Budget Car Hire
Georgia

The quickest way to reach the Budget counter is to take the ATL SkyTrain. After collecting your luggage, follow the overhead signs for Ground Transportation and the Rental Car Center. The SkyTrain station is located just outside the baggage claim area, and it’s a free, automated train that runs every few minutes. The ride to the consolidated Rental Car Center, where all the counters are located, takes about five minutes.

After clearing customs and immigration in the international terminal, you will collect your bags and exit into the arrivals hall. From there, you can either take a short shuttle bus ride or follow the pedestrian walkway to the domestic terminal’s baggage claim area. Once there, look for the signs directing you to the ATL SkyTrain, which will take you directly to the Rental Car Center where the Budget counter is located.

You must take the ATL SkyTrain to reach the Budget rental counter. Travellers often get confused looking for a shuttle bus or thinking they can walk, but the Rental Car Center is a separate facility located a short distance from the terminal. The SkyTrain is the only dedicated transport. The entrance is clearly marked near the baggage claim area; just follow the signs and go up the escalator to the station.

The most convenient meeting point is the main Atrium, located between the North and South baggage claim areas in the domestic terminal. This large, open space has seating, food options, and flight information boards, making it a comfortable place to wait. Once everyone has arrived and collected their luggage, your group can proceed together to the ATL SkyTrain station to head to the Rental Car Center.

The ATL Rental Car Center operates 24/7, so picking up your car late is straightforward. The main thing to plan for is that the ATL SkyTrain may run slightly less frequently late at night, so you might have a few extra minutes of waiting. The benefit is that the airport will be less crowded, making navigation easier, and the roads leaving the airport will have significantly less traffic for your drive.

During peak times, it’s wise to allow approximately 45 to 60 minutes from the moment you pick up your bags. This includes the walk to the ATL SkyTrain, the train ride itself, potential queues at the Budget rental counter, and the time it takes to locate your vehicle in the garage. Planning for this window helps ensure a stress-free start to your trip without feeling rushed.

For a first-time visitor, the key is to use a GPS and get into the correct lane early. As you exit the rental facility, follow the signs for I-85 North towards Atlanta. The initial roads can be confusing, but they will quickly lead you to the main motorway. Staying in one of the middle lanes on I-85 North will help you avoid the chaos of cars merging on and off at the airport interchanges.

The most common mistake is accidentally taking the ramp for I-285, which is the perimeter loop around Atlanta, instead of I-85 North or I-75 North, which lead into the city. The signage can be overwhelming, so pay close attention to signs specifically pointing to “Atlanta” for the correct route. Using a GPS with lane guidance is highly recommended to navigate this initial, complex series of ramps successfully.

The most direct route is to take I-85 North from the airport. This motorway merges with I-75 to become the “Downtown Connector”. To avoid last-minute moves, get into one of the two left-most lanes as you approach the city centre. Key exits for Midtown, such as 10th Street or 14th Street, will be on your right, so watch the signs and begin moving over about two miles in advance.

The easiest drive to Buckhead is taking I-85 North from the airport and then exiting onto GA-400 North. Traffic is heaviest during typical commuting hours, roughly 7–10 am and 4–7 pm, especially on the Downtown Connector (I-85) before you reach the GA-400 exit. Outside of these peak times, the drive is generally smooth and straightforward, taking about 30–40 minutes.

The most straightforward route is to take I-85 North from the airport to I-285 West, which is the northern part of the perimeter motorway. This allows you to bypass downtown Atlanta traffic entirely. From I-285 West, you will see clearly marked exits for both Sandy Springs (e.g., Roswell Road) and Dunwoody (e.g., Ashford Dunwoody Road), making it a relatively simple drive.

The biggest surprise is that exits appear on both the left and right sides of the motorway, often with little advance warning. The Downtown Connector, where I-75 and I-85 merge, is notoriously fast-paced with frequent lane changes. To avoid missing your exit, use your GPS navigation, pay close attention to the lane guidance prompts, and try to get into your target exit lane at least a mile or two ahead of time.

For a calmer alternative, you can use surface streets for the initial part of your drive. From the rental car centre, take Camp Creek Parkway east, which is a multi-lane road with traffic lights. This route runs parallel to the motorway and allows you to get your bearings before joining a less chaotic section of the motorway further north, or you can continue on surface streets like Sylvan Road towards your destination.

The most practical plan is to park once and walk to both attractions. Drive to the large, official parking garage that serves Centennial Olympic Park, with entrances on Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard and Luckie Street. This deck is located directly between the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola. Parking here provides safe, convenient access and allows you to explore the entire area on foot.

On a busy weekend, the best strategy is to arrive early, ideally before 10:30 am, to secure a space. The most convenient place to park is the SAGE Parking Facility, which has an entrance on Monroe Drive and serves both the park and the botanical garden. If that car park is full, you may find on-street parking in the adjacent Virginia-Highland neighbourhood, but be sure to carefully read the signs for any residential permit restrictions.

The easiest approach is to navigate directly to the dedicated visitor car park located at 450 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue. This car park is free and usually has ample space, especially on weekdays. The surrounding neighbourhood has a mix of one-way streets, so relying on your GPS to guide you to this specific car park will help you avoid getting turned around. From there, all the main sites of the park are within easy walking distance.

The simplest way to park at Ponce City Market is to use the entrance to the main parking deck off North Avenue NE. This approach is often less congested than entering directly from the busier Ponce de Leon Avenue. The market uses a pay-by-plate system, so make a note of your number plate as you’ll need it to pay at a kiosk before you leave.

The most realistic strategy is to park at a major hub and explore a section of the BeltLine on foot. Good options include parking at Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market, both of which offer direct access to the popular Eastside Trail. Arrive early at weekends as these car parks fill up quickly. This park-once approach is far more enjoyable than trying to drive and find parking at multiple spots along the trail.

On event days, expect significant traffic congestion, numerous road closures, and high demand for parking. The best plan is to purchase a parking pass online in advance for one of the official stadium lots. This guarantees you a space and allows you to navigate directly there. Plan to arrive at least 90 minutes to two hours before the event to account for heavy traffic and the walk to the stadium.

The simplest driving approach from central Atlanta is to take I-75 North to the Cumberland Boulevard exit. To make parking easier, it is highly recommended to pre-purchase your parking pass online for a specific lot, such as the Red Deck. For a less stressful experience, plan to arrive about two hours before the game starts, which gives you plenty of time to navigate event traffic and find your space.

The most straightforward route is to take U.S. Highway 78 East directly to the park’s main entrance. The drive is typically under 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta without traffic. At weekends and on public holidays, especially during the summer, the most popular car parks near the main attractions can start filling up by late morning. Arriving before 11 am is a good strategy to get a convenient space.

A perfect one-day trip is to Dahlonega, the site of the first U.S. gold rush. The drive is a straight shot up GA-400 North and takes about 90 minutes from the city, making it very manageable. This route offers a scenic and easy drive, leaving you with ample time to explore the historic town square, visit local vineyards, and enjoy the mountain scenery before heading back.

The most direct route to Athens is US-78 East. Upon arrival, be aware that traffic around the University of Georgia campus can be heavy, particularly during class change times. The easiest parking solution is to head for one of the public parking decks in downtown Athens, like the College Avenue or Washington Street decks. From there, you can easily walk to campus and the many downtown shops and restaurants.

To minimise stress, plan your departure from Atlanta on I-75 North to avoid peak commuting times. The ideal window to leave is either before 7:00 am or after 9:30 am on a weekday. This helps you bypass the worst of the morning rush-hour traffic heading north out of the city. The drive itself is about two hours, so a well-timed departure ensures you arrive in Chattanooga with a full day to explore.

An excellent and easy stop is the city of Macon, located about 90 minutes south of Atlanta right off I-75. You can quickly exit to see the beautiful historic architecture or visit the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. Further down your route on I-16, the town of Dublin offers a convenient stop for a meal and a short break without venturing far from the motorway.

Peach Pass lanes are optional toll lanes on the far left of major motorways, designed to offer a faster trip. They are separated by double white lines, which you cannot cross. To avoid them, simply stay in the general-purpose lanes. Watch for the purple and white overhead signs that clearly mark the entrances for “Express Lanes” and say “Peach Pass Only”.

Visitors are often surprised by the high speed of traffic flow and the assertiveness of local drivers. Sudden, last-minute lane changes, especially near exits, are very common. Additionally, drivers tend to merge at full motorway speed rather than yielding. The best approach is to stay alert, maintain a safe following distance, and be decisive when you need to change lanes yourself.

When your GPS acts up at a complex interchange, quickly glance at the large green overhead signs. These signs show the motorway number (like I-85 or I-285) and the direction (North, South, East, West). Matching the sign to your intended route provides a crucial, real-time confirmation that can prevent you from taking a wrong turn based on a delayed GPS signal.

A compact or mid-size saloon is often the easiest type of vehicle to handle in Atlanta. It provides a great balance of being comfortable and stable for fast-paced motorway driving on routes like I-285. At the same time, its smaller footprint makes it much easier to manoeuvre and park in the often narrow and tight parking garages found in Downtown and Midtown hotels.

Before you drive off, do a quick test load of your luggage and pushchair in the boot. Make sure everything fits without having to force the lid shut, and check that your view out the rear window is not obstructed. It’s also a good idea to place the items you’ll need first, like a nappy bag or snacks, in an easily accessible spot in the back seat rather than buried in the boot.

To maintain good visibility, place the largest and heaviest suitcases flat on the floor of the boot first. Arrange smaller bags and items around them to create a low, stable base. Crucially, avoid stacking luggage so high that it blocks any part of your rear windscreen view. This clear line of sight is essential for safely navigating the frequent lane changes on Atlanta’s busy motorways.

During heavy rain, expect significantly reduced visibility and slick road surfaces, leading to sudden slowdowns. The Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85) and the top-end perimeter (I-285) are typically the first routes to become congested as drivers reduce speed. Be prepared for standing water in the lanes, and increase your following distance substantially to allow for longer braking times.

The most convenient area for fuel is along Camp Creek Parkway, located just a minute or two from the Rental Car Center. As you drive towards the airport, you will see numerous major brand petrol stations like QuikTrip, Shell, and BP right on this main road. They are easy to enter and exit, making for a quick and stress-free refuelling stop before you return your vehicle.

As you approach the airport, follow the prominent overhead signs for “Rental Car Return”. All rental companies share one large, clearly marked facility, so you can’t miss it. After you park the car and drop off the keys, simply take an elevator or escalator up to the ATL SkyTrain station. The train will take you directly back to the main terminal for your departure.

For an early flight, a safe plan is to allow 30 minutes for the entire car return process, including refuelling at a nearby petrol station and the drop-off itself. Then, add another 15 minutes for the ATL SkyTrain ride back to the terminal. From the moment you arrive at the terminal, you should still allow the standard 1.5 to 2 hours for airline check-in and security, especially during peak travel seasons.

The most efficient sequence is to first follow the signs for “Departures” and drop off your passengers and their luggage at the kerbside of the main terminal. After they are on their way, get back in the car and follow the signs for “Rental Car Return”. This direct approach prevents your passengers from having to manage their bags on the SkyTrain from the rental centre.

If you miss the entrance, the best thing to do is stay calm and simply continue following the main airport roadway. The road system at ATL is designed as a large, continuous loop. By staying on it, you will automatically be guided back around to the signs for Rental Car Return within a few minutes without needing to make any complicated or unsafe turns.

A great option is to visit a destination with ample and secure parking, like Ponce City Market or a large shopping centre such as Lenox Square in Buckhead. You can park your car, leave your luggage securely in the boot, and enjoy a meal or some shopping. This allows you to comfortably pass the time without having to worry about your belongings before you can check into your hotel.

Before you pull into the valet line, take a moment to gather all your essential personal items like your phone, wallet, and any necessary travel documents. It’s also a good practice to remember where you stopped in the hotel’s designated loading zone to make unloading your luggage more efficient. This preparation ensures a smooth and quick handover process, getting you on your way to check-in without any hassle.

A relaxing half-day itinerary is to explore the Buckhead neighbourhood. You can drive directly there via GA-400, avoiding the downtown maze, and visit the Atlanta History Center, which has its own large car park. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful residential streets in the area to see some of the city’s grandest homes. This plan offers a taste of Atlanta’s history and charm with minimal traffic stress.