Athens car hire
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Cheap car hire in Athens
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| People carrier |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
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
- Economy car hire in Athens are around 69% 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 R73,87 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R886 and R1 182, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Athens?
Economy (Ford Fiesta or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Athens.
Which car hire companies will pick you up at Hartsfield-Jackson airport (ATL)?
The only car hire company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Hartsfield-Jackson airport to off-airport locations is Alamo.
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 an Economy car hire cost in Athens?
An Economy car hire in Athens costs R599 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Athens?
An Intermediate car hire in Athens costs R622 per day, on average.
How much does a Compact car hire cost in Athens?
A Compact car hire in Athens costs R672 per day, on average.
Athens car rental reviews and directory
Hertz
8,7
Very Good
21 reviewsCleanliness
8.5
Comfort
8.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.4
Value for money
7.9
3 locations in Athens
Locations in Athens
1020 Ben Epps Dr.
+1 706 543 5984
339 Atlanta Hwy Suite 1500
+1 678 975 3041
4110 Atlanta Highway
+1 706 353 0411
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
Yes10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2020
Pros:
Staff was friendly. Everything went smoothly with pickup and turn in.2,0 Poor
Jul 2020
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
Jul 2020
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.4,0 Mediocre
Dec 2018
Cons:
My dad works for the company and he told me I wouldn’t need to have the $200 hold on my bank account. But they refused to wave the fee. Iv been renting cars for a while with other companies and not had this issue. I’m an actress, comedian and was going to A set. My fiancé and I only have one vehicle. We where trying to make sure he could do what he needed for his job so I could do what I needed for mine. And I wasn’t willing to have $200 held. Although Iv been in the entertainment business my whole life I stepped away for a little while for my other career (Holistic practitioner, Ayurvedic practitioner, life coach, medical massage). Now back Iv been making a strong name for myself in entertainment. Iv been casted in a major film project as well as commercials, modeling gigs and will even be at performing at an award ceremony next year. Iv never had any car rental company charge my card due to damages or whatever. I even asked if they spoke to my dad who works with Hertz, ( hesworked for hertz for 7 years) and got his card for the security. They wouldnt help. Nor suggest a solution. It was ether let them hold my money For unforeseen incidences or figure something else out. So I cancelled my rental and had to cancelthe insurance I purchased just for that one day. You guys need to figure out a better way to rent out vehicles to people who chose not to have a credit card. Maybe another type of insurance that's $30 to cover those types of cases. Something to help people like me who are trust worthy, no credit card, not wanting a $200 hold that won't fall off for 18 days....... And yes it is held for that long. I know cause IV had to do it before. Have a happy holiday and stay blessed. Lauren PS. I won't ever try to use your rentals again nor will I suggest it to my network of people. I just want to rent from you guys cause my dad works there and wanted to stay in the family. But I won't make that mistake again.2,0 Poor
Sep 2018
Pros:
The make and model of the carCons:
The car smelled like a joke and wasn't cleaned out properly. There were old rental agreements in the gloveboxBudget
8,4
Very Good
22 reviewsCleanliness
8.3
Comfort
8.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.6
Value for money
8.6
One location in Athens
Locations in Athens
1870 West Broad Street
+1 706 353 0600
Filters
Reviews
4,0 Mediocre
Feb 2021
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
Mar 2020
Pros:
staff was great. car worked out great too. much more efficient than my normal car.7,6 Good
Dec 2019
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.6,8 Okay
Dec 2018
Pros:
The car drove and was appointed well.Cons:
It reeked horribly of smoke.6,0 Okay
Dec 2016
Cons:
In both locations you were poorly staffed, one person to be exact. We were constantly interrupted by that person having to answer the phone while trying to wait on me. It made picking up and dropping off a real chore! I felt sorry for both employees as it was clearly not THEIR fault.10,0 Wonderful
Dec 2015
Pros:
Great customer service at the Budget Rental in Athens, GA!Enterprise Rent-A-Car
7,5
Good
23 reviewsCleanliness
7.3
Comfort
7.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.6
Value for money
6.6
4 locations in Athens
Locations in Athens
3100 Atlanta Hwy
+1 706 552 0448
3370 Astondale Rd
+1 706 769 0255
368 Oak Street
+1 706 546 8067
4760 Atlanta Highway
+1 706 543 0771
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Feb 2021
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
Jan 2021
Pros:
Staff excellentCons:
Cost3,2 Poor
Jul 2020
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 me10,0 Wonderful
Apr 2019
Pros:
Great staff. Fine car. Great way to goCons:
N/A7,2 Good
Oct 2018
Pros:
Nice salespeopleCons:
One location has weird hours and was closed when I went to pick up outgoing car. No options to upgrade. Other location said come 15 min before close. Couldn’t guarantee car even tho other location was closed and no cars on lot anyway.2,0 Poor
Aug 2017
Cons:
Despite the fact i had a reservation & a confirmation number, they did NOT have a car for me. I was left with no rental at all, and enterprise did not help me find another vehicle. When I called corporate enterprise, the rep told me they oversell their cars ( much the same way the airline oversell seats). I barely even got a "sorry" for my inconvenience. Not professional or reliable.Avis
6,1
Okay
23 reviewsCleanliness
5.9
Comfort
5.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.1
Value for money
5.7
One location in Athens
Locations in Athens
1870 West Broad Street
+1 706 543 3904
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Jun 2018
Pros:
The agent expedited my drop-off and was friendly. He got me out so quickly I forgot to take my grandson’s car seat out of the car! The agent was super helpful, got the car seat for my daughter and had it ready for her to pick up. He recognized that this car seat was not an Avis standard car seat and had planned to remove it before the car was returned to Atlanta. We appreciated his care for the customer!Cons:
Nothing bad. Great experience!10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2017
Pros:
The man that runs the Athens, GA Avis is absolutely amazing.2,0 Poor
Mar 2017
Cons:
Couldn't get the car because didn't have a credit card. Just stupid of the company.10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2016
Pros:
Easy drop-off and pick-up. A much better deal than the shuttle option I used on the incoming fllight.2,0 Poor
Oct 2016
Pros:
See aboveCons:
See above5,2 Fair
Sep 2016
Pros:
Car got good mileage.Cons:
Car had mechanical issues. Gear transitions were slow. Had to flood the engine frequently to change gear uphill.Easirent
4,6
Mediocre
No reviews available
One location in Athens
Locations in Athens
Filters
No reviews available
Car hire locations in or near Athens
Good to know
Most popular car type | Economy |
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