Athens car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car hire in Athens

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Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
People carrier car
People carrier
M
Passenger van car
Passenger van
M
Commercial car
Commercial
M
Pick-up truck car
Pick-up truck
M

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Athens

  • If you’re looking to enjoy the city of Athens and experience places like the Terrapin Beer Coor Oconee National Forest, having a rental car can make the trip more comfortable and seamless. Nothing beats being able to travel at your own pace, especially in a new city via public transport may be hard to keep up with. Besides, you can venture into rural areas or farther from the city as close as Sandy Creek Park, about 8 miles away, or as far as Tallulah Fall 66 miles away, and Stone Mountain 55 miles away at your own pace.
  • If you opt to use the Athens Ben Epps Airport, you won’t find an on-airport car rental facility. However, you can still rent your car of choice from Athens car rentals such as Hertz, Dollar, Avis, and National through KAYAK, and have the car meet you outside the airport. If you’re traveling internationally, you may have to use Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is about 79 miles away from Athens. This airport does house an on-airport Rental Car Facility that you’ll find at the west end of the terminal through the covered walkway. Take the escalator, then board the ALT SkyTrain that will take you to the facility, and you can pick up your car of choice from several Athens car rentals available, including Enterprise and Budget.
  • While driving a rental car in Athens, keep in mind that streets along with the UGA University, like South Lumpkin Street, are notorious for jaywalkers. Students may not be very wary of the road, especially at night. Pedestrians have the right-of-way on crosswalks in Georgia, which gives them the confidence to cross the roads without always looking.
  • Athens may not be a major city, but don’t underestimate the traffic you may have to contend with. The morning commute spans from 7am to 9am and several loops can especially be congested, as the East Campus Loop from 2pm to 5pm on weekdays due to students. Be watchful for pedestrians and bikers on this loop. Five Points in Downtown Athens is centered on the South Milledge Ave, Milledge Circle, and South Lumpkin Street intersection and traffic can be heavy at around 5pm. The Lexington Highway can be backed up between 3pm and 5pm as well.
  • Book your car hire in Athens at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Standard hire cars in Athens are around 21% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Athens

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Athens?

    Depending on the number of people you’re traveling with or any cargo you’re bringing along, like golf clubs to have fun at the University Golf Course, a van or an SUV can be a good choice when traveling to Athens. However, if you intend to stay within the city, feel free to rent any standard-sized vehicle that’ll suit your taste and budget from car rentals in Athens.

  • What’s the speed limit in Athens?

    The speed limits in Georgia apply in Athens, where you’ll find driving on rural highways and interstate require a 70mph speed limit. While driving on urban freeways, the maximum speed limit sits at 65mph, which also applies to divided roadways. Undivided roadways get 55mph while residential neighborhood speed limits are reduced to 35mph, and unpaved rural roads get 35mph. You’ll find that some residential districts set their own speed limits and may have a maximum of 25mph, so watch out for signs. Speed limits are bound to be even lower around construction zones, schools, and hospitals.

  • Where are the best places to park in Athens?

    In Downtown Athens, you’ll find parking meters enforced Monday through Saturday from 8am to 10pm at a rate of about $1.25 per hour. You can only park on the streets for a maximum of 2h although after 6pm you can purchase more time. You’ll also find several parking decks like the college Ave and Washington Street decks that offer free parking for the past half an hour and charge around $1 per hour after that.

  • How much is the price of fuel in Athens?

    The average price of fuel in Athens is R61,26 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R735 and R980, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Athens?

    Standard (Toyota RAV4 or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Athens.

  • How can I find car hires near me in Athens?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does a Standard car hire cost in Athens?

    A Standard car hire in Athens costs R1 230 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Mini car hire cost in Athens?

    A Mini car hire in Athens costs R1 783 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Athens?

    An Intermediate car hire in Athens costs R1 092 per day, on average.

Athens car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car hire booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Hertz

8,4

Best rated

Cleanliness

8.2

Comfort

8.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.2

Value for money

7.7

3 locations in Athens

Show locations

Locations in Athens

1020 Ben Epps Dr.

+1 706 543 5984

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

339 Atlanta Hwy Suite 1500

+1 678 975 3041

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

4110 Atlanta Highway

+1 706 353 0411

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes

10,0 Wonderful

Alex, Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was friendly. Everything went smoothly with pickup and turn in.

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

I was given the run around during pick up!!!!! Didn’t even get to get the vehicle, because of some discriminatory practices it seems!! I will NEVER attempt to use Hertz again!!!!!

9,6 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes,staff was very nice,both at pick up and drop off.Thank you.

Cons:

I think maybe the price.Every thing else was good.

1 out of 2

Budget

8,1

Cleanliness

8.1

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.4

Value for money

8.3

One location in Athens

Show locations

Locations in Athens

1870 West Broad Street

+1 706 353 0600

Monday07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday07:30 - 17:30
Thursday07:30 - 17:30
Friday07:30 - 17:30
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

4,0 Mediocre

Vincent, Jul 2024

People carrier

KAYAK
I was quoted a price on Kayak for one day and Budget charged me for 2 days. We did not have the vehicle for more than 24 hours and paid almost 3 times the price that was quoted on Kayak.

4,0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Feb 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

The car was in the worst condition of any rental car I’ve ever had. It was dented, scratched, and dirty. I’m sure this didn’t have anything to do with Kayak, but perhaps Budget. The lot where I picked up it was very disorganized as well. I will not use Budget again unless they are the absolute only option.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

staff was great. car worked out great too. much more efficient than my normal car.

7,6 Good

Anonymous, Dec 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Drop off staff was excellent!

Cons:

Upon arriving to pick up my vehicle, there were none available and I was told that it was possible I wouldn’t get a car which could have resulted in a disaster for my trip. Luckily enough cars were returned on time for me to get mine.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jun 2023

Economy

KAYAK
Easy in and out service

8,0 Very Good

Anonymous, Nov 2021

KAYAK
The only thing that was frustrating with this rental is that we returned the car almost an entire day early, but since the rental car facility closes at noon, we could only leave the keys and didn’t get to officially talk to someone and get money back based on the early return.

1 out of 3

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Cleanliness

7.3

Comfort

7.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.6

Value for money

6.6

4 locations in Athens

Show locations

Locations in Athens

3100 Atlanta Hwy

+1 706 552 0448

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

3370 Astondale Rd

+1 706 769 0255

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

368 Oak Street

+1 706 546 8067

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

4760 Atlanta Highway

+1 706 543 0771

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2024

Premium

KAYAK
On the ground agent, Bailey, was outstanding!! Best I have ever had

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Very friendly and helped make out pickup and drop off simple and easy! We also had to extend by one day and that process was effortless. One phone call was all that was required!

Cons:

Not a thing.

10,0 Wonderful

Ann, Jan 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff excellent

Cons:

Cost

3,2 Poor

Amy, Jul 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

They rented me a car that was dirty and the front sensor was defective I kept getting malfunction warnings and the cruise wouldn’t work Called to check on exchanging and after several phone calls they finally found me another car in another city Added two hours to my already long trip but in the end they did exchange cars for me

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Jun 2022

KAYAK
There was no car to pick up - it ruined my weekend trip

1 out of 2

Avis

Cleanliness

5.2

Comfort

5.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.4

Value for money

4.9

One location in Athens

Show locations

Locations in Athens

1870 West Broad Street

+1 706 543 3904

Monday07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday07:30 - 17:30
Thursday07:30 - 17:30
Friday07:30 - 17:30
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Jessica, Jul 2023

Passenger van

KAYAK
I had reserved two 12-passenger vans months ago for a very important work event. Lynn Williamson from Avis called me on 7/5/23, the day prior to picking up my vans to confirm I needed both. I said yes I needed both and she said not a problem, the rental was ready to go the following day. 7/6/23 I'm in the car ready to drive to the office (3:30pm) to pick up the vans (at 4pm) with my 2nd driver when Lynn calls me and says that neither van is there, and one van will never arrive. This reservation was made months ago.... So, I'm confused as to why there are issues. She offers me a minivan and I clarify that I'm expected to transport 24 participants for my event and can’t do that with one 12-passenger van and a 7-passenger minivan. She rudely says "You're not listening." It was a shock to have her be so rude since she was the one that messed up the reservation. She then clarified that she could give me 1 large 12 passenger van (which wasn't there yet) and 2 minivans. I asked her if she had a driver for that 3rd car, because I didn't. She said she didn’t. I asked her to hold so I could rework my plan with the new information and she hung up on me. So, I call around to work with the new information and my mother is available to help me get the 3rd car. We head to the office and we can greeted by a very terse, rude and impatient owner. We begin the rental process and I'm asking clarification questions along the way because it actually because very chaotic trying to understand what vehicles were actually on site and what were not yet there. Lynn threatens to just cancel my reservation... I was not sure how that was the solution when all I was asking were questions to make sure the new plan would work. We were working with her, and the failure to have the two 12-passenger vans on site, on time. It became apparent that she did not like my questions so started to only address my work coworker. I then redirected her by saying that I was the one that needed the information because they are my rentals and then she said : "That's it, I'm canceling the reservations." And she stormed off. It happened very quickly without any discussion or adult conversation. It escalated from a level 3 customer service issue to a level 10 with no provocation on my end. It was bonkers. So I asked her why that was necessary and she said “I’m not going to argue with you.” I said, “I’m not arguing, I’m trying to understand the situation and why this whole experience has been rude when we’ve been working with you to make sure the new plan works.” I assure you I had a level tone and professional manner… my coworker and mother are witnesses to this situation. She then says, “Please leave the office or I’m calling the cops.” I said “I’ll leave when I have the paperwork that shows the cancelation” She then tells an associate to call 9-1-1. She said “I’ll bring it to you outside.” I really wish I were joking. That’s how bonkers this situation became. A customer who made a reservation months ago, was working with the manager when the original reservation was not going to be honored, a customer that was calming asking questions… had the cops called on them. I’m outside waiting for the paperwork showing the cancelation when the cops arrive. I talk to them, apologize that they were called as this is a customer service situation and they have much more important things to be handling. They explain that the biggest thing is that my car needs to be moved. I said “I’m happy to move it but am waiting for the paperwork that the lady said she would bring out.” The cop hands me the paperwork. And I say there is nothing more I’d like to do than leave and ask that I can get in my car and leave. And they explained that the owner, Lynn, wants to bar me from the property and needs to tell me in person. I asked some more questions from them as this is the first time I’ve ever had cops called on me and needed to understand what this all meant. They said that it’s a warning and I’ll be on a police call list and that if I came to this location again, it would be trespassing. I’m incredibly flabbergasted that this is all happening. This is just bonkers. How does a person who’s reservation was messed up, who calmly worked to find the best solution with the new arrangement… get the cops called on them?! I turned the car on and let my mom in. The owner, Lynn, is there by my car and while I’m turned away helping my mom into the car she says, “You’re bared from the property.” After getting my mom in the car I turn to face her and say, “You need to say that to my face.” She repeats it. The cop interjects and says “For how long? 1 year, 2 year, etc.?” Lynn said, “2 years”. And then I say, “Thank you for the information.” And I turn to get in my car so we can leave. Luckily my coworker had been on the phone with Enterprise to miraculously save our event transportation needs and they have vans available for us to pick up. So, we seamlessly rent from Enterprise…. From polite, kind helpful employees. Since this event I’ve lost sleep and had a spike in a general level of anxiety. The knowledge that a person can act so irrational and call the cops and affect one’s life is beyond comprehension. I’ve replayed the situation over and over because I want to know how in the world it went so haywire and how in the world the cops were called. I also am angry that there is this person who can be so aggressive and act so egregious. It was completely uncalled for to call 9-1-1. She shouldn’t waste the Athens Clarke County police force time and attention on something that was so minor and completely within her power to handle as a customer service provider. And she should not be able to harm customers like she has harmed me. Not to mention how my rental was so messed up to being with. If I had made it last minute I would understand, but this reservation was made months ago. This event not only has impacted on my health but I have had to use my own precious time calling in to the Avis Customer Service line to talk to agents about the situation. I’ve had to make sure that there in fact was no rental fee charged and to make sure a “no-show” fee wasn’t being applied after receiving an email on 7/10/23. I’ve discussed the situation with my peers and both witnesses. No one has an understanding for why this woman acted this way. I have been a Budget/Avis renter for years. I go there first for all my business and travel rental needs. This event has shaken me, and I no longer want to support Budget/Avis with my rental needs. I have a choice in where I spend my money and wherever possible I will be sending my business elsewhere. This owner needs to be investigated and doesn’t deserve to provide rental car service under the name of Budget/Avis. By doing so she is permanently harming your brand, your customers and the local Athens Clarke County community by diverting time away from the police forces actual criminal duties on customer service issues. I would be willing to discuss the details further and a follow-up/resolution to this nightmare situation that was caused by Lynn Williamson and Budget/Avis. I will be making this negative situation public on all feedback forms and sites as much as possible.

2,0 Poor

Jessica, Jul 2023

Passenger van

KAYAK
I had reserved two 12-passenger vans months ago for a very important work event. Lynn Williamson from Avis called me on 7/5/23, the day prior to picking up my vans to confirm I needed both. I said yes I needed both and she said not a problem, the rental was ready to go the following day. 7/6/23 I'm in the car ready to drive to the office (3:30pm) to pick up the vans (at 4pm) with my 2nd driver when Lynn calls me and says that neither van is there, and one van will never arrive. This reservation was made months ago.... So, I'm confused as to why there are issues. She offers me a minivan and I clarify that I'm expected to transport 24 participants for my event and can’t do that with one 12-passenger van and a 7-passenger minivan. She rudely says "You're not listening." It was a shock to have her be so rude since she was the one that messed up the reservation. She then clarified that she could give me 1 large 12 passenger van (which wasn't there yet) and 2 minivans. I asked her if she had a driver for that 3rd car, because I didn't. She said she didn’t. I asked her to hold so I could rework my plan with the new information and she hung up on me. So, I call around to work with the new information and my mother is available to help me get the 3rd car. We head to the office and we can greeted by a very terse, rude and impatient owner. We begin the rental process and I'm asking clarification questions along the way because it actually because very chaotic trying to understand what vehicles were actually on site and what were not yet there. Lynn threatens to just cancel my reservation... I was not sure how that was the solution when all I was asking were questions to make sure the new plan would work. We were working with her, and the failure to have the two 12-passenger vans on site, on time. It became apparent that she did not like my questions so started to only address my work coworker. I then redirected her by saying that I was the one that needed the information because they are my rentals and then she said : "That's it, I'm canceling the reservations." And she stormed off. It happened very quickly without any discussion or adult conversation. It escalated from a level 3 customer service issue to a level 10 with no provocation on my end. It was bonkers. So I asked her why that was necessary and she said “I’m not going to argue with you.” I said, “I’m not arguing, I’m trying to understand the situation and why this whole experience has been rude when we’ve been working with you to make sure the new plan works.” I assure you I had a level tone and professional manner… my coworker and mother are witnesses to this situation. She then says, “Please leave the office or I’m calling the cops.” I said “I’ll leave when I have the paperwork that shows the cancelation” She then tells an associate to call 9-1-1. She said “I’ll bring it to you outside.” I really wish I were joking. That’s how bonkers this situation became. A customer who made a reservation months ago, was working with the manager when the original reservation was not going to be honored, a customer that was calming asking questions… had the cops called on them. I’m outside waiting for the paperwork showing the cancelation when the cops arrive. I talk to them, apologize that they were called as this is a customer service situation and they have much more important things to be handling. They explain that the biggest thing is that my car needs to be moved. I said “I’m happy to move it but am waiting for the paperwork that the lady said she would bring out.” The cop hands me the paperwork. And I say there is nothing more I’d like to do than leave and ask that I can get in my car and leave. And they explained that the owner, Lynn, wants to bar me from the property and needs to tell me in person. I asked some more questions from them as this is the first time I’ve ever had cops called on me and needed to understand what this all meant. They said that it’s a warning and I’ll be on a police call list and that if I came to this location again, it would be trespassing. I’m incredibly flabbergasted that this is all happening. This is just bonkers. How does a person who’s reservation was messed up, who calmly worked to find the best solution with the new arrangement… get the cops called on them?! I turned the car on and let my mom in. The owner, Lynn, is there by my car and while I’m turned away helping my mom into the car she says, “You’re bared from the property.” After getting my mom in the car I turn to face her and say, “You need to say that to my face.” She repeats it. The cop interjects and says “For how long? 1 year, 2 year, etc.?” Lynn said, “2 years”. And then I say, “Thank you for the information.” And I turn to get in my car so we can leave. Luckily my coworker had been on the phone with Enterprise to miraculously save our event transportation needs and they have vans available for us to pick up. So, we seamlessly rent from Enterprise…. From polite, kind helpful employees. Since this event I’ve lost sleep and had a spike in a general level of anxiety. The knowledge that a person can act so irrational and call the cops and affect one’s life is beyond comprehension. I’ve replayed the situation over and over because I want to know how in the world it went so haywire and how in the world the cops were called. I also am angry that there is this person who can be so aggressive and act so egregious. It was completely uncalled for to call 9-1-1. She shouldn’t waste the Athens Clarke County police force time and attention on something that was so minor and completely within her power to handle as a customer service provider. And she should not be able to harm customers like she has harmed me. Not to mention how my rental was so messed up to being with. If I had made it last minute I would understand, but this reservation was made months ago. This event not only has impacted on my health but I have had to use my own precious time calling in to the Avis Customer Service line to talk to agents about the situation. I’ve had to make sure that there in fact was no rental fee charged and to make sure a “no-show” fee wasn’t being applied after receiving an email on 7/10/23. I’ve discussed the situation with my peers and both witnesses. No one has an understanding for why this woman acted this way. I have been a Budget/Avis renter for years. I go there first for all my business and travel rental needs. This event has shaken me, and I no longer want to support Budget/Avis with my rental needs. I have a choice in where I spend my money and wherever possible I will be sending my business elsewhere. This owner needs to be investigated and doesn’t deserve to provide rental car service under the name of Budget/Avis. By doing so she is permanently harming your brand, your customers and the local Athens Clarke County community by diverting time away from the police forces actual criminal duties on customer service issues. I would be willing to discuss the details further and a follow-up/resolution to this nightmare situation that was caused by Lynn Williamson and Budget/Avis. I will be making this negative situation public on all feedback forms and sites as much as possible.

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, May 2022

KAYAK
This is the very worst experience for us ever. The car had tires which needed air and we were lucky to be near a tire business that helped us be able to return the car without being "stuck" on the highway. The windshield wipers did not work. The car was dirty inside and out with many,too many miles to be the value of the charges paid. We returned this car and were given a more appropriate vehicle. This is extremely poor customer. service,should never be allowed by any rental company, EVER!

8,0 Very Good

Anonymous, Nov 2021

KAYAK
Good I didn’t have any issues. Drop off was easy no one was there in Huntsville international Airport at night. The price could’ve been a little cheaper but overall I had a good time

10,0 Wonderful

Atlas, Oct 2021

KAYAK
The screen lightness is set to be lowest at the beginning, making my first daytime driving so hard. Please make sure the screen is visible.

1,9 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2021

KAYAK
The worst

1 out of 2

Easirent

4,6

Mediocre

One location in Athens

Show locations

Locations in Athens

Athens-Ben Epps Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

2109 travellers who hired a car in Athens gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.6

Car hire locations in or near Athens

Good to know

Most popular car type

Standard

When to book a car hire in Athens

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

Athens car hire information

Pick-up locationAthens
Car types
Hire locations7
Airport locations2

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