Budget Car Rental
in Savannah

For travelers arriving at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), the Budget car rental counter is conveniently located inside the main terminal building. You will find it in the baggage claim area, which is on the lower level. All the major car rental companies are consolidated in this one central location, making it easy to find after you've collected your luggage and are ready to start your trip.

Once you deplane and head to the lower level for baggage claim, the process is very straightforward. The rental car center is located directly in the baggage claim area. As you wait for your luggage, you can look for the large, clear overhead signs that say "Rental Cars." The Budget counter is prominently displayed among the other agencies, so you can easily walk over once you have your bags.

While times can vary depending on flight arrivals and passenger volume, the process at Savannah's airport is generally efficient. On a typical weekday afternoon, you might expect the entire process—from deplaning and collecting luggage to completing paperwork and getting your car—to take between 45 to 60 minutes. Having your reservation details and driver's license ready can help expedite your time at the counter and get you on the road faster.

Picking up a rental car late at night at SAV is usually a smooth experience. Airport rental counters are accustomed to late flight arrivals and typically schedule their staff accordingly. The airport itself will be much quieter, making it easier to navigate from baggage claim to the rental counter. Additionally, the roads surrounding the airport will have significantly less traffic, allowing for a calm and straightforward start to your drive into Savannah or your hotel.

A great meeting spot for a group is the seating area within the baggage claim hall, right near the rental car counters. This central location ensures everyone can gather easily after collecting their luggage from their respective carousels. It's a comfortable place to wait and allows the primary driver to handle the rental paperwork while the rest of the group assembles before heading to the car together.

After you complete the rental agreement at the Budget counter, the agent will provide you with a stall number and clear directions to the vehicle. The rental car parking garage is located just a short walk from the terminal. The garage is well-lit and clearly marked with large signs for each row and numbered stalls, making it very easy to navigate directly to your assigned car without any confusion.

A convenient and safe place to get organized right after leaving the rental lot is the airport's cell phone waiting lot. It's located just a minute's drive from the rental car return area and offers a no-pressure environment to pull over. Here, you can take a few minutes to set up your GPS, connect your phone to the car's Bluetooth, and adjust your mirrors and seating before merging onto the main roads.

The most common point of confusion for first-time visitors is navigating the interchange for Interstate 95 immediately after leaving the airport. Drivers can sometimes be unsure whether to take the ramp for I-95 North towards South Carolina or I-95 South towards Florida. It's best to have your navigation app running before you leave the rental garage and pay close attention to the large overhead signs to ensure you get on the correct ramp for your destination.

The simplest plan is to use your GPS to navigate directly to your hotel's address. For overnight parking, the most common and recommended option for visitors is to use one of the city's many public parking garages. These are secure, centrally located, and allow you to leave your car for extended periods. Many hotels also offer their own valet or private parking, which is another convenient, though often pricier, choice.

Driving in downtown Savannah requires a bit of patience and awareness. The area is designed on a grid system with many one-way streets and historic squares that function like roundabouts. You should expect to drive slowly and be highly alert for pedestrians, who frequently use the crosswalks. The unique layout is part of the city's charm, so it's best to relax, yield to others, and enjoy the scenic drive through the beautiful squares.

The most stress-free approach is to pull into your hotel's designated passenger loading zone, which is typically right at the front entrance. This allows you to unload your luggage and check in without worrying about traffic. Once you're settled, you can then move the car to a nearby public parking garage for long-term parking, as on-street spots in these high-traffic tourist areas are extremely limited and not ideal for overnight stays.

For exploring the area around Forsyth Park, you can often find metered street parking along the park's perimeter and on adjacent streets. However, for a more reliable and less time-constrained option, many visitors prefer to park in a public garage, such as the Liberty Street or State Street garages. This allows you to explore for several hours without the need to constantly check on a parking meter.

The best 'park once' strategy is to choose a centrally located public parking garage, like those near Broughton Street, City Market, or Liberty Street. Once you've parked your car for the day, the entire Historic District becomes easily accessible on foot. You can also take advantage of the free DOT Express Shuttle, which has several routes that connect key areas, allowing you to cover more ground without ever returning to your car.

Visitors are often surprised by the strict enforcement of parking rules in the Historic District. A common mistake is not noticing the specific time limits on metered spots, which can be as short as one or two hours. Another frequent issue is parking in a residential-only zone without the proper permit. Always double-check signs for time limits, meter hours, and any street sweeping restrictions to avoid a ticket.

On weekends, the areas that experience the most congestion are typically River Street, Bay Street, and the blocks immediately surrounding City Market. These spots are popular with both tourists and locals, leading to heavy foot traffic and slow-moving vehicles. Finding street parking in these zones on a weekend afternoon can be very difficult, making a public parking garage the most practical choice.

The historic cobblestone streets are a charming feature of Savannah, but they do make for a bumpy ride. You'll encounter them most prominently on River Street and the historic ramps connecting it to Bay Street. It's best to drive over these sections very slowly. While it might be a bit jarring, it's a short part of the overall driving experience and adds to the city's unique atmosphere.

The drive to Wormsloe Historic Site from downtown Savannah is very straightforward and scenic. You'll primarily take Abercorn Street south, which eventually becomes Skidaway Road, and follow the signs for the site. The journey is well-marked and easy to navigate with GPS. Upon arrival, you'll find a large, dedicated parking lot right at the entrance, making parking simple and stress-free.

Visiting Bonaventure Cemetery by car is quite easy. It's about a 15-minute drive from the Historic District, and your GPS will guide you there without any complex turns. Once you arrive and pass through the main gates, there is ample parking available along the cemetery's internal roads. This allows you to park near different sections as you explore the beautiful and historic grounds on foot.

When heading to Tybee Island, especially on a sunny weekend, you should anticipate traffic delays on the bridges along US-80. To minimize this, try to leave early in the morning. Once on the island, parking is almost entirely paid, consisting of large public lots near the pier and metered spaces along the streets. Arriving early gives you the best chance of securing a convenient spot for the day.

For a stress-free half-day trip, plan to leave Savannah by 9 a.m. to beat the worst of the traffic. Drive directly to the large public parking lot near the Tybee Pier, which is your best bet for finding a spot easily. From there, you can enjoy the beach, walk to nearby shops, and have lunch. Aim to head back to Savannah by 2 p.m. to avoid the late afternoon rush of beachgoers leaving the island.

The Tybee Island Light Station is located on the north end of the island and is easy to find by following signs on US-80. The lighthouse has its own dedicated parking lot for visitors. To make parking less stressful, plan your visit for a weekday if possible, or arrive right when it opens in the morning. This allows you to find a spot easily before the main beach crowds arrive for the day.

The most direct route to Hilton Head is via US-17 North to SC-46 East, following signs for the island. It's a straightforward drive that takes about an hour. For beach access, Coligny Beach Park is a popular destination with a large public parking lot located across the street. While the lot is spacious, it can fill up quickly on weekends, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended.

Visiting Old Town Bluffton is very convenient for drivers. The area offers plenty of free, on-street public parking, especially along the main thoroughfare of Calhoun Street and its intersecting side streets. You can typically find a spot without much trouble, allowing you to park your rental car and then spend a couple of hours exploring the charming art galleries, boutiques, and cafes on foot.

The drive from Savannah to Charleston is an easy two-hour trip, mostly on I-95 North and US-17 North. For a simple parking plan upon arrival, set your GPS for a public parking garage near the Charleston Visitor Center or the Historic Charleston City Market. Parking in a garage allows you to leave your car for the day and explore the city's historic core on foot without the stress of finding street parking.

The drive to St. Augustine is a simple trip south on I-95. For a relaxing break, consider a stop in Brunswick, Georgia, to see its historic downtown, or exit for a brief visit to Jekyll Island. A bit further south, just into Florida, Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island is another excellent choice. These coastal towns are just a short detour off the interstate and offer a pleasant change of scenery.

A great plan is to drive south on I-95 from Savannah and take the Brunswick exit. First, head over the causeway to Jekyll Island, where parking is abundant and easy to find at the historic district, beaches, and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Afterward, drive back towards the mainland and follow signs for the Torras Causeway to St. Simons Island. There, the easiest parking is typically found in the public lots near the Pier Village.

The drive to Fort Pulaski is a pleasant and direct route east from Savannah on US-80, the same road that leads to Tybee Island. The monument is located just before you reach the island and is clearly marked. Upon arrival, you'll find a large, convenient parking lot right next to the visitor center, making for a very easy start to your visit with just a short walk to the fort entrance.

An excellent strategy is to plan the first part of your trip around exploring the highly walkable Historic District without a car. You can rely on walking, the free shuttle, and ride-sharing services. For the latter part of your stay, pick up your rental car for the days you've scheduled for Tybee Island, Hilton Head, or other outlying attractions. This approach saves you money on the rental and eliminates the hassle of downtown parking.

When driving in the Historic District, it's important to be patient and aware of the many tour vehicles. Trolleys and buses make frequent stops, often pausing in the travel lane to point out landmarks. Horse-drawn carriages move slowly and have the right-of-way. The best practice is to maintain a safe following distance and be prepared for sudden stops, allowing them the space they need to operate.

A simple and effective routine is to drive north on one of the main thoroughfares like Abercorn or Drayton Street. Instead of navigating deep into the most congested areas near the river, park at a public garage on the southern edge of the Historic District, such as the Liberty Street Garage. This allows you to avoid the narrowest streets while still being an easy walk from all the main sights.

A compact or mid-size sedan is often the perfect balance for a Savannah trip. These vehicles are small enough to navigate the tight streets of the Historic District and fit into smaller street parking spaces with ease. At the same time, they offer plenty of comfort and efficiency for longer drives to Tybee Island or other coastal destinations, making them a versatile and practical choice.

To make loading up with kids a low-stress affair, have one adult complete the paperwork and retrieve the car from the garage. They can then drive it to the terminal's passenger pickup curb. The other adult can wait with the children and luggage in the baggage claim area. This allows you to load everything and buckle the kids in a less hectic environment than the parking garage.

For travelers with significant luggage, a mid-size or full-size SUV often provides the most practical cargo space. Their open, boxy layouts are more forgiving for bulky items than a standard sedan trunk. Before leaving the lot, it's a good idea to do a quick test fit with your largest bags to ensure everything fits comfortably without obstructing your rear view.

Before you drive off, take a moment to check for essential tech features. Confirm that the car's USB ports are working so you can keep your phone charged. It's also wise to pair your phone with the car's Bluetooth system for hands-free calls and audio streaming. If you use a phone mount, quickly check the dashboard or vents for a suitable and secure spot to place it.

Visitors are often pleasantly surprised by the generally courteous and slower pace of driving, especially within the Historic District. Drivers are typically patient when navigating the squares and yielding to pedestrians. On the other hand, on highways outside the city, you might notice that turn signal use can be less consistent than in other regions, so it's always good to maintain a safe following distance.

During Savannah's intense summer rainstorms, visibility can decrease rapidly. Major arteries like Abercorn Street, Victory Drive, and DeRenne Avenue can experience significant slowdowns. Some of the older streets in the Historic District may have lane markings that are harder to see when wet. It's always best to reduce your speed, turn on your headlights, and be extra cautious in these conditions.

Refueling before your return is very convenient. There are several major gas stations located along Pooler Parkway, which is the main road you'll likely use to access the airport from I-95. These stations are just a minute or two from the airport entrance and are situated for easy entry and exit, allowing you to top off the tank quickly before heading to the rental car return area.

As you drive toward the airport on Airways Avenue, you will need to be in the left-hand lanes. Look for the large, clear overhead signs that specifically say "Rental Car Return." These signs will direct you to a dedicated entrance ramp that separates you from the main traffic flow for passenger drop-off and arrivals, guiding you straight to the correct garage.

The process is designed to be simple. First, follow the signs for "Departures" and pull up to the curb for your specific airline to drop off passengers and luggage. After they are on their way, simply get back on the main terminal loop road. From there, it's an easy and well-marked transition to follow the signs for "Rental Car Return" without having to leave the airport complex.

The rental car return garage at SAV is conveniently connected directly to the main terminal. After you've dropped off your vehicle and keys, simply follow the prominent indoor signs that point towards the "Main Terminal" or "Airline Ticketing." It's a short, covered walk that will lead you right back into the departures hall where the airline check-in counters are located.