Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta airport announce new parking rates
Parking rate increase at Atlanta airport
If you’re getting on a flight soon, you’ll want to hear this. It’s about to cost a lot more to park your car at the world’s busiest airport. Officials announced they’re tripling hourly rates and raising other parking rates across the board.
ATLANTA - Leaders at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport announced new parking rate adjustments today, marking the first such update in eight years. The new rates will take effect May 1, just weeks before the busy summer travel season begins.
What we know:
According to airport officials, since the last adjustment eight years ago, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Atlanta metropolitan area has risen approximately 30%. At the same time, ATL has seen significant increases in parking-related operational costs and has taken on new debt to construct and modernize parking infrastructure. Annual debt service alone is projected to reach $25.5 million in fiscal year 2025 and increase substantially over the coming decade, officials say.
Currently, parking rates at the airport vary by location and type of service. Regular daily parking is $19, economy is $14, and ATL Select offers both covered and uncovered options ranging from $10 to $14 per day. Short-term hourly parking near the terminals can reach up to $36 per day after six hours. International parking options also range from $14 to $36 depending on location and duration.
What they're saying:
"Adjusting parking rates is a necessary step to ensure ATL continues delivering a safe, convenient and reliable experience for travelers," said ATL Airport General Manager Ricky Smith. "This change allows us to invest in infrastructure that supports our efforts to enhance the customers’ experience while remaining competitive with comparable airports and private off-site parking providers."
Hartsfield-Jackson file photo (FOX 5)
Travelers FOX 5 spoke with were unsurprisingly unhappy. "Oh, that's crazy," said Jennifer Mathis, of Winder. "I mean, we're paying almost $20 a day already."
She said she's thinking about using a rideshare service next time. "It'd be cheaper to take Uber," she said.
Helen Mouat, who runs Peachy Airport Parking, hopes the rate hikes will send new customers to their massive facility located nearby. "I think it'll drive some business to us, which I'm glad," Mouat said. "The airport is difficult enough to manage parking and get around. So, a lot of our customers have come over from the airport just because of that."
By the numbers:
Here are the new parking rates effective May 1:
South/North Hourly Decks
$10 per hour
$50 max on Day 1 - $75 daily flat rate thereafter
International Hourly Deck
$10 for the first hour
$15 per hour thereafter
$70 max on Day 1 - $100 daily flat rate thereafter
South/North Daily Decks
$30 daily flat rate
South/North Economy Lots
$20 daily flat rate
ATL West Deck
$10 per hour
$30 max per day
ATL Select Lots
Uncovered: $15 daily flat rate
Covered: $20 daily flat rate
Oversized: $40 daily flat rate
Domestic Park-Ride Lot
$15 daily flat rate
International Park-Ride Lot
$30 daily flat rate
The rate change applies to all parking facilities, including hourly, daily and economy options.
What's next:
Officials are encouraging travelers to review updated parking options and rates ahead of the summer rush to help streamline their airport experience.
Riding MARTA to the airport could also be a good alternative. The Red and Gold lines come directly into the domestic terminal.