Payless Car Hire
Augusta

On arrival at Augusta Regional Airport, the car hire counters are conveniently located and easy to find. After you disembark, simply proceed to the baggage reclaim area inside the main terminal building. The hire car desks are situated right there, allowing you to complete your paperwork while waiting for your luggage. The process is designed to be seamless for travellers so you can be on your way with minimal confusion.

A late-night arrival at a regional airport like AGS is typically calm and quiet. The car hire area will be significantly less crowded than during peak daytime hours, which often leads to a more relaxed and efficient pickup. You can expect shorter queues and a quicker transition from the counter to your vehicle. It’s always good practice to confirm the location’s opening hours when you book to ensure staff will be available on arrival.

For a low-stress drive into the city, a good route is to take Tobacco Road from the airport to the Bobby Jones Expressway (I-520). This expressway forms a loop around the city and helps you avoid immediate downtown traffic. From I-520 you can then take a major artery such as Gordon Highway or Riverwatch Parkway directly into the city centre. This path is well signed and generally more straightforward than navigating smaller surface streets right after your flight.

For a morning departure, it’s wise to build in a comfortable time cushion for returning your hire car. Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time. This allows about 20–30 minutes for the car return process, including the final inspection and paperwork, plus ample time to check your bags and clear security without feeling rushed. During peak travel seasons or major local events, adding an extra 30 minutes is a good idea.

A perfect meeting spot is inside the terminal at the baggage reclaim area. Your friend or family member can drop you at the departures kerb and you can meet them downstairs by the luggage carousels. This area is climate-controlled, has seating, and is situated right next to the car hire counters. It allows you to handle the hire agreement while your companion waits comfortably with the bags.

During Masters week you should expect a dramatic increase in traffic volume across the city. A drive that might normally take 15 minutes can easily stretch to 45 minutes or more, especially near the event venue. Major roads such as Washington Road, I-20 and Riverwatch Parkway become heavily congested throughout the day. It’s essential to plan journeys with significant extra travel time to avoid being late.

The most intense congestion during the Masters is typically found on Washington Road near Augusta National and at the I-20 interchanges. To bypass the worst of it, consider using alternate routes such as Wheeler Road or the Bobby Jones Expressway (I-520) to navigate around the city. Using a real-time traffic app on your phone will be your best tool for finding the clearest path and adjusting your route on the fly.

To avoid getting stuck in tournament traffic, timing is everything. Plan errands or short trips for early in the morning before play begins, or later in the evening after crowds have dispersed. For nearby destinations, explore local side streets that run parallel to congested arteries like Washington Road. Wherever possible, consider walking to nearby restaurants or shops to avoid the hassle of driving and parking altogether.

The most consistently smooth route between downtown Augusta and Evans is typically Riverwatch Parkway. While it does experience rush-hour congestion, it generally flows better than surface streets like Washington Road, which has numerous traffic lights. Another option is taking I-20, but be prepared for potential backups at the Riverwatch Parkway and Washington Road exits during peak commute times.

Each area offers distinct advantages for travellers with a car. West Augusta, near I-20 and the Augusta Mall, is very car-friendly with ample free parking at hotels and easy access to major roads. Downtown Augusta provides walkability to many attractions but often involves paid garage or on-street parking. North Augusta, South Carolina, offers a quieter suburban feel with straightforward driving access back into Augusta via the river bridges.

During morning and evening rush hours the bridges connecting Augusta and North Augusta can become quite congested. Primary crossings, such as the John C. Calhoun Expressway Bridge, often experience slowdowns and backups. While it’s not usually complete gridlock, you should plan for potential delays and add an extra 15 to 20 minutes to your travel time if you need to cross the river during these peak periods.

For the most convenient parking, check if your hotel offers dedicated guest parking, as this will be your simplest option. If not, downtown Augusta has several public car parks located within a short walk of the Riverwalk and Broad Street. These car parks provide a secure and reliable place to leave your vehicle, allowing you to park once and explore the whole centre on foot without having to move the car.

Downtown Augusta’s street layout is a grid that includes numerous one-way streets, which can be challenging for first-time visitors. It’s important to pay close attention to the signs, especially around main thoroughfares like Broad Street and Greene Street. Using a GPS navigation app is highly recommended, as it will help you confidently navigate the one-way patterns and avoid wrong turns.

The best strategy for exploring downtown attractions is to park once and enjoy the area’s walkability. Find a spot in a public car park or a metered space near the Augusta Museum of History. From there you can easily walk to other popular sites like the Morris Museum of Art, the Augusta Riverwalk and the shops and restaurants on Broad Street, all without the hassle of finding a new parking spot at each location.

Parking for events at SRP Park is generally well organised and accessible. The area features a large parking garage right next to the stadium, as well as several surface lots within a short walking distance. For a popular game or a weekend event, it’s a good idea to arrive a little early to secure a spot in the closest garage. This also gives you time to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Riverside Village area before the game begins.

For a stress-free family outing, attractions located outside the downtown core are often easiest to manage by car. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park and the Augusta Canal Discovery Center at Enterprise Mill both offer large, free car parks located directly at their entrances. This minimises the walk from the car and makes it simple to handle pushchairs, bags and excited children without navigating busy streets or car parks.

There are several convenient access points with ample parking for visiting the Augusta Canal Trail. One of the most popular spots is the Augusta Canal Discovery Center at Enterprise Mill, which has a large, dedicated car park. Another excellent option is the Lake Olmstead trailhead off Milledge Road, which also provides plenty of parking and direct access to the scenic towpath for a relaxing walk or ride.

Like many cities, Augusta has ongoing infrastructure projects that can lead to temporary roadworks or lane closures. Areas around the medical district and major arteries such as I-20 or Washington Road are sometimes affected. Before heading to an important appointment or catching a flight, it’s always a smart idea to check a real-time traffic app for the most current information on any potential disruptions.

Visitors generally find that traffic in the Augusta area moves at a steady pace, but it’s important to be mindful of posted speed limits. Law enforcement actively monitors major thoroughfares such as Washington Road, Riverwatch Parkway and I-20. Adhering to the speed limit, especially in residential zones and around schools, is the best way to ensure a safe and uneventful driving experience during your trip.

After leaving Augusta Regional Airport you’ll find plenty of convenient options for supplies without going far out of your way. The main roads leading from the airport, such as Tobacco Road and Gordon Highway, are lined with grocery stores, convenience shops and fast-food restaurants. These spots are perfect for a quick stop to stock up on drinks, snacks and any other essentials you need for your stay.

A day trip to Aiken is an easy and enjoyable drive from Augusta. The most direct route is to take US-1/US-78 East, which leads you straight into the heart of Aiken’s charming town centre. Once you arrive you’ll find parking is very convenient, with plenty of free on-street parking available throughout the downtown area. This makes it simple to park your car and explore the historic streets, shops and parks on foot.

Driving to Phinizy Swamp Nature Park is straightforward at any time of day, as it’s located away from the city’s main traffic corridors. For the most pleasant experience, consider visiting in the morning when temperatures are cooler and wildlife is often more active. The park provides a large, dedicated car park right at the entrance that rarely fills up, ensuring a hassle-free arrival and start to your nature walk.

The drive from Augusta to Columbia is generally a low-stress trip, as it primarily follows Interstate 20 East. This major motorway is direct and well maintained, with most of the journey involving simple, straight driving. The interchanges are standard for an interstate and become more frequent only as you approach the Columbia metro area. To ensure the smoothest ride, try to time your arrival to avoid the city’s weekday rush hour traffic.

A day trip to Atlanta is very manageable, with the drive on I-20 West typically taking around two and a half hours. The key to a successful trip is planning around Atlanta’s notorious traffic. The biggest headaches occur during weekday rush hours, roughly from 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm. If you can schedule your arrival and departure outside of these windows, you’ll find navigating the city much easier.

The drive to Charleston offers several convenient places to take a break. Columbia, South Carolina, is located almost exactly at the halfway point and is just off I-20, making it an ideal stop for a meal or a short walk. For a nature break, Congaree National Park is a worthwhile and relatively small detour. The smaller town of Orangeburg also provides easy-to-access rest stops and food options right off the highway.

Reaching Lake Thurmond from Augusta is a scenic and straightforward drive. The most common route is to take Washington Road northwest, which eventually becomes GA-104 and leads you directly to the lake area. Public access points, such as Mistletoe State Park or Wildwood Park, have well signposted entrances and offer ample designated parking lots near boat ramps, beaches and picnic areas for easy visitor access.

As a civilian visitor to Fort Eisenhower you must enter through a designated visitor gate and stop at the Visitor Control Center to obtain a pass. Be prepared to present a valid government-issued photo ID. Once on post, the main roads are clearly signed, making navigation to your destination relatively simple. Parking is generally available in marked lots near the main buildings and facilities you’ll be visiting.

To ensure a predictable arrival for an event at the downtown Augusta Convention Center, it’s best to plan for potential city traffic. Check your route ahead of time for any road closures or other downtown events that might cause delays. A good strategy is to aim to arrive in the area about 30–45 minutes before your event begins. This provides a comfortable buffer to find parking in a nearby garage and walk to the venue without feeling rushed.

An efficient way to manage split arrivals is to have the designated driver proceed directly to the car hire counters after getting off the plane. The rest of the group can head to baggage reclaim to collect all the luggage. They can wait comfortably in this area, which is conveniently located right next to the hire desks, until the driver has completed the paperwork and is ready to go get the car.

After collecting your hire car, the airport’s cell‑phone lot is an excellent, low-traffic spot to pull in and organise your luggage. It provides a safe space away from the main terminal traffic to transfer golf clubs and bags into the vehicle. Alternatively, you can find a parking space in a less crowded section of the main airport car park to sort your gear before starting your drive.

During a heavy Southern rainstorm visibility can be significantly reduced and oil on the pavement can make roads slick. It’s important to slow down, increase your following distance, and use your dipped headlights. Some low-lying roads or areas with older drainage systems may experience temporary water pooling, so be cautious and avoid driving through standing water. Major highways like I-20 and Riverwatch Parkway generally drain well but still require extra care.

Augusta’s summer heat can be intense, causing the interior of a parked car to become dangerously hot in a very short time. It’s crucial to never leave children, pets or heat‑sensitive items like electronics, aerosol cans or medication inside the vehicle. Using a sunshade can help reduce cabin temperature slightly, and whenever possible try to find a shaded parking spot to provide some relief from direct sun.

During the Masters official tournament parking lots often reach capacity very early in the morning. If you plan on arriving midday, your most realistic option will be the numerous private lots operated by local businesses and residents along Washington Road and in adjacent neighbourhoods. Be prepared for a potentially long walk to the entrance gates from these lots and expect to navigate significant pedestrian traffic as you get closer.

To ensure a direct and error-free drive, use the Bobby Jones Expressway (I-520). From the Augusta Mall or Washington Road shopping centres, get on I-520 heading east. You can then take either the Riverwatch Parkway or John C. Calhoun Expressway exits, both of which lead you straight into the heart of downtown Augusta. This route completely avoids the risk of accidentally crossing a bridge into South Carolina.

To minimise travel time, structure your days to reduce the number of river crossings during peak hours. Plan to spend a consolidated block of time—either a full morning or an entire afternoon and evening—in Augusta before heading back to your hotel. If you must travel during commute times, check a real-time traffic app to see which of the bridges has the lightest congestion before you leave.

Navigating the medical district requires extra attention due to the high volume of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Be sure to follow signs carefully for specific hospital entrances, patient drop‑off/pick‑up loops and designated visitor car parks. The area has a complex flow with many one‑way streets and crosswalks, so it’s best to drive slowly and be prepared for frequent stops as people enter and exit the facilities.

For a quick and convenient grocery run, the suburban shopping centres in West Augusta or Evans are excellent choices. Areas along Washington Road, near the Augusta Mall, or on the Bobby Jones Expressway feature large supermarkets with spacious, easy-to-navigate car parks. These locations are designed for high-volume traffic, ensuring you can get in and out efficiently without the parking challenges of more congested areas.

The most common and practical strategy for a night out downtown is to park once and leave the vehicle for the evening. Visitors often use one of the several public car parks located just a block or two off Broad Street. These car parks offer secure, well-lit parking at an hourly or flat evening rate, allowing you to walk safely between restaurants, bars and entertainment venues without any further driving.

To save valuable time, use a two-step drop-off process. First, drive to the main terminal’s departures kerb and unload all passengers and luggage. While your group begins the airline check‑in process, the driver can proceed alone to the car hire return area. After completing the quick return, the driver can walk back to the terminal to rejoin the group, making the entire process much more efficient.

To make your drives more engaging, plan your trip as a loop rather than a series of back-and-forth journeys. For instance, you could travel from Augusta to Aiken, then from Aiken to Columbia, and finally return to Augusta using a different highway such as I-20. Consulting a map to identify scenic state roads or alternative routes between your destinations is a great way to see more of the region’s countryside.