Parking in Atlanta

It’s easy to park your hire car in Atlanta before exploring the city’s landmarks on foot. There are around 190 parking lots and garages across downtown.

There are also parking garages available at near or in the main attractions, including the World of Coca-Cola and Georgia Aquarium.

Traffic in Atlanta

As with any large city, you’ll encounter traffic. Rush hour usually starts at 6am and lasts until around 10am, when traffic calms in the centre. It then starts again around 3.30pm until 7.30pm for the evening commute – the ring road around the city, I-825, can be particularly busy during peak hours.

How to get from Atlanta Airport to Centennial Olympic Park

If you want to check out Atlanta’s Olympic legacy right away, it’s only a 20 minute drive from our pick up location to Centennial Olympic Park at 265 Park Avenue West, NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.

To reach the park from the airport:

1.      Leave the airport and head north on Interstate 85 (I-85).
2.      Continue on the I-85 until you reach the 249D.
3.      Follow the road round and join Spring St NW.
4.      Continue on this road and join Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW.
5.      Turn right onto Baker St NW and follow it round.
6.      Turn left onto Park Ave W NW and you’ll arrive at the park entrance.

Roads and Motorways

Main routes in Atlanta

There are three main interstate highways that connect Atlanta to other major destinations in the USA:

• Interstate 85 (I-85) goes from Montgomery up to Petersburg, running from south to northeast through Atlanta.
• Interstate 75 (I-75) runs south to northwest through the city, starting in Miami and continuing up to the Canadian border, just past Michigan.
• Interstate 20 (I-20) cuts through the city centre from east to west. It continues to Florence, South Carolina in the east and just past Toyah, Texas in the west.

Atlanta to Nashville

Take the I-75 north and I-24 west and it’s just under a four-hour drive to Nashville in Tennessee.

Atlanta to Orlando

If you fancy a road trip through Georgia and into Florida, then it’s just under six and a half hours from Atlanta to Orlando via the I-75 south.

What to see and do in Atlanta

Centennial Olympic Park

At Centennial Olympic Park (GA 30313) you can see the Fountain of Rings, a tangible legacy to the 1996 Olympic Games. Water and music are synchronised four times a day at the fountain. There’s also the chance to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the park from the SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel. There is some free parking on site.

CNN Studio Tours

CNN’s headquarters (GA 30303), including newsrooms and studios, can be found right here in Atlanta. If you’ve always fancied going behind the scenes and seeing how it all works, you can join a guided 50-minute walking tour.

Georgia Aquarium

You won’t want to miss the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. At Georgia Aquarium (GA 30313) you come face-to-face with sea life you may never have seen in any aquarium before, including whale sharks and beluga whales. Throughout the day there are talks, feedings, encounters and tours. Paid parking is available on site.

World of Coca-Cola

Discover the history of Coco-Cola, experience interactive exhibits and sample more than 100 different drinks at the World of Coca-Cola (GA 30313). You’ll meet the famous polar bear mascot, learn about the secret formula and see the bottling process in action. The nearest parking garage is on Ivan Allen Jr Blvd.

Atlanta’s best hotels

Ritz-Carlton

The luxurious five-star Ritz-Carlton (GA 30303) can be found downtown, walking distance from the city’s top attractions. After a busy day, enjoy dinner at AG steakhouse, followed by live music at Lumen bar. There are various suites to choose from, including the Wellness Level Deluxe Room.

Ellis Hotel

The award-winning boutique Ellis Hotel (GA 30303) in downtown Atlanta is a historic landmark in itself. Start your day in the fitness centre and then sink into your comfortable bed after a day of sightseeing. You’re just a short distance from attractions, such as the World of Coca-Cola.

Sheraton Atlanta

Situated a short walk from Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Park, the Sheraton Atlanta (GA 30303) offers the ideal space to unwind when you’re not exploring. There’s a retractable atrium ceiling above the garden courtyard pool, for the ultimate relaxation experience.

Atlanta’s best places to eat

Atlas Restaurant

Situated in St. Regis Buckhead, this restaurant serves up seasonal American dishes. The dining room menu changes daily, while the tavern offers smaller plates. Dine here to tuck into your meal as you admire the 20th Century artwork, including The Lewis Collection.

Staplehouse

The Tasting Menu at Staplehouse changes with the seasons, offering sumptuous American fine dining dishes. A meal at the restaurant helps Giving Kitchen, a charity that supports food service workers during an emergency or who are unable to work. Reservation only.

Umi

You might see celebrities at the table next to you at Umi, with Elton John and Tom Cruise just a couple of the A-listers that have eaten here. This Japanese restaurant serves up delectable sushi, alongside dishes such as baked lobster tempura.

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q

This Texas-style barbecue joint is the ideal restaurant for meat lovers. On the menu, you’ll find American classics including ribs, burgers, smoked wings, pulled pork and brisket.

Best day trips from Atlanta

Lake Lanier

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at Lake Lanier, about an hour northeast of the city along I-85N. Breathe in the fresh air as you enjoy a picnic, go hiking, or head out onto the lake to experience the thrill of water sports.

Providence Canyon State Park

Two hours south of the city on I-85S and I-185S you’ll find what has become known as ‘Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon.’ Park up the car to explore on foot and you’ll be treated to an array of wonderful colours and sensational views.

Chattanooga

Head northwest of the city on the I-75N for an hour and 45 minutes to reach this quaint city in Tennessee. It’s been named one of the Top 45 places to go in the world by The New York Times. Here you can visit Ruby Falls, an underground waterfall, and Rock City Gardens. On a clear day, you can see seven states from up here.