How to find a cheap car hire deal in Atlanta
Whether you need a small car for cruising the city streets or an SUV for a road trip, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Atlanta. Pick from options averaging $149 a day and go your own way for less.
Daily home prices in Atlanta start from just $25.
Staying a while and want to go further than the usual stops? $153 is the lowest rate for a weekly home.
Consider this your cheat code for when to book. Around three weeks in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a Atlanta car hire.
Browse the offers available with Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty. They rank among the city's most trusted providers.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Atlanta car hire policy, whether you book with Sixt or any other supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.
Booking one-way could score you a discount on your home. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Atlanta.
Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Roam without limits by choosing a home with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you want without extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average $104 a day.
Next in line, this provider offers daily rates of around $85.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly $122 a day with this supplier.
If you're not quite sure what kind of ride you need, choose something from the Compact home category. It's the most widely booked vehicle type in Atlanta.
Flying to Atlanta? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Atlanta, be on your way quicker by booking a car hire at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 16 kilometres and takes about 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Atlanta
Small: These cheap rental cars in Atlanta may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, light on fuel, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: A solid choice when you need something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg space compared to smaller cars.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and advanced tech features, this Atlanta car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, backroads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Atlanta makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're tough, versatile, and built to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your Atlanta car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it helps cover you in a tough spot. Just remember that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Atlanta.
Good to know
To rent a car in the United States, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may rent vehicles to younger drivers for a higher rate, so carefully review the policies before locking in your ride.
Add a car seat to your Atlanta car hire reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Regulations change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest way to travel.
You'll need to show some documents when you get to the home counter. As a rule, bring a valid driver's license, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
Familiarise yourself with your home. Fix your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And don't forget to stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 5pm. Make things easy by driving outside rush hours in general.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) here. In addition to your debit and credit cards, have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.
Best hotels in Atlanta for drivers
Offering parking, Stonehurst Place Bed & Breakfast gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 3 kilometres from central Atlanta and also comes with a garden and a lounge.
Alternatively, make use of the parking at Sentral West Midtown at Star Metals. The city centre is roughly 5 kilometres from this stay, which also features a games room and air conditioning.
Explore the full range of hotels in Atlanta and pick the stay that suits your plans. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
It's time to start sightseeing now you've locked in a car hire deal in Atlanta and your hotel. From Georgia Aquarium to Birth Home of Martin Luther King, Jr and Fox Theatre, you'll never run out of things to do here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Atlanta
Athens should be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit The State Botanical Garden of Georgia and The Georgia Theatre. This city is about 97 kilometres east of central Atlanta.
Wingate by Wyndham Athens Near Downtown and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Athens, GA are recommended accommodation options with parking in Athens.
Add Sandy Springs to your travels too. Pick up your cheap car hire in Atlanta and drive around 19 kilometres north to discover leading attractions like Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and Big Trees Forest Preserve.
Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta-Buckhead and Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead are comfortable places to stay in Sandy Springs if you're settling in for a while. Choose one of these and have somewhere handy to leave your ride.
Keep things moving and road-trip it to Columbus, around 153 kilometres south of Atlanta. First, visit The National Infantry Museum, then head to Columbus Collective Museums.
Time to think about catching some z's. Motel 6 Columbus, GA - Downtown and Howard Johnson by Wyndham Columbus Fort Moore have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Columbus.
