Ready to explore Georgia on your own terms? Enter your desired pick-up location in Georgia and travel dates above to see instant quotes. We partner with every major car rental brand in the state (and many local agencies too), giving you a huge selection and competitive prices. Whether you need a compact car for Atlanta traffic, an SUV for mountain roads, or a minivan for a group trip, you’ll find it here. Use our filters to narrow by vehicle type or rental company, compare prices in one view, and reserve in under 2 minutes. With free cancellation on most bookings, you can grab a great Georgia deal now and change later if needed. From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL) to downtown Savannah or Augusta, we’ve got Georgia covered for your rental needs.
Welcome to Georgia, where Southern charm meets road-trip adventure! From Atlanta’s vibrant city streets to Savannah’s moss-draped squares and the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, having a rental car is the key to experiencing the full diversity of the Peach State. This page is your all-in-one guide to renting a car in Georgia. We’ve combined unbeatable deals with insider knowledge to ensure you save money and drive with confidence on Georgia’s roads. Whether you’re flying into ATL for a family vacation, cruising to the Golden Isles on the coast, or exploring small-town Georgia for its history and barbecue, we’ll help you find the perfect set of wheels quickly, easily, and affordably.
Why Rent a Car in Georgia?
Our Georgia Car Rental Advantages
Today’s Top Georgia Car Rental Deals
(These prices were available recently, they change often, but demonstrate the kinds of bargains you can find. Use the search above to get real-time rates for your trip.)
Driving in Georgia: Tips and Local Insights
Georgia offers a mix of bustling urban driving and relaxed country roads. Here’s how to navigate like a local across the Peach State:
Rules of the Road & Speed Limits: Georgia’s driving laws align with general U.S. rules, drive on the right, pass on the left. Interstate speed limits are typically 70 mph in rural areas (some stretches of I-75 and I-16 go up to 75), and around 55–65 mph near cities. State highways are often 55 mph, dropping to 35 mph or lower in town centers. Always watch for posted signs, as speeds can change quickly when you enter small towns (speed traps do exist, especially in very small towns, if you see a sign go from 55 to 35, slow down promptly). Georgia has a “Super Speeder” law, which tacks on an extra $200 fine for drivers caught at 75+ mph on two-lane roads or 85+ mph on any road. In short: don’t excessively speed, especially on the interstates, not only for safety, but your wallet. Also, Georgia enforces seat belt laws (all front-seat occupants must buckle up, and back-seat passengers age 17 and under must wear seat belts). It’s illegal to text while driving statewide, and as of 2018, Georgia is a hands-free state, meaning you cannot hold a phone for any reason (calls, texting, GPS) while driving. Use a Bluetooth or mounted device for navigation. Violation of the hands-free law can result in a fine and points on your license, so it’s taken seriously.
Atlanta Traffic & Driving Etiquette: Atlanta is famous (or infamous) for its traffic. Rush hour in metro Atlanta runs roughly 7–10 AM and 4–7 PM on weekdays and can be intense especially on the interstates: I-75, I-85, I-20, and the perimeter I-285. The Downtown Connector (where I-75 and I-85 merge through Midtown Atlanta) is a notorious bottleneck; avoid it at peak times if you can. Atlanta drivers move fast and can be aggressive with lane changes, keep calm and drive defensively. Use navigation apps (Waze, Google Maps) for real-time traffic re-routing; Atlanta has many surface-street alternatives if the highways jam up. You’ll see HOV lanes (2+ occupants required) on I-75/I-85, and express HOT lanes (High Occupancy Toll lanes) on parts of I-85 and I-75. The HOT lanes require a Peach Pass to use, if your rental car doesn’t have one, do not enter those lanes marked “Peach Pass Only” (there’s no cash option; you’d get a violation billed). Stick to regular lanes unless you have a pass. One quirky local rule: in Georgia, it’s legal to turn left on red if you’re on a one-way street turning onto another one-way street (after a full stop of course). It doesn’t come up often, but downtown Atlanta has a few one-way intersections where this applies.
Road Conditions & Tolls: Most of Georgia’s interstates and major highways are well-maintained and smooth. In rural areas, you might encounter two-lane roads that can be narrow or have sudden curves, drive carefully, especially at night when visibility is low (and watch for deer crossing). Outside of metro Atlanta, Georgia doesn’t have many toll roads. The Express lanes in Atlanta are electronic toll lanes as mentioned (I-85 in Gwinnett County, I-75 NW and I-75/I-575 SE corridors have them). There’s also a $5 cash toll on the Georgia 400 if you were to use the Veterans Expressway extension near Buckhead (though the main GA-400 toll plaza was removed). If you’re around Savannah, note the bridges to cross into South Carolina (like the Talmadge Bridge) are free, no toll. The GA-400 inside Atlanta had a toll plaza that was demolished, so no worries there. In summary, aside from Atlanta’s express lanes, tolls are not a common concern in Georgia.
Parking: In Atlanta, parking availability and cost vary by area. Downtown and Midtown have plenty of parking decks and lots, expect roughly $5–$15 for a few hours, or $20+ for all-day parking near tourist spots like the Georgia Aquarium or around Mercedes-Benz Stadium (more on game days). Street parking downtown is somewhat limited and often metered; always pay the meter or use the Parkmobile app because Atlanta parking enforcement is active. In residential neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland or Little Five Points, watch for permit-only spots. Savannah, on the other hand, is known for its more accessible parking, the historic district has meters (typically $2 per hour) and city garages (around $10 per day). The city is very walkable, so you can park once and explore on foot or by trolley. Savannah Tip: Meters are usually free on nights and Sundays but check the signs. In smaller cities (Augusta, Macon, Athens), parking is generally easier and cheaper, often free outside of downtown cores. Athens (UGA) has some deck parking downtown and around campus; on University of Georgia game days, parking anywhere close is a challenge, many businesses sell event parking in their lots. If you’re going to a UGA football game, arrive early or consider a park-and-ride shuttle from a remote lot. Beach areas: Georgia’s coast is shorter than neighboring states’, but if you visit Tybee Island (Savannah’s beach), be prepared to pay for parking everywhere on Tybee, it’s all metered or pay-station (around $3.50/hour in 2025). Jekyll Island charges an entrance/parking fee per vehicle (around $8 daily) when you cross onto the island, but then you typically don’t pay meters once on Jekyll. St. Simons Island has free public parking at many beach access points (get there early on summer weekends). Wherever you drive, just obey posted parking signs, Georgia towns will ticket and even tow for parking in prohibited zones (like fire lanes, or in Atlanta, blocking a sidewalk is towable).
Weather & Seasonal Driving: Georgia’s climate means you might experience different conditions depending on when and where you drive. Summer (June–Aug): It’s hot and humid statewide. Keep your car’s AC on and stay hydrated. Sudden thunderstorms are common on summer afternoons, if rain is heavy, use headlights and slow down (roads can flood briefly in low spots). Also, be mindful of hurricanes if you’re on the coast; hurricane season peaks Aug–Oct. If a tropical storm is forecast for coastal Georgia, stay updated, you might need to alter travel plans or route inland to avoid affected areas. Fall (Sept–Nov): A fantastic time for road trips. Fall foliage in North Georgia (late October) is beautiful, consider drives in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Roads can be a bit crowded on autumn weekends with leaf peepers and festivals (like Oktoberfest in Helen). Also, fall is college football season, expect heavy traffic in Athens, Atlanta (for Falcons and Georgia Tech), and around SEC college towns on Saturdays. Winter (Dec–Feb): Generally mild in the south (snow is rare in Atlanta and virtually unheard of in South GA), but North Georgia can get light snow or ice a few times a year. If you plan to drive in the mountains in winter (e.g., to Helen or Blue Ridge), check forecasts, occasionally there are icy conditions that prompt advisories. Georgia is not well-equipped with snowplows outside metro ATL, so a little snow can close mountain roads. In Atlanta, if there’s an ice storm, the city can virtually shut down (locals still remember “Snowpocalypse” of 2014). Our advice: if winter weather hits and you’re not used to driving on ice, just hunker down for a day until it melts (it usually will within 24-48 hours). Spring (Mar–May): Gorgeous blooming season (azaleas, dogwoods!), but also peak allergy season (a yellow pollen film might coat your rental car!). Spring showers and thunderstorms occur, and in some years, there’s a risk of severe weather/tornadoes especially in March/April. Pay attention to weather alerts; if a tornado warning is issued for your area, it’s safest not to be driving, seek shelter. On a lighter note, spring is festival season, so small towns might have weekend road closures for events. For example, Macon’s Cherry Blossom Festival in late March can cause detours downtown. Always give yourself a little extra time if driving to big events.
Driving Etiquette & Other Tidbits: Georgia drivers generally are polite but can be impatient in metro areas. It’s customary to give a “thank you” wave if another driver lets you in. Use your turn signals (blinkers) when changing lanes, especially important on the highway to communicate your moves in heavy traffic. If you’re driving on rural two-lanes and find yourself going slower than locals, it’s polite to use pull-offs or straightaways to let cars behind you pass when safe. Move-Over Law: Georgia law requires that if an emergency vehicle (police car, ambulance, tow truck) is on the shoulder with lights flashing, you should move over one lane if possible, or slow down significantly if you can’t move over. This is taken seriously for safety, you can be ticketed if you whiz by a stopped cop car without moving over. Also, fun fact: in downtown Atlanta there’s an intersection (Five Points) that has a “no honking” ordinance, generally, though, using the horn sparingly is fine (just don’t lay on it aggressively unless necessary). Finally, one unique situation: The Georgia Four-Way Stop, at an all-way stop sign, folks in Georgia tend to be very polite, sometimes to a fault, waving others through even if it’s their turn. The rule is whoever arrives first goes first or yield to the car on your right if simultaneous. Just proceed with caution and a smile; a little Southern hospitality goes a long way on the road. Enjoy your drive through the Peach State!
Road Trip Ideas from Georgia
Georgia’s rich mix of landscapes, mountains, plains, and coastline, makes for great road trips. Here are three itinerary ideas that start in Georgia, each offering a different adventure:
Frequently Asked Questions
Georgia has some gorgeous scenic routes. A few favorites: • Georgia Mountain Parkway (Hwy 515/76): This route from Ellijay through Blue Ridge to Hiawassee offers sweeping mountain and lake views, especially in fall. Stop at overlooks for sights of Lake Blue Ridge or Lake Chatuge. • Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway: A 40-mile loop in North Georgia near Blairsville/Helen that takes you by Brasstown Bald (Georgia’s highest point) and through Chattahoochee National Forest. In autumn, it’s hard to beat, brilliant oranges and reds all around. There are pull-offs for hiking to waterfalls like Dukes Creek Falls. • Scenic Highway 197: This winding road by Lake Burton and through the Sautee-Nacoochee Valley has art galleries, trout streams, and forested scenery. A popular section is from Clarkesville to Lake Burton, stop at Mark of the Potter, a neat pottery shop in an old mill, where you can feed the huge trout in the river below. • Coastal Highway 17 (Historic Coastal Hwy): Running parallel to I-95, parts of US-17 in Georgia, especially between Savannah and Brunswick, make for a charming detour. You’ll pass through marshlands, under oak canopies, and small coastal communities like Midway and Darien (try fresh shrimp in Darien!). You can detour to Sapelo Island Visitor Center or take in views of the tidal rivers. • Atlanta to Chattanooga via Lookout Mountain Scenic Highway (Hwy 193): Starting from Dalton, GA, head north on GA-193 to Chattanooga, TN. It’s a lesser-known back road that runs along Lookout Mountain’s base, peaceful farmland and mountain vistas. At the end, you can drive up Lookout Mountain (in TN) to visit Rock City or Point Park for Civil War history and panoramic views. • Peachtree Street in Atlanta at night: Not a traditional “scenic byway,” but cruising through Midtown Atlanta along Peachtree Street after dark is pretty cool, city lights, the Fox Theatre’s marquee, skyscrapers like Bank of America Plaza lit up, it gives you that urban vibe (just keep eyes on the road as you admire!). For an official resource, Georgia’s Department of Transportation lists Georgia Scenic Byways like the Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway or Enduring Farmlands Byway in the south central part of the state. It all depends what you’re into: mountains? head north; coast? head southeast; quirky Americana? plenty in between (e.g. Athens to Augusta along Hwy 78 has little antique stores and the like). With your rental car, you have the freedom to explore any of these. Don’t forget road trip tunes, perhaps some Ray Charles or Luke Bryan (both Georgians) on the stereo to set the mood!
We touched on a few earlier (like the super speeder and hands-free law). Here are a couple more Georgia-specific tidbits: • “Slow Poke” Law: Georgia law actually requires drivers in the left lane to move over if faster traffic comes up behind them, even if that faster traffic is speeding. So, if you’re in the far left lane on a highway and someone wants to pass, you legally should merge right and let them by. This is meant to reduce road rage and keep traffic flowing. Failure to yield the left lane can get you a ticket (though it’s relatively rare to be pulled over for it alone). Moral: use the left lane for passing, then get back over. • School Buses: Like elsewhere, if a school bus stops and displays flashing red lights, you must stop in both directions on undivided roads. On a divided highway (with a physical median), traffic going the opposite direction can continue, but on a two-lane or multi-lane road without a median, everybody stops. Georgia officers will ticket for passing a stopped school bus, it’s a big no-no. • Turn Signals and “Courtesy Blinks”: Georgia drivers often do signal, but some have a habit of a quick three-blink and lane change. Be prepared that not everyone signals long. Always shoulder-check your blind spots, because motorcycles or cars may appear. Georgia is a contributory negligence state, meaning both parties can share blame in an accident, so just drive defensively to avoid any incidents. • Alcohol and Open Containers: Georgia’s DUI laws are strict (0.08% BAC or higher is illegal, 0.04% for commercial drivers). Also, it’s illegal to have an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of the car while driving. So don’t let anyone sip a beer in the car, even if they’re not the driver, you can be fined. Groceries or closed bottles are fine, just not open ones. • Seat Belts & Child Seats: All front seat occupants must wear seat belts. In the back seat, passengers age 8-17 must wear them; 18+ it’s not mandatory by law in GA, but strongly recommended. Children under 8 must be in an appropriate child safety seat or booster, in the back seat (unless the vehicle has no rear seats, etc.). If you’re renting a car seat, the rental agency can provide one for a fee, Georgia police will ticket if they see an unrestrained child, so buckle the little ones properly. • U-Turns: Generally legal in Georgia except where posted “No U-turn”. Use common sense (don’t do it on a curve or where visibility is poor). In Atlanta, some intersections explicitly allow or disallow U-turns with signage, pay attention because some multilane roads have dedicated U-turn arrows. • Emergency Vehicles: By law, if an emergency vehicle (police, ambulance, fire truck) is coming with lights/sirens, pull to the right and stop to let it pass. And as mentioned earlier, move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles on the shoulder. None of these are particularly unusual, they’re fairly standard or increasingly common in many states. When in doubt, just drive cautiously and respect the rules of the road, and you’ll be fine.
Driving in Atlanta is safe as long as you stay alert and patient. Yes, traffic can be very heavy, and drivers tend to go at fast speeds on the freeways when not congested. But it’s not “Mad Max” out there. Key tips: Keep a good following distance (people do cut in, but tailgating is risky at high speeds). Watch out for frequent lane shifts and exits on the downtown connector (I-75/85); if you’re unfamiliar, try to avoid rush hour on those stretches. Use a GPS app to help navigate lane choices, Atlanta freeways can have 6-8 lanes and exits on both left and right. Also be mindful of tractor-trailers; Atlanta is a trucking crossroads, so you’ll share the road with many big rigs on I-285 and I-75, they often stick to the right lanes. At night, some interchanges can be a bit confusing (the I-285/I-85 “Spaghetti Junction” for example has many ramps). Just slow down if needed and follow signage/GPS. In the city streets, Atlanta has lots of one-ways and some odd angle intersections due to railway lines. Be cautious around the Downtown and Midtown areas for pedestrians and cyclists, especially near Georgia Tech or Georgia State campuses. Also note, in some parts of Atlanta, street names change frequently (Ponce de Leon -> "Ponce", etc., or streets that change names entirely after a junction). It’s normal to feel a little disoriented; again, GPS is your friend. Crime-wise, if that’s a concern: as in any big city, keep your car doors locked, don’t leave valuables in plain sight (especially at tourist spots or overnight). Use paid parking lots with attendants or good lighting if possible. Millions of people drive in Atlanta daily without incident, so overall it’s fine, the biggest hassle is usually just the congestion. If you can time your driving outside of peak times (e.g., do touristy stuff during rush hour, then drive after 7 PM when highways clear up a bit), you’ll have a smoother experience. And if you do get stuck in a notorious “Traffic Jam Sam” (Atlanta traffic snarl), just tune the radio to 95.5 WSB or 750 AM for traffic updates, or put on some music/podcast and wait it out, it eventually eases. In summary: safe, yes; hectic, also yes, but manageable with patience and caution.
Georgia doesn’t have traditional toll roads like some states; instead, we have express lanes around Atlanta that use a Peach Pass electronic system. If you stick to regular lanes, you won’t encounter tolls on I-75, I-85, etc., even where express lanes exist. However, if you choose to use the express toll lanes (like on I-85 in Gwinnett County or the reversible express lanes on I-75), you must have a Peach Pass or compatible transponder (SunPass and E-ZPass are now interoperable with Georgia’s system as of late 2021). Rental cars typically do not come with Peach Pass by default. Some rental companies offer a toll pass option, if you opt in, they’ll provide a transponder or automatically enroll the car’s license plate, and charge you a daily fee for each day you use a toll, plus the actual tolls. If you don’t arrange that and you drive in a Peach Pass lane, the cameras will bill the rental car via the license plate. The rental company will then charge your card later with the toll plus a hefty admin fee (often $15 or more per occurrence). So, best practice: avoid the express lanes unless you have a rented or personal Peach Pass. The express lanes are marked clearly with peach-colored signs and a separated lane, just stay out if you’re not equipped. Elsewhere in Georgia, the only other toll you might hit is the express lane on I-75 South of Atlanta (same system) or the GA-400 extension in Atlanta which no longer has a toll. If you venture into Florida via I-95, you’ll eventually hit some tolls there, but in Georgia itself, tolls are minimal. In summary: you can easily drive around Georgia without ever paying a toll. If you do want the convenience of express lanes in Atlanta (which can be a time-saver in heavy traffic), consider asking the rental company at pickup about a toll option, or simply plan your routes on non-toll lanes. Regular interstate lanes will get you everywhere just fine.
Yes, at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), renting at 23 is absolutely allowed, but you will pay that underage driver fee (around $25/day extra). Atlanta’s airport rental center is huge (all the major brands in one consolidated facility reachable by SkyTrain from the terminals). One tip: If you’re 21-24, some companies might restrict you to economy through full-size cars at the airport. The process is otherwise the same, just be prepared for a larger hold on your credit card (they often hold the estimated total plus maybe $200 for incidentals). And remember, drive carefully, any traffic tickets or accidents can be more problematic for younger renters in terms of paperwork. But thousands of under-25s rent at ATL every year, so you won’t stand out; just budget for that fee.