Car Hire
Augusta

For travellers staying downtown, picking up your hire car at Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) is often the most convenient choice. The airport offers the widest selection of vehicles and suppliers in one consolidated location. The drive from AGS to the Broad Street area is straightforward and typically takes around 20 minutes without heavy traffic. This allows you to get settled in the vehicle shortly after landing and before heading to your hotel, streamlining your arrival.

Augusta Regional Airport is compact and easy to navigate, even late at night. After collecting your luggage from the baggage reclaim on the lower level, you'll find the hire car counters conveniently located just across from that area in the main terminal. Once you complete your paperwork, you exit the terminal and walk a very short distance across the road to the rental car compound to find your vehicle. The entire process is well lit and designed to be quick and efficient for arriving passengers.

Returning a hire car at Augusta Regional Airport is a simple process designed for traveller convenience. As you approach the airport, follow the prominent signs for the hire car return, which will guide you directly to the designated drop‑off lanes. These are located right next to the main terminal building. After parking in the appropriate area and gathering your belongings, it's just a short walk to the airline check‑in desks, making it a stress‑free experience for early departures.

While the drive from downtown Augusta to the airport can be as quick as 20 minutes in light traffic, it's wise to plan for more time during peak commute hours. On weekdays, typically between 7:30–9:00 and 16:30–18:00, traffic can build on key routes like Gordon Highway. To be safe, allow at least 35 to 45 minutes for the drive during these periods to ensure a relaxed and timely arrival for your flight.

Driving in Augusta during Masters week requires significant patience and planning. The area around Augusta National, particularly Washington Road, becomes extremely congested from early morning until evening. Berckmans Road and the I‑20 interchange at Washington Road are also major choke points with frequent gridlock. It is highly advisable to use navigation apps for real‑time traffic updates, explore alternative routes, and allow at least double your normal travel time for any trips in that part of the city.

Spectators driving to the Masters Tournament will find that Augusta National provides extensive and well‑organised complimentary parking for all ticket holders. There is no need to find off‑site parking or staging areas for your hire car. As you approach the club, you will see prominent electronic signs and traffic officers directing you to the free public lots. From there, it is typically a short walk to the main entrance gates.

For visitors new to Augusta, the interchange where Wheeler Road, I‑520 and the Roy E. Roy bridge connect can be a bit complex, so pay close attention to the overhead signs. Additionally, the five‑point intersection downtown involving Telfair Street and 13th Street can be confusing if you're not prepared for it. The key is to review your route beforehand and move into your required lane well in advance of the turn or merge.

Taking your hire car from Augusta across the Savannah River into South Carolina is a seamless and common practice. Most hire agreements permit travel to neighbouring states without any special requirements. The bridges connecting Augusta, GA, to North Augusta, SC, are like any other city street, with no checkpoints or stops. This makes it very easy to plan day trips to explore nearby South Carolina towns like Aiken or North Augusta.

A day trip from Augusta to Charleston is certainly possible, but it makes for a very long day. The drive is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours each way, primarily on I‑20 and I‑26, which are straightforward interstates. To make the most of your time, you'll want to leave Augusta very early in the morning. The drive itself is not particularly scenic, but it is direct, allowing you to maximise your time exploring Charleston's historic district before the return journey.

Yes, a hire car is by far the easiest and most practical way to visit Aiken from Augusta. The drive is short, typically only about 30 to 40 minutes. More importantly, Aiken's attractions, such as its historic downtown, Hopelands Gardens, and the surrounding horse farms, are spread out. Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore the beautiful horse country at your own pace.

For visitors driving to Fort Eisenhower, the most straightforward approach is typically through the main gate (Gate 1) located off Gordon Highway. It is the primary visitor access point and is well signed from the main road. Before your trip, it is highly recommended to check the fort's official website for the most current information on visitor passes, gate hours and any specific security procedures. Using a GPS app will guide you directly to the correct entrance.

The most convenient and secure places to park for a visit to the Augusta Riverwalk are the public parking decks located downtown. The garage connected to the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Centre on Reynolds Street is an excellent option, offering direct access to the Riverwalk area. Parking in a designated deck allows you to leave your car for several hours while you explore the riverfront, nearby museums and restaurants on foot.

The James Brown Arena and Bell Auditorium share large, dedicated parking lots, but they can fill up quickly for popular concerts and events. To secure a convenient spot and avoid the last‑minute rush, it's a good idea to arrive with your hire car at least 45 to 60 minutes before the event's start time. Traffic on 7th Street and the surrounding roads can become very congested right before a show, so arriving early ensures a much smoother experience.

Washington Road is one of Augusta's busiest commercial corridors, with heavy traffic during morning and evening commutes, as well as during the lunch hour. The least stressful times to drive this stretch are typically during off‑peak hours. Aim for mid‑morning, between about 9:30 and 11:30, or mid‑afternoon, from 13:30 to 15:30, for a much calmer driving experience with fewer delays.

A great strategy is to choose a central starting point and explore from there. Consider parking your hire car at the Augusta Canal Discovery Centre at Enterprise Mill, which has ample parking. From this location, you can tour the museum, take a guided boat tour and walk a significant portion of the scenic canal towpath. This 'park once' approach allows you to enjoy several hours of activity without the hassle of driving between spots.

For the most part, finding overnight parking in Augusta is relatively easy, especially in suburban areas. However, it can be more challenging in the immediate vicinity of Augusta University and the medical district due to the high number of students and hospital staff. Similarly, some parts of the historic downtown area may have limited or permit‑only street parking. It's always best to confirm the parking situation with your hotel or accommodation ahead of time.

A standard or mid‑size saloon is an excellent all‑round choice for getting around Augusta and the surrounding region. This type of vehicle is fuel‑efficient for city driving and comfortable enough for day trips on motorways or exploring nearby rural areas. Unless you are travelling with a large group or have excessive luggage, you won't need a large SUV, as the local roads are generally well maintained and easy to navigate.

When travelling with golf clubs, it's wise to rent a full‑size saloon or an SUV to ensure you have adequate boot space for your bags and luggage. To keep your equipment secure, always store it in the locked boot when you're away from the vehicle. If you hire an SUV, be sure it has a cargo cover to keep your clubs and other valuables concealed from view, which is a good practice anywhere you park.

Driving and parking in the Augusta University and medical district area can be quite challenging on weekdays. The area experiences high traffic volume from students, staff and patients, and on‑street parking is very limited. Your best option is to identify and use one of the designated university or hospital parking garages. Be sure to allow extra time in your schedule to navigate the campus roads and find a spot.

For a low‑stress grocery run, look for supermarkets located in larger suburban shopping centres rather than standalone stores in dense areas. Places along major arteries like Washington Road or in the Augusta Exchange shopping complex typically have expansive parking lots with multiple entrances and exits. These are designed to handle high traffic volume, making it much easier to find a spot and get back on the road quickly.

The most direct route is taking I‑20 into Augusta, and for most destinations this is perfectly efficient. However, if your hotel is located in the southern or eastern part of the city, using the Bobby Jones Expressway (I‑520) loop can be a calmer alternative. This beltway allows you to bypass the central Augusta exits and potential downtown traffic, providing a smoother approach to your specific destination.

During heavy rain, driving conditions on I‑20 can become challenging, so it's crucial to prioritise safety. Reduce your speed significantly, increase the distance between your car and the one ahead, and be prepared for reduced visibility from road spray, especially from large lorries. Pay extra attention in low‑lying areas where water might pool on the roadway. Using your headlights is essential for being seen by other drivers.

While speed enforcement can occur anywhere, visitors should be particularly mindful of their speed on major thoroughfares where limits can change, such as Washington Road, Riverwatch Parkway and Gordon Highway. It's also wise to be cautious in the areas surrounding Fort Eisenhower and near the state line on I‑20. The most effective strategy is to remain alert and always adhere to the posted speed limits.

The commute from North Augusta into Augusta is generally very easy, but it is highly dependent on the time of day. During standard morning and evening rush hours, the bridges crossing the Savannah River can become significant bottlenecks, leading to traffic backups. Outside of these peak times, however, the drive across the river is quick and straightforward, often taking only a few minutes.

A logical and efficient route is to plan your trip in a linear fashion from west to east. Start your journey in Augusta, then take the short drive to explore Aiken. From Aiken, you can easily get back on I‑20 and continue heading east directly to Columbia. This creates a smooth progression without unnecessary backtracking, allowing you to maximise your sightseeing time in each city.

A day trip to Savannah from Augusta is a long but rewarding day. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours each way, so an early start is essential. Once you arrive in Savannah, the best strategy is to park your hire car in one of the city's many public parking garages located in or near the Historic District. This allows you to leave the car for the day and explore the city's famous squares, riverfront and shops on foot.

For a pleasant and easy drive into the countryside, heading north from Augusta is an excellent choice. The roads leading towards Clarks Hill Lake (officially Strom Thurmond Lake) and the surrounding areas are generally well maintained, scenic and have less traffic than major highways. This direction offers a relaxing driving experience for visitors looking to see more of the region's natural beauty.

Within Augusta and its immediate suburbs, you can expect reliable mobile service and GPS performance. However, as you drive into more rural areas, particularly north towards the lake or into parts of South Carolina, you may encounter intermittent coverage gaps. A great way to prepare is to download the regional maps to your phone for offline use before you begin your trip, ensuring your navigation continues to work even without a signal.

For a hassle‑free meetup, choose a location with a large, easy‑to‑access car park. The Augusta Exchange shopping centre, located near I‑20 and I‑520, is an ideal spot with numerous retailers and restaurants. Another great option is a spacious public park like Pendleton King Park, which offers plenty of parking and a relaxed environment to connect with your friends before heading to your next destination.

A good rule of thumb is to leave your downtown hotel about two hours before your flight's departure time. This allowance covers a 20–30 minute drive to the airport, about 15 minutes to drop off the hire car and walk to the terminal, and plenty of time to check in and clear security. While AGS is an efficient airport, this buffer protects you against unexpected traffic or delays.

When arriving during a major event like the Masters, you should anticipate potential delays primarily at the hire car counters due to the high volume of travellers. While the airport itself is efficient, the increased demand can lead to longer queues. Additionally, the main roads leaving the airport, such as Gordon Highway and I‑520, may have heavier‑than‑usual traffic. It's wise to build an extra 30 to 45 minutes into your schedule just for the pickup and departure process.

Augusta has several active freight rail lines, and it's not uncommon for long, slow‑moving trains to block crossings for several minutes. This is particularly frequent in the industrial areas south of downtown and along roads like Olive Road and Laney Walker Boulevard. If you encounter a stopped train, your best bet is to use a navigation app to quickly find an alternate route rather than waiting indefinitely.

You'll find several convenient petrol stations on the major roads leading to Augusta Regional Airport. There are multiple options along Gordon Highway and Tobacco Road, both of which are primary routes for accessing the airport entrance. These stations are accustomed to serving travellers and are easy to get in and out of, making for a quick and stress‑free refuelling stop before your flight.

The best strategy for a 'park once' day downtown is to use one of the centrally located public parking garages. The decks on Reynolds Street or the one at the TEE Centre on Broad Street are excellent choices. By securing a spot in one of these garages, you place yourself within easy walking distance of the Riverwalk, numerous Broad Street restaurants, the Augusta Museum of History and other key attractions, eliminating the need to move your car.

Several Augusta attractions are very manageable for families with a hire car. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park offers boardwalk trails and has a large, convenient car park right at the entrance. The Augusta Canal Discovery Centre is another great choice, with easy parking and access to pushchair‑friendly towpaths and boat tours. These locations minimise the hassle of parking and long walks from the car to the main attraction.

In downtown Augusta and along major commercial roads like Washington Road, night driving is straightforward as the streets are well lit. However, once you venture onto more rural roads in the surrounding county, street lighting can become sparse or non‑existent. On these roads, it's important to drive more cautiously, use your high beam when there's no oncoming traffic, and be alert for wildlife, such as deer, that may be near the roadway.

The most common source of confusion for visitors is that several major roads have both a local name and a route number. For instance, Bobby Jones Expressway is also Interstate 520 (I‑520), and Gordon Highway is also known as US‑78 and US‑278. While most GPS systems handle this well, being aware of these dual names can help you feel more confident as you navigate the city.

Picking up your car at Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) is almost always the most efficient choice, regardless of your travel direction. The airport is conveniently located near I‑520 (Bobby Jones Expressway), which acts as a beltway around the city. This allows you to easily connect to I‑20, whether you're heading west toward Atlanta or east toward Columbia, without having to navigate through heavy city‑centre traffic.

When parking during a downtown event, be extremely vigilant about temporary signage. Many streets may have 'No Parking' signs posted for the festival, and towing is often strictly enforced. The safest and simplest approach is to bypass the on‑street parking hunt altogether and head directly for one of the public parking garages located on the periphery of the event area, then walk to the festival.

If you're not flying into AGS, your best option is to pick up a car from a non‑airport rental branch. These are typically located along Augusta's major commercial arteries, such as Washington Road or Gordon Highway. You can easily take a short taxi or rideshare from the bus or train station to one of these locations, which offer a wide selection of vehicles and a convenient starting point for your journey.