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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.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 564524

Visitors to Decatur have several options for renting a car, each offering distinct advantages:

Location Pros Cons
Atlanta Airport (ATL)
  • 24/7 service
  • Extensive vehicle selection
  • All major rental companies on-site
  • Immediate availability after landing
  • Around 18% more expensive than city locations
  • $5/day Customer Facility Charge
  • 11% airport concession fee
  • 30-40 minute drive to Decatur
  • Wait times of 45-90 minutes during peak periods
Decatur City
  • Lower rates without airport fees
  • Convenient if staying in Decatur
  • Shorter wait times (usually 10-20 minutes)
  • Located near MARTA stations
  • Limited business hours (usually 8AM-6PM weekdays, shorter on weekends)
  • Often closed on Sundays
  • Smaller vehicle selection
  • Limited luxury or specialty vehicles
Downtown Atlanta
  • More options than Decatur proper
  • Good vehicle availability
  • Can be reached via MARTA from airport
  • City traffic when picking up/returning
  • Limited weekend hours
  • Parking may be challenging during pickup

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.

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Decatur, GA?

On average, car rentals in Decatur (GA) cost around $76 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $32 per day.

Low-cost rental tips
  • 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.

  • Play with duration options: A 7-day "weekly" rate can be cheaper than 5-6 individual days, yet a 2-3 day rental might beat paying hotel parking all week. Run both scenarios in the search tool before you click confirm.

Local Parking and Driving

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.

  • Speed limits: 25-35 mph on most Decatur streets, 45-55 mph on major arterials like Scott Blvd.
  • School zones have strict enforcement using speed cameras (25 mph when lights flash).
  • Georgia's Hands-Free Law prohibits holding a phone while driving.
  • Several roads in Decatur have dedicated bike lanes. Give cyclists 3 feet of space when passing.
  • Decatur has numerous pedestrian crosswalks where drivers must yield to pedestrians.
  • Many intersections in downtown Decatur have four-way stops. Vehicles proceed in order of arrival.
Why rent a car in Decatur, Georgia

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

  • Buckhead – shopping malls, dining districts, nightlife hubs

Driving Distances from Decatur

FAQs

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.