Dollar Car Hire
in Savannah

The Dollar car rental desk at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is conveniently located inside the terminal within the baggage reclaim area. After collecting your luggage, you can proceed directly to the desk to complete your rental agreement with an agent. Once you have your keys, the rental cars are parked in the adjacent covered car park. Clear signage will guide you on the short walk from the desk to the designated collection bays for your vehicle.

For late-night arrivals at SAV, it's good practice to check the location's specific opening hours when you make your reservation. If your flight is delayed, rental companies often have procedures to accommodate travellers arriving after the desk has closed. This may include specific instructions for a self-service collection or directions to a nearby service window. The rental car area itself is typically well lit and accessible 24/7 for customers with existing reservations.

The most straightforward route from the airport to downtown Savannah is designed for simplicity. From the airport exit you will merge onto I-95 South for a very short distance, then take Exit 99 for I-16 East, which is clearly signed for Savannah. This interstate leads you directly to the western edge of the Historic District. This route minimises complex interchanges and allows you to get used to your rental car on a major road before navigating city streets.

During typical weekday rush hours, generally from 7:30 to 9:00 am and 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you should plan for the drive from SAV to the Historic District to take approximately 30 to 45 minutes. While the distance is not far, traffic can build up on I-16 as it approaches the downtown exits. The final few miles on city streets can also be slow due to traffic lights and pedestrians. Outside these peak times, the drive is usually closer to 20–25 minutes.

If you are arriving in Savannah by Amtrak, the station is located a few miles north of the Historic District and does not have on-site rental facilities. The most convenient option is to take a taxi or rideshare from the train station to a non-airport rental branch. Several rental offices are situated in the downtown area or along major commercial roads such as Abercorn Street. Collecting from one of these city locations will be much more direct than travelling out to the airport.

For visitors staying on or near River Street, the best strategy is to use one of the city's public car parks. The Bryan Street Garage and the Whitaker Street Garage are excellent choices, located just a couple of blocks from the waterfront. Parking in a car park allows you to pay for an extended period, providing a secure and central spot for your vehicle. This approach eliminates the stress of searching for limited metered street parking and worrying about time restrictions.

Driving in Savannah's Historic District for the first time can be a unique experience, but it is manageable with a little patience. The grid layout of the streets is helpful, but you must pay close attention to the numerous one-way streets and the traffic flow around the 22 historic squares. Using a sat-nav is highly recommended to help with navigation. Always yield to traffic already in a square, as they function like roundabouts, and be especially watchful for pedestrians and horse-drawn carriages.

While the historic cobblestone streets, particularly on River Street and Factor's Walk, are bumpy, they are perfectly safe for a standard rental car. The key is to drive over them very slowly and carefully to ensure a comfortable ride and to be gentle on the vehicle's suspension. These streets are a unique part of Savannah's charm and are not extensive enough to cause any issues for your car. Reducing your speed significantly is the best way to navigate these textured, historic lanes without any problems.

To avoid circling for parking at Forsyth Park, it's best to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon on weekdays. On-street parking is available along the park perimeter on streets like Drayton, Whitaker and Gaston. During peak times, such as weekend afternoons, be prepared to park a few blocks away and enjoy a short walk to the park. Another strategy is to look for parking on the residential side streets to the south of the park, which can sometimes be less crowded.

Bonaventure Cemetery has ample on-site parking available for visitors, located just inside the main entrance. You can park your car and then explore the historic grounds on foot. For the most peaceful and least stressful experience, plan your visit for a weekday morning. This allows you to avoid larger weekend crowds and tour bus arrivals, making it easier to find a parking spot and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the cemetery at your own pace.

The most efficient way to explore Savannah's squares on foot is to park your rental car once in a central location for the day. The State Street Garage or the Liberty Street Garage are both excellent options, placing you right in the heart of the Historic District. By securing a space in a car park, you can comfortably walk to the majority of the squares, from Johnson Square in the north to Monterey Square in the south. This strategy saves you the time and frustration of trying to find new parking near each individual square.

On a summer weekend, you should allow at least 45 to 60 minutes for the drive from downtown Savannah to Tybee Island. While the trip can be as quick as 30 minutes in light traffic, Highway 80 is the only road to the island and can become heavily congested. Traffic often backs up significantly, especially approaching the Lazaretto Creek Bridge. Leaving early in the morning, ideally before 9 am, is the best way to avoid the heaviest delays.

For a day trip to Tybee Island with beach gear, the North Beach area offers one of the most convenient access points. This area features a large municipal car park situated right by the beach, minimising the distance you have to carry your chairs and cooler. The beach here is often wider and less crowded than the area near the pier. The proximity to the Tybee Island Light Station and several casual restaurants also makes it a great base for the day.

To minimise walking with your gear on Tybee Island, your best bet is to use the large municipal car parks located adjacent to the main beach access points. The lots at 14th, 15th and 16th Streets provide direct access to the pier area, while the North Beach lot is perfect for the quieter end of the island. These lots allow you to pay for the entire day, so you won't have to worry about feeding a meter. Arriving early is key to securing a spot closest to the boardwalks.

Street parking in the Starland District is generally available, but it can become more competitive in the evenings, particularly at weekends. As the area's popular restaurants and shops get busy, you may need to park a block or two away from your specific destination. It's important to carefully read all posted signs for any residential restrictions or time limits. With a little patience, you can typically find a spot without too much difficulty.

Driving near City Market at night requires heightened awareness due to the lively atmosphere. The area becomes pedestrian-heavy, with many people crossing streets and enjoying the open-air market. You should also be prepared for frequent stops from rideshare vehicles picking up and dropping off passengers. To avoid frustration, it is highly recommended to park in a nearby car park, like the Whitaker Street Garage, and walk the final few blocks to your destination.

For a ghost tour that meets in the Historic District, it's wise to plan on arriving at least 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled start time. This provides a comfortable buffer to find parking, which can be challenging in the evening. Aiming for a space in a public car park is often the quickest option. This extra time ensures you can park, walk to your meeting point, and check in without feeling rushed.

Driving across the Talmadge Memorial Bridge is a memorable experience, offering panoramic views of the Savannah River and the city skyline. As a high, cable-stayed bridge, it is exposed to the elements and can be noticeably windier on blustery days. Drivers of higher-profile vehicles like SUVs may feel the crosswinds more acutely. It's advisable to maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel and be mindful of your speed, but under normal conditions it is a very safe and scenic drive.

The most direct route for a day trip from Savannah to Hilton Head Island is to take US-17 North into South Carolina, then follow signs for SC-46 East, which leads to US-278 and the bridge to the island. Traffic is typically worst during the morning and evening commute hours on weekdays. At weekends, especially in summer, expect heavy inbound traffic in the morning and outbound traffic in the late afternoon as beachgoers come and go.

Visiting Savannah, Tybee Island and Bluffton in a single day is ambitious but achievable with a rental car and an early start. A logical driving order would be to explore Savannah's Historic District in the morning, then drive out to Tybee Island for the early afternoon. Afterwards, you can head to Bluffton, South Carolina, in the late afternoon or early evening. This route minimises backtracking, as Bluffton is located between Savannah and I-95, making it a convenient final stop.

The most common mistake visitors make in Savannah's squares is failing to yield to traffic already circulating, as the squares function like roundabouts. Another frequent error is attempting to turn left by cutting directly across the square instead of driving around it to the proper exit point. To avoid these issues, always enter the square cautiously, yield to your left, and follow the counter-clockwise flow of traffic. Using a sat-nav with turn-by-turn directions can also help you anticipate your exit.

Yes, visitors should be particularly cautious about street-sweeping zones in downtown Savannah. Signs will clearly indicate the specific days and times when parking is prohibited for cleaning, and enforcement is strict. Another common issue is parking in a residential-only zone without the proper permit, which is clearly marked on signs. Always take an extra moment to read all parking regulations on the block where you leave your car to avoid a ticket or having your vehicle towed.

Metered parking in Savannah is primarily managed through a city-wide system that uses pay stations or a mobile app. You will typically need to enter your licence plate number and select the amount of time you wish to park. It's crucial to check nearby signs for the hours of enforcement, as they can vary by location, and note any maximum time limits. Some zones may have different rules for weekdays versus weekends, so a quick check of the signage can prevent any confusion.

To ensure a smooth valet experience with your rental car, take a moment to remove all personal belongings, such as phones, wallets and shopping bags. It's also a good idea to note the car's fuel level and general condition. When you arrive, ask the valet about their hours of operation and how much advance notice they require to retrieve your vehicle. This simple preparation helps prevent delays when you're ready to head out and explore.

Before driving into the dense Historic District, it's very convenient to stop for groceries in the more suburban areas. Along Abercorn Street, south of the downtown core, you will find several major supermarkets like Publix and Kroger. These locations feature large, easily accessible car parks, making it a low-stress stop. This allows you to stock up on snacks and drinks without having to navigate the narrow streets and limited parking of downtown Savannah.

A perfect low-stress stop on a road trip from Savannah to Charleston is the charming coastal town of Beaufort, South Carolina. It's located roughly halfway between the two cities and is a short detour off the main route. Beaufort's historic waterfront has ample public parking, lovely parks and great local restaurants, making it an ideal place to stretch your legs. Another option is the Old Sheldon Church Ruins, a beautiful historic site right off the highway that offers a quick and peaceful break.

The drive from Savannah to Georgia's Golden Isles, including Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island, is very straightforward. You will simply take I-95 South for about an hour to the Brunswick area. From there, clear and prominent highway signs will direct you to the causeways for each island. The entire route consists of well-maintained interstate and state highways, making it an easy and low-stress drive for a coastal day trip.

For a morning flight out of SAV, it is recommended to leave downtown Savannah at least two hours before your flight's departure time. This allowance covers approximately 30 minutes of driving time, assuming normal traffic. The remaining time gives you a comfortable cushion to complete the rental car return process, take the shuttle or walk to the terminal, check your bags and clear through security without feeling rushed.

The most efficient method for managing drop-off at SAV is to first drive to the main terminal's departures curb. Here you can unload all passengers and their luggage, allowing them to proceed directly to the check-in counters. Once they are safely on their way, the driver can then proceed alone to the rental car return area. This approach avoids the hassle of everyone having to manage their bags through the rental car lot and on the shuttle.

During a major event like the St. Patrick's Day celebration, or on a busy holiday weekend, you should anticipate significant changes to driving and parking. Expect numerous road closures, especially in the Historic District, to accommodate parades and crowds. Parking will be extremely scarce and more expensive, with public car parks often filling up early in the day. The best strategy during these times is to leave your car at your accommodation and rely on walking, pedicabs or ride-sharing services to get around.

To avoid the heaviest traffic on major arteries like Victory Drive and the Harry S. Truman Parkway, try to schedule your drives during off-peak hours. This generally means travelling between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm on weekdays. The Truman Parkway is typically the faster option for north-south travel across the city compared with surface streets. Using a sat-nav app with real-time traffic updates can also help you identify and navigate around unexpected congestion or accidents.

Commuting from Pooler into downtown Savannah is quite easy, as it's a direct drive on I-16 that typically takes about 20–25 minutes. However, it's best to avoid this drive during peak morning and evening rush hours. Traffic heading into Savannah can be heavy between 7:30 and 9:00 am, while outbound traffic gets congested between 4:30 and 6:00 pm. Planning your trips into the city outside these windows will ensure a much smoother and faster journey.

For a smooth group pick-up with staggered arrivals, the designated driver should wait until all members of the party have landed and collected their luggage. Once everyone is together, the driver can proceed to the rental desk to complete the paperwork. Alternatively, the driver can collect the vehicle alone and then drive to the arrivals curb to pick up the rest of the group. This prevents the car from being left unattended in the pick-up lane.

Before leaving the rental lot at SAV, take a few moments to get comfortable and prepared for the motorway. Adjust your driver's seat, mirrors and steering wheel to your preference. It's also a good time to pair your phone with the car's Bluetooth system and enter your first destination into the sat-nav. A quick walk around the vehicle to note its condition will also give you peace of mind before you merge into traffic.

For a quick break with kids, Daffin Park is an excellent choice that avoids the congestion of the Historic District. It features a large playground, open green spaces for running around, and easy-to-find parking. Another great option is Lake Mayer Community Park, located further south, which has a playground and a pleasant walking path around the lake. Both parks are easily accessible from main roads and provide a perfect, low-stress environment for a family travel break.

Visiting Wormsloe Historic Site by car is very straightforward, as it's conveniently located just off the Truman Parkway. The drive from downtown is typically less than 20 minutes. The iconic oak-lined entrance can experience traffic backups, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. To avoid a potential wait to enter and take photos, it is best to plan your visit for a weekday or arrive right when the site opens in the morning.

When visiting the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, you can expect the main Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive to be a well-maintained gravel road. It is suitable for all standard rental cars and is designed for slow, leisurely driving to observe wildlife. It's a good idea to bring binoculars for better viewing of birds and alligators. Also be aware that mobile reception can be spotty within the refuge, so you may want to download a map of the area beforehand.

Night driving in the Historic District can be challenging and requires extra caution. The area is known for its atmospheric, gaslight-style street lamps, which are beautiful but provide dimmer illumination than modern lighting. The streets are often narrow, and there is a high volume of pedestrians enjoying the city's nightlife. It is essential to drive slowly, be vigilant at intersections, and watch for people who may step into the street unexpectedly.

For a dinner on River Street, the best advice is to park a few blocks away and enjoy a short walk to the waterfront. Locals and savvy visitors often use the public car parks on Bryan Street or Whitaker Street. This strategy allows you to avoid the heavy traffic, limited street parking and pedestrian congestion directly on River Street. It's a much more relaxed approach that starts your evening on the right foot.

The most efficient plan for a half-day in Savannah is to drive from the airport directly to the Savannah Visitor Information Centre on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. They have a large, affordable car park where you can leave your car for several hours. From the visitor centre, you can easily hop on a trolley tour for a quick overview of the city or take a short walk to explore nearby attractions like City Market. This central parking spot allows for a quick exit when you're ready to head to the coast.