How much does it cost to rent a car in Athens?

On average, car rentals in **Athens** cost around **$59** per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at **$36** per day.

Car Rental Athens, GA

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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.

Car Rental Locations & Options

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

Car Rental Prices

Average: $59/day
From: $36/day

Saving Tips

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.
Go compact for downtown life. A smaller car not only rents cheaper but also slips into tight metered spots ($1.50/hr) and sips less fuel on the 70-mile (113 km) Atlanta run.

Car rental prices in Athens 2025/2026

Local Parking and Driving

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

Campus pedestrian zones: Students have right of way at crosswalks (strictly enforced)
One-way streets: Several in the downtown area (Clayton, Washington, etc.)
Hands-free law: No handheld phone use while driving; Athens police actively enforce
Open container laws: Strictly enforced, especially around downtown and campus
Game day rules: Numerous road closures and one-way conversions during football games

Why rent a car in Athens

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
Augusta – Masters Tournament, Savannah River district

FAQs

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.