Hertz Car Rental
Georgia

Hertz serves Atlanta travelers through its primary location at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) as well as numerous neighborhood branches throughout the metro area. Choosing the best one depends entirely on your travel plans. If you're flying into Atlanta, the airport location offers the most convenience for immediate pickup and drop-off. For local renters or visitors staying with friends or family, a neighborhood location closer to your starting point can save time and be more accessible than traveling to the airport.

After collecting your luggage from the baggage claim area, the pickup process at ATL is straightforward. You will follow the overhead signs for Ground Transportation and the Rental Car Center. This involves a short ride on the airport's SkyTrain, which is a free and efficient automated people mover. Once you arrive at the Rental Car Center, you can proceed directly to the Hertz counter to complete your paperwork and get your keys before heading to the adjacent parking garage to find your vehicle.

To reach the Hertz pickup area from the main terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson, you'll need to take the ATL SkyTrain. After you've collected your bags, follow the prominent signs for the Rental Car Center. The SkyTrain station is located just outside the terminal, and the ride itself is only a few minutes long. This train runs frequently, 24 hours a day, and delivers you directly to the facility where all the rental car companies, including Hertz, are conveniently located in one building.

The Hertz location at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is typically open 24/7 to accommodate travelers on all flights. For a late-night arrival, it's always a good practice to include your flight number in your reservation so the staff can track any delays. The ATL SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center also operates around the clock, ensuring you can get to the counter regardless of your arrival time. While the process remains the same, you may experience shorter lines, making for a quicker pickup.

To ensure a smooth and efficient pickup experience at any Hertz location in Georgia, you should be prepared to present your primary travel documents. Generally, this includes a valid driver's license issued in your name. You will also need to have a major credit or debit card, also in the renter's name, available for the rental transaction. For specific questions or unique circumstances, it's always best to review the terms on your rental confirmation ahead of your arrival.

International visitors renting from Hertz in Atlanta can expect a professional and streamlined process. In addition to your valid passport, you will need to present a driver's license from your home country. If your license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended to serve as a translation. Be prepared to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, such as driving on the right side of the road and understanding rules for turning right on a red light, to ensure a safe journey.

Renting from ATL offers unmatched convenience for air travelers, with 24/7 operations and a vast selection of vehicles right at the airport. However, airport locations sometimes have additional fees associated with them. Picking up from a Hertz neighborhood location can be a great alternative if you don't need a car immediately upon landing or if you're a local resident. These branches often provide a more personal experience and can be strategically located near hotels, business districts, or residential areas for easier access.

Returning a Hertz rental for an early flight at ATL is designed to be very efficient. Simply follow the airport signs for 'Rental Car Return' as you approach the airport complex. These signs will guide you directly to the entrance of the Rental Car Center's parking garage. Once inside, follow the overhead signs for Hertz, park in a designated spot, and a staff member will quickly check you in. From there, you can take the SkyTrain directly back to the terminal for your flight check-in.

To be safe, it's wise to budget at least 30 minutes for the car return process itself, which includes driving to the Rental Car Center, the vehicle check-in, and the SkyTrain ride back to the terminal. From there, you still need to account for airline check-in and the often-lengthy security lines at ATL. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at the Rental Car Center at least two to three hours before a domestic flight departure, and even earlier for international flights.

The Hertz location at the ATL airport is typically open 24 hours, so a standard return process is usually available even for red-eye flights. However, if you are returning to a neighborhood location after its business hours, the process is also quite simple. You would park the car in the designated return area, note the mileage and fuel level on the rental agreement, and drop the keys along with the completed contract in the secure drop-box. Always confirm the specific after-hours procedure with the location when you pick up your vehicle.

Yes, Hertz generally accommodates one-way rentals, which is a fantastic option for planning a road trip across Georgia. You can easily pick up your vehicle at the Atlanta airport and arrange to return it to another Hertz location in a city like Savannah, Augusta, or Macon. This flexibility allows you to explore the state without needing to circle back to your starting point. When booking, simply enter your different pickup and drop-off locations to see available vehicle options for your itinerary.

For navigating Atlanta's notorious traffic and fitting into snug parking spots, a compact or mid-size sedan is often the ideal choice. These vehicles offer better maneuverability on congested multi-lane highways like the Downtown Connector. Their smaller footprint makes them significantly easier to park in the tight spaces common in downtown and Midtown parking garages. Additionally, you'll benefit from better fuel economy while idling in traffic, making your city exploration more efficient.

A road trip from Atlanta to the coast is best enjoyed with a comfortable and spacious vehicle. A mid-size or full-size sedan would provide a smooth ride and ample legroom for the four-to-five-hour drive. If you're traveling with family or carrying extra luggage and beach gear, consider a standard or mid-size SUV. These vehicles offer superior cargo space and a higher driving position, which can make the long stretches of I-16 more pleasant and comfortable for all passengers.

For a family trip visiting Atlanta's top attractions, a minivan or a three-row SUV is an excellent choice. These vehicles provide the necessary space to keep everyone comfortable, especially with children, and offer plenty of room for strollers, backpacks, and souvenirs. The convenience of power sliding doors on a minivan can be a lifesaver in crowded parking lots. An SUV provides a versatile option that handles city driving well while ensuring you have enough cargo capacity for all your family's needs.

When selecting an SUV for a trip to the North Georgia mountains, consider both capability and comfort. An all-wheel drive (AWD) model can provide extra traction and stability on winding, steep, or potentially gravel roads, especially in unpredictable weather. Look for an SUV with sufficient ground clearance and a responsive engine for climbing hills. Ample cargo space is also important for hiking gear, coolers, and luggage, ensuring you're well-prepared for your mountain adventure.

A rental car is extremely helpful for visiting Stone Mountain Park, as it's located about 16 miles east of downtown Atlanta and is not easily accessible by public transit. Driving to the park is straightforward via U.S. Highway 78. Once inside, the park is vast, and having your own vehicle allows you to easily travel between the various attractions, hiking trailheads, and picnic areas. Parking is generally plentiful, with large lots available near all major points of interest, though you should expect a vehicle entry fee.

A rental car is very practical for exploring Atlanta's diverse neighborhoods in a single day, as they are quite spread out. While each area is walkable once you arrive, driving is the most efficient way to travel between them. This allows you to experience the upscale shopping of Buckhead, the cultural hub of Midtown, and the eclectic vibe of Little Five Points without relying on ride-sharing or complex public transit routes. Just be prepared to find and pay for parking in each neighborhood, as street parking can be limited.

For visitors from smaller towns, driving in Atlanta can be an intense experience, primarily due to the high volume of traffic and the number of lanes on major highways. The I-75/I-85 Downtown Connector is one of the busiest stretches of interstate in the country. Drivers tend to be assertive, and traffic can be heavy at all times of day, not just during rush hour. It's crucial to stay alert, use a GPS for navigation, and leave plenty of space between you and the car ahead.

First-time visitors often find Atlanta's highway system confusing, especially the Downtown Connector where I-75 and I-85 merge and then split again. Exits can come up quickly and are often on the left as well as the right. Another common pitfall is the prevalence of streets named 'Peachtree,' which can be very confusing for GPS navigation; always double-check if it's Peachtree Street, Drive, or Avenue. Finally, be aware of the city's many one-way streets downtown, which can make navigating city blocks tricky without careful attention.

Around Atlanta, you'll encounter the Georgia Express Lanes, which are optional toll lanes designed to manage traffic flow on major interstates like I-75 and I-85. These require a Peach Pass transponder for access. Many Hertz rental vehicles are equipped with a plate-pass service that allows you to use these lanes without a personal transponder. The tolls are then billed to you after your rental period. It's a good idea to ask about the specific service and associated administrative fees at the rental counter when you pick up your car.

Finding parking can be most challenging in dense, popular areas like Midtown, Downtown, and the Virginia-Highland neighborhood. Street parking is often scarce and metered, while parking garages can be expensive. To plan your stops, consider using a parking app to locate and reserve a spot in a garage ahead of time. Another strategy is to park once in a central location and then explore a specific neighborhood on foot or by using a ride-share service for short hops, returning to your car at the end of your visit.

For events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, pre-booking your parking is the best strategy. Both venues are surrounded by numerous official and private lots, and you can reserve a spot online through the venue's website or third-party parking apps. This guarantees you a space and saves you from the stress of searching for a spot on game day. Arriving early is also key, as traffic around the stadium district becomes extremely congested in the hours leading up to an event.

The drive from downtown Atlanta to ATL can take as little as 20 minutes without traffic, but you should almost never count on that. During morning or evening rush hour, the trip can easily take an hour or more. A safe rule is to plan for at least 60-75 minutes of driving time to account for unexpected delays on the Downtown Connector. Factoring in car return time and airport security, leaving downtown at least three to four hours before your flight's departure is a wise precaution.

A day trip from Atlanta to Athens is very feasible, with a typical drive time of about 90 minutes each way via GA-316. This allows plenty of time to explore the vibrant downtown and the University of Georgia campus. However, on UGA home football game days, this plan changes dramatically. Traffic into and out of Athens becomes incredibly heavy, and parking is scarce and expensive. If your trip coincides with a game day, it's best to leave Atlanta extremely early in the morning and plan to stay for the entire day.

The drive from Atlanta to Chattanooga is a relatively easy and scenic two-hour trip, primarily on I-75 North. The main challenge for out-of-town drivers is navigating the heavy traffic on I-75 and I-285 as you leave the Atlanta metro area, especially during peak hours. Once you are north of Marietta, the traffic typically thins out, and the drive becomes much more relaxed. As you approach Chattanooga, the highway winds through some hilly terrain, but it is well-maintained and generally not difficult to navigate.

Driving from Atlanta to the alpine-themed town of Helen during a peak fall weekend requires patience. While the drive is normally under two hours, expect significant traffic delays, especially on the two-lane roads closer to Helen as you get off the main highways. The area is a major destination for viewing fall foliage and attending Oktoberfest, so the roads become very congested. Plan to leave Atlanta early in the morning to get ahead of the worst traffic and secure a parking spot, which can also be very limited upon arrival.

During peak rush hour, typically from 7-10 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. on weekdays, the drive from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to downtown Atlanta can be unpredictable. While the distance is only about 10 miles, the trip along the I-75/I-85 Connector can take anywhere from 45 minutes to well over an hour. It's essential to check a real-time traffic app before you leave the Rental Car Center to get the most accurate estimate and plan for significant delays as a standard part of your travel time.

This is an excellent hybrid strategy for an Atlanta visit. For exploring downtown, Midtown, and other neighborhoods on the rail line, use the fast and convenient MARTA train system to avoid traffic and parking hassles. You can leave your rental car parked at your hotel or a station with long-term parking. Then, use your Hertz rental car on days you plan to visit attractions outside the city perimeter, such as Stone Mountain, the North Georgia mountains, or other nearby towns, giving you the best of both worlds.

There are generally no specific restrictions on driving a standard rental car within Georgia's state parks. The main roads are typically paved and well-maintained, making them accessible to all vehicle types. However, if you plan to explore more remote areas with unpaved or gravel roads, renting an SUV with higher clearance might be a good idea. Be aware that all state parks require a daily park pass for vehicle entry, which you can purchase at the park entrance.

The drive from Atlanta to the Georgia coast, such as Savannah, is primarily a straight shot on I-16 East and takes about four hours. The drive itself is mostly through rural landscapes and is not particularly challenging. For a good overnight stop to break up the trip, Macon is an excellent choice, located roughly halfway. It offers a historic downtown, great restaurants, and a rich musical heritage. This allows you to split the drive into two manageable two-hour segments.

For navigating Atlanta's complex highway system and ever-changing traffic, a reliable navigation system is essential. Features like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are incredibly useful as they allow you to use your preferred smartphone mapping app directly on the car's larger infotainment screen. This provides real-time traffic updates and familiar voice commands, which is often more current than a car's built-in GPS. A car equipped with Bluetooth is also a must for safe, hands-free calling while on the road.

To efficiently see Atlanta's highlights by car, strategic planning is key. Group your destinations by neighborhood to minimize driving time between stops. For example, visit the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park together as they are all downtown. Plan your travel between neighborhoods outside of peak rush hours (7-10 a.m. and 4-7 p.m.). Using a real-time traffic app like Waze or Google Maps is crucial for finding the least congested routes throughout the day.

Georgia's weather can be unpredictable, so it's important to be prepared. Summer often brings sudden, intense thunderstorms that can reduce visibility and make roads slick, so slow down and increase your following distance. In the winter, while snow is rare, ice storms are a more significant threat, making bridges and overpasses especially hazardous. In the mountains, fog can be dense, so always use your low-beam headlights. Check the weather forecast daily before heading out on your drive.

If your travel plans change and you need to extend your rental period, it's important to communicate with Hertz as soon as possible. You can typically modify your reservation through the Hertz mobile app or by calling the customer service number provided on your rental agreement. Extending your rental ensures that you remain properly covered under the rental terms. Proactively managing the extension helps avoid any confusion or issues when you eventually return the vehicle.

When traveling with toddlers and luggage, a divide-and-conquer approach at the airport works best. One adult can stay with the children and the luggage in the baggage claim area while the other adult takes the SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center to complete the pickup process. Once the car is secured, the driver can return to the terminal's arrivals level curbside pickup area to load the family and bags. This minimizes the time your children have to spend navigating the rental facility.

For convention groups, renting a larger vehicle like a minivan or a full-size SUV can be more cost-effective than multiple rideshares for traveling together to dinners or off-site events. However, be sure to factor in the daily cost of parking at your downtown hotel, which can be substantial. A key consideration is whether you truly need the car every day, as many downtown convention hotels and venues are within walking distance of each other. A rental might be most useful for airport transfers and evening excursions.

Coordinating a pickup for a scattered group is manageable with some planning. The person or people arriving at ATL should be the primary renter and pick up the vehicle from the airport's Rental Car Center. They can then easily drive to meet the others arriving at the Amtrak or bus station downtown. This avoids the need for the train or bus travelers to find their way to the airport. Just be sure any additional drivers are properly added to the rental agreement at a Hertz counter.

A rental car is the perfect tool for a film location tour, as sites are spread across the metro area. Before you start, map out all your desired locations and group them geographically to create an efficient route for each day. Many popular spots are in smaller towns outside the city like Senoia or Covington, making a car absolutely essential. Using a GPS and planning your route in advance will save you time and allow you to see as many iconic spots as possible during your trip.

If you're staying in northern suburbs like Sandy Springs or Alpharetta, be prepared for a challenging commute into downtown Atlanta, especially on weekdays. The primary route, GA-400, is known for its heavy rush-hour traffic. To avoid the worst of it, plan to drive into the city before 7 a.m. or after 10 a.m. Another excellent option is to drive your rental car to the northernmost MARTA station, such as North Springs, and take the train downtown to avoid the stress of traffic and parking.

Before you begin your Georgia road trip, take a few minutes for a final check. Walk around the vehicle to note any pre-existing scratches or dings on the rental agreement. Inside, adjust your mirrors, seat, and steering wheel for comfort and safety. It's also a great time to pair your smartphone with the car's Bluetooth system and set your first destination in the navigation app. Finally, confirm the fuel level matches what's indicated on your paperwork so you're all set to hit the road.