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Finding a car rental in Brunswick is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers all around Georgia with no reservation fees. Pick up your car at Brunswick Golden Isles Airport or a downtown office and be crossing the causeway to St. Simons or Jekyll Island within minutes. Book ahead of summer beach season to snag low rates and the vehicle size you really want.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Brunswick offers two primary car rental locations: the regional airport and downtown/city locations.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK) | • On-site rentals (Avis, Budget, Hertz) • No shuttle needed • Convenient pickup after flights • Adjacent rental lot | • Limited hours (usually 8/9 AM to 5:30 PM) • Not 24-hour operation • Higher rates due to airport fees • Limited selection during peak periods |
| Brunswick City Locations | • Potentially lower rates (no airport fees) • Downtown locations convenient to hotels • Enterprise has offices in city center | • Limited business hours • May require transportation to reach office • Fewer vehicle options than larger cities • May be closed Sundays |
Car Rental Prices
Low-cost rental tips
- Compare airport vs downtown pickup: City offices dodge the 10-15 % airport surcharge. A quick rideshare from BQK (about $15-$20) can still leave you ahead.
- Peak summer = lock in early, off-season = keep watching: June-Aug sells out fast, so snag a free-cancellation booking early. In winter and many fall weeks prices often dip; rebook if you see a better deal.
- Check the "weekly" toggle for 5-7-day trips: Rates from Brunswick suppliers often drop once you hit the 5-day mark, even if you plan to return a bit sooner.
- Fuel on the mainland before the islands: Gas is cheaper in Brunswick than on St. Simons or Jekyll and way cheaper than the rental company's refill price.
- Limit extra drivers: Adding a name costs about $10-$15/day. Stick with one driver or hunt for promos that waive the spouse fee.
Car rental prices in Brunswick 2025/2026
Parking and Driving Tips
| Area | Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Brunswick | Street and public lots | Mostly free | Time limits in some areas; ample availability |
| St. Simons Island | Public lots and street | Free | Beach access lots fill quickly in summer; Pier Village can be congested |
| Jekyll Island | Beach lots | Free after entry fee | Island charges vehicle entry fee; annual passes available |
| Brunswick Golden Isles Airport | Short and long-term | Modest daily rates | First 30 minutes free; reasonable extended rates |
Local Driving Regulations
- Georgia is a hands-free state; no holding mobile phones while driving
- Right turn on red is allowed after a full stop unless signed otherwise
- All front-seat occupants must wear seat belts
- Headlights required when using windshield wipers (common in afternoon showers)
- Move over a lane or slow down when passing emergency vehicles
- Island speed limits are strictly enforced, especially on Jekyll Island
Speed Limits
- Downtown Brunswick: 25-35 mph
- Jekyll Island: 25-35 mph (strictly enforced)
- St. Simons Island: 25-45 mph depending on area
- Highways: 55-70 mph
- School zones: 15-25 mph when flashing
Why rent a car in Brunswick
Book a rental so you can visit:
- St. Simons Island – beaches, lighthouse, Pier Village, Fort Frederica
- Jekyll Island – Driftwood Beach, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, bike trails
- Okefenokee Swamp – National Wildlife Refuge, boat tours, wildlife viewing
- Savannah – Historic District, riverfront, dining
- Jacksonville – Riverside arts, beaches, major airport
Local Rental Locations
- Albany, GA
- Alpharetta, GA
- Athens, GA
- Augusta, GA
- Buckhead
- Buford, GA
- Car Rental Atlanta, GA
- Car Rental Columbus, GA
- Car Rental Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Car Rental Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
- Conyers, GA
- Cumming, GA
- Decatur, GA
- Duluth, GA
- FAY Airport
- Fayetteville, GA
- Georgia
- Kennesaw, GA
- Lawrenceville, GA
- Macon, GA
- Marietta, GA
- Roswell, GA
- Savannah, GA
- Snellville, GA
- Valdosta, GA
- Warner Robins, GA
- Winder, GA
- Woodstock, GA
FAQs
Do I need a special vehicle to access the beaches?
No, you can get to all public beaches in the Golden Isles in a regular car. The area doesn't have any drive-on beaches, so any rental car will get you to the beach parking lots.
Are there any toll roads around Brunswick?
No, there are no toll roads in the area. The only fee you might have to pay is the $8 to enter Jekyll Island. This is more like a park entry fee than a toll. The money helps us take care of the island.
What type of car is best for visiting Brunswick and the Golden Isles?
A regular sedan is a good choice for most visitors. If you are a family or are planning a longer stay, you might want an SUV for more luggage space and comfort. A convertible can be fun for drives along the coast, but remember that summers get hot and it can rain suddenly.
Is it worth having a car if I'm staying on St. Simons Island?
Yes, we really suggest you have a car, even if you're staying on St. Simons. You can rent bikes and there is a small trolley tour service, but a car gives you the freedom to explore different beaches, restaurants and attractions on the different islands.
How does hurricane season affect car rentals in Brunswick?
Hurricane season is from June to November, and it peaks from August to October. While storms rarely hit Brunswick directly, the authorities might ask people to evacuate. If a storm threatens, demand for rental cars can go up quickly as people try to leave. During an evacuation, you might find it hard to get a one-way rental. Rental companies may also move their cars to a safer place for a short time.
Can I take my rental car on the ferry to Sapelo Island?
No, you can't take your car on the Sapelo Island ferry because it's only for people. If you visit Sapelo Island, you will need to park at the visitor center on the mainland in Meridian and get on the ferry on foot.
Is parking difficult to find in the tourist areas?
In the busy summer season, it can be hard to find parking in popular spots like St. Simons Pier Village, East Beach and Jekyll's Driftwood Beach. To find a spot more easily, you should arrive early (before 10:00 AM) or come later in the afternoon (after 3:00 PM). Downtown Brunswick usually has plenty of parking all year.
