Charleston car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car hire in Charleston

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Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
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Luxury car
Luxury
M
People mover car
People mover
M
Passenger van car
Passenger van
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Commercial car
Commercial
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Pick-up truck car
Pick-up truck
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KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Charleston

  • Everyone who loves to explore new places should consider going for a vacation in Charleston. The southern Carolina city boasts outstanding attractions within and far from the city, including the magnificent Fort Sumter National Monument, Charleston City Market, and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. It's important to rent a car if you want to visit as many destinations as possible, especially those outside the city. You can get to Joe Riley Waterfront Park, 60 miles away from the city, in about an hour when traveling with your rental vehicle to witness the mesmerizing walkways and fountains. Or, you can drive to White Point Garden, 90 miles from Charleston city, in less than one and a half hours and witness ancient wartime monuments if you hire a rental vehicle from some of the best car rentals in Charleston.
  • With a good set of wheels, you can visit the vibrant city of Charleston. When you rent a car from the cheap car rentals in Charleston you get to know and explore the city at your own pace. You can drive to Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge 3.7 miles away. View the scenic sites of the bay and the South Carolina Aquarium in less than 15 minutes. You can also explore the beach and the nice selection of restaurants and hotels.
  • The easiest way to find car rentals in Charleston for visitors coming to Charleston is by opting to rent a car at the airports in the city. Some of the airports in this city that have Charleston car rentals include Charleston International Airport, Charleston County Aviation, and Charleston VORTAC CHS 113.5. For instance, Charleston International Airport has a car rental agency behind the Arrivals 3 terminal, featuring car rentals like Hertz, SIXT, and Europcar. You can get car rentals in Charleston with no hassle if you opt to rent a vehicle at the airport rather than looking around for a suitable car rental agency in or outside the city.
  • Collect your car after you land at Charleston International Airport. The airport usually houses different car rentals that best fit your needs. It has several car rental agencies on-site that offer any car type that you might need. The agencies have help desks behind the Arrival Halls of Terminal 3. Always remember to check your preferred agency's operation hours.
  • Driving outside Charleston city on highways such as the King's Highway and Highway 41 is pretty easy because the roads here are wide and in good condition. Driving through the city center can be difficult because streets like King Street and East bay are usually congested and full of pedestrians. Look out for pedestrians while driving through the city center and be cautious of motorists when approaching intersections.
  • You can present a valid license from your home country with your full Government-Approved Name. The license is an eligible permit when driving Charleston car rentals. The license should be in the English language and have your photograph. That way, you will not need a translation. If the license is not in English, you will need to get a translation of your license issued in your home country. The translation can be in the form an International Driver's Permit.
  • Being a busy city, Charleston has plenty of people and vehicles. Some roads in this city, such as Elliot Street, Bedons Alley, Bedons Alley, and Montague streets, are full of traffic, and navigating them can be a huge problem. Traffic is usually at its peak from 7 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 6 pm. Avoid driving on busy streets during rush hours. Drive on the streets before or after rush hours if you must use the busy roads in the city.
  • Book your car hire in Charleston at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price

FAQs about hiring a car in Charleston

  • How much is the price of fuel in Charleston?

    The average price of fuel in Charleston is $5.29 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between $63 and $85, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Charleston?

    Standard (Ford Edge or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Charleston.

  • How can I find car hires near me in Charleston?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does a Standard car hire cost in Charleston?

    A Standard car hire in Charleston costs $74 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Compact car hire cost in Charleston?

    A Compact car hire in Charleston costs $105 per day, on average.

  • What car type is recommended for driving in Charleston?

    Different car rentals in Charleston suit different drivers with different driving needs. A compact vehicle, for instance, is suitable for cruising on the wide highways in Charleston. Drivers driving on the city center’s narrow street can go for a smaller vehicle to make it easier for them to navigate through the narrow streets. You can opt for a bigger car if you are traveling in the city as a group or with your family to ensure everyone is comfortable throughout the road trip.

  • Should I rent a car in Charleston, South Carolina?

    Even if you are visiting for pleasure or work, picking up a cheap rental car in Charleston will make things easier for you. You can also view things on your own time and at your own convenience. Visit different attractions and go sightseeing affordably. You can also go for a road trip and see what the area around Charleston has to offer.

  • What is the speed limit in Charleston?

    The speed limit in Charleston depends on where you are driving. Motorists driving on the congested roads in downtown, such as King Street, Bedons Alley, and Rainbow RowCharleston and other public areas, such as near schools and hospitals should maintain a speed limit of around 25 mph. You should maintain a speed limit of between 55 mph and 70 mph while driving on freeways within the city. Drivers driving on highways outside the city can drive at 70 mph.

  • What road trips could I take from Charleston?

    Take a drive of about 55 minutes to Folly Beach County Park, which lies about 12 miles away from Charleston. The city provides beautiful beaches surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Folly River. Visitors enjoy surfing, fishing, swimming, and viewing the marine life. The road trip from Charleston to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens will take about 26 minutes to drive about 13 miles away. Here you will get to see the historic house with gardens. On the other hand, a one hour's drive from Charleston to Moris Island is about 15 miles. The city boasts a calm, relaxing beach complete with a lighthouse.  

  • Where are the best places to park in Charleston?

    You should plan to pay for parking in most parts of the city because there are few parking lots, especially in the city center. Luckily there are affordable parking lots in the city, such as Cumberland Street Garage, Marion Square Garage, and Queen Street Parking Garage, which typically cost around $5. You can also park your car in private parking lots like Palmetto Parking Inc. and Palmetto Parking lot, although you will have to pay around $8 to around $10 for parking in most private car parks. Alternatively, you can use public transportation to get to your destination if you predict you won’t get parking space at your destination. Walking can also save you money on parking fees because you won’t need to pay for parking if you walk to a nearby destination from your hotel. 

Charleston car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car hire booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Hertz

10.0

Wonderful

Best rated

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

2 locations in Charleston

Show locations

Locations in Charleston

169 Airport Road

+1 304 346 0573

Monday10:30 - 20:30
Tuesday10:30 - 20:30
Wednesday10:30 - 20:30
Thursday10:30 - 20:30
Friday10:30 - 20:30
Saturday10:00 - 18:00
Sunday10:30 - 20:30

300 Court Street

+1 304 766 0846

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

No reviews available

National

10.0

Wonderful

Read 1 review

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

One location in Charleston

Show locations

Locations in Charleston

171 Airport Rd

+1 304 344 2563

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday11:30 - 23:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, June 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Exceptional staff at Yeager Airport!

Cons:

Total experience was awesome

1 out of 1

Avis

9.5

Cleanliness

8.7

Comfort

9.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.2

Value for money

9.0

One location in Charleston

Show locations

Locations in Charleston

170 Airport Road

+1 304 343 9453

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday10:00 - 18:00
Sunday10:00 - 18:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Ken, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes

Cons:

Can't think of anything all went well and the staff was great

10.0 Wonderful

David, Apr 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes, fast & easy

Cons:

all good

10.0 Wonderful

Margaret, June 2022

KAYAK
helpful worker at desk, quick and efficient

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2022

KAYAK
Usually the cars are clean, but maybe due to staff isuues, the car was not clean.

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Dec 2021

KAYAK
everything was fine and went smoothly

8.0 Very Good

Timothy, Nov 2021

KAYAK
Was an easy experience to

1 out of 2

Alamo

8.9

Very Good

Read 1 review

Cleanliness

8.7

Comfort

9.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

Value for money

8.7

One location in Charleston

Show locations

Locations in Charleston

171 Airport Rd

+1 304 344 2563

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday11:30 - 23:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2022

KAYAK
Both key fobs needed the batteries changed and the car was in need of an oil change/service. I know this because the warnings popped up the first (and every) time I turned on the engine. They had to be cleared by pressing the “ok” button each time for each warning. Should have been taken care of before me renting it. Would have been extremely annoying to get stuck out on the road broken down or locked out. Otherwise the counter help was super efficient and very nice.

1 out of 1

Budget

8.8

Cleanliness

9.2

Comfort

9.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.9

Value for money

8.2

One location in Charleston

Show locations

Locations in Charleston

170 Airport Road

+1 304 343 4381

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday10:00 - 18:00
Sunday10:00 - 18:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Hassle-free.

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, July 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
The car itself was great. when I returned the car, I waited in line at the checkin counter unnecessarily because I didn’t know I could have simply left my car key and contract on the counter. A sign would have saved me time!

2.0 Poor

Amy, Oct 2022

KAYAK
Vehicle was filthy. Had to clean all the major touch-points inside plus clean out the cup holders once I reached my destination. Very disappointing.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, July 2023

Full-size

KAYAK
You can't beat the price or the car. It did take a while to get checked in but it was crowded so it's understandable

10.0 Wonderful

Gerard, Apr 2023

Compact

KAYAK
The salesperson in both Charleston West Virginia,and Charleston South Carolina were both exceptionallly friendly and efficient at their jobs. Nice work on this rental experience Budget.

10.0 Wonderful

Kimberly, June 2022

KAYAK
Nice car. Only issue was a strong fragrance smell.

1 out of 4

Dollar

8.2

Cleanliness

8.2

Comfort

8.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.2

Value for money

8.2

One location in Charleston

Show locations

Locations in Charleston

169 Airport Road

+1 866 434 2226

Monday10:30 - 20:30
Tuesday10:30 - 20:30
Wednesday10:30 - 20:30
Thursday10:30 - 20:30
Friday10:30 - 20:30
Saturday10:00 - 18:00
Sunday10:30 - 20:30

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Elizabeth, May 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

They were closed at our pick up time for reservation. I was stranded at the air port for a few hours trying to figure out a ride. The customer service was absolutely terrible with everyone we were contacted with. I will never go through this company again and will definitely spread word on my awful experience.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff

Cons:

Kayak has charged me for 14 days of rental, which, because of COVID19 issues I only used the car for 6 days. I have been told there are no exceptions by CS. Awful policies. Not wonderful telephone service. Dollar and their staff are amazing. If this cant be resolved I will never use KAYAK or PRICELINE again. period. Thank you. Ash

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Great staff! Everything was quick and easy!

Cons:

Communicate that depending on drop off time (ours was early) no one will be present at the desk and we can just drop off the keys.

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was friendly.

Cons:

Reserved a full size. They only had a economy available. This is unsatisfactory.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was friendly and quickly took care to get me my car.

Cons:

More clear how to utilize toll roads. There was a sticker in the car about a box that didn’t seem to exist nor was I sure how they worked in that area or how to potentially pay for it in a rental. It may come back to bite me later going through one, but that’s on me. I just wasn’t sure on policy, but it seemed like there was one I should have known.

10.0 Wonderful

Angela, Mar 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

No

1 out of 3

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Cleanliness

6.3

Comfort

5.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.0

Value for money

5.4

4 locations in Charleston

Locations in Charleston

1115 Smith Street

+1 304 344 2600

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

1614 2nd Ave

+1 304 343 8403

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

171 Airport Road

+1 304 352 3743

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday11:30 - 23:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

5201 Maccorkle Ave Se

+1 304 926 8900

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

1.9 Poor

Anonymous, June 2021

KAYAK
There were NO cars. I did not receive a vehicle.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

Enterprise customer service was awful

5.6 Fair

Earl, July 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was nice.

Cons:

They did not have any vehicles available at my pickup time. An hour afterwards they had a smaller than requested vehicle available. The staff did call an hour before pickup to tell me they did not have the car available at the reserved time.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly staff, easy pickup and drop off.

Cons:

Nothing.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Mar 2022

KAYAK
They didn’t have my car

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Dec 2021

KAYAK
I rented a Chrysler Pacifica. I drove three hours to pick it up. Upon arrival, the previous renters had all tested positive for COVID, when they returned the vehicle the day before I was to pick it up. I never received a phone call from Enterprise letting me know it was not available. Upon arriving to the town in which I was to pick the van up, I made a call to see if it was ready. It was then the agent informed me it wasn’t available and there was nothing that would accommodate the five passengers I was to pick up. Enterprise ruined my Christmas! I was going to travel and bring back my daughter and grandchildren, whom I hadn’t seen in three years.

Easirent

4.6

Mediocre

One location in Charleston

Locations in Charleston

Yeager Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Charleston

Locations in Charleston

171 Airport Rd

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

VIPCars Recommendation

No score available yet

One location in Charleston

Locations in Charleston

171 Airport Rd, Yeager County Arpt, Charleston, , USA West Virginia

+1 914 368 0091

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

No reviews available

2126 travellers who hired a car in Charleston gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.7

Car hire locations in or near Charleston

Good to know

Most popular car type

Standard

When to book a car hire in Charleston

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

Charleston car hire information

Pick-up locationCharleston
Car types
Hire locations14
Airport locations10

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