Atlanta is one of the most vibrant cities in the United States, with world-class attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. If you’re planning a trip to Atlanta, you may be wondering if you should rent a car. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of renting a car in Atlanta, as well as some tips to help you make the most of your trip.
Hertz
J.D. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. Their focus on customer satisfaction means you’ll have a great time renting from them – from start to finish.
Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so they’re bound to have one close by. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars – from economy to luxury – so you can find the perfect ride for your trip.
Fox Rent-A-Car
Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank.
* With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars.
Should I Rent A Car In Atlanta?
Yes, you should rent a car in Atlanta. If you plan on exploring areas outside of downtown or want more flexibility in your schedule, renting a car can be a great option. This is especially true if you want to visit some of the more remote areas of Atlanta or take day trips to nearby attractions like Stone Mountain Park or Lake Lanier Islands.
However, if you’re planning on staying in the downtown area and only visiting the major tourist attractions, you may not need a car. Atlanta has a decent public transportation system, including buses, light rail, and streetcars.
Bottom line: Whether or not you should rent a car in Atlanta depends on your itinerary and how much flexibility you want during your trip.
The Benefits Of Renting A Car In Atlanta
There are several benefits to renting a car in Atlanta. First and foremost, it provides more flexibility in your schedule. You won’t be tied to public transportation schedules or have to worry about finding a ride to more remote areas of the city.
Renting a car also allows you to explore areas outside of Atlanta, such as the charming town of Decatur or the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Additionally, if you’re traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage, a rental car can be more comfortable and convenient than public transportation.
Another benefit of renting a car in Atlanta is the ability to explore the city’s unique neighborhoods. For example, the trendy Inman Park neighborhood has an abundance of shops, restaurants, and nightlife. The historic Virginia-Highland neighborhood is known for its quaint bungalows and charming streets.
Bottom line: Renting a car in Atlanta provides flexibility, allows you to explore outside the city, and can be more comfortable for groups and those with a lot of luggage.
The Cons Of Renting A Car In Atlanta
While there are benefits to renting a car in Atlanta, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One of the biggest disadvantages is the cost. Atlanta has some of the highest car rental rates in the country, and you may also have to pay for parking at your hotel or other attractions.
Atlanta is also known for its traffic congestion, especially during rush hour. If you’re not used to driving in heavy traffic, it can be stressful and time-consuming. Additionally, parking can be a challenge in the city, especially in the downtown area.
Another drawback of renting a car in Atlanta is the need to navigate unfamiliar roads. The city has a complex highway system, and it can be confusing for out-of-town drivers. If you’re not comfortable driving on highways or in urban areas, renting a car may not be the best option for you.
Bottom line: Renting a car in Atlanta can be expensive and stressful due to traffic congestion, parking challenges, and navigating unfamiliar roads.
Is It Better To Rent A Car At Atlanta Airport?
Yes, It might be better to rent a car at the airport. While it may be tempting to wait until you arrive at your hotel to rent a car, there are several advantages to renting a car at the airport.
First, renting a car at the airport is more convenient. You won’t have to worry about finding transportation to your hotel, and you can start exploring Atlanta right away.
Additionally, renting a car at the airport can sometimes be cheaper than renting from a downtown location. This is because airport rental car companies have more competition and often offer better deals.
Finally, if you’re planning on taking day trips or exploring areas outside of Atlanta, renting a car at the airport is a must. You won’t have to worry about finding transportation to the airport to pick up your rental car, and you can easily hit the road as soon as you land.
Bottom line: Renting a car at the Atlanta airport is more convenient, can be cheaper, and is a must if you plan on exploring areas outside of the city.
Tips For Renting A Car In Atlanta
If you decide to rent a car in Atlanta, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure a smooth experience:
- Book your rental car in advance: This will ensure that you get the type of car you want and can take advantage of any discounts or deals.
- Check for hidden fees: Some car rental companies may add on extra fees, such as insurance or additional driver fees. Be sure to read the fine print before signing any contracts.
- Consider a GPS or navigation system: Atlanta can be confusing to navigate, so having a GPS or navigation system can make your trip much easier.
- Be aware of tolls: There are several toll roads in Atlanta, so be sure to have cash or a transponder to pay for them.
- Avoid rush hour: Atlanta’s traffic can be especially bad during rush hour, so plan your driving routes accordingly.
- Park in designated areas: Atlanta has strict parking laws, so be sure to park in designated areas to avoid getting ticketed or towed.
Bottom line: Booking in advance, checking for hidden fees, having navigation tools, being aware of tolls, avoiding rush hour, and parking in designated areas can make renting a car in Atlanta a smooth experience.
The Cheapest Way to Rent A Car In Atlanta
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to rent a car in Atlanta, here are some tips to help you save money:
- Compare prices: Before booking a rental car, compare prices from different rental companies. Websites like Kayak and Expedia allow you to compare rates from multiple companies at once.
- Book in advance: Booking your rental car in advance can often save you money, as rates can be higher if you wait until the last minute.
- Consider renting from a location outside of the airport: Renting a car at the airport can be more expensive due to additional fees. Consider renting from a location outside of the airport if possible.
- Use discount codes: Check for discount codes online, which can save you a percentage off the rental price.
- Avoid add-ons: Rental companies may try to upsell you on additional features like GPS or insurance. Consider whether you really need these extras before agreeing to them.
Bottom line: To find the cheapest way to rent a car in Atlanta, compare prices, book in advance, consider renting from a location outside of the airport, use discount codes, and avoid add-ons that you don’t really need.
Rent A Car In Atlanta
If you’re looking to rent a car in Atlanta, here are some rental car companies to consider:
- Alamo: starts at $45 per day
- Avis: starts at $49 per day
- Budget: starts at $42 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $45 per day
- Hertz: starts at $45 per day
- National: starts at $45 per day
- Thrifty: starts at $45 per day
Gas prices in Atlanta are typically lower than the national average, with an average price of around $3.50 per gallon. To fill up a standard car with a 15-gallon tank, you can expect to spend around $52.50.
Bottom line: To find the cheapest way to rent a car in Atlanta, compare prices from different rental car companies, book in advance, avoid renting at the airport, if possible, use discount codes if available, and avoid add-ons that you don’t really need. With these tips in mind, you can save money on your Atlanta car rental and have a more enjoyable trip.
Tips For Driving In Atlanta
If you plan on renting a car and driving in Atlanta, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Watch for pedestrians: Atlanta is a busy city with lots of foot traffic, so be aware of crosswalks and pedestrians.
- Buckle up: Like in any city, make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts.
- Prepare for traffic: Atlanta has a reputation for being a busy and congested city, especially during rush hour. Plan your route and schedule accordingly to avoid being stuck in traffic.
- Be aware of toll roads: Atlanta has several toll roads, so make sure you have enough cash or a toll pass to avoid any issues.
- Follow parking regulations: Parking can be challenging in Atlanta, so make sure to follow parking regulations and watch for signs to avoid getting ticketed or towed.
Bottom line: To have a safe and smooth driving experience in Atlanta, be cautious of pedestrians, wear your seat belt, plan for traffic and tolls, and follow parking regulations.”
Wrapping Up
Whether or not to rent a car in Atlanta depends on your itinerary and personal preferences. Renting a car can provide flexibility and allow you to explore areas outside of the city, but it can also be expensive and stressful due to traffic congestion and navigating unfamiliar roads. Renting a car at the airport is more convenient and can be cheaper, and there are several tips to keep in mind to ensure a smooth experience. Ultimately, it’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons and decide if renting a car in Atlanta is right for you.