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| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Valdosta Regional Airport (VLD) | • On-site rentals at the terminal • No shuttle needed • Counters align with Delta flight schedules • Will accommodate late arrivals with flight info |
• Limited selection of companies (usually Avis, Budget, sometimes Hertz) • Small regional airport with fewer flight options • May have higher rates than city locations • Limited vehicle selection |
| City Locations | • Potentially lower rates (no airport fees) • More vehicle options at some locations • Multiple companies (Enterprise, etc.) |
• Limited hours (usually weekdays and Saturday mornings) • Closed on Sundays at many locations • May require taxi/rideshare to reach rental office • After-hours pickup generally unavailable |
On average, car rentals in Valdosta cost around $77 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $38 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickup. City branches skip the 10-15 % airport fee. A quick rideshare from VLD can wipe out the surcharge and still save you cash.
Travel off-peak or mid-week. Rates dip hard in Jan–Feb and on Mon–Thu pickups when Wild Adventures crowds are gone. Shift dates if your schedule is flexible.
Watch weekly rates. In Valdosta a 7-day booking often costs the same (or less) than 5–6 days. Test a few length options before you lock in.
Book early only for summer & football weekends, then keep checking. Lock something in before big VSU games, but re-shop later—most reservations are free to cancel if prices drop.
| Area | Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Valdosta | Street parking and public lots | Mostly free | 2-hour limits in some areas; generally ample availability |
| Valdosta Mall | Open lot | Free | Abundant spaces for shoppers |
| Valdosta State University | Designated lots | Paid permits for students/staff; visitor areas available | Avoid reserved areas without proper permits |
| Wild Adventures | Theme park parking | Paid daily fee | Large lot; premium spaces available closer to entrance |
Local Driving Regulations:
Speed Limits:
A rental car lets you easily reach major attractions and nature spots spread across southern Georgia and northern Florida.
Rent a car to visit:
Wild Adventures Theme Park – rides, zoo
Okefenokee Swamp – boardwalks, wildlife
Tallahassee FL – museums, capitol
Gulf Coast beaches – Keaton Beach, Steinhatchee

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Valdosta?
You can legally drive in Valdosta if your foreign driver's license is in English. If your license isn't in English, we recommend getting an International Driving Permit. You should also carry your passport for identification when you drive using a foreign license.
Are there any toll roads around Valdosta?
You won't find any toll roads right around Valdosta. However, if you drive north to the Atlanta area, Georgia has optional express lanes on parts of I-75 and I-85 that require a Peach Pass. You can just stay in the free lanes. You'll only have to pay a toll if you choose to use the marked express lanes. If you drive south into Florida, you might find toll roads, especially near Orlando and on some highways, so you should plan for that.
What type of car is best for visiting Valdosta?
Most visitors find a standard sedan is a good choice. If you plan to explore wildlife areas or country attractions, you might be more comfortable in a small SUV. If your family is visiting Wild Adventures, you might want a minivan or mid-size SUV for extra room.
Can I find electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Valdosta?
Yes, Valdosta has more and more EV charging stations. You can find several at hotels, shopping centers and along I-75. The city is still adding more stations, so you should plan your charging stops carefully if you rent an electric car.
What happens if I encounter severe weather while driving in Valdosta?
South Georgia sometimes gets severe thunderstorms and even tornadoes. If bad weather hits, you should find a sturdy building for shelter. If it's raining heavily, you should slow down, leave more space between you and the car ahead and turn on your headlights. Never try to drive through flooded roads.
Is parking difficult to find in downtown Valdosta?
No, you can usually find plenty of free parking in downtown Valdosta, both on the street and in public lots. During special events like First Friday or other festivals, it can be harder to find a spot, but you can normally find one if you're willing to walk a little.
Can I drive to the Florida beaches from Valdosta?
Yes. The Gulf Coast beaches are about 90 to 120 miles (145 to 193 km) south of the city. Some popular spots are St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, so you can easily make a day trip or a weekend trip out of it.