$49 Car Rental Athens, GA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Athens

Renting a car in Athens, Georgia, offers travelers the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at their own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage while visiting key attractions like the historic Sanford Stadium and the beautiful State Botanical Garden of Georgia, both perfect for culture and outdoor experiences. The flexibility of having your own vehicle allows you to create a personalized travel itinerary, whether you are seeking romantic spots or family-friendly activities. Additionally, you can venture to nearby destinations such as Downtown Athens, just minutes away, where you can find the University Of Georgia Conference Center and the Georgia Museum of Art. For further exploration, cities like Watkinsville and Winterville are only 7 and 6 miles away, respectively, providing more opportunities to enjoy the local culture and scenery. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, a rental car makes your trip convenient, allowing you to discover Athens and its charming surroundings without the constraints of public transportation.

Most popular car rentals in Athens

• Economy: The Economy car option is a popular choice for travelers in Athens, accommodating up to 5 passengers with space for 2 medium suitcases. This makes it an excellent fit for solo travelers, couples, or small families looking for an affordable and efficient vehicle. With its compact size, the Economy car is easy to maneuver through the city streets, allowing you to enjoy your exploration of Athens at your own pace.
• Midsize: The Midsize option is another frequently booked choice, ideal for couples and families. It comfortably accommodates 5 travelers and provides room for up to 3 large suitcases. This car type strikes a great balance between comfort and space, making it perfect for those who need a little extra room for their luggage while still enjoying the flexibility of a rental car. Whether you're planning day trips or just need a reliable vehicle for local travels, the Midsize car is a solid option.
• Compact SUV AWD: The Compact SUV AWD is an excellent choice for travelers seeking versatility. With the capacity to accommodate 5 passengers and space for up to 3 medium suitcases, it's perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or families. This option combines the benefits of an SUV's space and comfort with the agility of a compact vehicle. The all-wheel drive feature also enhances your driving experience, providing confidence on various road conditions as you explore the scenic areas around Athens.

Top rated car suppliers in Athens

• Enterprise: Enterprise is a popular choice among travelers in Athens, boasting 3 rental locations throughout the area. Known for its excellent customer service, Enterprise offers a wide selection of vehicles, with Midsize and Compact cars being the most booked options. This supplier allows you the flexibility to explore Athens at your own pace, making it an ideal choice for a stress-free rental experience.
• Avis: Avis has a strong presence in Athens with 1 rental location. Travelers frequently choose Avis for its reliable service and availability of Fullsize Pickup and Midsize vehicles. This supplier is well-regarded for providing efficient and friendly service, ensuring that you can manage your luggage easily while enjoying your time in Athens.
• Budget: Budget operates 1 rental location in Athens and is recognized for its competitive pricing and a solid selection of vehicles. Most travelers opt for Economy and Midsize cars, making it a cost-effective option for those looking to explore the city and beyond. Budget's convenient location and straightforward rental process make it a favorable choice for tourists.

Where to stay in and around Athens

• Downtown Athens: Experience the vibrant culture of Downtown Athens, where you can immerse yourself in education, theater, and arena entertainment. This neighborhood is home to notable attractions such as the historic Sanford Stadium and the Georgia Museum of Art, both perfect for culture enthusiasts. Enjoy nearby food and drink options, including local wineries. Downtown Athens is ideal for family outings and entertainment-themed experiences, making it a great base for your stay.
• Watkinsville: Located just 7 miles from Athens, Watkinsville is perfect for travelers seeking outdoor and romantic experiences. This charming city offers scenic views and recreational activities, with attractions like the Georgia Nature Center and the beautiful State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Enjoy local wineries and distilleries, making Watkinsville an excellent choice for those who appreciate nature and serene landscapes.
• Cobbham Historic District: Cobbham Historic District is a picturesque neighborhood known for its cultural charm and outdoor beauty. With proximity to the historic Sanford Stadium and the University of Georgia Conference Center, it's an attractive spot for both culture and business travelers. The area also boasts nearby wineries, enhancing the romantic and relaxed atmosphere. It's a delightful place to explore while enjoying the unique blend of history and modern amenities.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Athens

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to find the best option for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary depending on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're likely to secure lower rates and have better availability, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters above 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience might make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected costs and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional fees.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Athens

The best time to rent a car in and around Athens is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking value. March also offers average prices with low demand, providing a smooth transition into spring. However, April tends to be the most expensive month, with prices and demand rising. The summer months of June and July see slightly high prices and high demand, making them less favorable for budget-conscious renters.

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 $49.

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.

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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