Rent A Car In Savannah, United States For Flexible, Great-Value Travel

Compare competitive prices across airport and downtown locations, then use this guide to choose the right pickup spot, avoid common fees, and drive Savannah and the Georgia coast on your schedule.

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Savannah Car Rental Guide: Where To Pick Up And What To Know

Renting a car in Savannah is often the easiest way to combine the Historic District with day trips to Tybee Island, Hilton Head, and the surrounding Lowcountry. Parking is generally manageable outside peak weekends, and airport inventory tends to be the widest for last-minute bookings. Downtown locations can be convenient if you’re staying central and want to avoid airport facility surcharges. Before you book, double-check the fuel policy (prepaid vs. return-full), deposit requirements, and whether your rate includes taxes and mandatory fees. If you’ll drive to beaches or nearby towns, confirm any one-way or additional-driver charges in advance.

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Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) Rental Car Center

SAV is the primary airport for Savannah. Most major brands operate here with straightforward access from the terminal area. Pros: largest vehicle selection, longer hours, easiest same-day pickups, simple returns before flights. Cons: airport concession and facility fees can increase the total cost, and peak flight banks may mean longer counter lines.

Historic District / Downtown Savannah

Popular for travelers staying in the Historic District who want to pick up after arrival. Pros: can be closer to hotels and may reduce airport surcharges; easier to start your trip without navigating airport traffic. Cons: shorter business hours, smaller fleets, and parking/traffic can be tighter during events and weekends.

Midtown Savannah (Abercorn Street Corridor)

A common alternative to the Historic District, often along major arterials with easier in-and-out access. Pros: convenient for longer stays, generally easier parking than the core tourist area, and quick access to I-16/I-95 routes. Cons: usually requires a rideshare/bus from downtown, and inventory can be limited compared with the airport.

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What do you need to rent a car in Savannah?

Renting a car in Savannah is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Form of ID: A valid physical United States national photo ID is required.
Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical U.S. driving licence with no major endorsements. In most cases the licence must have been held for at least 1 year; in some offers the minimum holding period is not specified and is subject to the full Rental Terms & Conditions.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards generally include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, AMEX and in some offers UnionPay. Some offers allow debit cards (mainly Visa or MasterCard), but others require credit card only, and certain offers require two credit cards. Prepaid, virtual or digital‑only cards are not accepted unless explicitly stated.
Age requirements: Standard minimum and maximum driver age ranges from 21–80 years (some offers 21–75, 25–80 or up to 99). Where young drivers are allowed (typically 21–24), a Young Driver Surcharge applies: commonly USD $25–27 per day. In some offers, drivers must be at least 25, with no under‑25 rentals allowed. Luxury cars, minivans, 12‑passenger vans, specialty cars, full‑size and premium SUVs often require a minimum age of 25 and may not be rented by drivers under 25. Additional drivers generally must be at least 25 years old.

Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. For most offers, the licence must have been held for at least 1 year; in some offers the minimum holding period is unspecified and governed by the full Rental Terms & Conditions. Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). Please note the IDP is only a translation and must be presented together with the original licence; photocopies or scans are not accepted.
• Original Driver's License in Latin/Roman alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, Italian, Spanish) without an IDP, provided it is clearly readable, or
• Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with English translation printed on the back, or
• Original driving licence + official embassy translation in English authorized by the embassy (in some offers only).
Notes: Renters who have a country of residence outside of the United States or Canada will also be required to present a return airline ticket in some offers.
Form of ID: A valid passport is required.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards generally include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, AMEX and, in some offers, UnionPay. Several offers also accept debit cards (mainly Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX); others require credit card only, and some require two credit cards. Prepaid, virtual or digital‑only cards are not accepted unless explicitly stated.
Age requirements: Standard minimum and maximum driver age ranges from 21–80 years (some offers 21–75, 25–80 or up to 99). Where young drivers are allowed (typically 21–24), a Young Driver Surcharge applies: commonly USD $25–27 per day. In some offers, drivers must be at least 25, with no under‑25 rentals allowed. Luxury cars, minivans, 12‑passenger vans, specialty cars, full‑size and premium SUVs often require a minimum age of 25 and may not be rented by drivers under 25. Additional drivers generally must be at least 25 years old.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Airport Pickup (SAV)

Downtown Pickup

Why Pick Up At SAV Airport

Airport pickup is ideal for maximum availability and convenience—especially for late arrivals, early departures, or last-minute reservations. You’ll typically find the widest selection (including SUVs and minivans), clearer after-hours support, and faster swaps if your assigned vehicle has an issue. Keep in mind that airport rentals often include additional facility and concession fees, so compare the total price (not just the base rate).

Beach ReadySUV

SAV Airport Car Rentals - Discover Savannah's Southern Charm

Read verified reviews from travelers who rented at SAV and explored Savannah's historic streets, coastal views, and beyond.

Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Key Advantages
2.1 3300+ reviews	$87	Shuttle bus	Low deposit	●Budget-friendly rental options ●Easy pickup and return process ●Friendly staff at select locations
1.8 3700+ reviews	$86	Shuttle bus	Low deposit	●Friendly and Professional Staff ●Clean and Reliable Vehicles ●Quick and Efficient Service
1.3 95 reviews	$89	5.5 mi	$300 - $890	●Competitive online pricing available ●Easy pickup and dropoff process ●Helpful staff at select locations
1.3 400+ reviews	$71	In terminal, Walk to counter	-	●Affordable rental rates ●Friendly helpful staff ●Easy fast service
1.2 5500+ reviews	$89	5.1 mi	$452 - $890	●Professional and helpful staff ●Clean and reliable vehicles ●Quick pickup process

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental

Last updated: Jun. 7 2026

Essential Rental Hub

Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.

Stress-Free Guide to Fueling Your Rental Car in the USA

This guide provides a step-by-step approach for international visitors on how to fuel up a rental car in the USA, covering fuel types, payment methods, and essential tips for a stress-free experience.

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Ultimate USA car rental guide avoid hidden fees insurance traps and extra charges

Discover how to avoid hidden car rental fees in the USA with a practical step by step strategy. Learn the real cost of CDW LDW SLI and PAI insurance, how to use third party coverage like QEEQ full protection, and when credit card coverage works. Understand fuel policy tricks like prepaid fuel vs full to full, airport concession surcharges, young driver and additional driver fees, and expensive extras such as GPS and child seats. Get clear guidance on handling toll roads without overpriced transponder packages and follow a detailed checklist for booking, pickup, and return so the price you book is the price you pay on your US road trip.

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Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Savannah Airport (SAV) dominates with 65-70% of regional rentals, hosting 9 operators including Alamo, Avis, Hertz. Airport rental revenue reached 88M in 2025, up 6.7% from 2022."

Booking Patterns

"Peak booking occurs May-July and October with 40-64% higher pricing. Average rental duration is 3-5 days nationally. Economy vehicles dominate at 32-38% share, while SUV/Crossover grows 7-10% annually."

Customer Pain Points

"Hidden fees are the top pain point affecting 38-41% of customers, followed by insurance confusion at 35-38%, with deposit disputes impacting 18-22% of renters."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Savannah Airport Commission Annual Reports
Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards
Savannah Airport Passenger Statistics
U.S. Car Rental Industry Trends Report
Consumer Car Rental Complaint Analysis
BBB Car Rental Complaint Statistics

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Savannah

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Savannah

SavannahHilton Head

From

$94.00

Popular Driving Routes & Road Trips From Savannah

Route Options:

Savannah to Tybee Island Scenic Drive

Coastal day drive30–45 min each way (depending on traffic)

A quick, classic Savannah getaway to the beach. Drive east on US-80 through marshland views to Tybee Island for sand, seafood, and lighthouse history. Best for sunrise, an easy beach day, or a breezy evening cruise back to the city.

Forsyth Park, Bull River Bridge, Tybee Island North Beach, Tybee Island Light Station & Museum, Tybee Pier & Pavilion

Savannah to Hilton Head Island via Bluffton

Coastal Lowcountry drive1 hr 15 min–1 hr 45 min each way

Cross into South Carolina for a Lowcountry day of beaches, bike paths, and waterfront views. Add Bluffton for galleries and a charming Old Town stop before continuing to Hilton Head’s resorts and shoreline.

Old Town Bluffton, Calhoun Street (Bluffton), Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, Coligny Beach Park, Harbour Town Lighthouse

Savannah to Charleston via US-17 (ACE Basin Option)

Historic city-to-city road trip2 hr 15 min–2 hr 45 min each way

A quintessential Southeast drive connecting two iconic historic cities. US-17 is a scenic alternative with marsh views and small-town stops; plan time for Charleston’s waterfront, cobblestone streets, and food scene.

Olde Town District (Beaufort area), Yemassee / Lowcountry rest stop, Charleston City Market, Waterfront Park (Pineapple Fountain), Rainbow Row

Popular Trips:

Half-Day Historic Savannah + Bonaventure Cemetery Drive

4–6 hours

Combine Savannah’s walkable Historic District with an easy drive to the photogenic Bonaventure Cemetery for moss-draped oaks and riverfront scenery. Ideal if you want a relaxed itinerary without leaving town.

Tybee Island Beach Day

6–10 hours

A simple beach escape: drive to Tybee for sand, lighthouse views, and casual seafood. Go early for easier parking and calmer morning light for photos.

Wormsloe + Skidaway Island State Park Nature Loop

5–8 hours

A nature-focused day with two Savannah-area favorites—live-oak canopies at Wormsloe and easy hiking or biking in Skidaway Island State Park’s coastal forest trails.

Hilton Head Island Day Trip

8–12 hours

Spend the day on Hilton Head for wide beaches, waterfront dining, and scenic drives through resort communities. Great for couples and families who want a polished beach destination.

Charleston Highlights Day Trip

10–14 hours

A full-day out-and-back to Charleston for classic sightseeing—waterfront views, historic streets, and top-tier dining. Start early to maximize time and reduce parking hassle.

Car Rental Planning Tips for Savannah

Bring the right documents: Have your driver’s license, a major credit card in the primary driver’s name, and your confirmation details ready. If you’re visiting from abroad, bring your passport and consider an International Driving Permit if your license isn’t in English.

Choose pickup location based on your itinerary: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) pickups are convenient for immediate road trips. Downtown pickups can be easier if you’re spending your first day or two exploring the Historic District on foot.

Plan for causeways, bridges, and peak beach traffic: Tybee Island traffic and parking fill up on weekends and sunny afternoons, especially in peak season. Leave early, and consider returning before late-day congestion.

Keep fuel simple and avoid premium unless required: Most rentals take regular unleaded. Refuel near major corridors (I-95, Abercorn St, US-80) before returning the car to avoid airport-area price spikes and last-minute stress.

Understand tolls and ticketing policies: While the Savannah area isn’t toll-heavy, some regional routes and bridges elsewhere may use cashless tolling. Review the rental company’s toll program so you don’t get surprised by per-day admin fees.

Know where to park in the Historic District: Street parking can be limited and time-restricted. For longer visits, use garages or lots and double-check signage to avoid towing or citations—especially near busy squares and River Street.

Do a quick inspection before you drive off: Photograph existing scratches, wheel scuffs, and windshield chips at pickup, and confirm they’re noted on the agreement. It takes two minutes and can prevent disputes later.

Reserve child seats and extras ahead of time: If you need a child seat, GPS, or a toll transponder option, reserve early—availability can be limited during holidays and spring break. Bringing your own child seat can be more comfortable and cost-effective.

Drive Through Savannah: Your Essential Travel Guide

Everything you need to know about driving, renting cars, gas prices, and road rules in Savannah, Georgia before your trip

LANGUAGES

English

CURRENCY

USD

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$50 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

5 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

40-56 km/h (25-35 mph)

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

105-115 km/h (65-70 mph)

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.08%

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$0.90/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$0.85/L - $0.95/L

Savannah Car Rental Guide

Essential driving tips and rental advice for navigating Savannah and the Georgia coast

Can I use my US driver's license directly, or do I need an International Driving Permit?

US citizens can rent with a valid US driver's license—no IDP required. However, if your license is from outside the US, you'll need an IDP plus your original license. Minimum age is 21, but drivers under 25 will pay a "young driver surcharge" of approximately $25-35 per day through major agencies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis.

How do I pay for tolls in Savannah? Do I need a transponder?

Georgia uses Peach Pass for toll roads (I-95 express lanes, GA-400). Rental agencies often offer transponders for $10-15 total per rental—worth it if you'll drive I-95 or explore Hilton Head. Cash lanes still exist on some routes but are being phased out. Without a transponder, tolls are billed by plate and incur additional administrative fees of $5-10 per toll.

What's the parking situation in Savannah's Historic District? Will I get towed?

Street parking costs $1-2 per hour (meters 9am-5pm, some until 8pm). Leave your car overnight in a residential zone? You risk a $100+ tow. Download the Passport Parking app to pay by phone. City parking garages run $15-25/day. Pro tip: Park east of Bull Street (near Colonial Park Cemetery) for cheaper rates and shorter walks to key sights.

Is it safe to drive to Tybee Island in summer? Any special considerations?

Tybee Island (20 min east) is a must-see, but summer weekends see heavy traffic on US-80. Watch for aggressive drivers merging onto I-95. Hurricane season (June-November) can close roads with little warning—check weather before heading out. Speed limits on US-80 drop to 45mph approaching Tybee; police actively ticket. One lane bridges on the route are notorious backup spots.

What's the real cost of gas and the 'full-to-full' fuel policy?

Georgia gas prices hover $3-4/gallon (higher in coastal tourist areas). Most rentals use 'full-to-full' policy—receive car with a full tank, return full, or pay $8-10/gallon at the pump (usually 2-3x market rate). Always get a full tank if given the option to prepay at agency rates. Budget an extra $60-80 for a week's worth of driving around Savannah and day trips to Charleston or Jacksonville.

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