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Albany provides rental options both at the regional airport and at city locations.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Georgia Regional Airport (ABY) | • Rental counters in terminal building • Convenient pickup after flights • No shuttle needed • Major providers available (Avis, Budget, Enterprise) |
• Limited hours (usually 9 AM to 6 PM weekdays, reduced weekend hours) • Small regional airport with fewer flight options • May stay open for last flight if notified • Limited vehicle selection |
| City Locations | • Lower rates possible (no airport fees) • Extended business hours at some locations • More vehicle options possible • Multiple locations throughout city |
• Requires transportation to reach office • May be closed on weekends • After-hours pickup generally unavailable |
On average, car rentals in Albany cost around $64 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $37 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickups: city branches in Albany often skip the 10-15 % airport surcharge and may have wider vehicle choice, worth the short rideshare from ABY.
Target the real low season: late Nov–Feb (excluding holiday weeks) is the cheapest stretch for southwest Georgia. Shift your dates a bit and rates can drop noticeably.
Lock in for a full week: even a 5-6-day trip can be cheaper on a weekly rate than paying the daily price. Do the math before you click.
Skip the add-ons: bring your own phone holder and use offline maps instead of paying $10-15/day for GPS. Decline prepaid fuel and refill at town stations where gas is cheaper than highway stops.
| Area | Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Albany | Street parking and public lots | Free or low cost | Plenty available; some time limits in business district |
| Albany Mall | Open lot | Free | Abundant spaces for shoppers |
| Riverfront Park | Designated lots | Free | Easy access to Flint River trails and attractions |
| Albany State University | Campus lots | Visitor areas and paid spots | Avoid permit-only areas during school sessions |
Local Driving Regulations:
Speed Limits:
A rental car lets you move beyond downtown to explore southwest Georgia's standout sites.
Rent a car to drive to:
Chehaw Park & Zoo – animals, trails
Providence Canyon State Park – canyon formations, photography spots
Andersonville National Historic Site – POW Museum, cemetery
Lake Blackshear – marina, golf course

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Albany?
You can legally drive if you have a valid foreign driver's license in English. If your license isn't in English, we recommend you get an International Driving Permit. You should carry your passport for ID when you use a foreign license.
What type of car is best for visiting Albany?
A standard sedan will work well for most visitors who plan to stay in Albany and make day trips on paved roads. If you plan to explore more rural areas or state parks that have unpaved access roads, a small SUV might be more comfortable, but you don't really need one.
Are there any toll roads around Albany?
No, there are no toll roads in the Albany area or anywhere else in southwest Georgia. You can travel freely throughout the region and don't have to worry about tolls.
What should I do if I encounter severe weather while driving?
In southwest Georgia, you might see severe thunderstorms and sometimes tornadoes, especially in the spring. If bad weather is coming, you should find shelter in a sturdy building. If it's raining heavily, you should slow down, leave more space between you and the car in front of you and turn on your headlights. You should never try to drive through flooded roads.
Is it difficult to find parking in downtown Albany?
No, you can usually find plenty of parking in downtown Albany, and it's often free. Even when special events are happening, it's still easier to find a parking spot than in bigger cities.
Can I take day trips to Florida from Albany?
Yes, the Florida state line is about 70 miles (113 km) south of Albany. Tallahassee, Florida's capital, is about 100 miles (161 km) away, so you can easily make it a day trip. You can reach the Gulf Coast beaches in about 2 to 2.5 hours.
What unique driving considerations should I be aware of in rural southwest Georgia?
You should watch for farm equipment on rural roads, especially during planting and harvest seasons. You should also be alert for wildlife like deer around sunrise and sunset. In very rural areas, your cell service might not work well, so you should download maps for offline use if you plan to drive far from main highways.