






Finding a car rental at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers across Georgia with no booking fees. Grab your car right at baggage claim, hit I-95 in minutes and visit downtown Savannah, Tybee Island or Hilton Head on your own schedule.
Savannah Airport provides on-site car rental services for arriving passengers.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Rental counters located in baggage claim area |
| Car Lot | Adjacent to the main terminal building (no shuttle required) |
| Operating Hours | Usually 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM or later (some open until 12:30 AM for late flights) |
| Available Companies | Major providers including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and others |
| After-Hours Service | Counters usually remain open for scheduled late flights if flight number is provided in reservation |
| Early Returns | After-hours drop box available in the rental return area (first floor of parking garage) |
Airport vs. Downtown Comparison:
| Consideration | Airport Rentals | Downtown Rentals |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Immediate pickup after landing | Requires transportation from airport (taxi/rideshare) |
| Price | Approximately 18% higher due to airport fees | Lower base rates without airport surcharges |
| Hours | Extended hours, aligned to flight schedules | Limited hours (usually close by 5-6 PM, may be closed Sundays) |
| Return Process | Easy drop-off before departure | Need to factor in time to return car before flight |
| Best For | Travelers needing immediate transportation | Those who don't need a car immediately or for their entire stay |
On average, car rentals at Savannah Airport cost around $68 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $33 per day.
Skip airport fees when you can: Rates at SAV run about 18% higher thanks to concession fees. If you're overnighting in the historic district, grab a $25 rideshare, rent downtown the next morning, and pocket the difference.
Peak events? Lock then watch: For St. Patrick's Day and summer weekends, grab a free-cancellation booking early, then re-check prices every week. For quiet months (Jan-Feb, late Aug-Nov) last-minute deals often beat early bird rates.
Tinker with pickup and length: A 7-day "weekly" price can cost less than a 5-day rental. Use our comparison tool, nudge times by a few hours, and let the system show the sweet spot.
One car doesn't fit all trips: Only need wheels for a beach day or Hilton Head run? Rent for just those days and rely on Savannah's walkable core or a trolley pass the rest of the time.
Airport Parking:
| Parking Type | Rates | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cell Phone Lot | Check airport website for current rates | Near terminal | Short-term waiting for arrivals; no unattended vehicles |
| Hourly Parking | Check airport website for current rates | Garage Level 2 | Closest to terminal, convenient for quick drop-offs and pickups |
| Daily Parking | Check airport website for current rates | Garage Level 1 | Good for overnight trips |
| Economy Lot | Check airport website for current rates | Surface lot | Shuttle service provided |
| EV Charging | Standard rates apply | Garage | Several charging stations available in the garage |
Local Driving Rules:
Book a rental car to easily:
Downtown Savannah – historic squares, River Street, Forsyth Park
Tybee Island – beach, lighthouse, coastal marsh views
Hilton Head Island, SC – golf courses, resort areas
Charleston, SC – historic district, waterfront market
Brunswick & the Golden Isles – Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island
Jacksonville, FL – Riverside district, Atlantic beaches

What do I need to rent a car at Savannah Airport?
You will need a valid driver's license and a major credit card in your name. You usually don't need to show proof of insurance, but bringing it can speed things up if you plan to use your own coverage. If you are an international visitor, you should bring your passport and may need an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English.
How early should I arrive to return my rental car before my flight?
You should plan to get to the airport at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. Make sure you leave 30 to 45 minutes for the car return process.
Can I pick up a car at the airport and return it to a different location?
Yes, you can arrange a one-way rental, but companies usually charge a drop fee. The fee is often lower if you return the car somewhere else in Savannah compared to a different city or state.
Are there electric vehicle (EV) rental options at Savannah Airport?
Some rental companies at SAV now offer hybrid and electric cars, but the number they have can change. The airport has EV charging stations in the parking garage for people who rent or arrive in an electric vehicle.
What happens if my flight is delayed and I arrive after the rental counter closes?
You should provide your flight number when you book the car. If your flight is officially delayed, rental counters at SAV usually stay open for the last arrival. If you know you'll be very late, you should call the rental company directly to make a plan.
Is there a grace period for returning rental cars late?
Most companies give you a grace period of about 30 to 60 minutes, but their rules can be different. If you return the car after that time, they may charge you for an extra hour or a full day, so you should call the rental company if you're running late.
Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card for my rental?
Each company has its own rules, but most at the airport accept debit cards if you meet some extra requirements. They might ask for proof of your flight home, another form of ID or a larger security deposit hold. You should check with your rental company before you arrive.