Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Atlanta with confidence.
How far in advance should you book car hire in Atlanta?
You should book your car hire in Atlanta around 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Atlanta?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Atlanta is January at an average cost of R619/day. April is the most expensive month to hire a car in Atlanta when prices are R993/day on average, which tends to be 1 847% above the yearly average hire price for Atlanta.
Which car hire company in Atlanta has the most locations?
Avis operates 6 locations in Atlanta, more than any other car hire company.
Find the right car hire in Atlanta by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
4x4
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
R512 - R879
All Car Types
R1 051 - R1 638
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Atlanta?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Atlanta?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Atlanta?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Atlanta?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Atlanta?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Atlanta?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Atlanta?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Atlanta?
Small car hire in Atlanta typically costs around R720 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R512 per day, which is about 29% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 47% cheaper than the average car hire in Atlanta, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Atlanta typically costs around R1 363 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average R895 per day, which is about 35% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 2% more expensive than the average car hire in Atlanta, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Atlanta typically cost around R1 096 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R901 per day, which is about 18% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 18% cheaper than the average car hire in Atlanta, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in Atlanta typically costs around R1 075 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R872 per day, which is about 19% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 20% cheaper than the average car hire in Atlanta, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.
Van hire in Atlanta typically costs around R2 161 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average R1 351 per day, which is about 38% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 39% more expensive than the average car hire in Atlanta but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Atlanta typically costs around R1 111 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R928 per day, which is about 17% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 17% cheaper than the average car hire in Atlanta, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Atlanta typically costs around R1 604 per day. The best time to book is August, when prices average R1 279 per day, which is about 21% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 17% more expensive than the average car hire in Atlanta but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Atlanta typically costs around R1 586 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average R1 433 per day, which is about 10% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 16% more expensive than the average car hire in Atlanta but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Dollar
Medium
R907/day
R703/day
Atlanta car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
Insights shared by verified travellers who hired a car in Atlanta
If the rental location is off-site, plan extra time.
Verified travelerOct 2024
Call ahead to see if they have cars available. Payless wasn’t the only one out of cars but if a rental company is experiencing this, customers should be notified about their booking prior to arriving.
Verified travelerSept 2024
Choose a car early, I requested a tahoe and got a subura,
WHMJul 2024
Be careful if there are a lot of flight cancellations! Online booking can be totally inaccurate.
BethDec 2023
Make sure that you have plenty of time to get to the airport and return your rental car. Atlanta Airport is very big and you really need to have time to return your car, get through security and take 2 trains inside the airport!!
RyanDec 2023
Just go to hertz, wait times would be brutal but at least they’re more reliable
Verified travelerJan 2024
Know where you plan to go. Stay in your lane. Link GPS with Bluetooth to play through the car’s audio system. Keep the gas tank nearly full so you can drive and not worry. Interstates are key landmarks. And remember some streets are one way. Also remember you cannot touch your phone while driving.
RussDec 2023
Getting from the terminal to the rental desk and then the car took 90 minutes. 50+ people waiting in line. Atlanta traffic is tough, but manageable.
Verified travelerJan 2024
Be careful about picking up (or dropping off) a rental during rush hour. Traffic can be brutal.
Verified travelerOct 2023
Know which car rentals are at the rental center at the airport. It will be much more efficient! There is a sky train to the rental center from the airport that is fast. Beware if you are shuttled off site. It will double or triple the commute time to and from the rental.
Verified travelerOct 2023
Don’t go with the cheapest agency. Spend a few dollars more and rent from one of the higher tier companies
AndrewSept 2023
Very easy. Pay attention to the highways and your directions
Verified travelerOct 2023
Get it from known good company
Verified travelerSept 2023
Be patience and allow plenty of time for pickup and drop off.
TracyOct 2023
Have a back up plan.
Verified travelerNov 2023
Fine with my car rented with Alamo because Avis is terrible!
Verified travelerJun 2023
The MARTA is better than you might think and close to all major hotels in downtown Atlanta. Avoid renting a car if you can.
HamidJul 2023
Rent a car from a company with large inventory of cars. If you can, rent at the airport.
Verified travelerJul 2023
After getting off the plane, it takes trips on two different trains to get to the car rental center. Plan for this additional time.
ShariJun 2023
Make sure you leave quite a bit of time to get to rental, through line and get car.
Verified travelerJun 2023
Be patient with the shuttle service. I wish there were more signs/instructions, but we figured it out.
RameshJun 2023
Traffic is busy around the airport, planning well ahead would be useful avoiding traffic jams.
Verified travelerAug 2023
Use a large car rental instead of small ones. Atlanta is a high demanded city.
Verified travelerJul 2023
Not an easy city to navigate but took the van out of state.
Verified travelerJun 2023
Call the rental place directly and not got through 3rd party
Verified travelerJun 2023
Maintain the car better. Safety is important to your customers.
Verified travelerJun 2023
Just go with the flow and be alert
Verified travelerJun 2023
Use an agency located at the airport.
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Atlanta
Whether you are traveling for business or attending a sports event in Atlanta, you’ll find it simple to rent a car at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Being the busiest airport in the world, it is equipped with many conveniences including a SkyTrain to help travelers get around. Once you’re off the plane, this train will take you directly to the hire car center. There are also kiosks nearby where you can get your car keys fast and easy.
Although Atlanta has a quality public transportation system, it offers only limited service in and around Cobb County, a popular Atlanta suburb. There are many things to do and see in Cobb County, including the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center (where numerous concerts and theatrical performances are hosted), Kennesaw Mountain National Park, and Six Flags Over Georgia. SunTrust Park, the home of the Atlanta Braves, is also located in Cobb County.
Most Atlantans would advise that tourists should avoid Highway 285 if at all possible. Why? Highway 285 makes a loop around the city of Atlanta and provides access to numerous suburbs. Consequently, it is the busiest and most popular route for commuters working downtown. In lieu of 285, you can take I-75.
Atlanta has a very busy rush hour. It is busiest in the downtown district between the hours of 6:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. in the morning as well as during the commute home from 4:00 p.m. – 7 p.m.
25% of our users found a car hire in Atlanta for R703 or less
FAQs about hiring a car in Atlanta
What type of car is recommended for driving in Atlanta?
The truth is, you’ll do mostly highway driving during your visit to Atlanta. Most commuters in Atlanta drive really fast on the freeway and thus you might have to pick up speed really quickly. Consequently, you’ll want to rent a car with strong acceleration. Also, because it can get very hot in the summer months, you’ll need a good air conditioning system.
What’s the speed limit in Atlanta?
When driving on the highway in Atlanta, you’ll be able to drive at speeds of 70 miles per hour on the freeway and 65 miles per hour on state divided highways. While driving through neighborhoods, in keeping with Georgia law, you’ll need to stay below 30 mph.
Where are the best places to park in Atlanta?
If you are lodging in downtown Atlanta, your hotel might provide free parking. If you are not staying downtown but hope to see some of the sights, you might have to search hard for a place to park. This is especially true during the weekdays and business hours. Public parking in garages or self-parking lots might be your best option. Consider the parking garage at Peachtree Center or Georgia Pacific Center, as they are centrally located and allow you to walk to Skyview Atlanta, the children’s museum, the Atlanta Central Library, and Hard Rock Café.
How much does it cost to hire a car in Atlanta?
On average a car hire in Atlanta costs R907 per day.
Which car hire agencies are at Hartsfield-Jackson airport (ATL)?
Car hire companies onsite at Hartsfield-Jackson airport include Dollar, Thrifty and Europcar.
Which car hire companies will pick you up at Hartsfield-Jackson airport (ATL)?
Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Hartsfield-Jackson airport to off-airport locations include Dollar, Thrifty, Europcar and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
How can I find car hires near me in Atlanta?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Medium car hire cost in Atlanta?
A Medium car hire in Atlanta costs R1 851 per day, on average.
The staff was amazing and helpful. The only complaint that I had was that the floor mat in our car kept moving around due to a broken hook, but I let the agent know and they were going to fix it. Stellar company!
2,0 Poor
Margaret, Mar 2026
Compact SUV
They were very rude and claimed my insurance didn't cover rentals (which it does). I didn't rent from, therefore lost my money.
10,0 Wonderful
Alice, Feb 2026
Supplier choice
Friendly staff. Great transport to and from the airport
4,0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Sept 2025
Intermediate
I want my refund for the car insurance Upon my arrival to pick up the car I was informed Routes doesn’t use the insurance you charged me for, I am ripped off yet you were paid for a policy that was unenforceable
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Sept 2025
Supplier choice SUV
I received a message that they will not rent to anyone who has a local drivers license despite the fact that I flew into an out of Atlanta obviously necessitating a rental car. They have repeatedly refused a refund for the rental, even though I called before pickup. Extremely disappointed in this experience and their customer service.
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2025
Compact
Shouldn’t have had to pay for insurance as I was covered completely by USAA but couldn’t give a precise dollar amount!
Took the reservation without telling us they had no cars available, and was told I had to wait at least 2-4 hours until they might get something in. Walked over to enterprise and got great service with a free upgrade right then and there.
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2025
Supplier choice
Kenyata at the Atlanta airport was helpful even though it was late and busy!
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2025
Full-size
Excellent customer service
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Compact SUV
They gave us an old car with a spent battery. The battery died and they took 2.5h to send someone to jump it, and they would not send us a replacement vehicle. While on vacation, we had to drive back to the airport to get a replacement. Terrible experience.
6,0 Okay
Brandon, Jul 2024
Standard
The representative was nice, accommodating and helpful to those stranded. However, he did not mention the car we rented was an upgraded vehicle. The cost was high. Had we known we would not have rented from them. Secondly, you are nearly forced into renting an EV car , if you opt not to, then a gas car is now considered an upgrade.
First, understaffing in order to sell an add-on “upgrade” for quicker pickup is unacceptable. Then the clerk could not assign me a car because of multiple systems (dollar, thrifty, hertz). Then, even after we clearly discussed my lack of interest in ALL of the unnecessary add-ons he added them back in the third time he tried to assign a car. Then even though he pushed all the buttons on my phone, he claimed it was me who made the choices. He gave me attitude when i found the extra $1450 due at pick up unacceptable!!! Do they get bonuses on that? , he then told me the wrong floor to pick up the car sending me across traffic to get to the area. And finally, he sent me to a space that had no car. I dragged three bags full of tools this way! UNACCEPTABLE. the only save was that the guy at the actual hertz desk helped me out so i did not have to drag it all back access traffic. But since it is the same company, i am unlikely to use again and will share. I am disgusted!
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, May 2026
Full-size
Had one way rental atl to mia for 12:30 am pickup. Was able to get an earlier connecting flight. Called them to change pickup to 4 hours earlier. They sad they couldn’t, no cars. Absolute nonsense. They said they could transfer me to their “sister company,” Budget, who could provide a car. The experience with Budget was a complete disaster.
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Apr 2026
People carrier
Even though my vehicle was reserved and prepaid for when we arrived at the airport early in the morning there was no vehicles available. We had traveled all day and arrived after midnight and looking forward to getting some sleep. When we got to the rental counter the line was roughly twenty people long and we were all told they were completely out of vehicles and had nothing to give anyone... Had to wait in line at other companies to get something to use for our trip. Then the refund process was about the worst because I had prepaid they didn't want to return any money. Took many emails and phone calls to get anything done and finally receive a refund. Don't rent from them!
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2026
Pick-up truck
They were out of cars and did not apologize or offer any solutions. Will never work with this company again.
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2026
Compact
I rent a car for 96 usd and pat at the end 318 usd This is unacceptable.
The car smelled like marijuana, which is not great since I was using the car to drive a bunch of 7 year olds around. Additionally, we could not use the AC because the air it blew out smelled like molding clothes and sour feet. There is clearly a bacterial issue in the AC system. The pick up and drop off were fine, and the car drove fine as well. The issue of smell and heavy bacteria is my main complaint.
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2024
Intermediate
Great
8,0 Very Good
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Standard SUV
Enterprise charged more for the insurance than was on my rental charges. Claimed that Kayak was a third party and they charged more.
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Nov 2023
Compact
At the pickup location the customer service rep tried to give me an economy car instead of the compact car rented… trying to get more money out to upgrade from the economy car to a standard or compact. Waited 45 mins for a car that had oil changed and needed a wash and clean. Car came out still dirty, car had a bad wheel alignment and felt kind of unsecured on highways. Thank God the customer rep at the drop off location was really nice and provided a discount to compensate for the troubles.
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sept 2023
Full-size
Excellent device provided by staff, especially the professional care and courteous received from Ru.
45 minutes after leaving the rental counter with pick up the "low tire pressure " light came on in the dash. Stopped at a nearby gas station on the interstate and put in air and realized after driving and it happened again-there must be a slow leak. contacted Sixt from the road-now nearly 2 hours from car pick up and 20 minutes from parents house. they told me-its my problem-they do NOT offer roadside! either bring it to the nearest center (an hour and a half away) or fix it and then maybe we will cover it when you bring it back with the receipt. 3 hours later we get an email-your "damages" claim has been filed! Tried calling to clarify its NOT damage we caused-its a slow leak-and we've filled it up 3 times now and were trying to do the right thing. They wanted NOTHING to hear of it and NO roadside isn't an option unless its a wreck. I've NEVER had such cr@p customer service in my life and I travel extensively! NEVER AGAIN. they still show it as a "damage claim". They can argue it out with AMEX now!
10,0 Wonderful
Hallery, Dec 2024
Intermediate SUV
Very friendly staff.
2,0 Poor
Jared, Jul 2024
Luxury SUV
They would not honor their contract and would not refund it. I want a full refund. Who can help me?
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2024
Luxury SUV
Exellent, got me by surprise, didn't know this company, tjanks to Kayak I found it. Thank you
Paid for a Tesla ended up this a Nissan ! Didn’t receive any type of comp back no
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2025
Intermediate SUV
I reserved the wrong date and they still found me a car.
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Apr 2025
Passenger van
I was told to come 2 hours later than my scheduled time and when I arrived they told my vehicles were sold out. All the staff seemed indifferent and after half an hour one finally came to ask me to go away. Poor attitude, no service at all. This office should shut down eternally.
2,0 Poor
Morgan, Oct 2024
People carrier
This was a joke and neither Kayak or Hertz would make me whole. I showed up for my rental at the appointed time and was told there were no cars and there was nothing they could do. I called Hertz who told me they couldn't refund. I went to Kayak's site for a refund which indicated there are no refunds. I disputed the charges with my credit card company and was made whole. I shan't be doing this again. Cheers.
2,0 Poor
Meredith, Sept 2024
Supplier choice
The location was impossible to find, it took 20 minutes of circling around to find it. And once I got there there's only one clerk and she was very overwhelmed and so we had to wait an hour and a half. And she didn't seem to care and all that I had an appointment. Then she basically lied to my face and told me that I was not insured even though I had paid for a separate insurance. So I had to pay an extra $200 for something I didn't want or need. I will never use them again and likely not use kayak bc the whole thing was such a mess
After waiting 45-60 minutes to get to the counter, Payless did not honor the reservation made through this platform. They stated that they were short on cars, and not honoring reservations made through 3rd party platforms. Watch out!
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Intermediate
Everything could have been better. Not accommodating and very elusive customer service
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Sept 2024
Intermediate
I waited 90 minutes to get in my car!
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, May 2024
Intermediate SUV
Need a refund. Clerk was never able to accept the crédit Card. We went to Hertz, got a car in 2 minutes. Your phone, nobody picks up.
They didn’t have our car type. But they did have a car. Probably should have offered a difference fare for downgrade
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2025
Intermediate
Made a reservation, showed up, and there were no cars available. Desperately needed a car to drive home because our flight got canceled. Had to pay for an Uber to this location for the rental car for absolutely no reason. Wasted over $50 because Avis said there was a car available for us. Employees were so horrible and rude that I left sobbing. Will NEVER try to use Avis again.
2,0 Poor
Jeana, Jun 2025
Intermediate SUV
They called and said they had no cars and sometimes the system has a lag. So there was no rental.
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Apr 2025
Full-size
I had a reservation for one week for pickup in Atlanta. With less than 24 hours before my arrival they cancelled my reservation and did not offer an alternative. I called them pressing the issue, so they found an Avis car for me to rent in downtown Atlanta. The Uber ride was ) $40+.. The hotel told me they didn’t have an Avis car for me. I called Avis. They could find no car. They finally found a less than 1/2 charged electric IONIC 5 for me to drive to Alabama. The car was dirty and it took me several attempts to locate a vacant charging station along the way. Plus the charging added 1 hour to my trip. VERY DISAPPOINTING!!!!!
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Feb 2025
Passenger van
We had confirmed our vehicle a week before. A day before picking up the vehicle they called and said that our rented vehicle is not available anymore. And they canceled the reservation.
Unfortunately the contract was not clear. The took extra 70 dollars for miles which was not mention on contract Really disappointed
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Jun 2025
Intermediate SUV
Terrible customer service
8,0 Very Good
Joe, Aug 2024
Supplier choice
Weird pickup staff
4,0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Supplier choice
Their ONLY car available was a Ram 3500 diesel truck. I wanted an economy sedan. There was zero indication of their inventory. It wasn’t even like they ran out of sedans this location only rents trucks! Would have been nice to know before I had to drive to Birmingham and back with the largest most gas inefficient vehicle on the highway.
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