$48 Car Rental Athens, GA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Athens

Renting a car in Athens, Georgia, offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding areas at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and adjust your travel plans as needed. This is particularly beneficial for travelers seeking cultural experiences, romantic outings, or outdoor adventures. Key attractions such as Sanford Stadium, a historic venue for sports and culture, and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, perfect for family outings and outdoor activities, are conveniently accessible. You can also visit the University of Georgia Conference Center for business events. Beyond the city, destinations like Downtown Athens, which features the Georgia Museum of Art, and nearby cities like Watkinsville, just 7 miles away, and Winterville, only 6 miles away, offer additional opportunities for exploration. A rental car allows you to easily navigate these areas, enriching your travel experience while providing comfort and convenience.

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: With 3 rental locations in Athens, Enterprise is a popular choice for travelers seeking flexibility and convenience. Offering a diverse selection of vehicles, the most booked options include Midsize and Compact cars, making it easy to find the perfect ride for your itinerary. Renting from Enterprise allows you to explore Athens at your own pace while managing your luggage effortlessly.
• Avis: Located in the area of Athens, Avis is another top contender for car rentals, providing a reliable option for those needing a vehicle. Most booked cars from Avis include Fullsize Pickup and Midsize options, ideal for travelers wanting a bit more space or power. Their commitment to customer service ensures a smooth rental experience as you navigate the attractions of Athens.
• Budget: With 1 rental location in Athens, Budget is well-known for offering economical choices for budget-conscious travelers. Their popular selections include Economy and Midsize cars, which provide great value without sacrificing comfort. Budget's convenient location makes it easy to pick up your vehicle and start your adventure in and around Athens.

Where to stay in and around Athens

• Downtown Athens: Downtown Athens is a vibrant neighborhood known for its cultural, family, and entertainment experiences. It offers easy access to attractions such as the historic Sanford Stadium, the University of Georgia Conference Center, and the Georgia Museum of Art. This area is also home to a variety of dining and drinking options, including local wineries, making it an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the local scene.
• Watkinsville: Located 7 miles from Athens, Watkinsville is perfect for travelers seeking outdoor, romantic, and scenic experiences. Key attractions include the Georgia Nature Center, Sanford Stadium, and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. This city features recreational areas and golf courses, along with nearby wineries and distilleries, providing a charming atmosphere for relaxation and exploration.
• Cobbham Historic District: Cobbham Historic District is another appealing neighborhood in Athens, attracting visitors with its culture-themed, romantic, and outdoor experiences. The area is closely situated to the University of Georgia Conference Center, Sanford Stadium, and the Georgia Museum of Art. With access to recreational areas and local wineries, this historic district provides a delightful backdrop for travelers interested in arts and culture.

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're looking for an SUV for extra room, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to find lower rates and better availability, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Typically, smaller cars are less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but this convenience may be worth the extra cost.
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 expenses and provide peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
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 value period to rent a car in and around Athens is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. March also offers average prices with lower demand, making it a decent choice. However, April tends to be the most expensive month, with higher demand as well. Following April, the summer months of June and July see slightly high prices and high demand, creating a busy rental market. August through October typically maintains average pricing and demand levels.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	43.2°F (6.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	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 High	Slightly High
May	69.6°F (20.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	76.8°F (24.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
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	Average
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	Average	Slightly Low

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 $48.

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