National Car Hire
Augusta

Locating the National Car Rental area at Augusta Regional Airport is very straightforward and geared to traveller convenience. After collecting your luggage, simply follow the prominent overhead signs for Rental Cars or Ground Transportation. These signs will lead you directly to the rental car counters located within the terminal. Once you have completed your rental agreement, staff will give clear directions to the vehicle pickup lot, which is typically just a short, well‑marked walk from the main building.

For a late‑night arrival at Augusta Regional Airport you can expect a smooth transition to your hire car. The rental car centre is located inside the terminal and is well lit, making it easy to navigate even after dark. To speed things up, have your reservation details and driving licence ready when you approach the desk. The walk to the car park is short and clearly signposted, allowing you to locate your vehicle and get away efficiently. Using a GPS app on your phone for the drive to your hotel is also recommended for confident night‑time navigation.

For a simple drive from Augusta Regional Airport to the city centre, the most direct route is generally best. From the airport you will typically take Tobacco Road to Doug Barnard Parkway (GA‑56 Spur), which then merges into Gordon Highway (US‑1 N / US‑78 E). Following Gordon Highway will lead you directly towards the downtown area. This route avoids most of the smaller, more complex streets and provides a major thoroughfare for the majority of your journey. Using your preferred navigation app will help ensure you don’t miss the key turns as you approach your specific hotel.

The best way to handle downtown Augusta’s one‑way streets is to rely on a modern GPS or mapping app on your smartphone. These apps are updated with current traffic patterns and will provide turn‑by‑turn directions that account for one‑way systems. Before heading to a destination it can be helpful to briefly review the final few turns on the map. Also, pay close attention to street signs as you drive, since they are your most immediate guide. If you miss a turn, it is often easiest to drive around the block rather than attempt a difficult manoeuvre.

Visitors to the Augusta Riverwalk will find several convenient parking options. There are dedicated surface lots and multi‑storey car parks adjacent to the Riverwalk, often accessible from Reynolds Street or Broad Street. The driving approach is generally straightforward, as these main downtown streets run parallel to the Savannah River. When you get close, look for signs indicating public parking for the Riverwalk or nearby attractions such as the Augusta Marriott. Arriving outside peak event times usually ensures you can find a space without much difficulty.

The most efficient way to travel between downtown Augusta and the Augusta University and medical district is via Fifteenth Street. This major road serves as a primary north‑south connector between the two areas. From downtown you can easily access it from main arteries like Broad Street or Walton Way. Fifteenth Street provides direct access to the heart of the medical campus. Alternatively, Walton Way is another excellent option that runs parallel to Broad Street and offers a slightly less commercial route through the area, leading you straight to the university.

When staying in the suburbs of Evans or Martinez, your primary routes into Augusta will be Washington Road and Riverwatch Parkway. Washington Road is a major commercial artery that leads directly towards the city centre and Augusta National. For a more scenic and often quicker drive, especially during peak times, Riverwatch Parkway is an excellent alternative as it follows the Savannah River. Using one of these main roads to get into the city and then a GPS for the final few miles to your destination is the most effective strategy to avoid getting turned around.

Washington Road is one of Augusta’s main commercial corridors, lined with shops, restaurants and businesses, so it can get quite busy. During peak shopping and dining hours, particularly evenings and weekends, expect heavier traffic and allow extra travel time. The road has numerous traffic lights and entrances to shopping centres, which can cause slowdowns. Be patient, stay alert for cars entering and exiting parking lots, and consider parallel routes like Riverwatch Parkway if you are simply passing through and not stopping.

Outside major tournament weeks, reaching the Augusta National Golf Club area is relatively simple. The club is located on Washington Road, a major city thoroughfare. The easiest approach is typically via Interstate 20, taking the Washington Road exit and heading east. This allows you to bypass much of the city’s surface street traffic. If you are in the area during a major event, be aware that traffic patterns will be significantly altered, and it’s essential to follow all posted event signage and police directions, as standard routes may be closed or rerouted.

During Masters week, the whole area around Washington Road, Berckmans Road and Alexander Drive becomes extremely congested and subject to special traffic controls. Even if you are not attending, it is highly advisable to avoid this corridor entirely. Traffic volumes rise across the city, so expect longer travel times on major routes such as I‑20, Riverwatch Parkway and Bobby Jones Expressway (I‑520). Planning trips to avoid peak travel times and using alternative routes will make navigating the city far less stressful during this busy period.

For events at the Bell Auditorium or James Brown Arena, planning your parking in advance is key to a smooth experience. Both venues are downtown, with several public car parks and surface lots within a short walking distance. It is often easiest to identify a designated parking area beforehand on a map and navigate directly to it, rather than circling the venue. Arriving a little early helps secure a better spot. When leaving, be prepared for significant traffic as everyone exits at once; sometimes walking a few extra blocks to a car park further from the venue can lead to a quicker departure.

When dropping off luggage at a downtown Augusta hotel during a busy time, the best approach is to pull into the hotel’s designated loading and unloading zone, usually right at the main entrance. Even if it seems crowded, this is the safest and most efficient place for a brief stop. Have your luggage ready so you can unload quickly. If travelling with others, one person can take the bags inside to check in while the driver circles the block or proceeds to the hotel’s designated car park.

Yes, downtown Augusta, particularly along Broad Street and its side streets, is an ideal area to adopt a 'park once' strategy. This historic district is very walkable and features a high concentration of restaurants, shops and galleries. Finding a space in a central car park or a convenient on‑street spot allows you to explore the whole area on foot without the hassle of moving your car every few blocks. The Augusta Riverwalk is another area where it’s best to park in a designated lot and enjoy the scenery by walking.

Driving between Augusta and North Augusta is a very common and easy trip, offering access to two distinct city experiences. The primary crossings are the John C. Calhoun Expressway bridge (GA‑28/SC‑28) and the Thirteenth Street Bridge. The drive itself is short, usually only a few minutes without traffic. This allows you to enjoy dinner in North Augusta’s SRP Park area and then return to your hotel in Augusta, or vice versa. The bridges provide pleasant views of the Savannah River, making the short journey part of the sightseeing experience.

When returning to Augusta from North Augusta during the evening commute, typically between 4:30pm and 6:00pm, expect heavier traffic on the bridges. The John C. Calhoun Expressway bridge in particular can slow as people head home from work. To avoid the worst of it, consider extending your visit in North Augusta with an early dinner and crossing back after 6:30pm. Alternatively, build an extra 15–20 minutes into your travel time to allow for potential congestion.

A drive from Augusta to the charming town of Aiken, South Carolina, is a popular and easy day trip. Under normal conditions the drive takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes. To be safe, it’s realistic to allow about 45 minutes to an hour each way, which accounts for any potential traffic leaving Augusta or minor slowdowns along the route. This buffer ensures a relaxed journey and allows you to enjoy Aiken’s historic centre and equestrian culture without feeling rushed.

For a straightforward and relaxed drive to Columbia, South Carolina, the best route is Interstate 20 East. This motorway provides a direct connection between the two cities, minimising the need for complex navigation or frequent turns. The drive is about an hour and 15 minutes and features well‑maintained roads and clear signage. I‑20 allows you to maintain a consistent speed for most of the journey, making it a comfortable and predictable option for a day trip to South Carolina’s capital.

To have the smoothest start for a trip to Charleston, it’s best to leave Augusta either before or after the morning rush hour. Departing before 7:00am is ideal, as it allows you to get onto Interstate 20 and past the initial Columbia‑area traffic before it builds up. Alternatively, waiting until after 9:30am will also provide a much clearer path out of the Augusta metro area. Avoiding a Friday afternoon departure is also wise, as you’ll be competing with both local commuters and weekend travellers heading towards the coast.

The drive from Augusta to Savannah is a pleasant trip of about two and a half to three hours, primarily on state roads and rural routes rather than a direct motorway. You’ll travel through smaller towns and scenic Georgia countryside, which offers a different pace to motorway driving. Routes like GA‑25 and GA‑17 are common. Plan for a more leisurely drive and consider a stop in a town like Statesboro, home to Georgia Southern University, for a break or a snack. Make sure you have a full tank of fuel before you leave, as services can be less frequent than on major motorways.

The most direct route to Atlanta is Interstate 20 West, a drive of about two and a half hours. To avoid the worst of Atlanta’s notorious congestion on arrival, timing is everything. Plan to arrive in the metro area between 10:00am and 2:00pm on a weekday, after the morning rush and before the evening commute begins. Using a real‑time traffic app as you get closer is essential, as it may suggest using the I‑285 perimeter to bypass congestion around the downtown connector, depending on your final destination within the city.

Reaching Clarks Hill Lake, officially J. Strom Thurmond Lake, is a simple drive from Augusta. The most common route is to take Washington Road west out of Augusta, which eventually merges into GA‑104/US‑221 and leads you directly towards the lake and the Thurmond Dam. There are numerous public access points, parks and marinas around the lake. Mistletoe State Park on the Georgia side and Hamilton Branch State Park on the South Carolina side are two very popular spots for visitors, offering boat ramps, picnic areas and walking trails.

The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area offers several convenient access points with ample parking. One of the most popular starting points is the Augusta Canal Discovery Centre at Enterprise Mill, located just off Greene Street near downtown. Another excellent option is Lake Olmstead Park, which provides direct access to the canal towpath and has plenty of parking. For a more northern entry point, Savannah Rapids Park in Martinez is a lovely spot to park and begin your exploration of the canal trail.

Driving to Phinizy Swamp Nature Park is straightforward, as it is located just a few miles from downtown Augusta off Doug Barnard Parkway. The park has a large, dedicated car park right near the visitor centre and the start of the main trails, making it very convenient for families with children and pushchairs. The access roads are well paved and clearly signposted. Once there you won’t need to move your car, as the network of boardwalks and trails is easily accessible from the main car park, ensuring a simple and stress‑free start to your nature walk.

Augusta does not have a traditional zoo, but many families enjoy visiting the North Augusta Living History Park or exploring Phinizy Swamp Nature Park for wildlife spotting. If you mean Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in nearby Columbia, SC, the best approach is to use a GPS to navigate directly to the zoo’s main entrance. It has a very large, dedicated car park designed to handle big crowds. Arriving earlier in the day, especially at weekends, is the best strategy to secure a parking spot closer to the entrance and avoid queues.

When travelling with golf clubs, hiring an SUV or a larger saloon will provide the most convenience and security. These vehicles offer ample boot space to lay your clubs flat, making them easy to load and unload without having to rearrange other luggage. For security between stops, always keep your clubs in the boot and out of sight. If you’re using an SUV, be sure to use the cargo cover to conceal your equipment. This simple step helps deter theft and allows you to enjoy restaurants or other attractions with peace of mind.

Summer thunderstorms in Augusta can develop quickly and bring heavy downpours which significantly reduce visibility. When this happens, the most important thing to do is slow down, switch on your headlights and increase the following distance between you and the vehicle ahead. Avoid driving through large puddles or flooded areas, as it’s impossible to know the water’s depth. Be particularly cautious on lower‑lying roads near the Savannah River or local creeks. If the rain becomes too intense to see safely, it’s best to pull over in a safe location such as a car park until the worst of the storm passes.

As in most cities, school zones in Augusta are active during specific morning and afternoon hours on weekdays. During these times speed limits are significantly reduced and traffic can become congested as parents drop off or pick up children. You’ll see flashing yellow lights and clear signage indicating when the lower speed limit is in effect. If your route passes a school during these hours, be prepared to slow down and allow for a few extra minutes’ travel time. GPS apps often factor this slower traffic into their time estimates.

The Georgia sun can heat up a parked car very quickly, especially in summer. A simple windscreen sunshade can make a huge difference in keeping the interior temperature more manageable and protecting the steering wheel from becoming too hot to touch. When you return to your car, open the doors for a minute to vent the hottest air before starting the engine and switching on the air conditioning. It’s also crucial never to leave pets, children, or sensitive items like electronics or aerosol cans in the vehicle.

After leaving Augusta Regional Airport you’ll find convenient shopping options a short drive away. Heading north on Doug Barnard Parkway towards Gordon Highway brings you quickly to areas with major grocery stores, pharmacies and supercentres. This route takes you toward the main commercial parts of South Augusta. Alternatively, if you’re heading for I‑520 (Bobby Jones Expressway), you’ll find numerous shopping centres with familiar stores at the various junctions, making it easy to stock up on supplies en route to your hotel.

For a meetup spot that avoids complex downtown navigation, consider the Augusta Exchange shopping centre, located near the I‑20 and I‑520 interchange. It’s a large, well‑known complex with plenty of parking and numerous restaurants and coffee shops, making it an easy landmark for anyone to find. Another good option is Surrey Centre on Highland Avenue, a more upscale but equally accessible shopping area with popular local eateries. Both locations sit on major roads and are simple to reach from any direction.

To plan an efficient multi‑stop day, it helps to group your destinations by neighbourhood. For example, spend the morning exploring downtown attractions like the Riverwalk and the Augusta Museum of History. In the afternoon head towards the Summerville historic district or the Washington Road area for shopping and dining. Using a map app to plot your points of interest beforehand will reveal the most logical sequence. This approach minimises driving time and prevents you from criss‑crossing the city, allowing you to see more with less time behind the wheel.

Interstate 20 is the primary east‑west motorway through the Augusta area and experiences typical rush‑hour congestion. During the morning commute (roughly 7:00–9:00am) and the evening commute (4:00–6:00pm), expect heavier volumes and slower speeds, particularly around the junctions with I‑520 (Bobby Jones Expressway) and Washington Road. While traffic is generally more manageable than in larger cities, it’s sensible to add an extra 15–20 minutes to your journey time if you need to use I‑20 during these peak periods.

When driving to Fort Eisenhower, all civilian visitors must first go to the Visitor Control Centre to obtain a pass. The main Visitor Centre is at Gate 6, the most direct entry off I‑520 (Bobby Jones Expressway). It is important to use your GPS to navigate specifically to 'Fort Eisenhower Gate 6' or the 'Visitor Control Centre', not just the fort in general. Be sure to have a valid government‑issued photo ID ready. Once you have your pass, staff can provide a map and directions to your specific destination on the installation.

The most efficient route from Augusta Regional Airport to Fort Eisenhower is to use I‑520, also called Bobby Jones Expressway. From the airport you’ll take Doug Barnard Parkway north to I‑520 West. Follow I‑520 for several miles until you reach the exit for Fort Eisenhower’s main gate (Gate 6). This route is almost entirely on dual carriageways, allowing you to avoid city traffic and traffic lights. Remember that as a visitor you will need to stop at the Visitor Control Centre at Gate 6 to get a pass before proceeding onto the base.

From South Augusta one of the most direct routes to downtown is Gordon Highway (US‑1 N / US‑78 E). This major road runs directly from the southern part of the city into the heart of downtown, minimising the number of turns you need to make. Another excellent option is Peach Orchard Road (GA‑25) north, which also leads into the downtown area. Both are primary thoroughfares that are well signposted, making for a relatively simple and stress‑free drive to attractions like the Riverwalk or Broad Street.

In downtown Augusta some car park entrances can be easy to miss if you’re not prepared. They are often located mid‑block and may be set back slightly from the main street. The key is to slow down as you approach your destination and look for the standard blue‑and‑white 'P' signs that mark entrances. Using GPS in satellite view as you get close can also help you visualise the entrance before you arrive. Pay particular attention on one‑way streets like Broad Street or Reynolds Street, where you often have only one chance to make the turn.

For an early‑morning drive in the Augusta area, especially if you’re heading towards more rural or wooded locations, be extra vigilant. Use your full beams when there is no oncoming traffic to better illuminate the road and margins. Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, so reduce your speed and stay alert for animals that may dart into the road. The roads will be significantly quieter, which makes for a peaceful drive, but the reduced visibility requires your full attention.

Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) is a smaller, efficient airport, so you do not need the extensive time buffer required at major hubs. A practical plan is to leave your hotel to arrive at the airport about 90 minutes before your flight’s departure time. This allows ample time to return your hire car, check your bags and clear security without feeling rushed. The rental return process is quick and located right at the terminal. Factoring in a 15–30 minute drive from most Augusta hotels provides a comfortable and stress‑free departure.

When travelling with a group, selecting the right size vehicle is the most important consideration. An SUV or people carrier is often the best choice to ensure enough room for both passengers and all their luggage. For pickup coordination, it’s easiest for one person — the primary driver — to go to the rental desk to complete the paperwork while the rest of the group collects the bags. Once the car is ready, the driver can pull up to the terminal’s passenger pickup curb to load the luggage and the rest of the party.

A common mistake visitors make is underestimating the one‑way street system downtown, which can lead to missed turns and circling blocks. To avoid this, always use a GPS and review the last few turns of your route before you start. Another source of confusion can be similar street names, like various roads named after peaches or trees. Double‑check the full street name and address in your navigation app to ensure you’re heading to the right place. Finally, relying on main arteries such as Washington Road, Gordon Highway and I‑520 for cross‑town travel is often more efficient than navigating through smaller residential streets.