Hire Car Atlanta Tips, Experiences & Comparison

Exploring Atlanta by Hire Car

Near the east coast in the United States lies the city of Atlanta, the capital of the state of Georgia. Just under half a million people live directly in the city, and about 4.5 million people are part of Atlanta’s metropolitan area.

The largest aquarium in the world, numerous museums worth seeing but also good restaurants and bars make Atlanta a worthwhile destination. And there is also much to discover in the surrounding area, best with a hire car. For the rental and travel we have compiled a few tips.

Taking over the hire car

Numerous hire car agencies can be found at the Hire Car Center at Atlanta International Airport. Just check with the information desk.

Before you book a hire car, just make sure that your rental agent is also on site. If it’s only near the airport, it can take longer for a shuttle to get you there.

Booking the right hire car

You can cover the sometimes very long distances in the USA more comfortably if you book a hire car that is as large and comfortable as possible.

Hire car prices

Hire car prices in Atlanta are usually in the mid-range. You can often get particularly good deals by booking well in advance of your trip and using our convenient price comparison tool.

hire car price comparison Atlanta

Insuring the car properly

Nearly half a million residents, many of whom own cars, ensure that rush hour in Atlanta can be turbulent. It’s easy to get into an accident with someone else’s hire car. Protect yourself and book a car with comprehensive insurance without deductible.

With the liability, it is important to pay attention to the amount of coverage. It should be at least one million euros. Because in the event of an accident with personal injury, you will quickly incur high costs. If your rental company’s coverage seems too low, you have the option of taking out a so-called traveller policy for additional protection. Talk to your insurance company and don’t forget to mention that the trip is to the USA

age limit

You must be 21 years old to hire car at most hire car agencies in Atlanta. And drivers younger than 25 usually pay an additional fee. Inquire about your rental company’s terms before renting the car.

Accessories

When you’re on the streets of metropolitan Atlanta looking for your hotel, a navigation device can provide invaluable services.

You must always order these and other accessories separately from your rental company. Make reservations well in advance to ensure that your desired equipment will be available on the day you pick up your vehicle.

Free kilometers

If you’re just moving around Atlanta, you might be able to save a few bucks by booking a car that has limited mileage.

But if you just want to explore the surrounding areas, be sure to choose a car with free miles. This is because the distances between destinations around Atlanta are often very long.

Bail

When making a deposit, make sure to book with a rental company that only blocks the amount on your credit card. In this case, the money will be available to you immediately after you return the car.

If, on the other hand, the rental company actually charges the amount to your credit card, you may have to wait longer for the money to be transferred back to your account. Before you leave on your trip, make sure you have enough credit on your card to cover deposits, hotel and restaurant bills.

Sights in Atlanta

Atlanta History Center: Trip to the Past

Perhaps start your city stroll at the Atlanta History Center. Located in a picturesque park, it provides comprehensive information about the city’s history. After your tour, you’ll have the opportunity to stroll through the expansive parkland.

Atlanta Cyclorama: Impressive Painting

Perhaps make your way to the Atlanta Cyclorama afterwards. Here you will see a huge circular painting depicting the Battle of Atlanta in 1864. At that time, Union General William T. Sherman succeeded in taking the city, which had been evacuated by Southern troops. The capture of Atlanta is considered an important turning point in the American Civil War. It is said to have been a reason for Abraham Lincoln’s re-election and thus had a major impact on American history.

CNN: On the pulse of the times

Today, politics is shaped in no small part by the news networks. To find out exactly how, take a guided tour of the center of the globe-spanning news network CNN. Tours run daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and cost $15.

Georgia Aquarium: Up close and personal with the election shark

Next highlight of the city tour is the Georgia Aquarium. It is the largest aquarium in the world and is home to about 100,000 animals, including four whale sharks that are about five meters long. Tickets are available for $35. The aquarium is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. On Saturdays, you can even visit Neptune’s Realm from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Martin Luther King Jr. NHS: Tracking the Civil Rights Activist

Black civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr was born in Atlanta in 1929. His heroic fight against racism and for black civil rights is commemorated in this exhibit at Martin Luther King Jr. NHS. Admission is free. The exhibit is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

World of Coca Cola: Experience the Cult Drink

You can have a museum for a soda too, at least when it’s as successful as Coca Cola. From Atlanta, the caffeinated fizzy drink started its triumphal procession around the world. In the World of Coca Cola you can learn everything about the drink – only the secret recipe is not revealed.

Margaret Mitchell House: Gone with the Wind

Cineastes can still visit the Margaret Mitchell House at the end of the walking tour. Margaret Mitchell wrote the Southern classic “Gone with the Wind,” which was made into a movie in 1939 starring Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable. Everything in the house is a reminder of the writer’s life.

Find a good restaurant

A plethora of good restaurants in Atlanta makes choosing one a pain. We recommend Hal’s on Old Ivy. Steaks are especially excellent here, but the seafood dishes are also worth trying.

Find a good hotel

If you’re looking to soar high, book a room at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. The atrium alone stretches 47 stories. And the 1675 stylishly decorated rooms are also large and have every comfort. Especially on the upper floors you have a breathtaking view over the city.

A worthwhile destination in the area

Savannah: The Flair of the Southern States

Savannah is a pretty destination for a trip with a hire car. It will take you about four hours to drive the 399 kilometres, which is quite a common distance for a US citizen. In this charming southern town with its historic houses you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta. It’s best to stroll down Bull Street to experience the charm of the old town.

Worth seeing is the Owen Thomas House on Abercorn Street, built in 1816. Here, the interior has also been left in the old style. For $20, you can tour the house. In the Savannah History Museum you will learn a lot about the history of the city. And on the way back, you will have plenty of time to think about which delightful destinations around Atlanta you would like to visit next with your hire car.

Suggestion for a trip by hire car

Dahlonega: Enchanting Nature
Dahlonega is a beautiful first destination for a trip by hire car. From Atlanta, you can reach the picturesque town in just over an hour. Dahlonega flourished at the time of the gold rush in the early 18th century and even today the town retains much of the flair of days gone by. There are numerous hiking and biking trails around the town where you can enjoy the enchanting nature.

Athens: Lively university city
Continue your journey to Athens. In about an hour and a half you will be there. You can expect a lively university town with chic restaurants, hip bars and original shops. At the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, with beautifully landscaped trails, you can admire a variety of plants, some of which are rare. And the Georgia Museum of Art brings modern art to you with changing exhibitions.

Columbia: A place steeped in history
Before you head back to Atlanta in your hire car, you can stop off in Columbia, which you can reach in just over two and a half hours. In the capital of South Carolina, you can learn a lot about the history of the state at the South Carolinas State Museum. Afterwards, it is worth visiting the South Carolina State House, which was built between 1855 and 1907.

In the facade are stars embedded, which remind of impacts of artillery shells when on February 17, 1865 General Sherman with the Union troops moved into the city. Afterwards, it’s worth taking a stroll through the quiet streets of downtown, where you can stock up on local souvenirs in typical little shops. A three-hour drive now separates you from Atlanta. There you can review the experiences of the day and plan the next tour with the hire car.

Conclusion

Travelers who have a little time on their hands can make wonderful trips from Atlanta by hire car. And there is also plenty to see in the city itself. Our price comparison will help you find a suitable hire car at great rates.