamiliar with it. The motorway is very wide, with many lanes and frequent exits that can appear suddenly. The key to navigating it successfully is to use a reliable GPS, pay close attention to lane signs well in advance, and avoid last-minute manoeuvres. Try to travel on the Connector outside of peak rush hour (typically 7-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m.) for a less stressful experience.

Driving to the Atlanta BeltLine is straightforward, but parking requires some planning as there isn’t one central car park. Visitors typically park in lots associated with major access points, such as Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market, which offer paid garage parking. In other areas, you may find smaller paid lots or limited on-street parking in adjacent neighbourhoods like Inman Park or Virginia-Highland. Be sure to read all parking signs carefully for any restrictions, especially in residential areas.

Ponce City Market has a large, paid parking system with multiple access points, primarily off North Avenue NE. The area can get very busy, especially at weekends and in the evenings, leading to traffic congestion on the surrounding streets. It’s best to use your GPS to navigate directly to the parking garage entrances. Once parked, the market and the adjacent BeltLine Eastside Trail are easily accessible on foot, so you can leave your car there while you explore.

For travellers with a hire car, neighbourhoods like Midtown and Buckhead are excellent choices. Both offer great access to major motorways like I-75/I-85 and GA-400, making it easy to get to other parts of the city and plan day trips. They also have a high concentration of hotels with parking and offer plenty of dining and entertainment options you can walk to after a day of driving. Staying slightly outside the downtown core can simplify your daily entries and exits from the city.

For events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, planning ahead is crucial. It is highly recommended to pre-purchase parking online through the stadium’s official partners, which allows you to reserve a spot in a specific lot. Arrive early—at least 90 minutes to two hours before the event starts—to account for heavy traffic congestion in the downtown area. Using a navigation app with real-time traffic updates will be essential for finding the best route to your designated parking lot.

The most direct route is to take I-85 North from the airport area. As you approach the city centre, the motorway becomes the Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85). To avoid mistakes, have your GPS set to your specific Midtown destination and pay close attention to the exit numbers it indicates. Key exits for Midtown include the 10th/14th Street exit and the 17th Street exit. Stay in the middle lanes until your exit is about a mile away, then merge carefully to the right.

During major events, the Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85) will have significantly heavier traffic, especially around the exits for the Georgia World Congress Center and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The top-end perimeter, where I-285 intersects with GA-400 and I-75, is another major bottleneck that worsens during city-wide events. It’s wise to check a traffic app before you leave and consider using Atlanta’s public transport system, MARTA, for travel to and from the busiest event areas if possible.

A compact or mid-size saloon is often the most practical choice for navigating Atlanta’s urban core. These vehicles are easier to manoeuvre in heavy traffic and fit more comfortably into the tight spaces often found in older parking garages and on-street parking bays. While a larger vehicle might be necessary for more passengers or luggage, a smaller car will generally provide a less stressful parking experience in popular neighbourhoods like Midtown, Virginia-Highland, and Downtown.

When heading to the North Georgia mountains, an SUV can be a great choice. The higher ground clearance and better visibility are helpful on winding, two-lane mountain roads. A vehicle with responsive handling and good braking will add to your confidence on steep inclines and declines. While all-wheel drive isn’t typically necessary unless you expect inclement weather, the overall stability and robust nature of an SUV make it well suited for exploring the region’s scenic routes.

To have the most enjoyable drive to Blue Ridge, plan to leave the Atlanta area before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:30 a.m. on a weekday to miss the worst of the morning rush hour. The most common route is to take I-75 North to I-575 North, which eventually becomes GA-515 and leads you directly to Blue Ridge. This route is almost entirely a multi-lane motorway, making it a simple and scenic drive once you are north of the I-285 perimeter.

A great plan is to create a scenic loop. Start by driving north from Atlanta on GA-400, which offers a direct route towards the mountains. Before reaching Helen, you can detour to visit Amicalola Falls State Park or Anna Ruby Falls, both of which have well-marked signs and accessible trails. After your hike, continue on to explore the alpine-themed town of Helen. For your return trip, you can take a different route, such as I-985 South, for a change of scenery.

Driving to Stone Mountain Park on a weekend is generally easy via US-78 East. The park has multiple large car parks, so finding a space is rarely an issue, though you may have a short walk to the main attractions. The biggest challenge is often the exit traffic, especially after the nightly laser show or a major festival. Expect significant delays leaving the park during these peak times, and be patient as the car parks slowly clear out onto the main roads.

For a relatively straightforward drive to Athens, home of the University of Georgia, the most common route is GA-316 East. To get there from the airport area, you would typically take I-85 North past the city centre and then exit onto GA-316. To avoid the heaviest commuter traffic on I-85, try to schedule your drive during off-peak hours, such as mid-morning or early afternoon. This route is largely a divided highway and is much simpler than navigating through smaller back roads.

The drive from Atlanta to Savannah is primarily on I-75 South and then I-16 East. A common slowdown point that catches visitors by surprise is the I-75/I-475 split and merge around Macon, which can get congested. Additionally, I-16 is a long and relatively monotonous motorway, so driver fatigue can be a factor; plan for at least one rest stop. As you get closer to Savannah, be aware of increased traffic, especially at weekends or during holidays.

The most direct route is I-75 North, which takes you almost all the way to Chattanooga. For easy and scenic stops, consider exiting near Dalton to visit the historic Western & Atlantic Railroad Tunnel or taking a short drive to see the autumn colours at Fort Mountain State Park. Further north, an exit for Ringgold offers a glimpse into Civil War history. These stops are relatively close to the interstate, allowing you to add some sightseeing without significantly extending your travel time.

The drive to Amicalola Falls State Park is on well-paved roads that become more winding as you get closer to the park. Access is straightforward using a standard vehicle, with clear signage leading to the entrance. The park has several parking areas at different elevations, including lots at the base of the falls, near the main lodge, and at the top of the falls. Arriving earlier in the day, especially on a fine weekend, is recommended to secure a spot in your preferred car park.

To maximise your time in Georgia’s wine country, plan your trip for a weekday if possible, as weekend traffic can be heavy. An early start is essential; aim to be on the road from Atlanta by 9 a.m. at the latest. Take GA-400 North towards Dahlonega, which serves as a great starting point for visiting nearby wineries. Grouping your winery visits by location will minimise driving time between tastings, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery more.

Driving in Atlanta at night requires heightened awareness. Motorway lighting can be inconsistent, making overhead signs harder to read from a distance. The Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85) is particularly known for its complex interchanges and lane splits that can be confusing in the dark. It is crucial to use a GPS with voice guidance and get into your target lane well in advance of your exit to avoid sudden, unsafe manoeuvres.

This often comes down to personal preference and your arrival time. Picking up your car when you land is convenient and gets it done, but can add stress after a long flight. Many airport-area hotels offer a free shuttle service. Taking the shuttle to your hotel and then returning to the Rental Car Center the next morning allows you to start your first full day of driving feeling refreshed and ready to navigate the city.

There is a high concentration of petrol stations conveniently located along Camp Creek Parkway, which is one of the main roads leading to the airport and the Rental Car Center. You will find numerous options from major brands within a five-minute drive of the return facility. This makes it very easy to refuel your vehicle right before you drop it off without having to go far out of your way. Just build in an extra 10–15 minutes for the stop.

To ensure your navigation app takes you to the correct location, it’s best to enter "Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Rental Car Center" or its address, 2200 Rental Car Center Parkway, College Park, GA 30337. Using this specific destination will guide you directly to the dedicated facility for all rental car returns. Avoid simply navigating to "ATL Airport", as that will likely direct you to the passenger drop-off areas at the main terminals.

The most efficient process is to first follow the signs for "Departures" to access the upper-level roadway at the domestic or international terminal. You can pull over to the kerb to unload your passengers and all the luggage. After they are safely on their way to check-in, you can get back in the car and follow the airport signs for "Rental Car Return". This loop is well marked and will guide you directly back to the Rental Car Center without having to leave the airport complex.

For an early morning flight, the drive from Downtown to the airport is typically quick and traffic free. The most direct route is to take the Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85) South and follow the signs for the airport. As you get close, dedicated lanes and signs will direct you to the Rental Car Center. Even with light traffic, always allow more time than you think you need to account for any unexpected delays, refuelling the car, and taking the SkyTrain back to the terminal.

A smart strategy is to use a real-time traffic app like Google Maps or Waze at least an hour before you plan to leave for the airport. These apps will show you current congestion, accidents, and roadworks, providing a more accurate estimate of your journey time. As a general rule, add at least 30–45 minutes of extra buffer time to your calculated drive during peak hours or bad weather. It’s always better to be early and relaxed at the airport than to be stuck in traffic and stressed.

Summer in Atlanta brings high heat and humidity, along with the potential for sudden, intense afternoon thunderstorms. These storms can produce heavy downpours that dramatically reduce visibility and make roads slippery, so be prepared to slow down and increase your following distance. Never drive through flooded roadways. Also, be mindful that the interior of a parked car can reach dangerous temperatures very quickly, so never leave children, pets, or sensitive electronics behind.

When driving in Atlanta’s suburbs, be extremely vigilant about school zones. These areas have significantly reduced speed limits during specific morning and afternoon hours, and enforcement is very strict. The zones are usually indicated by flashing amber lights. Additionally, be aware of Georgia’s "move over" law, which requires you to move over one lane when you see emergency vehicles stopped on the hard shoulder. Always pay close attention to posted speed limits, as they can change frequently between municipalities.

For travellers with a pushchair and several large bags, a mid-size SUV or a people carrier is an excellent choice. These vehicles offer ample cargo space behind the rear seats, so you likely won’t have to fold seats down or block your rear visibility with luggage. The higher roofline and larger door openings also make it much easier to load and unload bulky items like pushchairs and child seats. This extra space provides a more comfortable and less cramped experience for your entire group.

A great strategy is to group your destinations geographically to minimise driving time across the sprawling metro area. Dedicate one day to central Atlanta attractions like the aquarium and Centennial Park. On another day, focus on northern suburbs like Marietta and Kennesaw. A third day could be for eastern destinations like Decatur and Stone Mountain. This approach prevents you from spending hours in traffic criss-crossing the city and allows for a more relaxed pace of exploration.

Reaching hotels in College Park and East Point from the Rental Car Center is very convenient. As you exit the facility, follow signs for local roads rather than the major interstates. Main thoroughfares like Camp Creek Parkway and Virginia Avenue host a large number of airport-area hotels. These are typically just a five- to ten-minute drive from where you pick up your car, making for a very short and low-stress start to your trip after a long flight.

To minimise traffic hassles, consider staying in a location with easy access to a major interstate that heads in the direction of your planned trips. For example, if you plan to visit the North Georgia mountains, lodging in the northern suburbs near I-75 or GA-400 would be ideal. If your trips are more varied, staying near the I-285 perimeter motorway can be a strategic choice, as it allows you to bypass downtown Atlanta traffic when heading to different parts of the state.

A common point of confusion for first-time drivers is the series of loops and ramps directly in front of the passenger terminals. It’s easy to accidentally follow signs for "Arrivals" or "Parking" when you intend to get on the interstate. The key is to ignore the terminal-specific signs and instead focus on the larger overhead signs for your desired highway, such as I-85, I-75, or I-285. Using a GPS and getting into the correct lane early is the best way to avoid making a wrong turn on the airport’s complex road system.