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 Medium car hire cost in Athens?

A Medium car hire in Athens costs R990 per day, on average.

How much does a Small car hire cost in Athens?

A Small car hire in Athens costs R961 per day, on average.

How much does a Large car hire cost in Athens?

A Large car hire in Athens costs R736 per day, on average.

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.

Car Hire in Athens (Georgia) - Search for car rentals on KAYAK

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KAYAK’s insights & trends for Athens car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Athens with confidence.

How far in advance should you book car hire in Athens?

You should book your car hire in Athens around 57 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the most popular car to hire in Athens?

Hires in the SUV category (Dodge Durango or similar) are the most popular option in Athens, costing R1 123/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as R648/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Athens?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Athens is January at an average cost of R772/day. April is the most expensive month to hire a car in Athens when prices are R1 182/day on average, which tends to be 18% above the yearly average hire price for Athens.

Which car hire company in Athens has the most locations?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 4 locations in Athens, more than any other car hire company.

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Athens car hire price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right car hire in Athens by comparing prices across vehicle types.

Small

Medium

Large

4x4

Van

Pickup truck

Luxury

	Small cars	R714 - R1 075
	All Car Types	R1 107 - R1 473

How much does it cost to hire a small car in Athens?

How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Athens?

How much does it cost to hire a large car in Athens?

How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Athens?

How much does it cost to hire a van in Athens?

How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Athens?

How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Athens?

Small car hire in Athens typically costs around R909 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R714 per day, which is about 22% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 31% cheaper than the average car hire in Athens, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Medium car hire in Athens typically costs around R1 310 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R809 per day, which is about 39% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 1% more expensive than the average car hire in Athens, offering a good balance of space and value.

Large car hire in Athens typically costs around R1 472 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R771 per day, which is about 48% less than the yearly average. Large cars are typically 12% more expensive than the average car hire in Athens but offer more comfort for longer trips.

SUV hire in Athens typically costs around R1 321 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R1 187 per day, which is about 11% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 2% more expensive than the average car hire in Athens but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.

Van hire in Athens typically costs around R1 818 per day. The best time to book is August, when prices average R1 313 per day, which is about 28% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 29% more expensive than the average car hire in Athens but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.

Pickup truck hire in Athens typically costs around R1 217 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R870 per day, which is about 29% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 7% cheaper than the average car hire in Athens, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.

Luxury car hire in Athens typically costs around R1 703 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R1 389 per day, which is about 19% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 24% more expensive than the average car hire in Athens but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.

Most popular car type
Medium

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.
Large hire cars in Athens are around 30% cheaper than other car types, on average

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 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 Medium car hire cost in Athens?
A Medium car hire in Athens costs R990 per day, on average.
How much does a Small car hire cost in Athens?
A Small car hire in Athens costs R961 per day, on average.
How much does a Large car hire cost in Athens?
A Large car hire in Athens costs R736 per day, on average.

Hertz

8,9

Very Good

Cleanliness

9.0

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.4

Value for money

7.9

3 locations in Athens

Locations in Athens

1010 Ben Epps Drive

+1 706 543 5984

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00
Saturday	09:00 - 12:00

1020 Ben Epps Dr.

+1 706 543 5984

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00
Saturday	09:00 - 12:00

4110 Atlanta Highway

+1 706 353 0411

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8,0

Very Good

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

8.0

4 locations in Athens

Locations in Athens

3100 Atlanta Hwy

+1 706 552 0448

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00
Saturday	09:00 - 13:00
Sunday	09:00 - 12:00

3370 Astondale Rd

+1 706 769 0255

Opening times not available

368 Oak Street

+1 706 546 8067

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00
Saturday	09:00 - 13:00
Sunday

4760 Atlanta Highway

+1 706 543 0771

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00
Saturday	09:00 - 13:00
Sunday

Budget

7,7

Good

Cleanliness

9.2

Comfort

9.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.7

Value for money

8.2

One location in Athens

Locations in Athens

1870 West Broad Street

+1 706 353 0600

Monday	07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday	07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday	07:30 - 17:30
Thursday	07:30 - 17:30
Friday	07:30 - 17:30
Saturday	08:00 - 12:00
Sunday	08:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Linda, Nov 2025

Full-size SUV

Drop off at St. Pete airport. Charge was higher than told at pick up in Georgia. Dropping off vehicle signs pointed me to budget. There was no customer service there although all of the other rental agencies had one. I wandered around looking for budgets. I went into the airport to budget. I told employees it was higher then I was quoted on paper and verbally. All I was told was call.

4,0 Mediocre

Vincent, Jul 2024

People carrier

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.

Avis

5,1

Fair

Cleanliness

4.8

Comfort

4.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.1

Value for money

4.8

One location in Athens

Locations in Athens

1870 West Broad Street

+1 706 543 3904

Monday	07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday	07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday	07:30 - 17:30
Thursday	07:30 - 17:30
Friday	07:30 - 17:30
Saturday	08:00 - 12:00
Sunday	08:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Jan 2025

People carrier

They did not have my reserved vehicle available, or any suitable substitute. They made no effort to assist me or correct their mistake, and made no apology. They truly did not seem to care that I now had no way to transport six people 500 miles the following day. Will never, ever use or recommend Avis again. This was my experience both with the local branch where I was to pick up my car and with customer service. I spent over 3 hours on the phone or on hold with them and they were unwilling to offer any practical solutions.

2,0 Poor

Caitlin, Jan 2025

Standard

They didn’t take any of my 5 debit or credit cards when I got there. I had ubered there from the airport and was basically stuck in the area! The lady was not helpful whatsoever. Real snobby acting. Every other car rental place in town took my cards but them. Said it had to be one of the few credit cards they offered to accept or nothing at all. Felt like my money wasn’t good there. There was nothing on the website that mentioned this.. she said even though I paid online that she still needed a copy of my credit card (that they couldn’t take) and like I said was no help.. rushed to give me a refund and get me out of there. I rent cars regularly and have from Avis in different locations, and NEVER have I experienced such an inconvenience and poor customer service in my life. Don’t go to this location, downtown Athens. Just go with enterprise up the road, they were a lot better!!!

Easirent

4,5

Mediocre

Cleanliness

5.2

Comfort

5.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.5

Value for money

5.1

One location in Athens

25 travellers who hired a car in Athens gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4,5

Pick-up location	Athens
Car types
Hire locations	8
Airport locations	2

Athens car hire

Cheap car hire in Athens

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Athens car hire

How far in advance should you book car hire in Athens?

What is the most popular car to hire in Athens?

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Athens?

Which car hire company in Athens has the most locations?

Athens car hire price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right car hire in Athens by comparing prices across vehicle types.

How much does it cost to hire a small car in Athens?

How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Athens?

How much does it cost to hire a large car in Athens?

How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Athens?

How much does it cost to hire a van in Athens?

How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Athens?

How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Athens?

Good to know

Most popular car type

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Athens

FAQs about hiring a car in Athens

Athens car rental reviews and directory

Car hire locations in or near Athens

More options for your car hire in Athens

Complete your trip to Athens

Car hire from popular agencies in Athens

Car rental at airports serving Athens

Car hire in other popular destinations

Athens car hire information