Atlanta Car Rentals
Atlanta -the capital of Georgia- is a big city, housing a wide number of attractions. Moreover, several sites and must-see destinations lie in its surrounding areas, as well as within further distance from the city center. That’s the reason why rental cars in Atlanta are a popular transit option among its visitors. Verily, travelers who enjoy independent rides and exploring the landmarks behind the wheel typically rent a car in Atlanta. On the other hand, the MARTA transit system and, overall, the public transit network in Atlanta are efficient and effective. However, when it comes to journeys outside the city limits, an autonomous rental car is usually the most convenient option.
Is it Worth Renting a Car in Atlanta, Georgia?
If you plan to just visit the Atlanta Business District, you should consider using the efficient public transit network of Atlanta. Conversely, reaching Atlanta’s suburbs and more remote destinations becomes significantly easier with an Atlanta car rental. Do you want to visit Athens, Stone Mountain Park, Auburn, Chattanooga, or the out-of-the-way Savannah? You should definitely rent a car in Atlanta. Moreover, if you highly value independent rides and don’t mind the hassle of driving through traffic or finding parking downtown, you should consider settling on a rental car in Atlanta.
How to Rent a Car in Atlanta?
Have you decided on an Atlanta rental car for your transit around the city? You won’t face difficulties in the booking process. Once you choose the car hire company and the specific car model, all you need to do is fill out the booking form following the given instructions. You’ll set the details of your car hire, complete your personal information, and choose the payment method. The car hire company will most likely withdraw a sum from your bank card as a security deposit. As soon as you complete the procedure, you’ll receive a confirmation email. It will most probably also serve as the voucher for your reservation.
Is it Easy to Rent a Car in Atlanta?
Numerous car hire agencies operate in Atlanta. International providers and local companies offer a wide array of services in the capital of Georgia, having fleets of various vehicle types and models. Thus, the most difficult part of the Atlanta car rental process is settling on the agency and the chosen vehicle. Overall, you can check out the following tips and hints to help with your decision and optimize your car hire experience:
- You should make your search before settling on the Atlanta car rental company. Compare the provided services, prices, and extra amenities to find the best value-for-money choice.
- You should book your Atlanta rental car as early as possible. In that way, you’ll secure availability and benefit from special deals and discounts.
- Can’t make up your mind? You can always check previous customers’ reviews to help you rent a car in Atlanta.
- Are you looking for smart tips to reduce your car hire expenses? You should choose the fuel-to-fuel option, as Atlanta car rental companies often charge too much for fuel.
- It’s important to keep in mind that car rental agencies charge per day. Therefore, if you don’t drop off your Atlanta rental car on time, you might be charged extra (even for 24 hours)!
- You can pick up your rental car from one location and return it to another. Indeed, one-way car rentals are available, typically for a fee.
- If you want to travel around Atlanta and explore as many attractions as possible, you should check that your Atlanta rental car doesn’t come with mileage restrictions.
- Do you want to avoid being charged for any existing damage? You should take some pics of the vehicle before picking it up.
- All Atlanta car rental companies provide several extra amenities (GPS, child seats, luggage racks, etc.). That being said, although add-ons enhance the journeys’ comfort, they also raise the car hire cost.
What Do I Need to Rent a Car in Atlanta?
Do you want to rent a car in Atlanta? The car hire company will ask you to hand over your ID (or passport for international passengers), your driver’s license (most companies require that licenses have been issued at least one or two years prior to the rental date), and a credit card in your name. Moreover, if the driver’s license isn’t written in English, you’ll need to issue an International Driving Permit as well.
How Old Do you Have to Be to Rent a Car in Atlanta?
You have to be at least 21 to rent a car in Atlanta. However, some vehicle types come with higher age limits. Thus, you’ll have to be 25 to rent a luxurious car. What’s more, young drivers (aged 21 to 25) usually pay an extra fee.
How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car in Atlanta?
The cost of a rental car in Atlanta depends on several factors. Thus, the vehicle type, the rental duration, the time of the year, and any required additional amenities affect the final price. Overall, the usual rate for a compact Atlanta rental car is about $59/€54,15 per day.
What is the Best Car Rental in Atlanta?
Most visitors choose a compact Atlanta rental car so as to easily navigate the city. On the other hand, families or travelers who plan to explore further-distanced areas often settle on spacious SUVs. In general terms, Ford Transit and Nissan Versa are two of the most popular rental cars in Atlanta.
How Fast Can you Drive in Atlanta?
The speed limit in urban areas is 30mph (48km/h), while motorists can drive on rural highways at speeds up to 70mph (113km/h). Finally, the speed limit in urban interstates or multi-lane separated highways is 65mph (105km/h).
Is Driving in Atlanta Easy?
Overall, Atlanta’s road network is well-maintained. The city is surrounded by highways,and roads are, in general terms, spacious. Thus, driving around Atlanta is regarded as a pleasant experience. That being said, during peak hours, the traffic levels are high, leading to road congestion. Moreover, parking in the city center is challenging, often discouraging motorists from driving to downtown Atlanta.
Is it Cheaper to Rent a Car from an Airport or a Local Location?
Although Atlanta airport rental cars are the most convenient option for travelers landing at the airport, they aren’t also the most affordable one. Indeed, renting a car from an off-airport location is usually cheaper than picking up your Atlanta rental car from the airport. That being said, airport rental cars are widely favored by travelers who want to avoid the hassle and extra cost of reaching a car hire location outside the airport complex.
Do you Need Insurance to Rent a Car in Georgia?
All car rentals in Atlanta come with minimum insurance. However, car hire companies provide several insurance packages to reduce the driver’s liability. Therefore, if you want to be on the safe side in case of damage or accident, you should consider adding extra coverage.
Is Parking Hard in Atlanta?
Parking in downtown Atlanta can be a challenging task. Unless you settle on parking your vehicle at one of the numerous car parks scattered around the city center, street parking feels like finding a needle in a haystack. Besides the limited availability (especially on weekdays and during peak hours), almost all street parking spots come with parking fees and maximum duration. Thus, drivers are typically allowed to park their cars for 2 to 4 hours. Moreover, you should always check if the parking space is reserved for residents before parking. In any case, free parking zones are available close to almost all the MARTA stations.
Guidelines and Tips for Car Rental in Atlanta
- Traffic moves on the right side of the road.
- Highways around Atlanta aren’t toll roads. Still, you may have to pay toll fees when using the express lanes, the designated lanes on some highways. For instance, I75 and I85 feature express lanes with tolls.
- Highway 285 is one of the busiest roads around Atlanta, widely used by commuters.
- The traffic levels in Atlanta are high during peak hours, especially from 06:30 am to 09:00 am and from 04:00 pm to 07:00 pm.
- You should keep the Atlanta rental car’s documents inside the vehicle at all times.
- Under all circumstances, you should respect traffic laws and regulations.
- Wearing seatbelts is mandatory for all passengers sitting in front.
- Children must be seated in designated child safety seats.
- The use of mobile phones or other electronic devices is strictly prohibited while driving in Atlanta. Even with hands-free options, drivers are allowed to talk but not text or surf the internet while behind the wheel.
- The alcohol blood limit in Atlanta is 0.08%. What’s more, drivers aren’t allowed to have open bottles or containers of alcohol inside their vehicles.