Charleston car rentals
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Charleston car rental information
| Pick-up location | Charleston |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Rental locations | 21 |
| Airport locations | 9 |
Cheap car rentals in Charleston
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| Minivan |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pickup truck |
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Charleston
- Charleston, like many cities in the US, is truly designed for cars over public transportation. Whether you are visiting Fort Sumter or checking out Magnolia Plantation & Gardens and Middleton Place, you simply would struggle to get around Charleston without a car. If you would like to visit Middleton Place, for instance, you would have no choice but to join a tour if you don’t have a car, as public transport doesn’t serve it.
- Need to pick up a hire car after landing at Charleston International Airport? In that case, head on over to the hire Car Pavilion located by Baggage Claim at the end of the airport’s main terminal, where you will find all of the airport’s hire agencies conveniently located together.
- Jaywalking is very common in the historic part of Charleston so drivers should beware. This is partly because much of the pedestrian traffic in downtown Charleston is made up of tourists visiting the city. Another road hazard to look out for in the downtown area is the bikers -- particularly the distracted college students biking with their phones out.
- Drivers will be happy to hear that while Charleston does experience its share of rush hour traffic, it is by no means severe. Drivers can expect the morning rush hour to start up at around 7:00 a.m. and to last until 9:00 a.m., while the afternoon rush hour starts at 4:00 p.m. and finishes up at about 6:30 p.m. I-26 is the main road to avoid during rush hour as it is one of the top highways used by commuters heading to and from work.
- Book your rental car in Charleston at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Compact rental cars in Charleston are around 67% cheaper than other car types, on average
Charleston car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
FAQs about renting a car in Charleston
What type of car is recommended for driving in Charleston?
Charleston’s streets are well-suited for a wide range of vehicles. Sedans, coupes, SUVs, and large trucks will all be perfectly comfortable on the road, so all vehicle options are a good choice. Additionally, streetside parking spaces are large enough for even the biggest of hire vehicles, making parking a non-issue.
What’s the speed limit in Charleston?
In the center of downtown, drivers can expect speeds of 25 mph and 30 mph while the main roads and avenues features speed limits of 40 mph. On two-lane county roads and streets leading to the peripheral areas of the city, speed limits will get up to 55 mph. Interstates throughout the state of South Carolina have a speed limit of 70 mph.
Where are the best places to park in Charleston?
Planning on visiting downtown? Parking garages and streetside parallel parking are your best options. Both are widely available and, fortunately, even the private parking options are fairly cheap. However, when a big event is going on downtown, parking spaces can sometimes become hard to come by; in those instances, you may have to park an extra block or two away.
What is the best rental car company in Charleston?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Charleston are Alamo (9.2, 90 reviews), and Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.7, 85 reviews).
How much is gas price in Charleston?
The average gas price in Charleston is 14.46 ﷼ per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between 173 ﷼ and 231 ﷼, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Charleston?
Compact (Hyundai Tucson or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Charleston.
How can I find car rentals near me in Charleston?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does a Compact car rental cost in Charleston?
A Compact car rental in Charleston costs 114 ﷼ per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Charleston?
An Intermediate car rental in Charleston costs 129 ﷼ per day, on average.
How much does an Economy car rental cost in Charleston?
An Economy car rental in Charleston costs 138 ﷼ per day, on average.
Charleston car rental reviews and directory
Alamo
9.2
Wonderful
168 reviewsCleanliness
9.4
Comfort
9.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.2
Value for money
8.7
One location in Charleston
Locations in Charleston
5500 International Blvd
+1 833 969 2383
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Feb 2024
10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
We were treated so kindly. The young man carried our luggage to the car and even gave us a choice. Most will not do that!10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
All of the staff I had come into contact with were phenomenal! Couldn't have asked for better service.Cons:
If they had actually attached the invoice to to email that was sent to me.8.0 Very good
Mar 2021
Pros:
Easy in and out. Car was very comfortable.Cons:
The battery died on me the first day, but Alamo roadside assistance was able to fix the problem and all was good the rest of the trip.10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2021
Pros:
It was a last minute decision to rent & the process was easy and the car was great10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2020
Pros:
Staff was super friendly and efficient, pick up was quickEnterprise Rent-A-Car
7.8
Good
174 reviewsCleanliness
8.1
Comfort
8.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.8
Value for money
7.5
6 locations in Charleston
Locations in Charleston
2004 Savannah Hwy
+1 843 556 7889
2440 Savannah Hwy
+1 843 766 5160
398 Meeting Street
+1 843 723 6215
5500 International Blvd
+1 833 969 2385
619 Marina Dr
+1 843 800 3074
933 Folly Rd
+1 843 556 7889
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2024
2.0 Poor
Jan 2024
10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2023
2.0 Poor
Oct 2023
8.0 Very good
Jun 2021
Pros:
They had car ready for me when I showed up.Cons:
I didn't realize that the pickup was several miles away from airport which was inconvienent and expensive taking an Uber to and from location to pick-up and drop off car.8.0 Very good
Jun 2021
Pros:
Staff was helpfulCons:
PriceHertz
7.3
Good
125 reviewsCleanliness
7.5
Comfort
7.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.4
Value for money
6.8
4 locations in Charleston
Locations in Charleston
3025 Ashley Town Center Drive
+1 843 459 2839
4565 Gaynor Ave
+1 843 767 4554
5875 S Aviation
+1 843 640 3629
6060 S Aviation Ave
+1 843 767 4554
Filters
Reviews
6.0 Okay
Nov 2021
2.0 Poor
Oct 2021
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
I was called a few minutes before my pickup time to be told the car was not availableCons:
You tell me as for now, I will never use Hertz again8.0 Very good
May 2021
Pros:
Staff at airport corrected the problemCons:
I booked a pick up time at a location that was closed. I should not have been allowed to book at that time. Called Hertz and the wouldn’t find me a similar car anywhere near for my family of 6 stranded travelers.2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
They canceled on us with about 90 minutes notice before the reservation started. They said sorry but did nothing to help redress situation (eg % off next time or some token like that)2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
Nothing. There was no car available the entire time we were in Mt Pleasant, Sc from 14 May thru 17 May. I had previously made a confirmed reservation on 4 May and my credit card account had the amount posted already.Cons:
Arrangements should have been made when it was evident that no car was available at the appointed time.Budget
6.0
Okay
350 reviewsCleanliness
6.4
Comfort
6.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.1
Value for money
6.2
3 locations in Charleston
Locations in Charleston
2070 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard
+1 843 573 9144
390 Meeting Street
+1 843 577 5195
5500 International Blvd
+1 843 552 1771
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Apr 2024
10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2024
10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2024
2.0 Poor
Mar 2024
2.0 Poor
Feb 2024
4.0 Mediocre
Feb 2024
Avis
5.4
Fair
110 reviewsCleanliness
5.9
Comfort
6.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.4
Value for money
5.6
3 locations in Charleston
Locations in Charleston
2070 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard
+1 843 402 9626
390 Meeting Street
+1 843 577 9705
5500 International Blvd
+1 843 767 7030
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Mar 2024
10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2023
8.0 Very good
Nov 2023
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
should’ve have been more courteous send us an email explaining the company has no vehicles before the date of pickup, I lost a day of work thinking my reservation was good but I was told “Life happens “Cons:
Notifications or warnings before the date of pickup8.0 Very good
Sep 2020
Pros:
We received an upgrade car from the one we reserved. Drop off at ATL airport rental car center was quick and convenient.Cons:
Pickup at CHS was a little slow. Car had a strong smoker smell, but we didn’t want to delay our trip any further by going back to ask for another one.6.0 Okay
Jun 2020
Pros:
Pick up and drop off was quick and easy.Cons:
Car smelled of cigarette smoke.National
8.0
Very good
7 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.2
Value for money
8.4
One location in Charleston
Locations in Charleston
5500 International Blvd
+1 833 969 2384
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
10.0 Wonderful
May 2020
Pros:
Great car cleanCons:
Nothing2.0 Poor
Apr 2023
Easirent
4.6
Mediocre
No reviews available
One location in Charleston
Locations in Charleston
Filters
No reviews available
Sunnycars
No score available yet
2 locations in Charleston
Locations in Charleston
Filters
No reviews available
Car rental locations in or near Charleston
Good to know
Most popular car type | Compact |
|---|