






Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals in Decatur, Georgia. Compare prices and book in one place. Simple. Choose a pick-up spot in Decatur, downtown Atlanta or at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, then filter by price, size or supplier to find the car you need. Book early to dodge airport surcharges and save up to 25 percent, with free cancellation on most deals for peace of mind.
Visitors to Decatur have several options for renting a car, each offering distinct advantages:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Airport (ATL) |
|
|
| Decatur City |
|
|
| Downtown Atlanta |
|
|
Decatur is accessible via MARTA rail (Blue Line) from the airport, making it easy to reach rental locations without a car. The journey takes around 30 minutes.
On average, car rentals in Decatur (GA) cost around $76 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $32 per day.
Skip the airport fees: Compare Decatur city pick-ups against ATL. Downtown Decatur locations usually come in about 15-20 % cheaper and dodge the 11 % airport concession plus $5/day facility charge.
MARTA transfer = money saved: Landing at ATL? Hop on the Blue Line (≈30 min) and collect your car in Decatur. You avoid peak-time counter lines and start your rental clock later.
Watch the event calendar: Rates spike during big Atlanta conventions (spring and fall). Lock something in 2-3 weeks out for those dates, but keep checking—free rebooking can snag a price drop in quieter weeks.
Size matters for your wallet: Compact or mid-size cars fit tight Decatur parking decks and run roughly 30 % less than SUVs. Only book the extra metal if you truly need cargo space.
Decatur has a mix of paid and free options for leaving your car, along with more restrictions in the downtown area.
Downtown Decatur: Metered street spots have time limits, enforced Monday-Saturday until 6PM. Several public decks are available.
Residential Areas: Some streets have permit restrictions or time limits. Pay attention to posted signs.
Shopping Areas: You can leave your car at Suburban Plaza, North DeKalb Mall and other shopping centers outside the immediate downtown.
Georgia has no mandatory toll roads around Decatur.
A car unlocks the wider Atlanta region and nearby outdoor escapes.
Stone Mountain Park – granite dome, cable car, laser show
Downtown Atlanta – Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park
Lake Lanier – beaches, marinas, boating areas
North Georgia mountains – waterfalls, wineries, scenic byways

Is a car necessary to explore Decatur?
You can walk around Downtown Decatur and take the MARTA rail, so you don't need a car if you only plan to visit the downtown area. However, we recommend renting a car if you want to explore further or take day trips.
Where can I park in downtown Decatur?
Downtown Decatur has several public parking decks that charge about $1–3 per hour. You can also find metered street parking. Once you park, most restaurants and shops are just a short walk away.
What type of vehicle is best for visiting Decatur?
A small or mid-size car is a good choice for driving on Decatur's city streets. You may have a hard time parking an SUV in some tighter downtown spaces, but an SUV offers more comfort for day trips.
Can I rely on MARTA instead of renting a car?
You can count on MARTA for travel between downtown Decatur, downtown Atlanta and the airport. However, many attractions in the larger metro area are hard to reach by public transit alone.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Decatur?
You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card and proof of insurance (if you don't buy the rental company's insurance). International visitors need a valid passport and either an International Driving Permit or a driver's license printed in English.
Is parking expensive in Decatur?
Parking in Decatur is more affordable than in downtown Atlanta. Most decks charge about $1–3 per hour. You'll find metered parking on the street downtown, but parking is often free in nearby neighborhoods. Just be sure to check the signs for any rules.