Hertz Car Hire
in Augusta

Augusta Regional Airport is a compact, easy-to-navigate facility, which makes late-night arrivals less stressful. The car hire counters, including Hertz, are conveniently located in the baggage reclaim area, so you can collect your luggage and keys in the same vicinity. Signage is clear and will direct you to the rental car lot, which is just a short walk from the terminal building. The whole process is typically efficient, allowing you to be on your way without significant delays.

For a straightforward drive to downtown Augusta, the most direct route is to take Tobacco Road to Gordon Highway (US-1 N/US-78 W). This route is a major thoroughfare that leads you directly into the heart of the city with minimal complex turns. Using a GPS navigation app on your phone is highly recommended to provide turn-by-turn guidance and help you feel more confident. The drive is generally clear, especially outside peak commute hours, making for a simple introduction to the city's layout.

The drive from the airport to Evans or Grovetown typically involves using I-520 (Bobby Jones Expressway) and I-20. During weekday commute times, roughly 7:00–9:00 and 16:00–18:00, expect heavier traffic, particularly on I-20 and the Washington Road exits. While the drive is manageable, it’s wise to allow an extra 15 to 25 minutes for potential congestion. Outside these peak periods, the journey is usually smooth and uncomplicated.

To ensure a relaxed arrival for a morning tee time in Aiken or North Augusta, it's best to plan on leaving at least 45 to 60 minutes before you need to be there. The drive itself isn't long, but morning commuter traffic crossing the Savannah River bridges can cause delays. Allowing this buffer accounts for any unexpected slowdowns and gives you time to check in at the course without feeling rushed. It's better to have a few extra minutes on the putting green than to be stuck in traffic.

For first-time visitors, suburban areas like West Augusta and Evans are generally the easiest to navigate, featuring wider roads and modern shopping centre layouts. The most confusing areas are typically the downtown core and the medical district due to a grid of one-way streets and more complex junctions. Washington Road can also be overwhelming for newcomers because of its high traffic volume and numerous business entrances and exits. Using a GPS is particularly helpful when driving in these more intricate parts of the city.

Driving across the Savannah River can be very smooth, but the main bridges, such as the John C. Calhoun Expressway bridge, do experience bottlenecks during peak times. The heaviest traffic is heading from South Carolina into Augusta on weekday mornings between about 07:30 and 09:00. The flow reverses in the evening, with congestion heading out of Augusta between roughly 16:30 and 18:00. If your schedule is flexible, crossing during off-peak hours will provide a much quicker and more pleasant drive.

When driving near Augusta University and the medical district, be aware of the prevalence of one-way streets, which can be confusing if unexpected. Parking is mainly handled by large parking garages, so it's helpful to identify the correct garage for your destination beforehand. The area has significant pedestrian traffic and campus shuttles, so drive with extra caution and watch for people crossing the road. Relying on your GPS can help you navigate the one-way system effectively.

Visitors typically park in one of several public parking garages located downtown, with clear signage directing you to the Riverwalk. The garage adjacent to the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Centre is a popular and convenient option. Once you've parked, the entire Riverwalk area is extremely walkable. Paved pathways connect you to key attractions like the Jessye Norman Amphitheatre, museums and green spaces, making it easy to spend hours exploring on foot.

The best strategy for a stress-free evening downtown is to arrive a little early and head straight to one of the main public parking decks, such as those on Broad Street or Reynolds Street. These garages offer ample space and are a short walk from the Augusta Common and other popular venues. Trying to find on-street parking right before an event can be difficult and lead to frustration. Parking once in a secure garage allows you to relax and enjoy your evening without worrying about your vehicle.

Driving in Augusta after dark is generally manageable for visitors. Major roads like Washington Road, Gordon Highway and Bobby Jones Expressway are well lit and clearly marked. However, as you move into more residential neighbourhoods or rural roads on the outskirts, street lighting can become less frequent. As with any unfamiliar area at night, it’s sensible to drive cautiously, use your high beams when appropriate, and be mindful of your surroundings.

The most direct route for a day trip to Columbia is to take I-20 East, which offers a straight run between the two cities. The drive typically takes about an hour and fifteen minutes in normal conditions. Traffic tends to be heaviest during the usual morning and evening commute times as you leave Augusta or approach Columbia's suburbs. For the smoothest journey, plan to depart Augusta after 09:00 and begin your return journey before 16:00.

A same-day round trip to Atlanta is certainly achievable, though it makes for a long day. The drive is approximately two and a half hours each way via I-20 West. The main advantage of returning late at night is that you'll encounter significantly less traffic, particularly through the Atlanta metro area. The key to making this trip successful is ensuring you are well rested and prepared for the late-night drive back to Augusta after your event.

The drive from Augusta to Athens is mainly on state highways rather than a major interstate, offering a more scenic experience. Because it's a more rural route, be aware that services like petrol stations and restaurants are less frequent than on an interstate, so it's a good idea to start with a full tank of fuel. The route itself is not overly complex, but downloading your map for offline use is recommended in case you encounter areas with spotty mobile service.

One of the most popular and easiest access points is the Augusta Canal Discovery Centre at Enterprise Mill, which has a large, dedicated car park. This location is great for families as it's the starting point for boat tours and has toilet facilities. Another excellent option is the Lake Olmstead Trailhead, which also offers ample parking and direct access to the canal's scenic towpath. Both locations are well signed and simple to find using a GPS.

The drive to Clarks Hill Lake is a pleasant and scenic trip, usually taking about 30 to 45 minutes from central Augusta via Washington Road, which becomes GA-104. For easy access, look for signs pointing to major recreational areas like Mistletoe State Park in Georgia or Hamilton Branch State Park in South Carolina. These parks are well equipped with clearly marked boat ramps, designated swimming and beach areas, and plenty of parking.

Phinizy Swamp Nature Park is very visitor-friendly, with a large, free car park located right at the main entrance and visitor centre. From the parking area, you have immediate access to the network of trails and boardwalks that wind through the wetlands. To see the most active wildlife and avoid the peak summer heat, arriving in the early morning or late afternoon is highly recommended. The park is easy to reach and offers a great natural escape a short drive from the city.

During major tournament weeks, navigating the area around Augusta National requires careful planning. It is crucial to follow the official event signage and traffic patterns established by law enforcement, as they will override what your GPS suggests. Many local roads will have restricted access or be converted to one-way traffic to manage the influx of visitors. To avoid frustration, allow significant extra travel time and consider using official park-and-ride shuttles if they are offered.

For easy drop-off and pick-up at the Augusta Entertainment Complex, the best approach is typically via James Brown Boulevard or 7th Street. The complex has designated passenger loading zones near the main entrances to both the Bell Auditorium and the James Brown Arena. To avoid the biggest crowds, try to time your arrival slightly before the main rush or arrange to be picked up a few minutes after the event concludes, allowing some of the initial traffic to clear.

To efficiently visit multiple golf courses, it's best to plan your day geographically. Use a map to group the courses you want to see by location—for example, tackle the courses in West Augusta and Evans in the morning, then visit those in South Augusta or across the river in North Augusta in the afternoon. This approach minimises driving time and prevents you from getting stuck in traffic by criss-crossing the city multiple times.

A convenient meeting point is the riverfront area of North Augusta, South Carolina. This location is easily accessible from downtown Augusta via the 13th Street Bridge and from Aiken via I-20 or US-1. The area around SRP Park and the Meriwether development offers numerous restaurants, cafés and public spaces with ample parking, making it a stress-free spot for everyone to gather.

On a weekday morning, it's prudent to plan on arriving at the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight's scheduled departure. Factor in your driving time plus an additional 20 minutes for the car hire return process and the walk back to the terminal. Augusta's morning traffic can be unpredictable, so building this buffer into your schedule ensures you have plenty of time for check-in and security without feeling rushed.

When returning a rental car at AGS, a common mistake is to follow the main signs for 'Departures' or 'Arrivals' too far along the airport's main loop road. The entrance for 'Rental Car Return' is a specific turn-off that appears before you reach the main terminal curb. Pay close attention to the overhead and ground-level signs as you approach the airport complex to ensure you make the correct turn and avoid having to circle the airport again.

For many visitors, the biggest driving surprise in Augusta is the intensity of traffic on Washington Road, which has numerous lanes and frequent entrances and exits from shopping areas. Downtown, the grid of one-way streets can catch drivers off guard if they aren't using GPS. Additionally, some older junctions may have slightly unusual signal timings or lane configurations, so it's always a good idea to drive defensively and be aware of the traffic flow around you.

Sudden, heavy thunderstorms can significantly impact driving conditions by drastically reducing visibility and causing water to pool on roads. During these downpours, it is essential to reduce your speed, switch on your headlights, and increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front. If the rain becomes too intense to see clearly, the safest option is to pull over to a secure location and wait for the worst of the storm to pass, which it often does relatively quickly.

GPS can sometimes be challenging in Augusta's downtown area due to the one-way streets and dense road network. It may also give confusing directions near Fort Eisenhower (Fort Gordon) or during major golf tournaments when official traffic patterns override standard routes. To keep your drive simple, it's helpful to review the general route on a map before you start, giving you a better sense of direction as a backup to your GPS.

When staying at a city-centre hotel, it's a good idea to call ahead and ask about their parking garage. Specifically, enquire about the height clearance if you've hired a larger vehicle like an SUV or van. You might also ask if the garage has any particularly tight turns or steep ramps that could be challenging. Confirming the process for overnight parking and whether you'll have in-and-out privileges is also helpful for planning your stay.

After collecting your hire car at the airport, you'll find several major supermarkets a short drive away on either Windsor Spring Road or Tobacco Road. These stores have large, accessible car parks, making it easy to park and pop inside for essentials. You can comfortably leave your luggage secured in the vehicle while you shop, allowing you to get everything you need in one convenient stop before checking in to your hotel.

A relaxing half-day loop is to drive from Augusta into North Augusta, exploring the scenic riverfront and the charming town centre. From there, you can take a leisurely drive along the Savannah River on SC-125 or head inland towards the historic town of Edgefield. You can then loop back towards the city via US-25. This route provides a nice mix of riverside views, small-town charm and peaceful country roads.

Augusta serves as an excellent central base for exploring the region's charming small towns, such as Aiken, SC, Thomson, GA and Waynesboro, GA. The driving pace on the state and local highways connecting these towns is generally relaxed and enjoyable, especially outside peak commute hours. These drives are often scenic and provide a low-stress way to experience the local culture and landscape of the Central Savannah River Area.

For convenient access, the Augusta Riverwalk has several parking areas that are very close to the paved path, minimising walking distance. The Augusta Canal Discovery Centre also offers easy parking right next to the main building and the start of the towpath. Many of the downtown historic sites and monuments have nearby on-street parking or designated drop-off zones, allowing you to pull up close before finding a more permanent parking spot.

When driving in Augusta on weekdays, be aware of strictly enforced reduced-speed school zones, typically active from around 07:00–08:30 and 14:30–16:00. Traffic can become congested on roads near schools during these drop-off and pick-up times. If you have a morning reservation or plan to visit a museum, it's wise to either schedule it after 09:00 or allow for a little extra travel time to account for these potential slowdowns.

For excellent river views, the public car parks along the Augusta Riverwalk are accessible 24/7 and provide a safe place to leave your car. The 5th Street Marina and the parking areas near the Jessye Norman Amphitheatre are great options. On the South Carolina side, the Hammond's Ferry neighbourhood in North Augusta also has public parking with fantastic views of the sunrise over the Augusta skyline.

As in much of Georgia, making a right turn on a red light after a complete stop is standard practice in Augusta, unless a sign specifically prohibits it. Visitors should be aware that major commercial corridors like Washington Road, Gordon Highway and I-520 are common areas for speed enforcement. Adhering to the posted speed limits is the best way to ensure a safe and uneventful drive throughout the city.

When visiting Fort Eisenhower, it's crucial to know which gate you need to use, as not all gates are open to the public. Plan your route to that specific gate in advance, as your GPS may not be accurate. Expect significant traffic backups at the main gates during the morning rush hour (06:30–08:30) and in the afternoon. Always have your government-issued photo ID readily accessible for security personnel as you approach the gate.

The drive to Savannah takes about two and a half to three hours, making it a very manageable trip. To make it feel less like a marathon, consider leaving early on a Saturday morning to avoid potential Friday afternoon traffic. You can also break up the drive with a stop in a town like Statesboro for lunch or a short walk. This turns the journey into part of the holiday experience rather than just a long drive.

To avoid the heaviest traffic, plan your shopping at the Augusta Mall or along Washington Road during the mid-day hours, between 10:00 and 15:00. For your evening drive to Evans for dinner, consider using I-520 to connect to I-20 West. This route allows you to bypass the most congested sections of Washington Road during the 16:00–18:00 rush hour, often resulting in a much smoother and faster trip.

Augusta Regional Airport provides a convenient mobile-phone waiting area where you can park for free while you wait for your friends' flight to arrive. This designated area is located just a minute's drive from the terminal. You can relax in your car until your friends call to let you know they have their luggage, and then you can proceed directly to the arrivals kerb for a quick and easy pickup.

A great low-stress itinerary is to start your morning at the Augusta Canal Discovery Centre, where parking is easy. Afterwards, drive the short distance to downtown, park your car once in a central garage, and explore Broad Street and the Riverwalk on foot. In the late afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive out to Clarks Hill Lake via Washington Road to catch the sunset from a public park before heading back into town for dinner.

The most effective strategy for a festival weekend is to adopt a 'park once' approach. Either book a hotel within walking distance of the festival grounds or drive downtown in the morning and secure a spot in a public parking garage for the entire day. This eliminates the stress of navigating road closures, dealing with heavy pedestrian traffic, and searching for new parking each time you want to move between venues.

When travelling with golf clubs for several people or other bulky gear, opting for a mid-size or full-size SUV is a wise choice. This ensures you'll have plenty of boot space to store your equipment securely without sacrificing passenger comfort in the cabin. A larger vehicle also provides a smooth and stable ride, which you'll appreciate on the motorways and local roads as you travel between your hotel and the various excellent golf courses in the Augusta area.