In this post, we will explore the closest airports to Blue Ridge, GA. Discover the best options, whether you’re traveling from Georgia or Tennessee, along with information about the distance to Blue Ridge, travel time, and various transportation options.
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Atlanta, GA
One of the closest airports to Blue Ridge is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). As one of the busiest airports in the world, ATL offers convenient international and domestic flights for travelers coming from various locations.
Distance: The Blue Ridge Mountains are located approximately 115 miles northeast of Atlanta, GA.
Travel Time: The journey from Atlanta to the Blue Ridge, GA typically takes around 1.5/2 hours by car, depending on traffic conditions.
Transportation Options: Travelers will find a variety of transportation options at ATL, including:
- Ridesharing
Popular ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft operate in Atlanta, offering convenient transportation throughout the city and beyond. You can easily request a ride using their smartphone apps, although I have never taken an Uber up to the mountains.
- Taxi
Taxis are readily available at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, providing transportation to downtown Atlanta or other desired locations. Taxis can also be used to reach the Blue Ridge Mountains, but it’s recommended to check availability and pricing in advance. Let me tell you, this would be expensive! You are much better off renting a car.
- Car Rental
Renting a car is one of the most convenient options to get to Blue Ridge. Upon arrival at ATL, you can easily find car rental agencies within the airport terminals. I have listed some car rental companies further in this article.
- Private Car
If you prefer a more luxurious or personalized transportation option, you can hire a private car service from the airport. Some of these services also offer day trips, tours, and other transportation services to different destinations around Blue Ridge.
- Shuttle Services
Some hotels in Blue Ridge offer shuttle services for their guests from the airport, so if ask your hotel if they have this service available. You may also find shuttle services that operate independently and can be booked in advance. If you choose this option, I have listed shuttle services below you can choose from.
2. Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA), Chattanooga, TN
Another option for reaching Blue Ridge is through Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) in Tennessee. This airport offers a convenient and efficient way to get to town, without the Atlanta traffic. While there are not as many flights as Atlanta, the Chattanooga Airport still provides a range of flight options, including domestic and international flights.
Distance: Chattanooga, TN, is located approximately 51 miles northwest of Blue Ridge, Georgia
Travel Time: The journey from Chattanooga to the Blue Ridge usually takes around 1 hour by car, depending on traffic conditions.
Transportation options: Here are transportation choices you can take from CHA to Blue Ridge.
- Taxi
Taxis are readily available at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, offering transportation to downtown Chattanooga or other desired locations. You can hire a taxi to reach the Blue Ridge Mountains, but it’s advisable to check availability and fares beforehand.
- Car Rental
To explore the Blue Ridge Mountains and its surrounding areas from Chattanooga, consider renting a car. CHA provides various car rental services, allowing you to pick up your vehicle upon arrival and embark on your scenic adventure. See below for a list of car rental companies.
- Private Car
Private cars can offer greater comfort and convenience, and some companies also provide day trips. See below for a list of private car services.
- Shuttle Services
Check with your accommodation if they offer shuttle services to and from the airport. Otherwise, check below for available shuttle services that can take you to your destination from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport.
3. Blairsville Airport (KDZJ), Blairsville, GA
Planning to travel by private plane or charter flight? Blairsville Airport (KDZJ) offers a more local and convenient option. This airport offers private aviation services and is located just 11 miles from Blue Ridge, Georgia.
Distance: The distance between the Blairsville Airport and Blue Ridge is only 11 miles.
Travel Time: The journey from Blairsville Airport to Blue Ridge typically takes around 20 minutes by car.
Transportation Options: Note that there are limited transportation options from Blairsville Airport, so plan ahead and arrange for transportation in advance. Here are a few suggestions.
- Ridesharing
Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft may not be readily available at Blairsville Airport due to the airport’s small size. You can still try to request a ride using their smartphone apps.
- Taxi
Taxis can be hired to reach the Blue Ridge from Blairsville, GA. It’s recommended to check availability and pricing beforehand.
- Car Rental
While car rental services are not available at Blairsville Airport, various options are available nearby in the town of Blairsville.
- Private Car and Shuttle Services
Private car and shuttle services can be arranged in advance to pick you up from Blairsville Airport. These services may also offer day trips, tours, and other transportation options to explore the area. See below for a list of private cars and shuttles available in Blairsville.
The Best Car Rental Companies at ATL and CHA
Once you land in Atlanta, you can reach the Atlanta Airport Rental Car Center (RCC) via the SkyTrain, a train system that connects all airport terminals with the RCC.
Alternatively, the car rental offices at the Chattanooga Airport can be found on the first floor of the airport’s parking garage.
Below are some popular car rental companies at ATL and CHA. Note that their hours of operation can vary, so double-check with the location.
Alamo
Alamo is a popular choice for travelers and offers a wide selection of vehicles, including compact cars, mid-size sedans, SUVs, and minivans. Alamo also provides various deals and discounts for customers.
Business Hours: 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Contact Information: 833-315-5893
Business Hours: 8:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Contact Information: 844-366-8845
Avis
Avis is known for its premium car rental services and offers a wide range of vehicles, including luxury cars and SUVs. Avis also has various membership programs that offer perks and discounts for frequent renters.
Business Hours: Open 24 hrs
Contact Information: 404-763-6333
Business Hours: Sun to Sat, 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Contact Information: 423-855-2232
Budget
Budget offers affordable car rental options for travelers and has a variety of vehicle types to choose from. They also have a Fastbreak program that allows customers to skip the line and go directly to their rental car.
Business Hours: Sun to Sat, open 24 hrs
Contact Information: 404-530-3000
Business Hours: Sun to Sat, 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Contact Information: 423-855-2232
Dollar Car Rental
Dollar Rent A Car is a budget-friendly car rental company that offers various vehicle options for customers. They also have loyalty programs and discounts for frequent renters.
Business Hours: 5:00 AM to 2:00 AM the following day
Contact Information: 866-434-2226
Business Hours: 8:00 AM to 11:59 PM
Contact Information: 423-498-5808
Enterprise
Enterprise is a popular car rental company that offers a wide range of vehicles, including luxury cars and SUVs. They also have various membership programs and discounts for frequent renters.
Business Hours: 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Contact Information: 833-315-5894
Business Hours: 8:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Contact Information: 833-886-0852
Hertz
Hertz is a well-known car rental company that offers various vehicle options for customers. They also have loyalty programs and discounts for frequent renters.
Business Hours: Mon to Sun, 5:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Contact Information: 404-530-2925
Business Hours: Mon to Sun, 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Contact Information: 423-654-3400
National
National is known for its premium car rental services and offers a wide range of vehicles, including luxury cars and SUVs. They also have various membership programs that offer perks and discounts for frequent renters.
Business Hours: Sun to Sat, 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Contact Information: 833-315-5895
Business Hours: Sun to Sat, 8:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Contact Information: 844-806-3350
Tips for Renting a Car at the Airport
You should always research different car rental companies to compare prices and find the best deals. Here are more tips to consider when renting a car at the airport:
- Book your car rental in advance to secure availability and potentially save on costs.
- Consider joining loyalty programs or signing up for email newsletters to receive discounts and promotions.
- Be aware of any additional fees or charges, such as insurance coverage or late return fees.
- Familiarize yourself with the rental company’s policies and restrictions, such as mileage limits and age requirements for drivers.
- Take note of any existing damages on the car before driving off the lot to avoid being held responsible upon return. I like to walk around the car and take pictures or a video so the appearance of the car is timestamped. This has actually saved me on more than one occasion.
- Plan your route beforehand and have a GPS or map ready for navigation to your destination. Once you get closer to the mountains, you may start to lose cell service, so it is better to have the map already pulled up, and don’t close it out on your phone or you won’t be able to pull it back up.
- One the return, fill up the gas tank before to avoid paying inflated prices for refueling.
- Return the car on time to avoid any extra fees or charges.
Private Car and Shuttle Services
Here are a few private car and shuttle services in ATL. Contact them in advance to ensure a smooth and convenient ride:
- Georgia’s Blue Ridge
- Blue Ridge Safe Rides
- Mountain Transportation
- Blacklane
- Blue Ridge Limousine
- Atlanta Car Service
- Airport Parking Reservations
- Lili’s Shuttle Service
- Blue Ridge Runner
- SuperShuttle Express
These are some of the private transportation and shuttle services available in CHA:
- AirportLIMO
- A2B Transit
- Stegall Transportation Solution
- Signature Transportation Services
- Jayride
- Groome Transportation
- Nooga Shuttles
- ShuttleFare
For Blairsville, these are a few options to consider:
- The Further Shuttle Appalachian
- Advantage Shuttle
- Abe’s Shuttle Service
- Always On Time Shuttle Service
- Action Limousines (Blairsville Limousine Service)
Conclusion
Blue Ridge, GA is a destination worth exploring, and getting there is easier than you might think. With the option of flying into either of these nearest airports, you have convenient access to this enchanting mountain town.
Whether you choose the bustling atmosphere of Atlanta or the scenic surroundings of Chattanooga, your journey to Blue Ridge will be filled with anticipation and excitement. So pack your bags, book your flight, and get ready to experience the natural beauty and charm that Blue Ridge has to offer!
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