Avis Car Rental
Georgia

Once you've collected your luggage from baggage claim, look for overhead signs directing you to Ground Transportation and the Rental Car Center. You will need to take the free ATL SkyTrain, which is located just outside the terminal. Follow the prominent signs for the SkyTrain, which will take you on a short ride directly to the consolidated Rental Car Center. Upon arrival, proceed inside the building where you will find the Avis counter clearly marked among the other rental agencies.

After clearing customs and immigration in the international terminal, collect your bags and exit into the arrivals hall. From there, follow the signs for the Airport Shuttle, which is the connector service to the domestic terminal and the Rental Car Center. This shuttle is a different route than the one for domestic passengers, so be sure to follow the specific international terminal signage. The shuttle will drop you off near the SkyTrain station, which you'll then take for the final leg to the Rental Car Center where the Avis desk is located.

The ATL SkyTrain is an automated train that runs 24/7, connecting the airport terminal directly to the Rental Car Center (RCC). After collecting your bags, follow signs for the SkyTrain station, which is just a short walk from the terminal exit. The ride itself is only about five minutes long and is the only stop after the Georgia International Convention Center. Once you exit the train at the RCC, take the escalators or elevators up to the main hall, where you will easily spot the Avis counter to begin your rental process.

During weekday rush hour, it's wise to budget around 60 to 90 minutes from the moment your plane arrives at the gate to when you're driving away in your Avis rental. This accounts for deplaning, walking to baggage claim, waiting for your luggage, and taking the SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center. The rental counter itself can be busier during these peak times, so having your reservation details ready can help expedite the process. Atlanta's rush hour can also mean a higher volume of travelers using the same airport facilities.

The ATL Rental Car Center is designed for 24/7 operations, so navigating it late at night is generally straightforward. The ATL SkyTrain runs continuously, providing reliable transport from the terminal. Inside the Rental Car Center, you'll find the Avis counter well-lit and staffed to handle late arrivals. After completing your paperwork, you'll be directed to the adjacent parking garage where vehicles are located, with clear signage pointing you to the correct level and section for Avis cars.

A convenient and easily identifiable meeting point for a group is the main atrium of the domestic terminal, located between the North and South baggage claim areas. This central space has seating, food options, and is a natural crossroads for all arriving passengers. Once your entire group has assembled there, you can proceed together to the ATL SkyTrain station to travel to the Rental Car Center. This avoids the confusion of trying to meet up in the more crowded baggage claim or at the train platform itself.

First-time visitors are sometimes disoriented by the sheer size of the Rental Car Center's main hall after getting off the SkyTrain. The key is to immediately look for the large overhead directories that list all the rental companies alphabetically. Another point of confusion can be the multi-level parking garage; after getting your keys, pay close attention to the level and row number provided by the Avis agent. Taking a photo of the parking spot number on your phone can be a helpful reminder when you're managing luggage.

To make the journey smoother, use a luggage cart from baggage claim, which can help consolidate your belongings for the walk to the ATL SkyTrain. Once at the SkyTrain station, you'll need to unload the cart before boarding the train. A good strategy is to have one adult manage the children while the other handles the luggage. When you arrive at the Rental Car Center, one parent can wait with the kids and bags in the main hall while the other completes the rental process at the Avis counter, minimizing stress for everyone.

To ensure a smooth and efficient pickup experience at the Avis counter, international visitors should plan to have their essential travel documents readily accessible. This typically includes a valid driver's license issued from their country of residence and their passport. Having these items out and ready when you approach the counter can significantly speed up the process. It's always a good practice to confirm what's needed for your specific situation before you travel to avoid any delays upon arrival in Atlanta.

Before leaving the parking garage, take a moment to set up your GPS with your final destination. As you exit the Rental Car Center, you'll be on a dedicated roadway; follow the large, clear overhead signs for Camp Creek Parkway. This parkway is the main artery that connects you to all major interstates. Signs for I-85, I-75, and I-285 are very well-marked from Camp Creek Parkway, so stay in the correct lane as indicated and give yourself plenty of space to merge.

The most common mistake is not getting into the correct lane early enough on Camp Creek Parkway after exiting the rental facility. The signs for I-285, I-85, and I-75 appear relatively quickly, and traffic can be fast-moving. To avoid this, review your route on a map before you start driving and trust your GPS's lane guidance. If you're heading north into Atlanta, you'll typically be looking for I-85 North, so be prepared to move into the appropriate lane as soon as you see the signs.

The most direct route is to take I-85 North from the airport area. This interstate leads directly into the heart of Downtown Atlanta. To minimize stress, try to stay in the center-left lanes as you approach the city, as the far-right lanes often become exit-only with little warning. The key is to know your exit number in advance—such as for Williams St NW or International Blvd—and begin moving over calmly about two miles before you need to exit, rather than making a last-minute dash across multiple lanes.

The most straightforward path is to take I-85 North from the airport, which merges with I-75 to become the Downtown Connector. While it sounds complex, for a Midtown destination you can simply stay on this main highway through the downtown area. Key exits for Midtown include 10th Street, 14th Street, or 17th Street. To keep it simple, stay in one of the middle lanes through the downtown portion and begin signaling for your exit about a mile in advance to avoid any sudden lane changes.

For a less stressful drive to Buckhead, consider taking I-85 North from the airport and then transitioning to GA-400 North. This route bypasses some of the most intense downtown congestion. The main traffic pattern to plan for is heavy congestion during weekday rush hours, from roughly 4 PM to 7 PM. If possible, schedule your drive outside of these peak times. Once you exit GA-400 onto Lenox Road or Peachtree Road, be prepared for dense city traffic with frequent stops.

When driving in Downtown Atlanta, it's crucial to have your GPS active and pay close attention to its turn-by-turn directions, as many streets are one-way. Streets like Peachtree, Spring, and Baker can be confusing for newcomers. To manage this, keep your speed moderate and be prepared for lanes that suddenly become turn-only. The best strategy is to know your final turn before you start a block, allowing you to get into the correct lane early and avoid abrupt maneuvers with a car full of luggage.

For easy access to the BeltLine, look for paid parking lots near major access points like Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market. These lots offer the most reliable and convenient options, saving you the frustration of searching for limited street parking. For shorter stops, some retail areas along the BeltLine have designated customer parking, but be sure to check the time limits. Arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekends, significantly increases your chances of finding a spot quickly.

A great plan is to park once and walk between the attractions, as they are located right next to each other in Pemberton Place. The official Georgia Aquarium parking deck is the most convenient option and is accessible from Luckie Street NW or Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. Arrive in the morning to secure a spot, visit one attraction, take a lunch break, and then walk over to the second one. This strategy eliminates the hassle of moving your car and paying for parking twice.

The most efficient approach is to park in the SAGE Parking Facility, located right next to the park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden. This multi-level garage provides easy access to the park's main attractions. After your visit, you can either leave your car there and enjoy a short walk to the numerous restaurants along Peachtree Street or 10th Street, or you can drive the short distance. Many Midtown restaurants offer valet or are near smaller paid lots, making the transition from park to dinner quite simple.

When driving to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, expect to navigate through a mix of residential and historic city streets. The area is well-signed, directing visitors to the main visitor center. Ample free parking is available in a large, dedicated lot located at 450 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue, which is the most convenient place to leave your car. Once parked, all the key sites, including Dr. King's birth home and the Ebenezer Baptist Church, are easily accessible on foot.

For the least confusing approach, it's highly recommended to pre-purchase parking online through the stadium's official partners. This allows you to navigate directly to a specific lot, such as the Red Deck or Silver Deck, using your GPS. After the event, expect significant delays leaving the parking areas and surrounding streets. The key is patience; plan for it to take 30-60 minutes to exit the immediate stadium area before traffic begins to flow more freely on the main interstates.

The simplest driving approach from central Atlanta is to take I-75 North directly to the ballpark area. Be prepared for very heavy traffic, especially on weeknights, so plan to leave early. For the easiest parking experience, pre-book a spot in one of the official Braves lots, like the Red Deck, which offers direct access to the stadium and The Battery Atlanta via a pedestrian bridge. Following the specific directions provided with your pre-paid parking pass is much easier than trying to find a spot on game day.

The most straightforward route from Atlanta is to take US-78 East, also known as the Stone Mountain Freeway. The route is direct and well-marked with signs for Stone Mountain Park. To find the least hectic parking, plan to arrive before 11 AM, especially on weekends or holidays when the park is most popular. This allows you to secure a spot in one of the main lots near the primary attractions, like the Crossroads area, before the largest crowds arrive for the afternoon.

For a less stressful drive, take GA-400 North out of the city. This route is generally more straightforward than navigating the I-75/I-85 split. Continue on GA-400 until it ends, and it will transition into smaller highways that lead you directly into the heart of the mountains near Dahlonega. This path allows you to bypass the heavy commercial traffic on I-75 and I-575. Plan to leave Atlanta before 9 AM to avoid the worst of the outbound commuter traffic.

The drive to Helen is scenic, but the final stretch can feel slow for visitors unfamiliar with mountain roads. After leaving the main highways like GA-400 or I-985, you'll transition to two-lane country and mountain roads, such as GA-75. These roads are winding and require more focused driving, which can be tiring after the long stretch of highway. Additionally, traffic can back up significantly right before you enter the small town of Helen, especially during Oktoberfest or on a sunny weekend afternoon.

On a University of Georgia football game day, plan to leave Atlanta extremely early—at least four to five hours before kickoff—to avoid the worst traffic on GA-316 East. The highway becomes heavily congested closer to Athens. For parking, your best bet is to prepay for a spot in a private lot or a university deck if available, as public parking downtown will be nearly impossible to find. Alternatively, park further from the stadium and plan for a long walk or use a local shuttle service.

The most direct route is to take I-75 North all the way to Chattanooga. To avoid the worst traffic, leave Atlanta before 7 AM or after 10 AM on a weekday. The most significant bottleneck is typically the stretch from the I-285 perimeter up to Marietta. Once you are past that area, the drive usually becomes much smoother. On your return trip, try to leave Chattanooga to re-enter the Atlanta metro area after 7 PM to miss the evening rush hour.

To avoid the initial congestion, start your drive from Atlanta between 9:30 AM and 11 AM, after the morning rush has cleared. The route is a straight shot down I-75 South to Macon, then I-16 East all the way to Savannah. A perfect spot for a break is Macon, about 90 minutes into the drive, which has plenty of food and gas options right off the highway. This splits the roughly four-hour trip into two manageable segments, keeping you refreshed for your arrival in Savannah.

The most confusing part for first-timers is navigating the I-75/I-85 split and then ensuring you are on I-75 North heading towards Chattanooga. As you leave downtown Atlanta, the signage can be overwhelming with multiple exits in quick succession. The key is to stay in the lanes designated for I-75 North. Once you are on I-75 and have passed the I-285 perimeter, the route becomes much simpler until you reach the I-24 West split in Chattanooga, which is the next major directional change on your way to Nashville.

Peach Pass lanes are optional toll lanes on major interstates like I-75 and I-85, designed to offer a faster trip during heavy traffic. They are separated from the general-purpose lanes by double white lines, which you are not allowed to cross. To use them, you need a Peach Pass transponder. Visitors in rental cars should be cautious and stay in the free, general-purpose lanes to avoid issues. Watch for the purple and white Peach Pass signs and make sure not to accidentally drift into these restricted lanes.

Out-of-state visitors are often surprised by the speed and assertiveness of Atlanta drivers, especially on the major interstates. Lane changes can happen quickly and with little warning, so it's essential to be a defensive driver and maintain a safe following distance. Merging onto highways like the Downtown Connector requires you to get up to speed promptly on the ramp. Drivers expect you to blend in smoothly, so being hesitant can be more disruptive than being decisive.

When your GPS reroutes near the Downtown Connector (the I-75/I-85 merge), the best strategy is to look ahead at the overhead signs to confirm your next major exit or interchange. Often, the GPS is reacting to sudden slowdowns, but staying on the main interstate is usually the most reliable path. Trust the large green highway signs over a sudden GPS command to exit onto surface streets. This helps you avoid making a frantic, last-second dash across multiple lanes of heavy traffic.

A mid-size or compact sedan is often the best choice for navigating Atlanta's diverse driving conditions. These vehicles are comfortable and stable enough for extensive highway driving on routes like I-285 and I-75. At the same time, their smaller footprint makes them much easier to maneuver and park in the tight, low-clearance parking garages commonly found at hotels in Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead. An SUV might be more spacious, but can be challenging in older, more compact parking structures.

Before you drive away from the Avis pickup area, it's a great idea to do a test fit with all your luggage and gear. Open the trunk and see how your bags fit, ensuring the trunk can close securely without forcing it. If you have bulky items like golf clubs or large suitcases, check if the rear seats can fold down to create more space if needed. Confirming that everything fits comfortably at the start will prevent a frustrating roadside repacking session later in your trip.

For a valet-only hotel, be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak check-in and check-out hours on a busy weekend. Before handing over your rental, make sure to remove all personal valuables, including electronics, wallets, and any travel documents. When you need your car, call down to the valet stand about 15-20 minutes before you plan to leave. This gives the attendants time to retrieve your vehicle, minimizing your wait time in the lobby.

During heavy rain, expect significantly reduced visibility and slick road conditions, causing immediate slowdowns across the metro area. The Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85) and the top-end perimeter of I-285 are typically the first major routes to become severely congested. Water can pool in the outer lanes, so it's often safer to stay in the middle lanes. Increase your following distance dramatically and be prepared for sudden stops, as Atlanta traffic can be unpredictable even in good weather.

Several gas stations are conveniently located on Camp Creek Parkway, the main road you'll use to access the Rental Car Center. As you drive toward the airport on Camp Creek Parkway, you will see multiple well-known brands like Shell, Chevron, and QuikTrip. These stations are situated just a few minutes from the rental return entrance, making them ideal for a quick and stress-free final fill-up. Simply refuel at one of these and then follow the signs for Rental Car Return.

The key is to follow the signs specifically for 'Rental Car Return' as you approach the airport on Camp Creek Parkway. This entrance is separate from the ones for terminal departures or arrivals. Do not follow signs for the airport terminals themselves. The dedicated roadway for the Rental Car Center will guide you directly to the return facility, completely bypassing the often-congested passenger drop-off and pick-up loops. Keep an eye out for these specific signs to ensure a smooth entry.

For a low-stress early morning return, plan to arrive at a gas station near the airport at least three hours before your flight's departure time. Budget about 10 minutes for refueling. From there, it's a 5-minute drive to the Avis return garage. The return process itself is usually quick, but allow 15 minutes to be safe. Finally, the SkyTrain ride back to the terminal takes about 5 minutes, getting you to the check-in and security lines with plenty of time to spare.

The most efficient sequence is to first follow the signs for 'Departures' to drop off your passengers and their luggage at the appropriate terminal curb. After they are safely out of the vehicle, get back on the main airport roadway and immediately begin following the signs for 'Rental Car Return'. This route is designed to loop you from the terminals directly to the Rental Car Center without forcing you to leave the airport complex, saving you from unnecessary backtracking onto the main highways.

If you miss the turn, don't panic. Continue following the main airport roadway as it will eventually loop you back around toward the main interchanges. The simplest recovery is to follow signs for Camp Creek Parkway, which will take you just outside the main airport loop. From there, you can easily make a U-turn or use the next intersection to get back on Camp Creek Parkway heading toward the airport and watch for the 'Rental Car Return' entrance a second time.