$44 Car Rental Athens, GA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Athens

Renting a car in Athens, Georgia, offers unmatched freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is especially beneficial for college students, outdoor enthusiasts, and road trippers who value the ability to manage their luggage easily and adapt their travel plans. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as the historic University of Georgia and Sanford Stadium, both located in downtown Athens, which are perfect for cultural and sports experiences. The Classic Center, also in the area, hosts various events and conferences, making it a great stop for business travelers. Additionally, you can venture to nearby destinations like Bogart, just 9 miles from Athens, where you can explore local parks and arenas. The Cobbham Historic District, another nearby neighborhood, is rich in history and features essential sites like the University of Georgia and Sanford Stadium. Overall, a rental car provides the convenience needed to fully appreciate the diverse offerings of Athens and its beautiful surroundings.

Most popular car rentals in Athens

• Midsize: The midsize car is a perfect choice for travelers looking for a balance between space and affordability. It comfortably fits up to 5 passengers and accommodates up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for couples and families. Whether you're exploring the vibrant culture of Athens or heading out for a scenic drive, this option offers flexibility and convenience, allowing you to manage your luggage with ease.
• Compact: A compact car is an excellent option for solo travelers, couples, and small families. It seats up to 5 travelers and can hold up to 3 medium suitcases, making it practical for shorter trips or city driving. This choice is especially appealing for those who want to enjoy the freedom of exploring Athens while navigating its streets easily, thanks to its smaller size and efficient fuel consumption.
• Fullsize: For larger families or groups, the fullsize car is a great option. It can accommodate 5 travelers with the capacity for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, ensuring everyone’s luggage fits comfortably. This car type is ideal for those who want to travel together and share the experience of exploring Athens and its surroundings without sacrificing comfort or space.

Top rated car suppliers in Athens

• Budget: Budget operates with 1 rental location in Athens, making it a convenient choice for travelers. Known for offering Economy and Midsize SUVs, Budget provides flexibility for those looking to explore the area comfortably. Customers appreciate the straightforward rental process and the value for money associated with their vehicle options, making it a solid selection for various travel needs.
• Avis: With 1 rental location in Athens, Avis is a popular option for tourists seeking reliable vehicles. The most booked cars from Avis include Fullsize Pickup and Economy models, catering to different preferences and requirements. Travelers often commend Avis for its efficient service and well-maintained fleet, ensuring a pleasant rental experience while exploring the scenic surroundings of Athens.
• Enterprise: Enterprise boasts 3 rental locations throughout Athens, providing ample convenience for travelers. This supplier is particularly favored for its Midsize SUVs and Compact cars, appealing to many visitors. Customers frequently highlight the exceptional customer service and the variety of vehicle choices available, making Enterprise a trusted option for those looking to navigate Athens and its attractions with ease.

Where to go in and around Athens

• Bogart: Located 9 miles from Athens, Bogart offers a blend of outdoor and family-friendly experiences. Visitors can explore the historic University of Georgia, enjoy events at the Athens Arena, or relax at Bear Creek Reservoir Public Park & Fishing Access. The best times to visit are January, April, and July, with activities suitable for adventure seekers and those looking for scenic beauty.
• Downtown Athens: Situated in the heart of Athens, Downtown Athens is an excellent spot for culture and entertainment enthusiasts. Highlights include the Classic Center for events, the historic University of Georgia, and Sanford Stadium for sports fans. Peak visitor times occur in March to April and October, making it an ideal time to experience the vibrant atmosphere and local attractions.
• Cobbham Historic District: This charming neighborhood offers a mix of culture, romance, and outdoor experiences. Key attractions include the historic University of Georgia, Sanford Stadium, and the Classic Center for various events. Like Downtown Athens, traveler numbers peak in March to April and October, making it a great choice for those interested in historic charm and local culture.

10 tips to save on your Athens car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s wise to secure your vehicle well before your trip. By booking ahead, you’re likely to find lower rates and greater availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars typically cost less to rent and are easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to making your reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which can also be acceptable; just ensure you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is required for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Athens

The best value period to rent a car in and around Athens is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand remains manageable. March also offers reasonable rates, with demand notably low. As spring approaches, April sees a rise in prices and demand, while June through July marks the peak season, characterized by slightly high prices and high demand. August returns to average pricing and demand, setting the stage for a more balanced rental experience in the months that follow.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	43.2°F (6.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	47.3°F (8.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	53.8°F (12.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
April	61.5°F (16.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
May	69.6°F (20.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	76.8°F (24.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	79.7°F (26.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	78.3°F (25.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	73.2°F (22.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	63.3°F (17.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	47.1°F (8.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Athens

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Athens into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Athens and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Athens

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Athens. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Athens

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $44.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

We all love being rewarded

One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals