06/03/2023 • 5 min
Atlanta driving guide
Learn the ins and outs of driving in Atlanta in our guide. Get clued up on Atlanta parking, toll roads, speeds limits and more. Buckle up and get started with Hertz.
Atlanta’s been a transport hub since the railroads converged here in the 19th century. Today, it’s home to the world’s busiest airport – where over 107 million passengers passed through in 2018 alone. Meanwhile, a huge network of highways meet in the city – connecting the deep south to the rest of the USA.
Indeed, if you’re down in Dixie, all roads seem to lead to the Big A. So how do you drive around when you get there? On this page, we’ll give you the 411 on ATL – from Atlanta parking to toll roads and everything in between.
At-a-glance info:
Size of Atlanta in square miles | Common street names | Longest road |
137m2 | Up to seventy streets use some form of the name ‘Peachtree’ | Peachtree Street (6.2 miles) |
Driving rules in Atlanta
- The Georgia ‘Slowpoke law’ stipulates that if you’re driving in the left-hand lane on a highway, you must give way to faster cars even if you’re driving at the legal speed limit. In fact, you might even see road signs saying, ‘Slower traffic, move right’.
- If you see an emergency vehicle, you also need to give way and to slow down to at least 10mph below the speed limit.
- Storms can be a problem in Atlanta. If you find yourself in heavy rain, be sure to turn on your headlights.
- It’s illegal to hold an electrical device while driving in Georgia. However, you can use a range of hands-free and Bluetooth devices.
- At an intersection with no traffic lights, the driver on the left is required to give way to the driver on the right.
Toll roads in and around Atlanta
There are no toll roads in the state of Georgia. However, Atlanta operates a system whereby drivers can choose to pay a toll to access an express lane and skip congestion. Here are the two you should look out for.
- I-85 Express Lanes – I-85 Express Lanes Extension
- I-75 Express Lanes – Northwest Corridor Express Lanes (I-75/I-575)
You’ll need to make an electronic payment to access these express lanes – you cannot pay by cash. You can do so using a Peach Pass or Sun Pass. The city has issued over 500,000 Peach Passes since the lanes opened in 2011.
Atlanta’s driving license requirements
There are three types of drivers’ license in Georgia, which are issued to drivers at different ages.
- Instructional Permits (CP) are issued to drivers over 15 years old, after successful completion of a written test.
- Provisional Drivers’ Licenses (Class D) are issued to drivers at age 16 and 17. The driver will need to have passed their drivers’ test and held an instructional permit for one year and one day.
- Class C Licenses are issued once you’re 18 years old.
Parking in Atlanta
You’ll find parking lots across Atlanta close to everything you need. Here are a few of our top picks:
SP Plus
The SP Plus offers 400 spaces close to the Centennial Olympic Park. It’s a great spot to take some shade, have a picnic or go for a stroll.
Location: 123 Marietta St NW, Atlanta 30303.
Cost: $7 per hour
How to pay: Pay by card or phone
LAZ Parking Ltd
This garage in Five Points is the perfect spot to take in the sights, sounds and shopping in this hip district.
Location: 15 Peachtree St, Atlanta 30303.
Cost: $10 for two hours
How to pay: Pay by cash or card
Cornerstone Parking Group
This spot at the edge of Piedmont Park in perfect for taking a break from the heat and bustle of Atlanta. It offers 300 spaces in the heart of Midtown.
Location: 250 10th St NE, Atlanta 30309.
Cost: $6 an hour
How to pay: Pay by phone only
Street parking in Atlanta
There are plenty of on-street parking options too, which are clearly marked throughout the city. You can pay at a meter, or via an app.
Atlanta parking app
There are several apps you can use to find, reserve and pay for parking spaces in Atlanta. These include ParkMobile and SpotAngels.
Electric car charging in Atlanta
Atlanta is well equipped for electric vehicles. There are almost 2,000 electric car charging points across Atlanta, including Tesla, Blink and ChargePoint. You can find on-street charging points, as well as larger charging stations across the city. You can use apps like ChargeHub to find spots near you.
Quick driving tips for Atlanta
- Don’t stick to the right. When you’re driving in Atlanta, the right-hand lane is often used for exits only, rather than just for a slow lane. You might end up taking the wrong turn if you stay in the right-hand lane.
- Don’t be a slowpoke. Remember, Georgia law states you need to give way to faster moving vehicles behind you – even if you’re driving at the legal speed limit.
- Use the express lanes. Sometimes, the traffic in Atlanta can get quite heavy. Don’t forget that you can pay your way out of congestion if you need to by using the toll lanes.
- Avoid rush hour. The morning rush hour can start as early as 4am and go on until 10am, and the evening rush runs from 4pm-7pm. If you have to drive during the commuter/school run, then give yourself plenty of time.
- Show some southern hospitality. Remember to give way where you need to and thank other drivers for extending the courtesy to you. In Atlanta, it’s customary to wave your thanks to the car behind as you merge into a lane.
Frequently asked questions
Is parking in Atlanta free?
While you may find some unmetered parking in residential areas, most parking spots will require payment. Most meters will charge around $2 an hour.
Is parking hard to find in Atlanta?
It can be a tricky to find Downtown parking in Atlanta, especially if you plan to stay overnight. It’s a good idea to use a parking app to help, or park further out of the Downtown area.
When is rush hour in Atlanta?
Morning rush hour can last from 4am to 10am, while the evening rush normally runs from 4pm until 7pm. It’s a good idea to avoid these times if possible.
Ready for your Atlanta road trip? Be sure to plan in advance and take things slow. If you need to head out of the city and explore the Peach State, check out our Georgia state driving guide before you set out.
Get ready for your trip to Atlanta
From the best hotels to the coolest neighborhoods, we’ve got everything you need to get the best from your trip. Check out our in-depth guides for the full lowdown.