Why rent a car in Augusta?
Augusta is a university city on the Savannah river in Georgia, a state nestled between mountains and marshy coastline. Rich in Southern charm, Augusta has an attractive downtown area and is famous for being the home of the annual Masters golf tournament. It’s also an ideal place for exploring destinations like Charlotte, Atlanta, Jacksonville and Charleston by rental car.
How to get to and around Augusta?
If you’re arriving via Augusta Regional Airport then it’s a nine-mile drive by rental car to Augusta. En route you could visit Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, a 1,110-acre park with woodland, swampland, walking trails and a visitor centre.
What brands are available?
There are various hire car providers to suit your budget and preferences, including Budget, Hertz and Alamo. Many offer extras like free cancellation, unlimited mileage and zero excess collision cover.
Must-sees within an easy drive of Augusta
Augusta has much to offer by way of arts and culture, scenic sights, restaurants and outdoor activities. The Augusta Downtown Historic District, the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area and the Riverwalk area are all wonderful to explore. Other sites of historic and architectural interest include the Woodrow Wilson Boyhood Home, the Old Government House, Enterprise Mill and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Two key cultural attractions are the Augusta Museum of History and the Morris Museum of Art, while Lake Olmstead Stadium is a popular baseball and entertainment venue. There are also many activities to enjoy on the Savannah river, such as boating, kayaking and canoeing. The city is also home to Augusta University.
Georgia’s capital city, Atlanta, is a 147-mile drive by rental car from Augusta. Known as the ‘capital of the South’, pretty Atlanta is a vibrant city that’s currently booming as a tourist hotspot. The city is known for its fabulous restaurant scene and creative vibe, with key attractions being the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, the Georgia State Capitol building, Centennial Olympic Park and the Millennium Gate. The Atlanta Botanical Garden has 30 acres of stunning grounds and the Georgia Aquarium is home to over 120,000 animals. The city is even the site of the World of Coca-Cola museum.
A 170-mile drive from Augusta is Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, a 2,965-acre preservation area of a Civil War battleground. It includes Kennesaw Mountain, which is divided into two summits: Big Kennesaw, with its scenic overlook, and Little Kennesaw, with its various hiking trails.
Tips and tricks for driving in Augusta
Georgia is fascinating to explore by rental car as it’s a state of varied landscapes, including mountains in the north, sweeping wiregrass farmlands in the centre, beaches in the south and coastal marshland. When you’re driving through Georgia, bear in mind that some of the more remote roads can be in poor condition. Also keep an eye out for livestock on the roads. The US is right-hand drive and remember to keep an eye on your mirror, as drivers don’t always indicate a direction change. Every state has different driving laws, so make sure you familiarise yourself with the Georgia ones before your visit.
Ready to plan your Augusta city break?
Feeling inspired to explore Augusta and the rest of Georgia? Check out this
City Guide and use the Expedia search tool to help you find the best car hire, flight and hotel deals and to research the best attractions and activities.
