Car rental Atlanta Hartsfield Airport (ATL)

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson international airport is just 13km from the heart of the city via Interstate 75 (I-75) and I-85, both of which run from north to south through Georgia. The I-285 circles Atlanta, dividing the inner city from the suburbs.

As you’d expect from a state capital, Atlanta is served by a comprehensive network of interstates, several of which radiate out from the city providing connections to destinations including Savannah, almost 400km away by the coast. These routes also provide access to some of Georgia’s neighbouring states – you can follow I-75 north to Tennessee, or south towards Florida. For Montgomery in Alabama, follow the I-85 south-west from the airport for 250km.

Car rental at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport also gives you the chance to get out of the city and enjoy picturesque drives in the surrounding Georgian landscapes. There’s a scenic highway running from the town of Cohutta – around 180km north of Atlanta, near the Tennessee border – to the Chattahoochee River 140km south of Atlanta, taking in peaceful forests and mountain scenery.

Like most major cities, the roads in and around Atlanta can get busy around weekends and rush hour, so it’s worth allowing plenty of time for your journey and avoiding peak times where possible. Lots of streets in the city have Peachtree in their name – the most important one is Peachtree Street, which runs from downtown to the residential district of Buckhead, providing a route to most surrounding neighbourhoods and plenty of places to eat, along with some of the big entertainment venues.

Interstates usually carry a speed limit of 70mph (112km/h), lowering to 65mph (104km/h) for divided highways, and 30mph (48km/h) in urban and residential areas.

When you rent a car at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, you’ll be perfectly placed to start exploring this vibrant, exciting city. You can even head further afield to explore more of Georgia, including cities like Savannah and Augusta, to simply enjoying some scenic, rural drives.

Home of an icon

One of the biggest draws for visitors is the fascinating history of this city. As the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr, Atlanta played a central role in the American Civil Rights Movement. Head to Auburn Avenue, where you can find King’s birthplace and home, where he lived until he was 12 years old.

Free 30-minute tours of the home are available and you’ll need to register at the visitor centre in person on the day of your tour. Tours are filled on a first-come, first-served basis so unless you arrive early you may have to wait for a slot to become available.

You can also explore other landmarks in this part of the city. Ebenezer Baptist church is where King and his father preached, and is today open to the public. You can also visit the King Center at Freedom Hall, which displays artifacts from the life of the Civil Rights leader.

Peaceful parks

As well as its impressive cultural and historical attractions, Atlanta is home to tranquil green spaces where you can relax and take a break from sightseeing. The Centennial Olympic Park, built for the Games hosted by the city in 1996, is a popular attraction where you can find the World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium and the Center for Civil and Human Rights. Here, you’ll also find the CNN Center, which allows you to go behind the scenes at one of the world’s biggest news broadcasters.

When outside, make sure you check out the Fountain of Rings, a huge synchronized water display incorporating the iconic Olympic logo. Audio tours of the park are available, where you can find out all about the legacy of the 1996 Games.

Just a short drive away, you’ll find the Atlanta Botanical Garden, home to spectacular displays of exotic flowers and plants in the heart of the city. Highlights include the Fuqua Orchid Center and the Storza Woods, featuring a unique canopy walk. If you’re visiting around Christmas time, the spectacular festive exhibit is a real highlight.

Living the high life

Atlanta airport car rental also gives you a chance to head out into the mountains of North Georgia. Head for the town of Blue Ridge, nestled within the Chattahoochee National Forest just over 140km north of the city via the I-575, and you can enjoy unspoiled scenery and a stylish town filled with upscale stores and restaurants serving fresh food from the surrounding fields and orchards.

Rent a boat on Lake Blue Ridge, go fishing in the Toccoa River or take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. However you spend your time here, the memories are sure to last long after you return home.   

Atlanta has something for everyone, and you can see it all with your Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport car rental. Reserve online now to make sure that your journey is smooth from start to finish.