Transportation problems for Atlanta/Tuscaloosa trip
 

Hi,

I am taking my daughter to visit Emory University in Atlanta on July 6. We were then going to spend the day in Atlanta and head over to Tuscaloosa, AL for a camp (she stays but I fly out of Birmingham). I figured I would just get a car at the Atlanta airport, but the one-way rentals are exhorbitant (almost $800 for 4 days) so a new plan is needed! I think we'll use the MARTA train plus to get to Emory and then stay in downtown Atlanta near the sights. I actually don't think I'll need a car in Atlanta. Then I plan to use Greyhound for us to get to Birmingham which is very reasonable. I thought I could then rent a car in Birmingham and take us to Tuscaloosa and then return the next day for my flight-- so I won't need to worry about airport shuttles and will have a car in Tuscaloosa. BUT does anyone know how I can get to the airport in Birmingham from the Greyhound station which I think is 618 N 19th St. I have heard there is a Greyhound station at the airport, but can't seem to nail this down. Any other ideas are welcome, too, as I don't know the area and have just had to revamp this whole plan yesterday.

Looks like a taxi is the best way, but I'm still open to ideas.

Have you looked at off-airport rental locations in Atlanta. I don't know about Georgia but in a lot of states one can save $$$$ by renting away from the airport.

I personally wouldn't take Greyhound unless that was my last resort.

The Amtrak Crescent leaves Atlanta station about 8AM and gets to Birmingham about noon. The fare for 1 is $58 in coach. Rent and return the car in Brimingham.
This might work for you to save on a one way rental from one state to another.

There is a Doubletree that has a free shuttle to Marta and to Emory. It is not my favorite Doubletree but it is inexpensive. I vote with trying to get a rental car off site from the airport. I have used Enterprise before because they will pick you up from the hotel.

Thanks to all! I will check into the Doubletree. I did check into off-site rentals but that did not change the price of the rentals and all were closed on Sundays. I think we've worked it out now, though, and this is a blessing in disguise. I think we'll have more fun staying downtown in Atlanta. I did book the Greyhound ($11 each person 2 1/2 hours -- I know buses are a drag, but I don't have to drive!). I'll get the rental car in Birmingham and then return it when I fly out. Since we are going to Birmingham on a Sunday the only open rental car places are at the airport but apparently that is only a few miles from the bus station.

The Doubletree I was referring to is at the Emory area.

If you are looking for an area that doesn't require a car and has great eating and shopping opportunites look at Buckhead/Lenox. If art is more your daughter's thing try Midtown. Downtown has the Hardrock Cafe and a few tourist attractions left over from the Oluympics but really isn't a week end place.