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Charleston car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car rentals 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
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
Minivan car
Minivan
M
Passenger van car
Passenger van
M
Commercial car
Commercial
M
Pickup truck car
Pickup truck
M

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

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

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, 67 reviews), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.7, 85 reviews), and Hertz (6.7, 99 reviews).

  • How much is gas price in Charleston?

    The average gas price in Charleston is 13.06 ﷼ per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between 157 ﷼ and 209 ﷼, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Charleston?

    Compact (Kia Soul 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 581 ﷼ per day, on average.

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

Best rated

Cleanliness

6.3

Comfort

6.7

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

Monday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Tuesday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Wednesday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Friday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Sunday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00

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Reviews

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.

10.0 Wonderful

Lynne, Apr 2024

Premium SUV

KAYAK
Quality and cleanliness of car

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
All good

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Mar 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
The entire experience could not have been worse! 2 1/2 hours in line (in spite of pre paying, and ensuring I was part of the Fast Break program) to be given a 12 passenger van at an offsite lot. I will never use Budget (or Avis) again...

2.0 Poor

Julie, Feb 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
My rental car was a mini-van instead of the medium size SUV I reserved. More importantly, this vehicle when running had the thermostat stuck at 76 degrees and the screen would not turn on for me to neither adjust temperature or change the radio station. Any time I was driving, the dashboard would beep alerting me of ‘maintenance required’. Also since maintenance was required, the blind side alert and backup camera would not work but again car would beep every 15 seconds reminding me of this fact. The thermostat stuck at 76 degrees made for a very uncomfortable ride and with all the issues with the dashboard I also for some reason could not roll down the windows either. It was stifling hot so I always had a headache due to the temperature in the vehicle. My first time using Budget. Would not recommend.

1 out of 48

Alamo

9.1

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

9.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.2

Value for money

8.7

One location in Charleston

Show locations

Locations in Charleston

5500 International Blvd

+1 833 969 2383

Monday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Tuesday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Wednesday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Friday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Saturday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Sunday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00

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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

Minivan

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

Mike, 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 11

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.1

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.7

Value for money

7.4

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

Monday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Tuesday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
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
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

Pickup 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

Minivan

KAYAK
Everything went fine and as expected.

8.0 Very good

Anonymous, Apr 2024

Minivan

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

7.2

Comfort

7.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.0

Value for money

6.3

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

Monday04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Tuesday04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
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
Sunday00:00 - 01:0004:00 - 23:59

5500 International Blvd

+1 843 640 3629

Monday06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Tuesday00:00 - 01:0006:00 - 23:59
Wednesday06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Thursday06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Friday06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday00:00 - 01:0006:00 - 23:59
Sunday06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00

5875 S Aviation

+1 843 640 3629

Monday04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Tuesday04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
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
Sunday00:00 - 01:0004:00 - 23:59

6060 S Aviation Ave

+1 843 767 4554

Monday04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Tuesday00:00 - 01:0004:00 - 23:59
Wednesday04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Thursday04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Friday04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Sunday00:00 - 01:0004:00 - 23:59

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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 23

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
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
Saturday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Sunday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00

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Reviews

2.0 Poor

Ben, Oct 2024

Minivan

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

Minivan

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.

8.0 Very good

Anonymous, Nov 2023

Supplier choice

KAYAK
Everything was easy and as-planned. The only thing that wasn’t great was that I didn’t have obvious instructions for the drop off procedure for the small airport I was dropping off the car at. I wish Avis would have sent me instructions for the drop off at my specific location.

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

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
Sunday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00

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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

2.0 Poor

Jack, Apr 2023

Economy

KAYAK
Car was horrible

1 out of 1

Dollar

One location in Charleston

Locations in Charleston

5500 International Boulevard

+1 843 501 7163

Monday00:00 - 01:0006:00 - 23:59
Tuesday06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Wednesday06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Thursday00:00 - 01:0006:00 - 23:59
Friday06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Sunday06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00

Filters

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Reviews

2.0 Poor

Paul, May 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Requested large SUV. Kayak said that the reservation was for a Nissan Armada. On arrival , no armadas or similarly sized vehicles were ever available at location. FIX THIS

8.0 Very good

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Fast and easy service

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

You can never reach anyone at the desk by phone. They rarely pickup and you can’t leave any messages because the mailbox is full. There’s also no one manning the pickup or drop off kiosk.

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

The manager wasted time with two other customers and we could hear all of their conversation. Very unpleasant for us while waiting. When it was our turn, she insisted there was a block on my debit card which I checked before making the trip which was okay for the rental company to use. She said if we didn't want the car we could go to another car rental. We produced another card and suddenly it was okay and cost us extra. I checked with my bank the next morning and said there was not any block on my card. This lasted with her for a half hour. Very unprofessional for a manager as she stated she was. Makes me think twice about wanting to rent again from them.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes, staff was friendly

Cons:

They could have had a car available for us. We just put in a 14 hour day of travel. We are sorry we have no cars available, just does not cut it. We will not rent a car from Dollar/Thrifty again. Unreliable.

8.0 Very good

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The rental was quick. The car was better than expected.

Cons:

Employees did not go out of their way to do anything. They did their job. At times I felt a nuisance to them. It was quite inconvenient that the rental place was not at the airport or did not provide a shuttle.

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

551 travelers who rented a car in Charleston gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.1

Car rental locations in or near Charleston

Good to know

Most popular car type

Compact

When to book a rental car in Charleston

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches

Charleston car rental information

Pick-up locationCharleston
Car types
Rental locations23
Airport locations11