90‑second ride connects Domestic Terminal to rental cars
ATL SkyTrain is an automated people mover linking the Domestic Terminal to the Rental Car Center and Georgia International Convention Center, with a typical one-way ride taking about 90 seconds. The line runs on an elevated guideway, separate from the underground Plane Train that connects concourses.
The system operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with trains usually arriving every 3 minutes during peak airport hours. The SkyTrain station sits just outside the Domestic Terminal, across from the main terminal building, while the opposite end anchors at the consolidated Rental Car Center.
Riding ATL SkyTrain is free, with no ticket, boarding pass, or MARTA fare required at any time. You simply walk into the station from the Domestic Terminal or Rental Car Center and step directly onto the platform when doors open.
From the Domestic Terminal, follow signs for “Rental Cars / SkyTrain” toward the west side of the terminal, passing the Ground Transportation Center on the way. The enclosed walkway to the SkyTrain station is clearly marked with overhead signs using the official name “ATL SkyTrain.”
At the Rental Car Center terminus, the SkyTrain stops adjacent to the consolidated facility that houses major brands such as Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Budget. Walking from train platform to most rental counters usually takes under 5 minutes because they sit in the same connected building.
ATL SkyTrain also serves the Gateway Center area, which includes the Georgia International Convention Center and several hotels grouped near the College Park side of the airport. Trains stop at this intermediate Gateway station between the Domestic Terminal and the Rental Car Center.
If you arrive at the International Terminal and need the Rental Car Center, you cannot board ATL SkyTrain directly from International; you’ll first transfer by free shuttle bus from the International Terminal to the Domestic Terminal, then take SkyTrain to the cars. The same pattern applies in reverse when returning rentals before an international departure.
One tip: if your flight departs from the International Terminal but your rental return is at the Rental Car Center, budget at least 25 to 30 minutes for the SkyTrain ride to the Domestic Terminal plus the shuttle transfer to International.