Atlanta Airport (ATL) Car & Van Rentals – Compare Suppliers

Welcome to Atlanta, the bustling capital of the South! With our cheap Atlanta car rentals starting from just $21/day, you’ll have the freedom to explore everything from the World of Coca-Cola downtown to Stone Mountain in the suburbs. Book your Atlanta car rental with Airpot Van Rental your trusted OTA partner for the best deals. We compare rates from 50+ rental companies at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and locations across the metro area, ensuring you get the lowest price every time. Airpot Van Rental takes pride in transparent pricing (no hidden fees) and easy bookings: reserve in minutes with no upfront payment, and enjoy free cancellation on most cars up to 48 hours before pick-up. Whether you’re traveling for business in Buckhead or embarking on a family road trip to the Georgia mountains, we’ve got you covered with the perfect vehicle and a smooth rental experience.

Atlanta’s MARTA train system is useful in the city core, but a rental car is key to reaching the many attractions beyond downtown.

Find Your Perfect Atlanta Rental Car (Fast & Flexible Booking)

Most Atlanta rentals let you pay at pick-up and include free cancellation up to 48 hours before if plans change, so you can secure a great rate now and have flexibility later. We constantly update our inventory to bring you the best Atlanta deals of the day, whether you need a compact for city navigation or a 12-passenger van for a group outing. In short, searching, comparing, and booking your ATL car rental takes only a few minutes leaving you more time to plan your adventures in the Peach State!

Why Rent a Car in Atlanta?

Atlanta is a vibrant, car-centric city where having your own vehicle can significantly enhance your visit. Here’s why renting a car is a smart choice:

• Cover the Urban Sprawl: Metro Atlanta is huge the city and its suburbs sprawl across 29 counties! While MARTA trains and buses serve the city center and a few suburbs, they reach only a fraction of the region (public transit usage is only ~3.5% here). If you want to visit places beyond downtown and midtown like Marietta’s Six Flags, Stone Mountain Park to the east, or charming towns in North Georgia you’ll need a car. Attractions are spread out (Atlanta covers more area than Los Angeles), so a rental car ensures you can reach everything from the Georgia Aquarium to suburban restaurants easily. In short, unless you’re sticking strictly to a few intown neighborhoods, a car is essential in Atlanta.
• Ultimate Flexibility: With a car, you set the schedule. Want to zip between business meetings in Buckhead and Cobb Galleria? You’ll do that in 20 minutes by car instead of an hour by multiple train and bus connections. Planning to catch a Braves game at Truist Park and also a show at the Fox Theatre the same day? With a car, it’s doable without one, nearly impossible. Atlanta is known for its traffic, but having a car with GPS (we recommend using Waze/Google Maps, which Atlanta drivers swear by to reroute around jams) means you can adapt on the fly. You’re not at the mercy of infrequent suburban bus schedules or expensive rideshares for long trips. Especially for families or groups, a rental car makes coordinating travel across the city much simpler.
• Year-Round Attractions & Events: Atlanta has something happening in every season from spring festivals to summer concerts to big college football games in the fall. Many venues (like Lakewood Amphitheatre or Georgia Renaissance Festival grounds) are not in the city center. With a car, you can attend events across the metro easily. In autumn, you might want to drive north an hour to see the famous Georgia fall foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In winter, you could drive to Lake Lanier for the Magical Nights of Lights. Stone Mountain’s laser show, Six Flags Over Georgia, Outlet shopping in Dawsonville all far easier to do with your own car. Simply put, a rental allows you to fully experience Atlanta’s surrounding attractions on your own timetable.
• Limited Transit & Last-Mile Gaps: Atlanta’s MARTA rail is clean and safe, but it primarily runs on two lines north-south and east-west radiating from downtown. It doesn’t go to many popular areas like Decatur’s suburbs, Marietta, or anywhere north of the I-285 perimeter except the airport line. Buses exist but have long wait times and limited coverage. Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are readily available intown, but can get pricey for long distances (and surge pricing during events is common). Renting a car often ends up cheaper for a multi-day trip than a string of Uber rides. Plus, Atlanta’s neighborhoods are spread out you might be surprised that even going from Midtown to trendy West Midtown or to the Atlanta Zoo can be a 15-20 minute drive. A car turns those into quick hops.
• Comfort in the “City in a Forest”: Atlanta’s nickname is the “City in a Forest” beautiful greenery, but also meaning things are spread out and sometimes roads wind through parks and neighborhoods. Having a car with air conditioning (summers are hot and humid) and heat (winters are mild but can get chilly at night) keeps you comfortable year-round. You can store your luggage, shopping bags from Buckhead’s Lenox Mall, or hiking gear for Kennesaw Mountain in the trunk instead of lugging everything around on foot. Also, if you’re traveling with kids, a car makes life easier you can use your own car seat or rent one from us, and avoid the hassle of dragging strollers on public transit or waiting curbside for rideshares. It’s simply a more convenient, family-friendly way to get around Atlanta.

Our Atlanta Car Rental Benefits (Why Choose AVR)

Booking your ATL ride with Airpot Van Rental comes with some awesome benefits that set us apart:

• Massive Selection All the Brands in One Place: We partner with every major car rental company in Atlanta (think Alamo, Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, etc.) plus reliable local outfits. This means when you search with us, you get a huge selection of vehicles and locations in one results page. Picking up at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport? You’ll see deals from all 12+ agencies at ATL’s Rental Car Center. Need a car in Alpharetta or Marietta? We include local branches too. No need to check multiple websites AVR aggregates the lot, so you don’t miss the best price.
• Great Prices & Deals: By comparing so many options, we ensure you get a rock-bottom price. Our system highlights special offers like free additional driver (save ~$13/day), unlimited mileage (most rentals in Atlanta have it, but we call it out if not), or free GPS upgrades when available. Because suppliers know they’re side-by-side with competitors on our site, they often give us their best rates. We often have exclusive promo rates (weekend specials, weekly discounts) thanks to our volume partnerships. Found a better price elsewhere? Let us know we’ll match it whenever we can. We’re committed to saving you money on your Atlanta rental.
• Transparent Pricing No Hidden Fees: Georgia thankfully doesn’t have as many sneaky surcharges as some places, but we make sure everything is clear. When you book with AVR, you see all taxes and fees upfront including the airport concession fee (~11% at ATL) and any local stadium or arena surcharges (yes, Atlanta has a few odd car rental taxes that fund things like the sports teams or BeltLine we include those too). You’ll know the total cost before you confirm. Planning a one-way rental from Atlanta to another city? We show any drop fee immediately. The price you see is the price you pay at the counter, guaranteed no last-minute surprises.
• Flexible Pick-Up & Drop-Off: We accommodate your schedule. Many Atlanta rental locations offer after-hours drop-off, so if you have a super early flight or you’re driving back from Athens at 2 AM, you can still return the car (just ask about the key drop box). Need a one-way rental (say, Atlanta to Orlando or to Savannah)? No problem we often have deals with low or no drop fees for popular routes. Plus, as mentioned, most bookings come with free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up. If your business trip dates shift or your cousin’s wedding is postponed, you can cancel or rebook without penalty. Plans change, and we’ve got you covered.
• Local Knowledge & Support: This isn’t just a transaction for us we want you to have a great trip. That’s why on this page we include insider tips for driving in Atlanta (keep reading below for guidance on traffic, tolls, and great road trips). Our customer support is available 24/7 in case you hit any snags. Stuck on I-85 and worried you’ll miss your return time? Give us a call, we’ll assist or alert the return location. Not sure how Peach Pass works for the express lanes? We can explain. We’re here to help with real humans who know travel. With AVR, you get the price of an aggregator and the service of a hometown agency.
• Specialty Vehicles Available: Airpot Van Rental specializes in vans, and in Atlanta that means if you need a 15-passenger van for a church retreat or sports team, you’ll often find it here when other sites show none. We’ve got everything from compact cars to moving trucks in our network. SUVs for that mountain trip? Luxury sedans for a VIP client? EV or hybrid vehicles if you want to try Atlanta’s growing charging network? We’ll show those when available too. Basically, whatever wheels you need, check us first our selection is second to none.

Best Atlanta Car Rental Deals

(These are examples of recent deals found rates fluctuate, but this gives you an idea. All rates include taxes & fees, and assume pick-up at ATL Airport.)

• Economy Car from $21/day: e.g. Nissan Versa or Kia Rio. Perfect for navigating downtown and squeezing into tight parking spots on Peachtree Street. Great gas mileage (~35+ MPG) to save on fuel. Ideal for solo travelers or couples on a budget.
• Standard Sedan from $28/day: e.g. Toyota Camry or Hyundai Sonata. A bit more room for luggage and passengers, smooth ride on Atlanta’s highways. A good all-rounder whether you’re commuting on I-285 or taking a day trip to Athens. Sedans handle Atlanta’s mix of city and suburban driving with ease, and you’ll appreciate the comfort if you get stuck in traffic.
• Midsize SUV from $35/day: e.g. Nissan Rogue or Ford Escape (5-passenger). Perfect for a family heading to the Georgia Aquarium or taking a drive up to Chattanooga. Higher ground clearance for those mountain roads and plenty of cargo space for bags or shopping hauls. Most SUVs include unlimited mileage, so feel free to roam (perhaps a day drive to Helen or Tallulah Gorge?).
• Minivan from $52/day: e.g. Chrysler Pacifica or Dodge Grand Caravan (7-passenger). Ideal for group outings whether you’re wrangling kids to Six Flags or doing a college tour with friends to UGA in Athens. Dual sliding doors and lots of storage make travel easy. Many families grab minivans for the weekend to have extra room for grandparents or gear on trips to Lake Oconee or Stone Mountain.
• Premium/Luxury from $50/day: e.g. Infiniti Q50, Chevrolet Camaro, or similar (this is actually a typical rate for a premium or sporty car on a good deal we’ve seen Camaros or BMW 3-Series around $45-$60/day on special). These add a little fun or class to your trip cruise around Midtown or Buckhead in style. Remember, if you’re under 25 you might not be able to rent the high-end models. But for those eligible, Atlanta’s wide freeways can be a joy in a nice car (just watch that right foot; APD does speed enforcement on the Downtown Connector).

(Rates last updated recently; subject to change based on demand. Always search for your specific dates prices can be higher during big events like Dragon Con or college football weekends, and cheaper in quieter weeks. All the above “from” prices already include the standard 8-15% Atlanta rental taxes and fees, so they are true comparisons. No surprises at pick-up.)

Atlanta Driving Guide Master the “City in a Forest”

Driving in Atlanta is both rewarding (you can reach mountains, cities, and countryside in a couple hours) and challenging (this city is famous for traffic). Here’s how to navigate like a local:

Understanding Atlanta Traffic Patterns: Atlanta consistently ranks in the top 10 U.S. cities for worst traffic drivers lose about 53 hours a year in congestion on average. The main culprit is the Downtown Connector, where I-75 and I-85 merge for a stretch through downtown it’s a 7.5-mile stretch of highway that is often jammed, especially during rush hour. Rush hours here run early: expect heavy traffic 6:30–9:30 AM into downtown and 4:00–7:00 PM out of downtown on weekdays. The I-285 Perimeter, which encircles the city, also clogs at key interchanges (especially the top half, from I-75 on the northwest at “Cobb Cloverleaf”, across the top end to the I-85 junction known as “Spaghetti Junction” in the northeast). Spaghetti Junction (I-85 & I-285) is notoriously complex and congested lots of lanes and merges; take it slow and follow signs there. Pro tip: Atlantans rely heavily on traffic apps. Waze and Google Maps are your friends they’ll often route you on surface streets or HOV lanes to save time. Speaking of HOV/express lanes: Atlanta has Express Toll lanes on I-85 (northeast) and I-75 (northwest and south). These require a Peach Pass transponder to use and are free for 3+ person carpools, motorcycles, or registered alternative-fuel vehicles. Solo drivers can use them for a variable toll. If you rent a car, you likely won’t have a Peach Pass unless you specifically arrange one so stick to general lanes, or if you really want to use them, ask the rental company if they offer a toll transponder (not common in GA like in FL, but possible). The toll lanes can be real time-savers on I-85 north of Atlanta if you’re heading to say, Buford or Lake Lanier, during rush hour. One more thing: Atlanta’s traffic isn’t just 9-5 weekend events (SEC football games, big concerts, holiday shopping seasons) can create major jams too. Also, Friday afternoon rush starts early (by 3 PM) and can be extra heavy with folks leaving town for the weekend. Plan accordingly and give yourself buffer time when driving to the airport or appointments.

Navigating the Peachtree Maze: You’ve probably heard the joke “every street in Atlanta is named Peachtree.” It’s not every street, but it can feel that way! In fact, there are 71 streets in Atlanta with “Peachtree” in the name. There’s Peachtree Street, Peachtree Road, Old Peachtree, West Peachtree, Peachtree Battle… the list goes on. To complicate things, Atlanta also has a habit of streets changing names as you drive. More than 225 streets have had multiple names (2–8 names over time!). For example, “Buford Highway” is also State Route 13 and becomes “Atlanta Hwy” further out. The key is: always double-check directions and don’t hesitate to ask locals for clarification. If someone says “meet me on Peachtree,” definitely get the cross-street or which neighborhood Peachtree Street downtown is very different from Peachtree Road in Buckhead. Your GPS will usually sort it out if you enter an exact address (thank goodness for GPS). Fun fact: these Peachtrees are named after a Creek war village called “Standing Pitch Tree,” not the fruit tree but I digress. One more naming quirk: Many roads in ATL have multiple names. For instance, US-19 through town is also “14th Street” in Midtown, then “Spring Street,” then “West Peachtree,” then “Roswell Road” as it goes north. Signage can alternate names. So when navigating, pay attention to route numbers (like GA 400, US 78) in addition to names. The I-285 beltway is called “The Perimeter” you’ll hear locals say “Inside the Perimeter (ITP)” for city areas and “Outside the Perimeter (OTP)” for suburbs. If you get lost, don’t panic Atlanta’s core is encircled by I-285, so eventually you’ll hit it and can recalibrate. And do use a map or app to learn the general layout: knowing that Piedmont Road runs roughly parallel to Peachtree Street, for example, can help as an alternate route in Midtown. When in doubt, ask which Peachtree!

Georgia Driving Laws & HOV Lanes: Georgia has a hands-free law it’s illegal to hold your phone while driving (even at a stoplight). Fines start around $50+. So if you need to make a call, use Bluetooth or park safely. Seat belts are mandatory for all front-seat occupants and all under 18. Speed limits: 25-35 mph on city streets (unless posted otherwise), 45-55 on multi-lane roads in town, and up to 65-70 on freeways in metro Atlanta (70 mph on rural interstates). On the interstates, you’ll notice many drivers exceed 70 not endorsing it but just be aware. If you prefer a calmer pace, stay out of the far-left lane on I-75/85; left lanes are generally for passing (and often going 75+). HOV lanes: On I-75/85 through downtown and I-20, the far-left lane is HOV-2 (at least 2 occupants required) during peak hours. Don’t accidentally drive solo in those marked lanes, you could get ticketed. The I-85 Express lanes north of downtown (from I-285 up into Gwinnett County) are HOT lanes they require a Peach Pass and are free for HOV-3 (3+ people) or certain “Alternative Fuel” vehicles with a special license plate, but charge varying tolls for 1-2 person vehicles. If you don’t have a Peach Pass, avoid the express lanes entirely there are cameras and you’ll get a bill or fine for unauthorized use. Note: the allowance for AFVs (electric/hybrid) to ride free is ending in Sept 2025 by federal rule, so depending on when you travel, even those will need to pay tolls. Also, Georgia’s Move Over Law is in effect: if there’s an emergency vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder, you must move over a lane or slow down significantly if you can’t. As for turning right on red it’s allowed after a full stop, unless a sign says otherwise (common-sense rule nationwide). And one more quirky one: In some parts of Atlanta, you might see “Hawk” pedestrian signals (mid-street crosswalk lights) if they flash red, treat it as a stop sign (stop, then go if clear). Driving in Georgia is pretty straightforward legally just remember phone down, buckle up, move over for stopped vehicles, and you’ll be fine.

Parking in Atlanta: Compared to other big cities, Atlanta’s parking is generally easier and cheaper, though it depends on the area. Downtown and Midtown have plenty of parking garages and surface lots. Expect to pay around $10–$20 for a full day in many downtown garages, or $5–$10 for evening event parking (like near Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, which have lots around). Street parking downtown is somewhat limited and mostly meter/pay station controlled typically $2/hour and enforced early morning until evening on weekdays. The good news: nights and weekends, many meters are free (check the signs; some tourist-heavy areas may still enforce on weekends). Midtown around Piedmont Park and Georgia Tech has residential streets that require permits watch for signs to avoid tickets. There are convenient garages near Midtown’s Peachtree & 10th area and under the Colony Square complex. Buckhead (the shopping district) offers free parking at many malls (Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza huge free decks). Around Buckhead’s bar district (Buckhead Village), you’ll find $5–$10 pay lots at night. Atlantic Station (a popular dining/shopping area) has free 2-hour garage parking, then charges after but you can often validate with a purchase. For Tourist attractions: The Georgia Aquarium/World of Coca-Cola has official decks (~$12+), but some private lots nearby might offer slightly cheaper rates just ensure it’s a legit lot with an attendant or machine, as towing is enforced. Airports: If you’re renting, you won’t need to park at ATL, but FYI ATL airport parking is $10-14/day in economy lots and $19-24 in daily garages. MARTA Stations: If you plan to park-and-ride the MARTA train, many stations have free parking for up to 24 hours (and a small fee for longer-term). This can be handy if you want to avoid traffic downtown e.g., park at Inman Park Station or Lenox Station and ride in. Residential: Outside the core, parking is mostly free and ample in shopping centers and neighborhoods. Just be mindful of any posted neighborhood restrictions (some intown neighborhoods have permit zones due to proximity to bars/etc.). And as with any city, don’t leave valuables in plain sight in your car; break-ins aren’t rampant but can happen, especially if something tempting is visible. All in all, parking in Atlanta is manageable it’s one reason many people don’t mind driving here versus, say, New York or San Francisco. You’ll usually find a spot within a block or two of your destination at a reasonable cost.

Seasonal Driving Challenges: Atlanta’s climate is mild, but it does have some seasonal factors to consider. Summer (June–August) brings afternoon thunderstorms sudden heavy rain that can cause flash flooding on roads (those low dips under viaducts can collect water fast). If you encounter a downpour, slow down hydroplaning is a risk on the interstates when water pools. Pull over if needed; storms usually pass in 20-30 minutes. Also, summer heat means keep an eye on your engine temp if you’re idling in traffic for long (most modern cars are fine, but still). And have sunglasses handy the sun can be glaring, especially when it sets aligning with east-west roads. Fall (Sept–Nov) is lovely driving weather, just watch for wet leaves on roads in the northern suburbs which can be slick. Winter (Dec–Feb): Snow is rare, but ice storms are an Atlanta fear. Even 1/4 inch of ice can paralyze the city (remember the infamous “Snowpocalypse” of 2014, when a surprise ice storm stranded drivers overnight?). If there’s any prediction of snow or ice, the best advice is: avoid driving if possible. The city has limited salt trucks and a lot of hilly roads a bad combo. If you must drive, stick to major roads which are treated first, and take it extremely slow. Bridges freeze first; be extra cautious there. The state will often preemptively close some highways if a big ice event is coming. Fortunately, those are infrequent and usually short-lived (the city usually melts out in a day or two). Spring (March–May): Beautiful, but pollen season is real everything gets covered in yellow pollen. It’s more a nuisance than a driving hazard, but run your wipers and fluid to clear the pollen off the windshield as needed. Also, spring brings occasional tornado watches if severe weather is forecast, stay alert (if a tornado warning hits while you’re driving, try to find shelter, don’t attempt to outrun it). On a lighter note, spring and fall are prime times for construction on roads due to good weather so overnight construction closures on interstates ramp up; check Georgia DOT’s website or the Waze app for planned closures (especially on I-285 which has ongoing reconstruction in 2025). Overall, Atlanta is fine for driving year-round, just use common sense during the few weeks of extreme weather (very stormy or potential ice).

Popular Road Trips from Atlanta

One of the perks of Atlanta’s location is how many great destinations are within a few hours’ drive. Here are three fantastic road trips to consider once you have your rental car:

1. Atlanta to the Blue Ridge Mountains (North Georgia)Scenic Mountain Escape

• Distance: ~90 miles to Blue Ridge, GA (about 1.5–2 hours via I-75/I-575 north). Dahlonega (gateway to the mountains) is closer, ~70 miles.
• Route: Take I-75 north to I-575 (which turns into GA-515). This is the straight shot into the North Georgia mountain region. You’ll pass towns like Jasper and Ellijay on the way.
• Highlights:Blue Ridge is a charming mountain town known for its scenic railway. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers a 4-hour round trip along the Toccoa River especially popular in fall for leaf-peeping. In the fall (late October), the foliage in North Georgia is spectacular oranges, reds, and yellows blanket the hills. On the way to Blue Ridge, consider stopping at Amicalola Falls State Park (off GA-52 near Dawsonville) it boasts Georgia’s tallest waterfall and a staircase hike that’s invigorating and beautiful. Nearby is also the start of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain, if you’re adventurous. Dahlonega, slightly east of the direct route, is worth a detour: it’s an old Gold Rush town with a cute town square and wineries in the area. In fact, North Georgia has a wine country you could visit a couple of vineyards like Wolf Mountain or Yonah Mountain and still be back by evening (just designate a driver if wine tasting!). Also, the town of Helen (see trip 3 below) could be looped in to a Blue Ridge trip if you take a scenic route east through Blairsville and then south. Expect windy mountain roads if you do that fun to drive but take it slow. Blue Ridge itself has nice boutiques, restaurants, and plenty of cabin rentals if you decide to overnight. Don’t forget to try an apple house in Ellijay if traveling in fall that region is Georgia’s apple capital; a hot fried apple pie or fresh cider is delicious.
• Tips: The weather in the mountains can be cooler bring a jacket especially in spring/fall. Weekends in fall get crowded with leaf peepers, so start early to avoid traffic on the two-lane roads to popular parks. Watch your cell signal in the deep valleys, reception can be spotty, so have maps pre-downloaded or a paper map as backup. If you’re into history, the town of Cherry Log (between Ellijay and Blue Ridge) has an interesting roadside attraction: the Expedition: Bigfoot Museum (quirky stop about Sasquatch sightings). For a short hike with a big reward, visit Anna Ruby Falls near Helen (a bit east, but beautiful twin waterfalls with a paved trail). And on your drive back, if you’re coming down GA-400 from Dahlonega, you could stop at the North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville for some shopping deals.

2. Atlanta to SavannahHistoric Coastal Getaway

• Distance: ~250 miles (around 3.5–4 hours) via I-75 south -> I-16 east.
• Route: Easiest is I-75 south to Macon, then I-16 straight to Savannah. It’s a direct shot once you’re on I-16 (though a fairly monotonous one, to be honest lots of pine forests).
• Highlights:Savannah is Georgia’s oldest city, with gorgeous Spanish moss-draped oak trees and historic squares. Once there, park the car (Savannah’s historic district is very walkable) and explore on foot or by trolley tour. Must-sees include Forsyth Park (with its famous fountain), River Street (cobblestone street along the Savannah River with shops and restaurants), and historic sites like the Mercer-Williams House or Bonaventure Cemetery (for those Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil vibes). En route from Atlanta, a good stopping point is Macon, GA (~1.5 hours from ATL). Macon has the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park an interesting site preserving ancient Native American earthworks. It’s right off I-16 as you head out of Macon. Also, Downtown Macon has some beautiful architecture and the Allman Brothers Band Museum (if rock history intrigues you). Another pit stop option: Metter, GA (on I-16) where you’ll find the quaint Guido Gardens or just some classic Southern diners for lunch. Once near Savannah, if time permits, consider detouring to Tybee Island (Savannah’s beach, 20 minutes east of downtown) for some ocean breezes and to see the Tybee Lighthouse. Also, Bonaventure Cemetery, just east of Savannah, is famous for its haunting beauty.
• Tips:Book accommodation ahead if you plan to overnight in Savannah, especially during spring (St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah is HUGE) or fall festival weekends, when hotels fill up. The drive down I-16 has few towns in the middle stretch make sure you have gas when leaving Macon; there’s a long rural span until you get closer to Savannah. Also note, speed enforcement on I-16 is common it’s easy to speed on that open road, but Georgia State Patrol watches it. Savannah’s street parking in the historic district is mostly metered (but free evenings and Sundays). There are convenient garages like the Bryan Street Garage or Whitaker Street Garage for about $1/hour. If you’re just day-tripping and heading back, consider leaving Savannah by mid-afternoon to avoid getting drowsy on the long drive (or caffeinate for the evening push). Alternatively, some travelers do Savannah as part of a loop: e.g., Atlanta -> Savannah (I-16) then return via I-95 north to Charleston, then I-26/I-20 back to Atlanta, making it a multi-city circuit. It’s more driving, but you get Lowcountry and Upcountry in one trip!

3. Atlanta to Helen (North Georgia Alps)Bavarian Village & Mountain Fun

• Distance: ~90 miles (approx 1.5–2 hours) northeast via I-85 to US-985 to GA-365/US-441, then GA-384/75 toward Helen.
• Highlights:Helen, GA is a small alpine-style town in the Appalachians basically a recreated Bavarian village. It’s kitschy but fun: think cobblestone alleys, German bratwurst and beer gardens, and specialty shops. If you’re visiting in late September or October, Helen’s Oktoberfest is one of the largest in the U.S., with lively beer halls and music. Summer is also popular for tubing you can rent a tube and float down the Chattahoochee River that runs through town. It’s a blast on a hot day (and very affordable, like $10 for hours of floating). Nearby, you’ll find Unicoi State Park and Anna Ruby Falls a double waterfall reached by a short hike from the parking area. Also in the area: Helen to Hiawassee Scenic Highway (GA-17/75) a beautiful drive through the mountains, and Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia, which has a lookout tower (reachable by a steep half-mile hike or shuttle) where you can see for miles. The region also boasts wineries (yes, Georgia wine country is a thing!). You might stop by Habersham Winery or Yonah Mountain Vineyards for a tasting. If traveling with kids, they might enjoy the quirky Alpine Mini Golf in Helen or the model railroad exhibit. In winter, occasionally it might snow lightly in Helen making the faux-German village look even more like Europe.
• Tips: Helen can get very crowded on holiday weekends and in October. Expect traffic slowdowns on the two-lane roads into town during those times, and try to arrive early in the day. Parking in Helen is mostly in private lots ($5-$10 cash) many businesses turn their lawns into parking. There is some street parking but it fills fast. Dress in layers mornings in the mountains can be cool even in summer, but midday can get hot. If you want a physical activity, consider hiking to Yonah Mountain (trail near Helen) for great views, or horseback riding at Sunburst Stables. For a lazy day, the tubing can’t be beat just don’t bring anything on the river you can’t afford to get wet (or lose). The drive to Helen from ATL passes through Gainesville (known as the poultry capital you might catch a whiff of chicken farms). That’s a good place to grab picnic supplies if you plan to eat by the river. Also, be prepared for limited cell service in spots around Helen and the national forest. On your way back, you can swing through Cabbage Patch Kids Babyland General Hospital in Cleveland, GA (just south of Helen) a bizarre and amusing stop where the famous dolls are “born.” Overall, this trip showcases Georgia’s mountains with a quirky twist, and it’s easily done in a day (though you might be tempted to stay overnight in a cabin or chalet).