Charleston car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car rentals in Charleston

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
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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
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
People carrier car
People carrier
M
Passenger van car
Passenger van
M
Commercial car
Commercial
M
Pick-up truck car
Pick-up truck
M

Charleston car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Charleston 
AmyJun 2024
I would rent a small to mid-sized car given that there is ample on street parking.
LynneApr 2024
Would consider a smaller car for city only but pleased with the bigger car I had for road/highway travel
MarkMay 2024
Give yourself plenty of time to pickup your vehicle - as much as an hour. And don’t get upset with the CHS workers - they are all hustling as best as they can - it’s a staffing/operations problem that management must fix.
JulioJan 2024
Driving on Route 17 was great even with traffic. Obey speed limit, quite a few police cars monitoring speeding.
P.Oct 2023
Driving in Charleston is fine. Pretty easy to navigate.
ValJun 2023
Driving in Charleston was easy, Parking seemed a bit pricey, We stayed in Mount Pleasant. We drove in in the morning and again at night. Have to figure $30-40 a day in Parking fees
Verified travelerMay 2023
Really easy to pick up and drop off. Note that the Enterprise desk is so the far end of the terminal, not -as Google Maps shows it - in the middle

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
  • Intermediate rental cars in Charleston are around 9% cheaper than other car types, on average
See more tips

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 car hire company in Charleston?

    Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Charleston are Alamo (9.2, 52 reviews), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.7, 85 reviews), and Hertz (6.5, 94 reviews).

  • How much is the price of fuel in Charleston?

    The average price of fuel in Charleston is AED 12.50 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between AED 150 and AED 200, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Charleston?

    Intermediate (Chrysler 200 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 an Intermediate car hire cost in Charleston?

    An Intermediate car hire in Charleston costs AED 244 per day, on average.

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

    A Standard car hire in Charleston costs AED 268 per day, on average.

See more FAQs

Charleston car rental reviews and directory

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

Budget

Cleanliness

6.2

Comfort

6.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.0

Value for money

6.1

3 locations in Charleston

Show locations

Locations in Charleston

2070 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard

+1 843 573 9144

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday10:00 - 14:00

390 Meeting Street

+1 843 577 5195

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday10:00 - 14:00

5500 International Blvd

+1 843 552 1771

Monday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Tuesday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Wednesday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Thursday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Sunday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59

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Reviews

8.0 Very Good

Cindy, Apr 2025

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
There was a long line at pick up that took over an hour. Drop off was easy

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2025

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Have more people working at the check in desk. There were 50-60 people on line to get their reserved vehicles with 1 agent. People were close to rioting. We were forced to go to Hertz just to get out. Never again.

2.0 Poor

Mary Beth, Apr 2025

Standard

KAYAK
I cancelled my reservation because the process of actually trying to get the car from Budget at Charleston airport was abysmal. Ridiculous line, unclear instructions, extremely long walk to try to get to the car and terrible customer service.

2.0 Poor

Jonathan, Feb 2025

Supplier choice

KAYAK
I ended up renting from another rental car provider. Budget wanted to give me an electric car for a 435 mile trip. The type of electric car was not one that has the infrastructure to do the trip (some do, this was not one of those). So the vehicle offered was not suitable..... they asked me to wait and "hope" that a different car would be dropped off and that too was not very practical.

6.0 Okay

Mark, May 2024

Premium SUV

KAYAK
The rental car operation at CHS was overwhelmed - I waited an over an hour waiting in lines. They had to pull my vehicle from a remote lot - it wasn’t in the garage. The car was clean on the outside but the interior was not - my wife spent time wiping everything down. The tires were really worn - I wish that I had more time to reject the vehicle - bald spots on all four tires. Returning to Budget at OKC was fast and friendly - that part of the rental was terrific!

2.0 Poor

Dan, Apr 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
I prepaid my car in full. When I finally got to the counter after waiting an hour in line they had my reservation but said I didn't pay yet. I had to wait another hour for the manager to call me, who was of no help. I had to pay again and this time had to pay $100 more than I paid originally. Not I have to fight with Budget to get my well deserved money back. Absolutely awful. Will never ever rent from Budget again and will tell everyone in the world to stay away.

1 out of 49

Alamo

9.2

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

9.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.3

Value for money

8.6

2 locations in Charleston

Show locations

Locations in Charleston

2039 Savannah Hwy

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:00

5500 International Blvd

+1 833 969 2383

Monday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Tuesday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Thursday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Sunday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59

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Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, May 2024

Luxury SUV

KAYAK
Reserved a luxury SUV (Audi Q5 or equivalent was stated). When I arrived I was given the choice of only two SUV’s, both Ford Expedition Max. The vehicle is the biggest SUV Ford makes…6000lbs, 7 passenger and 20’ long. Not a luxury SUV and a gas guzzler averaging 13 mpg. You need a step ladder to climb into the vehicle. Was not a pleasant experience trying to drive and park that thing around Charleston SC.

4.0 Mediocre

Veronique, Feb 2024

People carrier

KAYAK
our rental car could not be given to us because the car that we returned in Atlanta the day before had not been registered as returned. We had to make a new rental under different name. Luckily Isaac Mattern the manager helped us with the process. The Atlanta Alamo managers were incompetent.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

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

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

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

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

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

patrice, Jan 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

It was a last minute decision to rent & the process was easy and the car was great

1 out of 8

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Cleanliness

7.9

Comfort

8.1

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.6

Value for money

7.3

6 locations in Charleston

Show locations

Locations in Charleston

2004 Savannah Hwy

+1 843 556 7889

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

2440 Savannah Hwy

+1 843 766 5160

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday00:00 - 01:00
Sunday00:00 - 01:00

398 Meeting Street

+1 843 723 6215

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday00:00 - 01:00

5500 International Blvd

+1 833 969 2385

Monday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Tuesday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Thursday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Friday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Sunday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00

619 Marina Dr

+1 843 800 3074

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday00:00 - 01:00
Sunday00:00 - 01:00

933 Folly Rd

+1 843 556 7889

Monday00:00 - 01:00
Tuesday00:00 - 01:00
Wednesday00:00 - 01:00
Thursday00:00 - 01:00
Friday00:00 - 01:00
Saturday00:00 - 01:00
Sunday00:00 - 01:00

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Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2024

Pick-up truck

KAYAK
I reserved a full sized pickup truck. When I arrived no full sized pickups were available.

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Jul 2024

People carrier

KAYAK
Everything went fine and as expected.

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Apr 2024

People carrier

KAYAK
Easy online selection. The car I requested was actually there (unlike other brands on past). The car seats for the kids were ok. A high back booster option would be nice to have for young kids who are bigger than a toddler seat and too small for just a simple booster. Rental price for kids seats is too much for the value. Those booster seats are old and can be bought for 20$ at Walmart, which I will do instead next time. Slow counter service and the line to leave the garage took almost 10 mins. Overall, good value and nice clean vehicle.

10.0 Wonderful

Julio, Jan 2024

Compact

KAYAK
Friendly and easy to work with in regards to rental. SUV had a few minor issue's: idling at traffic light it was jumpy & had to shut off vehicle a few times, turn it back on to shift gears!

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jan 2024

Standard

KAYAK
The location you gave me for pickup was closed. And not closed for nye, closed on Sunday every Sunday. Massive failure on both kayak and enterprise. Yall cost me both time and money.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2023

Compact

KAYAK
Seamless process!!

1 out of 20

Hertz

Cleanliness

7.1

Comfort

7.1

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.9

Value for money

6.1

5 locations in Charleston

Show locations

Locations in Charleston

3025 Ashley Town Center Drive

+1 843 459 2839

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

4565 Gaynor Ave

+1 843 767 4554

Monday00:00 - 01:0004:00 - 23:59
Tuesday00:00 - 01:0004:00 - 23:59
Wednesday00:00 - 01:0004:00 - 23:59
Thursday04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Friday00:00 - 01:0004:00 - 23:59
Saturday04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Sunday04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00

5500 International Blvd

+1 843 640 3629

Monday00:00 - 01:0006:00 - 23:59
Tuesday00:00 - 01:0006:00 - 23:59
Wednesday06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Thursday06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Friday00:00 - 01:0006:00 - 23:59
Saturday00:00 - 01:0006:00 - 23:59
Sunday00:00 - 01:0006:00 - 23:59

5875 S Aviation

+1 843 640 3629

Monday04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Tuesday00:00 - 01:0004:00 - 23:59
Wednesday00:00 - 01:0004:00 - 23:59
Thursday04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Friday04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Sunday04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00

6060 S Aviation Ave

+1 843 767 4554

Monday04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Tuesday04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Wednesday00:00 - 01:0004:00 - 23:59
Thursday00:00 - 01:0004:00 - 23:59
Friday00:00 - 01:0004:00 - 23:59
Saturday04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Sunday04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00

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Reviews

2.0 Poor

Jennifer, Aug 2024

Full-size SUV

KAYAK
I couldn’t rent my car from Hertz. I used AFFIRM via online to get the rental that way. When I went to hertz counter, they wouldn’t rent me the car. Even though, the car was paid for prior to my pick up via AFFIRM. All they needed was a deposit since car was paid for. Nope, wouldn’t let me even use a debit card for that. I have NEVER had issues with Hertz before and I’ve rented cars via AFFIRM, KLARNA or AFTERPAY. I was so embarrassed. Money is tight for people wanting to rent vehicles and those buy here, pay later accommodations really help. I had to spend $600 of my own money to rent a car through AVIS.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Premium SUV

KAYAK
Hertz did not have the car we reserved. We were forced to take a smaller car which was unsafe given the number of passengers and the luggage. Hertz did not offer any other options. I would not rent from Hertz again. I have heard many similar stories about the company. It used to be good but no longer.

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Nov 2021

KAYAK
The gentleman at the rental desk was great! The car had a somewhat offensive odor in it which did not subside during the course of our 3 day rental.

6.0 Okay

Shannon, Nov 2021

KAYAK
Pick up was great. Drop off was terrible. Awful customer service

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Nov 2021

KAYAK
The agents were wonderful!

2.0 Poor

Alan, Oct 2021

KAYAK
They didn't have a car after taking a prepaid reservation and I still haven't gotten my refund after several calls

1 out of 22

Avis

Cleanliness

6.0

Comfort

6.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.4

Value for money

5.6

3 locations in Charleston

Show locations

Locations in Charleston

2070 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard

+1 843 402 9626

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday10:00 - 14:00

390 Meeting Street

+1 843 577 9705

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday10:00 - 14:00

5500 International Blvd

+1 843 767 7030

Monday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Tuesday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Wednesday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Thursday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Friday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Sunday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59

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Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Feb 2025

Full-size SUV

KAYAK
Booked a 6pm pickup not realizing that was the time the shop closed. Showed up 10 minutes late and was refused entry and was not able to get the car. Should not be allowed to book a pickup at or after closing. Very disappointing.

2.0 Poor

Ben, Oct 2024

People carrier

KAYAK
We rented a van to evacuate from Hurricane Milton. When we arrived at the counter I was told no vans weee available and that my only option was an SUV for an extra $100. Considered we were evacuating from a CAT 5 storm I feel this was very poor customer service. To price gouge my family in a time of need. I won’t do business with Avis again.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jun 2024

People carrier

KAYAK
Did not tell us in any email that I needed $200 deposit so I did not come prepared and then they were mean and unhelpful when I was trying to find a solution

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, May 2024

Premium SUV

KAYAK
The customer service agent was efficient, friendly and helpful.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Mar 2024

Standard

KAYAK
Terrible. Waited in line at desk, paid and headed to garage. Then waited over an hour for a vehicle. No cars and not nice staff.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2023

Compact

KAYAK
They did an excellent job.

1 out of 17

National

8.0

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.5

Value for money

8.5

One location in Charleston

Show locations

Locations in Charleston

5500 International Blvd

+1 833 969 2384

Monday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Wednesday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Thursday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Friday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Sunday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00

Filters

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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Compact

KAYAK
The National agent at the counter in Charleston (Riya) was the most professional, efficient and friendly agent I have encountered in my many years of picking up rental cars. Made for a great experience.

10.0 Wonderful

David, May 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Great car clean

Cons:

Nothing

1 out of 1

Dollar

6.4

Okay

One location in Charleston

Locations in Charleston

5500 International Boulevard

+1 843 501 7163

Monday06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Tuesday00:00 - 01:0006:00 - 23:59
Wednesday00:00 - 01:0006:00 - 23:59
Thursday00:00 - 01:0006:00 - 23:59
Friday06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday00:00 - 01:0006:00 - 23:59
Sunday06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00

Filters

No reviews available

Easirent

4.6

Mediocre

One location in Charleston

Locations in Charleston

Charleston International Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

2 locations in Charleston

Locations in Charleston

5500 Interbnational Boulevard

Opening times not available

5500 International Boulevard

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Baker Automotive Rentals

No score available yet

One location in Charleston

Locations in Charleston

Baker Motor Company of Charleston

+1 843 377 1220

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

469 travellers who rented a car in Charleston gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.0

Car hire locations in or near Charleston

Travelling to a place near Charleston?

Hire a car at Charleston if you plan to visit one of these locations
Isle of Palms

Good to know

Most popular car type

Intermediate

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 locations25
Airport locations12

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