Hertz Car Hire
in Atlanta

Once you’ve collected your luggage from the baggage reclaim carousel, look for the overhead signs directing you to Ground Transportation and the Rental Car Center. Follow these signs towards the west end of the terminal. The route will take you to the ATL SkyTrain station, the dedicated, free train linking the terminal to the rental facility. Simply board the SkyTrain for the short ride straight to the Rental Car Center, where you’ll find the Hertz counter in the main atrium.

To reach the Hertz facility at ATL, you take the ATL SkyTrain, not the Plane Train or a shuttle bus. The Plane Train operates inside the secure area, connecting the concourses. After you’ve left security and collected your bags, follow signs for the Rental Car Center to the SkyTrain station. The station is just outside the main terminal building and is easily reached from the baggage reclaim level.

Arriving late at night at ATL is straightforward, as the airport is designed for 24/7 operation. The ATL SkyTrain runs continuously, providing reliable transport to the Rental Car Center at any hour. The terminals, train stations and the rental facility itself are well lit and clearly signed, making navigation simple even when you’re tired. The Hertz counter is typically staffed for late arrivals, and the parking garages are monitored and brightly lit to ensure a safe walk to your vehicle and a secure exit.

On a typical weekday afternoon, a realistic timeline from your arrival gate to driving away in your Hertz rental is about 60 to 90 minutes. This allows for disembarking, walking to the main terminal, waiting for and collecting your luggage, and taking the SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center. The final steps include any potential queue at the rental counter and the time it takes to find your vehicle in the garage. Using any available pre-check-in services can often shorten this timeline.

The most convenient meeting point for a group arriving on different flights is at the Hertz counter inside the Rental Car Center. Rather than trying to coordinate in the busy main terminal or at separate baggage reclaims, have each person make their way independently to the Rental Car Center via the SkyTrain after landing. This brings everyone together at the final action point, so you can gather comfortably before approaching the counter together to handle the rental.

The ideal place to wait is the main lobby of the Rental Car Center, near the Hertz counter. After your group takes the SkyTrain over together, the designated driver can go to the counter while everyone else waits with the luggage in the spacious atrium. There’s seating and it’s less chaotic than the terminal, helping keep your group and belongings together. Once the driver has the keys and the car location, they can collect the vehicle and easily loop round to the passenger pick-up area just outside the lobby doors.

After check-in, your rental agreement or the Hertz agent will give you a specific bay number and the level where your vehicle is parked. The lifts and stairwells in the Rental Car Center are clearly marked with floor levels and the rental companies on each one. Once you’re on the correct level, look for the large, clear signage marking rows with letters and numbers. Following these signs will take you straight to your assigned bay without confusion.

A great option for getting organised is the airport’s cell phone lot, about a minute or two’s drive from the Rental Car Center exit. It’s a safe, spacious place to pull over, set up your GPS, connect your phone to Bluetooth or the infotainment system, and adjust mirrors and seating. This lets you get fully prepared in a calm environment before merging onto Atlanta’s busy interstates. Alternatively, some rental garages have designated customer service areas where you can pause briefly.

As you exit the Rental Car Center garage, immediately follow the large overhead signs for "Airport Exit" and "All Interstates". The road splits quickly, so pay close attention. For destinations north of the airport such as Downtown, Midtown or Buckhead, get into the lanes marked for I-85 North or I-75 North. For destinations south, follow the signs for I-75 South or I-85 South. The signs are prominent and appear well before the actual lane splits.

The most direct route to Downtown Atlanta from the airport is I-85 North. As you leave the Rental Car Center, follow the signs to merge onto I-85 North. To avoid stressful merges, try to stay in one of the middle-right lanes as you approach the city. This gives you time to react to traffic and prepare for your exit without cutting across multiple lanes. Your navigation app will specify the exit number for your hotel, likely for destinations such as Williams St, International Blvd, or Andrew Young International Blvd.

For the simplest drive to Midtown, take I-85 North from the airport, which merges with I-75 North to become the Downtown Connector. The key is to stay in the middle or left-middle lanes as you pass the Downtown exits. This helps you avoid being funnelled into an exit-only lane. As the downtown skyline gives way to Midtown’s taller buildings, start looking for your exit, typically 10th Street, 14th Street or 17th Street. Using a GPS with lane guidance is highly recommended for this stretch.

The least confusing route to Buckhead is to take I-85 North from the airport and then follow signs for GA-400 North, which is a left-hand exit off I-85. Once on GA-400, take a Buckhead exit such as Lenox Road or Peachtree Road. Most Buckhead hotels are used to vehicle traffic and have well-marked entrances leading to valet services or self-parking garages. Unloading is typically done at the main entrance under a canopy, with staff available to help with luggage.

A navigation-friendly route to Decatur is to take I-85 North to Freedom Parkway (GA-10 E) and then follow local roads such as Ponce de Leon Avenue. Another option is to take I-285 (the Perimeter) to the east side and exit onto US-78 or other local roads. In downtown Decatur, parking is generally manageable, with several paid public parking decks near Decatur Square. There’s also metered on-street parking, though it can be more limited during peak dining times.

The feature that most surprises visitors is the Downtown Connector, where I-75 and I-85 merge to pass through the city. This section has many lanes, very heavy traffic, and short merge areas that require assertive but careful driving. Some major interchanges, such as the connection from I-85 to GA-400, also have left-hand exits that can catch drivers out. Many ramps include exit-only lanes that appear with little warning, making a GPS with lane guidance invaluable for newcomers.

Atlanta’s express lanes are optional toll lanes alongside the main motorway lanes and require a Peach Pass transponder for payment. For most out-of-town visitors in a hire car, it’s best to avoid these lanes to prevent potential fines or unexpected charges. Entrances are clearly marked with large overhead signs reading "Express Lane" and showing the Peach Pass logo. The lanes are physically separated by barriers, so if you stay in the general-purpose lanes, you won’t enter them by mistake.

For a "park once" approach here, the most convenient option is the official Georgia Aquarium parking deck. It’s centrally located, provides direct and safe access to the aquarium, and is a short walk across a plaza to the World of Coca-Cola and Centennial Olympic Park. The deck is large, well lit, and designed for visitor traffic. Parking here lets you leave your car for several hours while you explore the nearby attractions on foot.

The most practical plan for visiting Ponce City Market is to arrive earlier in the day, ideally before noon at the weekend, to secure a space more easily. The market has a large paid parking deck and several surface lots with direct access from North Avenue. When you park, make a note of your registration number, as you’ll need it to pay at an electronic kiosk or via a mobile app. Once parked, you can enjoy the market and the adjacent BeltLine trail for hours.

Several straightforward parking options provide direct access to the BeltLine’s popular Eastside Trail. The paid parking at Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market are excellent choices, placing you right in the middle of the action with shops and restaurants. Another great option is the parking area at Historic Fourth Ward Park, which often has spaces available and connects to the trail via a scenic path through the park. These locations are well signed and used to visitor traffic.

When visiting Inman Park or Little Five Points, the key is to read all posted parking signs carefully. Many streets are residents-only with permits, and towing is strictly enforced. The safest option is to use a designated paid public car park, several of which are dotted around both neighbourhoods. On-street parking exists, but it’s crucial to check time limits and restrictions. Arriving a little before your dinner booking gives you extra time to find a legitimate, secure space.

The best plan for driving to an event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium is to pre-purchase parking online through the stadium’s official website or a partner app. This guarantees a space in a specific lot and provides a QR code for entry. Crucially, your pre-paid pass will include event-specific driving directions that account for road closures. Following those directions rather than standard GPS guidance is essential for reaching your assigned lot with minimal hassle.

To make your approach easier, pre-book parking in one of the official arena decks such as the Sapphire or Ruby lot, which offer convenient access. To avoid the worst post-event traffic, consider parking slightly farther away in a lot with a more direct exit to the interstate. Another effective strategy is to delay your departure by grabbing a post-event snack or drink at a nearby restaurant in the Centennial Park District, allowing the initial traffic surge to clear before you drive off.

For getting around Atlanta’s urban core, a compact or mid-size saloon is often the most manageable choice. These cars are easier to manoeuvre on congested streets and fit more comfortably into the sometimes narrow spaces found in older parking garages. While a standard SUV is certainly manageable, a smaller vehicle can reduce the stress of finding a suitable space. Consider your luggage needs, but if city driving is the priority, opting for something more compact is a practical choice.

Before leaving the lot, it’s wise to check the vehicle’s cargo capacity in person. Open the boot to assess its depth and shape, as a deep, square space is more practical than a shallow, long one for bulky luggage. For SUVs and hatchbacks, check how flat the rear seats fold down and whether there’s a significant lip that makes sliding bags in difficult. If you have multiple large suitcases, an intermediate or standard SUV will almost always offer more flexible, usable space than a full-size saloon.

The most practical place to fit car seats is in a less busy area of the Hertz parking level after you’ve loaded your luggage. Find your assigned vehicle and, if needed, pull it forward slightly within the bay to give yourself more room. For an even more relaxed setting, drive to the nearby ATL cell phone lot, about a two-minute drive from the Rental Car Center. It’s a safe, spacious, low-pressure place to install the seats properly before starting your journey.

A smart walkaround checklist starts with a slow circuit around the vehicle, looking for any scratches, dings, or dents on panels and bumpers. Pay close attention to the windscreen for chips or cracks, as these can worsen with driving. Before getting in, glance at the tyres to ensure they look properly inflated. Once you start the car, check the dashboard for warning lights, such as a low tyre pressure indicator, and ensure any issues are addressed before you leave the facility.

Before you even pull out of the parking bay, take a moment to connect your phone to the car’s USB port. Confirm that Apple CarPlay or Android Auto launches on the infotainment screen and that you can open your primary navigation app. It’s also sensible to make a quick test call or play a song to confirm the audio works correctly. This check ensures your hands-free navigation and communication are fully functional before you merge into busy airport traffic.

For a convenient stop, head towards College Park or East Point, which sit immediately next to the airport. The Camp Creek Parkway area, just a few minutes’ drive from the Rental Car Center, has a large shopping complex with major supermarkets, pharmacies, and restaurants. This makes it easy to pick up necessities without navigating the interstate or looping back through the main airport roads, keeping your first stop simple and efficient.

Atlanta’s weekday rush hour can easily double or even triple your drive time from the airport. The morning peak is typically 7:00am to 9:30am, while the evening commute is heaviest from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. For a noticeably calmer drive, aim to leave the Rental Car Center during the midday window between 10:00am and 2:30pm. Alternatively, departing after about 7:30pm usually helps you avoid the worst congestion heading into the city.

In a downpour, the Downtown Connector—where I-75 and I-85 merge—can be particularly stressful due to heavy spray from lorries and poor visibility of lane markings. The major interchange where I-285 (the Perimeter) meets I-75 or I-85 can also be challenging. These areas involve multiple lanes merging and splitting, and heavy rain can make it difficult to see and react in time. Reducing speed and increasing following distance are crucial in these conditions.

For a simple first 30 minutes of night driving, the best strategy is to get onto your main interstate (I-75 or I-85) and stay in the right-hand or second-from-right lane. Avoid the far-left lanes, which tend to move fastest. Set up your navigation with voice guidance before leaving the garage so you can focus on the road and overhead signs. This minimises lane changes and helps you settle into the car and traffic flow at a comfortable pace.

For a calm arrival and easier parking at Stone Mountain Park, plan to arrive early, especially on a weekend or holiday. Getting there before about 10:30am typically helps you avoid the main gate traffic and gives you a better choice of spaces closer to the main attractions. An early start also means you can enjoy popular features, such as the Summit Skyride, before the biggest crowds build in the afternoon.

For a day trip to Athens, most visitors find it easiest to use one of the public parking decks in the downtown area. They’re well signed and offer hourly rates, with convenient walking access to the University of Georgia’s historic North Campus as well as the city’s shops and restaurants. While some metered on-street parking exists, the decks are a more reliable and less stressful option for visitors unfamiliar with the city.

The simplest, most direct route from Atlanta to Blue Ridge is to take I-75 North to I-575 North. I-575 eventually becomes GA-515, a four-lane highway that takes you almost all the way to Blue Ridge. This avoids most complex city interchanges. For easy break stops, Canton and Jasper—both right along the route—have plenty of petrol stations, fast-food options, and supermarkets for a quick rest or to pick up supplies.

Helen is a very popular tourist destination, and on weekends parking is primarily handled through large, privately owned paid lots. As you drive into the main downtown area, you’ll see plenty of signs directing you to these lots, which typically charge a flat daily rate. The best strategy is to take the first available space you find in a central lot. Once parked, the Alpine-themed village is easily walkable, so you won’t need to move the car again until you’re ready to leave.

The most straightforward plan to drive to Savannah is to take I-75 South from Atlanta for about an hour and a half to Macon. In Macon, take the well signed exit for I-16 East. From there, it’s a direct run to Savannah with very few complex interchanges. Dublin, roughly halfway along I-16, is a popular and convenient break stop with plenty of petrol stations and restaurants right off the exit.

Several conveniently located fuel stations sit along Camp Creek Parkway and Virginia Avenue, two main roads that lead directly to the airport and the Rental Car Center entrance. These stations are geared towards traveller traffic, with easy in-and-out access so you can refuel and then follow the rental return signs without difficult turns or detours. They’re the most popular choice for topping off the tank just before returning your vehicle.

As you get close to the airport, follow the main overhead signs for ATL. The roadway will soon split into separate lanes for different destinations. Move into the lanes clearly marked "Rental Car Return". These signs are typically brown with white lettering and are posted well in advance of the turn-off. This dedicated road keeps you separate from passenger terminal traffic for arrivals and departures, taking you straight to the rental facility entrance.

The most efficient approach is to follow signs for "Departures" first and drop your passengers and their luggage at the appropriate airline kerbside. Once they’re safely out, stay on the airport road and follow the signs that loop you back towards the main airport entrance. From there, follow signs for "Rental Car Return". This sequence avoids having to exit the airport complex and re-enter, keeping the process smooth and quick.

It’s designed to be simple and intuitive. After you’ve returned the vehicle and collected your belongings, walk into the main lobby of the Rental Car Center. From there, follow the prominent signs for the ATL SkyTrain. This free, automated train runs every few minutes and has only two stops: the Rental Car Center and the Domestic Terminal. It drops you just steps from the airline check-in desks and the main security checkpoint.