Payless Car Hire
in Savannah

The Payless car hire counter is conveniently located within the airport's main terminal building, directly opposite the baggage claim area. After collecting your luggage, simply cross the hall and follow the overhead signs for "Car Hire." The hire desks for all agencies are consolidated in one easy-to-find location. Once you complete your paperwork, you will be directed to the adjacent multi-storey car park where the vehicles are staged, just a short walk away.

The most straightforward route from the airport to the Historic District is to take I-95 South for a very short distance and then join I-16 East. This interstate will take you directly into the city and conveniently ends at the western edge of the downtown area, near the visitor centre. This approach lets you get your bearings before navigating the city's grid of squares and one-way streets. It's the preferred route for most visitors as it minimises complex turns until the final moments of your drive.

Parking in the Historic District can be challenging, especially for first-time visitors. On-street parking is limited and often subject to strict time limits, while the narrow one-way streets require careful manoeuvring. The least stressful strategy is to use one of the many public car parks, which offer hourly and daily rates. Many hotels also provide parking for guests, which is often the most convenient option for overnight stays, allowing you to park once and explore the city on foot.

When driving on Savannah's historic cobblestone streets, particularly along River Street, the key is to go slowly and maintain a safe following distance. The uneven surface can produce a bumpy ride, and the stones can become slippery when wet. Reducing your speed not only makes the drive more comfortable but also gives you more time to react to pedestrians and other vehicles. Be aware that these historic streets require more attention than modern paved roads.

Savannah's squares function like traffic circles or roundabouts, which can be unfamiliar to some drivers. The most common mistake is failing to yield to traffic already circulating within the square. You must always yield before entering. Sat-nav systems can sometimes be unclear, so it's best to follow the flow of traffic and road signs, which direct you around the square's perimeter rather than straight across it. Approaching each square with caution is the best way to navigate them smoothly.

The easiest and most direct route to Tybee Island is to take US-80 East. This road, also known as the Islands Expressway, leads you from the Savannah area straight to the island's shores. To minimise stop-and-go traffic, try to avoid travelling during peak beach hours, such as Saturday and Sunday mornings. An early start or a mid-afternoon departure on weekends will often result in a much smoother and quicker journey over the causeway.

Along US-80 East, the main route to Tybee Island, you'll find several large grocery stores and pharmacies in the communities of Thunderbolt and Wilmington Island. These are located right on the main road before you cross the final bridges to Tybee. Stopping at one of these stores is the most efficient way to stock up on snacks, drinks and beach essentials. It's much more convenient than trying to find supplies in the smaller, busier shops once you arrive on the island.

The drive from Savannah to Hilton Head Island takes about 45 to 60 minutes and involves a mix of road types. You'll cross the Talmadge Memorial Bridge leaving Savannah, which is quite high and may be notable for those uneasy with heights. The route then transitions from highways to local roads with varying speed limits as you get closer to the island. Pay close attention to speed limit changes and be prepared for merges as you connect from US-17 to US-278, which leads directly to Hilton Head.

For a scenic yet simple drive to Beaufort, take SC-170 North. This route takes you through the heart of the South Carolina lowcountry, offering beautiful views of marshes, rivers and moss-draped oaks. It's a more relaxed alternative to staying on I-95 and provides a much better sense of the coastal landscape. The road is well maintained and easy to follow, making it a perfect choice for a leisurely day trip.

Under normal conditions, the drive from Savannah to Charleston typically takes about two hours. The route primarily uses I-95 North and then US-17 North. The portion most prone to slowdowns is on US-17 as you approach the suburbs and the city of Charleston. This stretch has more traffic lights and congestion, especially during weekday rush hours or on busy weekends.

Wormsloe Historic Site has a dedicated visitor car park located just past its famous oak‑lined avenue entrance. Parking is generally ample and straightforward. To ensure the easiest arrival and secure a good spot without delay, it's best to arrive early in the morning, shortly after opening. This lets you avoid peak crowds and tour buses that tend to arrive mid‑day, making for a more relaxed experience.

The most direct way to reach Bonaventure Cemetery from downtown is by taking Wheaton Street, which becomes the Islands Expressway and then Skidaway Road. From there, follow signs for Bonaventure Road. While the route is fairly simple, the entrance itself can be a little understated, so using a GPS is highly recommended. Once inside, the cemetery's roads are narrow, so it's important to drive slowly and be courteous to pedestrians and other vehicles.

Accessing car parks near River Street requires patience due to the cobbles, narrow one-way streets and heavy foot traffic. It's best to have your route planned on your sat‑nav before you get close. Expect to drive slowly and be prepared to stop for pedestrians. For unloading luggage, it's most efficient to pull directly into the car park entrance or a designated hotel loading zone rather than trying to stop on the street.

Yes, road closures are quite common in the Historic District, especially around Forsyth Park, Broughton Street and along the parade route on Abercorn Street. These closures occur frequently at weekends for festivals, running events and weddings. To avoid getting stuck, it's good practice to check the City of Savannah's website for any announced street closures before you head out. A navigation app with real‑time traffic updates can also help you find an alternative route.

The presence of horse‑drawn carriages, pedicabs and large walking tour groups significantly affects driving pace in downtown Savannah. Expect to drive slowly and be prepared for sudden stops. Always give carriages a wide berth, as they make slow, wide turns. The key to a safe and low‑stress driving experience in the historic core is to remain patient, stay highly aware of your surroundings, and always yield to pedestrians.

For first‑time visitors, the easiest areas to drive are the suburban neighbourhoods on the Southside or the commercial areas in Pooler near the airport. These locations feature modern, wide roads and standard junctions. The most confusing area is undoubtedly the Historic District, with its unique grid of squares, numerous one‑way streets and heavy pedestrian traffic. Sticking to the main north‑south thoroughfares like Drayton or Abercorn can help simplify navigation downtown.

Finding a long‑term on‑street spot in the Historic District is very challenging due to time limits and resident permit requirements. The most practical and secure solution for overnight parking is to use one of the city's public car parks, which offer 24‑hour rates. If your hotel is in the area, opting for their guest parking is the most convenient choice, allowing you to leave your car safely in one place for the duration of your stay.

The Plant Riverside District is a high‑traffic pedestrian zone, making it difficult to stop at the kerb. The best strategy is to use your hotel's designated valet service or a temporary check‑in lane, which are designed for this purpose. If that's not an option, have one person from your party stay with the vehicle while the other quickly unloads the luggage onto the pavement. Then proceed immediately to a nearby car park to avoid causing congestion.

Savannah has strictly enforced school zones with significantly reduced speed limits during specific morning and afternoon hours on weekdays. These zones are clearly marked with signs and flashing yellow lights when active. It's crucial to be vigilant and obey these lower speed limits, as enforcement is common. Be especially mindful when driving during typical commuting hours, as you may pass through a school zone unexpectedly.

Because of Savannah's busy port, train crossings can cause significant traffic delays, particularly on the west side of the city and along the routes connecting to the port. Streets like Louisville Road, West Bay Street and President Street are more susceptible to being blocked by slow‑moving or stopped trains. If you encounter a stopped train, it's often quicker to consult your navigation app for an alternative route that uses an overpass rather than waiting.

The most reliable and direct way to get to I‑95 from downtown is to take I‑16 West. The on‑ramps for I‑16 are clearly signposted throughout the downtown area. This interstate provides a straight shot westwards for about ten miles, where it terminates directly at the interchange with I‑95. Following the signs for I‑16 West is the simplest method to ensure you get on the correct interstate heading either north or south.

Driving from the airport to the shopping centres in Pooler is very easy for visitors. The most direct route is to take Pooler Parkway, which is accessible right from the airport's main road, Airways Avenue. Pooler Parkway is a modern, multi‑lane road that leads directly to the Tanger Outlets and other major retail areas. The signage is clear, and the road is designed to handle commercial traffic, making it a low‑stress drive.

When driving near SCAD buildings, which are spread throughout the Historic District, you must maintain a high level of awareness. Expect frequent and often sudden pedestrian crossings, both at marked and unmarked crosswalks. Students and faculty are constantly moving between buildings, so it's essential to drive at a reduced speed and be prepared to stop at a moment's notice. Always yield to pedestrians to ensure a safe experience for everyone.

The causeways leading to the islands, like Tybee or Skidaway, are generally flat and well maintained, offering pleasant scenery. However, for nervous drivers, their low guardrails and exposure to open water can be unsettling, especially on windy days or at night. If you are anxious, it's best to stay in the right lane, maintain a comfortable speed and focus on the road ahead. These bridges are safe, but driving them during calm, clear daylight hours can make the experience more pleasant.

During heavy rain or dense coastal fog, visibility is typically poorest on the area's major bridges and causeways. The Talmadge Memorial Bridge, the bridges on the Islands Expressway and the US‑80 causeway to Tybee Island are particularly susceptible to reduced visibility. Low‑lying roads adjacent to marshes can also become very foggy. In these conditions, it is critical to use your dipped headlights, reduce your speed and increase your following distance.

When a GPS proves unreliable for finding a hotel entrance, the best tactic is to use the satellite view on your mapping app to visually identify the driveway and main entrance. You can often spot the valet stand or awning. Another reliable method is to call the hotel's front desk when you are a few blocks away; they can provide precise, turn‑by‑turn directions based on the one‑way streets and your current location.

Finding a place to wait directly at City Market is extremely difficult due to the pedestrian‑heavy, one‑way streets. A much better strategy is to arrange a pickup on a slightly less congested nearby street, such as Montgomery Street or Jefferson Street, which run parallel to the market area. Alternatively, coordinating to meet at the entrance of a nearby public car park provides a clear, accessible spot away from the main flow of traffic.

The drive to Fort Pulaski is not complicated at all. You simply take US‑80 East from Savannah, and the turn‑off for the monument is clearly signposted before you reach Tybee Island. The road leading from US‑80 to the fort's entrance is a long, two‑lane road. It is true that there are very few places to turn around on this final stretch, so be sure to follow the signs carefully from the main highway.

The main route to Skidaway Island State Park is the Diamond Causeway, a scenic road that crosses the marshes. Drivers should be especially vigilant for cyclists, as a popular bike path runs alongside the causeway. Once on the island and near the park, be alert for wildlife, particularly deer, which are known to cross the roads unexpectedly, especially around dawn and dusk. Adhering to the speed limit is the best way to ensure safety for both drivers and wildlife.

To create an efficient route, it's best to start with the attraction furthest south and work your way east. A logical order would be to visit Wormsloe Historic Site first. From there, it's a relatively short drive north to Bonaventure Cemetery. After your visit to Bonaventure, you can easily access the Islands Expressway and US‑80 to head east to Tybee Island. This sequence creates a smooth, continuous path that avoids backtracking through Savannah's downtown traffic.

During peak wedding seasons in spring and autumn, driving downtown at the weekend requires extra patience. The areas around the historic squares, Forsyth Park and popular venues like the cathedral become very congested with wedding trolleys, limousines and guests. Expect slow‑moving traffic and be prepared for brief, unannounced stops for photos. It's wise to build extra time into your travel schedule if you plan to drive through the Historic District on a Saturday.

Driving in downtown Savannah during the St Patrick's Day festival is nearly impossible and should be avoided. Many streets in the Historic District are closed to traffic for several days for the parade and festivities. The best plan is to park your hire car in a secure location, such as your hotel's lot or a car park on the outskirts of the festival zone. Plan to rely on walking, pedicabs or ride‑hailing services to get around the downtown area.

Yes, some of the older car parks in the Historic District were built when vehicles were smaller and can have tighter turns, narrower spaces and lower ceiling clearances. If you are driving a large SUV or van, it's a good idea to heed any posted height clearance signs before entering. For a less stressful experience with a larger vehicle, consider using one of the newer, more spacious city‑operated car parks, like the Robinson or Bryan Street car parks.

The most common mistake visitors make is at the squares, where they fail to yield to traffic already circulating. Another point of confusion can be intersections with flashing yellow lights, which mean you should proceed with caution, not stop if the way is clear. At many junctions, left turns are permitted on a solid green light, but you must yield to oncoming traffic. The key is to drive defensively and take a moment to observe the flow of traffic before proceeding.

A great 'park once' strategy is to choose a centrally located public car park, such as the Whitaker Street car park near Ellis Square or the State Street car park near Oglethorpe Square. Once you've parked your car for the day, nearly all of the Historic District's main attractions are within a comfortable walking distance. This approach saves you the time and stress of finding new parking at each stop and allows you to fully appreciate the city's walkable layout.

To ensure a relaxed and on‑time arrival for a morning tour on Tybee Island, plan for the drive to take between 45 and 60 minutes. While the trip can be as quick as 30 minutes in ideal conditions, morning traffic leaving Savannah and potential congestion on the US‑80 causeway can cause delays. Leaving an hour before your check‑in time provides a comfortable buffer and accounts for any unexpected slowdowns along the way.

When travelling with children and gear, the easiest approach is to plan your stops around locations with better access, like public car parks or designated hotel loading zones. These areas provide more space and safety away from moving traffic compared with a tight parallel spot on the street. If you must unload at the kerb, have one adult manage the children and stroller on the pavement while the other finds a proper parking space.

When driving in Savannah at night, be aware that many residential streets in the Historic District use atmospheric gas lamps, which provide less light than modern streetlights. It's important to drive slowly and be extra vigilant for pedestrians and cyclists. In the nightlife areas around City Market and Congress Street, expect heavy foot traffic and be prepared for people crossing the street unexpectedly, especially on weekend evenings.

The most direct route from Savannah to Jekyll Island is to take I‑95 South for approximately 80 miles to Exit 29 near Brunswick. From there, you will follow the clearly signposted Jekyll Island Causeway to the island. The vast majority of the drive is on a major, multi‑lane interstate highway, making it a very simple and efficient trip. The entire journey typically takes about 90 minutes in normal traffic conditions.

The most common mistake when returning a hire car at SAV is not getting into the correct lane early enough. As you approach the terminal, the airport road system splits and the signs for "Rental Car Return" appear quickly. Drivers should slow down, pay close attention to the overhead signs and merge into the designated lane well in advance. Missing this turn can require you to circle the entire airport loop again.