Car Hire Savannah Airport — Your Ticket to Georgia’s Historic Coast
Landing at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is the first step toward exploring one of the most atmospheric cities in the American South. While the Historic District is certainly walkable, relying solely on rideshares or pricey tours will limit your experience. Securing a car hire at Savannah Airport gives you the freedom to explore beyond the cobblestones. You can drift through the live oak tunnels of the Lowcountry, hit the beaches of Tybee Island whenever the mood strikes, and chase down the best shrimp and grits in the region without watching the clock. It turns a standard city break into a genuine Georgia road trip.
There is a specific magic to this corner of Georgia that you can only really grasp from behind the wheel. It’s the way the Spanish moss sways in the breeze as you drive down the avenue, or the sudden appearance of a marshland vista around a bend in the road. Savannah is the hostess city, full of Southern hospitality, but the surrounding area—places like Wormsloe Historic Site and the quiet barrier islands—requires a set of keys to truly appreciate. Renting a car here isn’t just about transportation; it’s about having the autonomy to stop the car, breathe in the salty air, and say, ‘Let’s see what’s down that road.’
Picking Up Your Rental Car in Savannah Airport
Navigating the pickup process at Savannah Airport is refreshingly straightforward, which is a nice change of pace from the chaos of larger international hubs. The airport is compact, and the rental car counters are conveniently located in the baggage claim area on the first floor of the terminal. You won’t need to hop on a shuttle bus to a remote lot; the rental car garage is situated directly across from the terminal building. This proximity means that within twenty minutes of grabbing your suitcase, you can be buckling your seatbelt and adjusting your mirrors.
To ensure a smooth handover, make sure you have your valid driver’s license, a credit card in the main driver’s name, and your booking confirmation voucher handy. It’s always worth checking if your rental provider requires an International Driving Permit alongside your domestic license, especially if your license uses a non-Roman alphabet. While most travelers pick up right at the airport, some prefer to take a cab into the Historic District and pick up a car from a city location later. However, airport pickups often offer better inventory and competitive pricing due to the high volume of turnover. Just remember to inspect the vehicle for any existing scratches or dents before driving off the lot—snap a few photos with your phone just to be safe.
Where to Go with Your Rental Car in Savannah Airport
Once you have the keys, the hardest part of your trip will be deciding which direction to head first. Here are a few essential drives to add to your itinerary:
Tybee Island: This is the most popular drive for visitors, and for good reason. It’s a relaxing 20-mile drive east of the city. You’ll cross expansive marshlands before hitting the beach. Once there, you can climb the Tybee Island Light Station for panoramic views or simply park the car and sink your toes into the sand at South Beach.
Wormsloe Historic Site: If you’ve seen photos of Savannah, you’ve likely seen the iconic entrance to Wormsloe—a breathtaking avenue lined with over 400 live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. It is arguably the most photogenic stretch of road in the state. The drive out Isle of Hope Road is scenic, winding along the Skidaway River.
Bonaventure Cemetery: Located just a short drive east of the Historic District, this hauntingly beautiful cemetery is famous for its Victorian mourning art and lush landscapes. It was made famous by the book ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.’ Having a car allows you to visit early in the morning before the tour buses arrive, offering a peaceful, misty experience.
Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge: For those looking to escape the crowds, drive north to this pristine refuge. It’s a haven for migratory birds and offers a raw, untouched look at the Georgia barrier island ecosystem. It’s the kind of place you can only reach comfortably with your own vehicle.
Tips for Driving in Georgia
Driving in Georgia is generally a relaxed affair, but there are a few local quirks and rules to keep in mind to stay safe and legal. First, speed limits: in the city and residential areas, you’ll usually see limits of 25 to 35 mph. On highways like I-95 or I-16, the limit is generally 70 mph, but always watch for signage, especially in construction zones where fines are doubled. Georgia has a ‘Super Speeder’ law, which adds a hefty surcharge for anyone caught driving 75 mph or faster on two-lane roads, or 85 mph and faster on highways—so watch that speedometer.
Regarding tolls, you won’t find many in the immediate Savannah area, but if you drive north towards Atlanta, you may encounter the Peach Pass lanes. Most rental cars come equipped with a transponder, but you can usually choose to pay tolls manually or have the rental agency bill you later. Fuel is generally cheaper in Georgia than in many northern states, but prices can spike near the airport. It’s usually smarter to fill up a few miles inland before returning the car. As for road rules, you can turn right on a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign explicitly prohibits it. Finally, remember that in the US, we drive on the right-hand side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers, and Georgia has strict laws regarding mobile phone use while driving, so hands-free devices are a must.
Ready to hit the road? Use the search widget at the top of this page to compare deals from top suppliers and secure your Savannah Airport car hire today.