EN
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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals in Athens, Georgia. Compare rates and make bookings in one place. Pick up in town or at Athens-Ben Epps Airport, see live availability and lock in a ride early for UGA football weekends or a drive to Atlanta and the North Georgia mountains.
Athens has limited rental locations compared to larger cities, offering options at the small regional airport and in town.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Athens-Ben Epps Airport (AHN) | • Convenient for air travelers • On-site rental counter |
• Very limited service (Hertz only) • Limited hours (8AM-5PM weekdays, limited Sat, closed Sun) • Small selection of vehicles • Few commercial flights to AHN |
| City Locations | • More options than airport • Some offer pickup service • Convenient to campus and downtown |
• Limited hours (usually 8AM-6PM weekdays) • Often closed Sundays • Reservations recommended |
On average, car rentals in Athens cost around $59 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $36 per day.
Compare pick-up spots first. Flying into ATL? Price out renting there vs. taking the $45 Groome shuttle and collecting wheels in downtown Athens. Local branches can be cheaper and skip Atlanta traffic, but stock is thinner, so run both quotes.
Dodge UGA football and graduation weekends. Rates and sell-outs spike then. Shifting pickup a day or two before or after the event, or returning Monday instead of Sunday, often slices the daily price.
Midweek pickups are bargain territory. Athens agencies see lighter demand Tue–Thu, so even a small date tweak can unlock lower rates.
Summer student exodus = lower prices. From June to early August campus empties, and compacts often sit unloved on the lot—perfect time to snag a deal.
| Area | Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Athens | Street meters | Metered | Enforced until 10PM Mon–Sat; free Sundays |
| Downtown Athens | Decks | Paid | College Ave deck, Washington Street deck |
| UGA Campus | Visitor lots/decks | Paid | Very limited during weekdays; permit areas strictly enforced |
| UGA Football Games | Game day parking | Game day pricing applies | Limited availability; consider park-and-ride options |
| Shopping Areas | Lot parking | Free | Abundant at malls and shopping centers |
| Residential areas near campus | Street parking | Mixed | Some require permits during weekdays |
Get a car so you can easily:
Atlanta – Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, museums, stadiums
North Georgia Mountains – towns, wineries
Lake Oconee – golf courses, resorts
Antebellum Trail – Watkinsville, Madison, Milledgeville
What's the best strategy for renting a car for a UGA football game weekend?
You should book your car at least 2–3 months ahead of time. You could also rent a car in Atlanta and drive to Athens if you can't find one locally. If you're just coming for the game, you might want to skip the car on game day. Parking near Sanford Stadium is hard to find and costs a lot.
Should I rent a car at Atlanta Airport and drive to Athens or take a shuttle and rent in Athens?
If you're making a short trip just to Athens, you can take the Groome Transportation shuttle (about $49 one-way) and rent a car there to skip Atlanta traffic. If you're staying longer or want to explore the region, renting at the Atlanta Airport gives you more cars to choose from and more freedom.
What vehicle type is best for Athens?
You'll find a compact or midsize car is best for getting around Athens' streets and finding parking. You only need an SUV or a larger car if you are traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage.
Can I return a rental car after hours in Athens?
Yes. Most rental places have key drop boxes so you can return a car after they close. But remember, you are still responsible for the car until an employee checks it in the next business day.
Is it difficult to park in downtown Athens?
You might have a hard time finding a spot on the street on weekdays and busy evenings, but the parking decks usually have open spaces. It's easier to park on weekends unless there's a special event.
Are there any seasonal driving hazards in Athens?
In the spring (March–April), heavy pollen can make it hard to see and will coat your car. In the winter, a little snow or ice can make the roads dangerous and the city doesn't have many snowplows.
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