Car rental Athens, GA
Discover the Turo car rental marketplace
- Car rental
- United States
- Athens
Extraordinary selection
From standard cars to supercars, find the perfect car for any occasion or budget
Liability insurance included
Third-party liability insurance comes standard, and choose from a range of vehicle protection plans
Easy airport pickup
You can skip the rental counter at 100+ airports across the US and Canada
Rental cars in Athens, GA
Average daily prices for a 3-day trip
Polaris Slingshot
2020
•5.0
(2)
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2022
•New listing
Toyota Corolla
2026
•5.0
(15)
Chevrolet Corvette
2025
•New listing
Nissan Altima
2020
•New listing
Toyota Camry
2024
•New listing
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
2020
•5.0
(6)
Chevrolet Camaro
2019
•New listing
Honda Accord
2026
•New listing
Rent a car in Athens on Turo
Car rental in Athens makes it easier to get around beyond the walkable downtown and campus areas. With rental car options available across the city, you can pick up a car and move between neighborhoods, shopping spots, and nearby nature without relying on limited public transportation.
Having your own car in Athens gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace, whether you’re heading out for day trips, running errands, or planning a longer stay. It’s a simple way to make the most of your time without being tied to rideshares or fixed routes.
Athens car rental: How it works
On Turo, renting a car in Athens is easy. Browse cars online, choose your preferred pickup location, book your car, and get on the road sooner. With pickup locations all across Athens, Georgia and beyond, you'll be able to find the perfect car for whatever you have planned.
1. Find the perfect car
Enter a date and location in Athens, GA (or beyond), filter to find the best car for you, and read reviews from previous renters.
2. Select a pickup location
Rent a car nearby or get one delivered to various destinations, including many airports, train stations, hotels, or maybe even your home.
3. Hit the road
Your host sends you pickup details, and you’re all set to hit the roads of Athens, GA! If you have questions, you can easily chat with your host or contact support.
Recent Athens car rental reviews
Another great with Spencer's car! I'll definitely be back again as Spencer is an awesome host!
Picking up the car was an easy and seamless process. The car drove smoothly and is great on gas.
Very clean and very nice! Was able to extend with no problems. Definitely will go back
This wasa GREAT car! I'm biased to Kia anyway so this was wonderful!! These are the BEST people to work with! They came through for me in a pinch! Well definitelykeep renting with them!! Never disappointed!!
Car was exactly as described. Host extremely kind and gracious. Would totally rent from this host again!
Great rental car and easy experience to pick up and drop off. The car was clean and well maintained.
Loved the car. Easy location and access! Would definitely rent again. Host was awesome!
They was very helpful from jump there communication was everything no matter what they kept in touch with you I going rent with them again very soon I love the car and they let me change my trips with no problem
Rent a car and explore Athens, GA
Things to do and places to see in Athens, GA
Athens is a laid-back college town with a strong creative streak, known for its live music scene, local food spots, and walkable downtown. You can spend your time browsing vintage stores, catching gigs, exploring lush parks, or just hopping between cafés and bars; it’s easy, social, and full of character.
Rent the perfect car
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia campus is at the heart of Athens, with historic buildings, open green spaces, and plenty of energy from student life. It’s perfect for a relaxed walk, especially around North Campus.
Georgia Theatre
A staple of Athens’ music scene, Georgia Theatre hosts everything from local acts to big touring artists. Even if you’re not catching a show, the rooftop bar is worth a visit for views over downtown.
State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Just outside of downtown, this garden is a quieter escape with walking trails, themed gardens, and seasonal displays. It’s an easy way to slow things down and see a different side of Athens.
Why Rent a car on Turo?
Cheap Athens, GA car rental
Find deals on all kinds of drives in Athens, GA and throughout the US - from the everyday to the extraordinary. Rent the perfect vehicle for your budget.
Convenient Athens car rental pick up options
Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest in Athens, GA, like airports, train stations, and hotels.
Relax with support & damage protection
24/7 support and roadside assistance mean help is just a call away, plus you can choose from a range of protection plans.
Athens car rentals for any occasion
Long-term car rental
If you’re staying in Athens for a few weeks or longer, a long-term car rental makes day-to-day life much easier. Whether you’re here for work, school, or a temporary move, having your own car gives you the flexibility to commute, run errands, and explore beyond the city without relying on limited public transportation.
Vacation car rental
A vacation car rental is ideal for making the most of your time in Athens. You can move between downtown, the University of Georgia, and nearby nature spots at your own pace, without waiting for rideshares or buses. It’s a simple way to fit more into your trip.
Wedding car rental
For weddings and special events, renting a car helps keep everything running smoothly. Whether you need something polished for arrivals, transportation for family and guests, or just a reliable way to get between venues, a wedding car rental adds convenience without overcomplicating the day.
Turo vs. traditional car rental
Turo
App-based experience
No waiting in line
1,600+ unique makes & models
Get the exact car you choose
Delivery options & thousands of pickup locations
Cars rented out by local small businesses
Vehicles and hosts rated by guests
Traditional car rental
Standard rental counter experience
Waiting in line
Limited car selection
Get one type of car “or similar”
Pickup at retail locations
Cars owned by large corporations
No vehicle ratings
Rental car pickup locations throughout Athens
Get your vehicle delivered right to you or wherever you’re going in Athens, GA, including Athens, GA airport. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest, like airports, train stations, and hotels. Popular Athens, GA pickup locations include:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
If you’re flying in, you can arrange rental vehicle pickup near the airport instead of waiting at a traditional airport car rental counter. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive to Athens, making it a convenient starting point if you’re heading straight out of Atlanta. Having a car lined up ahead of time also makes it easier to leave the city on your own schedule and start exploring north Georgia sooner.
Downtown Athens
Picking up a car in downtown Athens is ideal if you’re already in the city. It’s close to restaurants, bars, live music venues, and local shops, so you can grab your car and head out without going out of your way. Starting downtown also makes it easy to explore nearby neighborhoods or begin a road trip at your own pace.
University of Georgia campus
The University of Georgia area is another convenient pickup spot, especially if you’re staying nearby. It’s easy to access and well-connected, making it a simple place to start your trip around Athens and beyond. Whether you’re visiting for a game weekend, campus tour, or graduation event, having a car nearby can make getting around much more flexible.
Airport pickup made easy
Next time you fly, don’t wait in line and fill out forms — pick your car up at hundreds of popular airports.
Convenient pickup & return
Rather than hustling at the busy terminal curbside, take your time picking up the car at approved parking lots or garages. Check in, load up your luggage, and get comfortable with the car without a big rush.
No lines, no paperwork
Skip the rental car counter at hundreds of popular airports without waiting in line or filling out paperwork. Find and pick up the car with the app and hit the road in no time.
Free cancellation
Cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts, unless you opt to receive a non-refundable trip discount when you book. Because life happens and it helps to be flexible when it does.
Pickup near or at Airports
Car rental locations near Athens, GA
Browse by category
Top tips for renting a car in Athens
Renting a car in Athens is pretty straightforward, but a few local tips can make your trip smoother. From navigating game-day traffic to understanding local rules of the road, it helps to know what to expect before you get behind the wheel.
What are the road rules and driving conditions in Athens?
In Athens, you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road, and standard US road rules apply. Speed limits are typically around 25–35 mph in town and higher on highways. Traffic is usually manageable, but it can get busy around the University of Georgia, especially on game days or weekends. Watch for pedestrians in downtown areas, and be aware that parking can be limited in popular spots.
What is parking like in Athens?
Parking in Athens is generally manageable, but it can get busy around downtown and near the University of Georgia. Street parking is available, though many spots are metered and time-limited, especially in high-traffic areas. You’ll usually have better luck finding parking a few blocks away from the main strip. There are also several public parking garages around downtown with reasonable rates, which are a good option if you’re planning to stay a while.
Are there toll roads in Athens?
There are no toll roads in Athens or the immediate surrounding area, so you can get around without worrying about extra fees. Most local driving is on city streets and nearby highways, which are free to drive on. If you’re heading further out toward Atlanta, you may come across optional express lanes, but they’re easy to avoid if you prefer.
Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Athens?
You’ll have no trouble finding both fuel and charging options in Athens. Gas stations are easy to find across the city and along main roads, so topping off is quick whether you’re staying local or heading out of town. EV drivers are covered too, with a growing number of public charging ports in and around Athens, including fast chargers and free options at places like shopping centers and parking decks.
Do I need to rent a car in Athens?
Yes, if you want to make the most of your time in Athens, renting a car is usually the easiest option. While there are buses and some walkable areas, public transportation is limited and often runs on fixed schedules, which can make getting around less flexible.
Having your own car makes it much easier to move between neighborhoods, run errands, and explore beyond downtown or the University of Georgia.
Frequently asked questions about Athens car rentals
What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car on Turo?
To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver’s license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada.
In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver’s license for at least two years. In France you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver’s license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of vehicles.
When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver’s license and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!
What kind of license do I need to rent a car on Turo?
Turo accepts valid licenses (not expired, suspended, or revoked) that allow for full driving privileges; this includes driver’s licenses issued outside of the US. Licenses that Turo doesn’t accept in the US include any that have expired, have been altered, are conditional, probational, provisional, or restricted. Learner’s permit/instruction permits are not accepted.
Do I need to be a certain age to rent a car on Turo?
To rent a car on Turo in the US, you must be 18 years old or older.
How does car rental insurance work on Turo?
No, you don’t need personal insurance coverage to rent a car on Turo.
In the US, any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your Turo protection plan. When booking a car in the US, you’ll choose between three protection plans — Premier (eligibility requirements apply), Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that’s right for you. On each trip, you’re covered with third-party automobile liability insurance provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company.*
In New York state, you’ll also choose between Premier (if available), Standard, or Minimum. With each plan, you’re covered with liability insurance of $1,250,000.* Protection plans for New York trips also include access to roadside assistance, priority phone support, and 24/7 customer assistance.
Can I get car rental discounts on Turo?
You can get discounts and low cost car rental on Turo.
On your Account page, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we’ll send you occasional promo codes, discounts, and deals.
Additionally, frequent travelers on Turo can get rewarded with the loyalty bonus — earn a promo code for one bonus day when you take trips totaling 10 days in a 90-day period.
Learn how the loyalty bonus worksIs there long term car rental on Turo?
Yes there is - whether you want to rent a car for three days, three months, or even longer, you can on Turo. You’ll find discounted prices on bookings lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.
See more about promotions & discountsIs there unlimited mileage car rental on Turo?
Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit — you’ll need to check on each rental car individually to see if this service is provided. On the vehicle pages, you’ll see the total miles or kilometres you’re allowed to drive under the heading “Distance included.” You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the “Unlimited distance” filter.
Can other people drive the car that I rented?
Yes, multiple guests can drive the car you rent on Turo, as long as they are all approved to drive. The primary driver (whoever rented the car) can add additional drivers with no fees or additional charges. Only the primary driver can request to add drivers; Turo hosts cannot do it for you. We encourage you to request to add additional drivers before your trip starts, though guests can request to add a driver while a trip is in progress.
To speed up the process, have your additional driver create a Turo account and get approved to drive before you request to add them. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license and meet the age requirements for the car you’ve booked. You can request to add drivers via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app without additional driver charges or extra costs.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Athens?
The cost of car rental in Athens can vary depending on car type, booking length, extras, and delivery. For cheap car rentals in Athens, look out for discounts on longer-duration bookings and early bookings.
What types of cars can I rent on Turo in Athens?
From everyday runarounds to high-end models, Athens has a wide mix of car rental types to suit different trips. You’ll find everything from compact cars like the Toyota Corolla for easy city driving to electric options like the Tesla Model 3, plus larger choices like SUVs and minivans for group travel. If you’re after something more premium, there are luxury SUVs, luxury sedans, and performance cars like the Ford Mustang, along with brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche available for special occasions or standout drives.
* Any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your protection plan, except in limited situations for trips booked in Maryland, but this protects your own wallet. In the US, liability insurance is provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. The policy does not provide coverage for damage to a host’s vehicle.
For questions or information about the third party liability insurance that is included in protection plans, consumers in Maryland and the licensed states listed here may contact Turo Insurance Agency at (415) 508-0283 or claims@turo.agency. For questions about how damage to a host’s vehicle is handled, visit the Turo Support site.