Charleston car rentals
Search hundreds of hire car sites at once for hire car deals in Charleston
Charleston, SC, United States
22 May — 29 May
Same drop-off
Charleston, SC, United States
Sat 22/5
Noon
Sat 29/5
Noon
Driver's age:
Charleston car rental information
| Pick-up location | Charleston |
|---|---|
| Rental locations | 19 |
| Airport locations | 9 |
Charleston car hire reviews and directory
Alamo![agency]()
Best rated
9 Excellent (138 reviews)
1 location in Charleston
Alamo
Locations in Charleston
5500 International Blvd+1 833 969 2383
| Monday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Tuesday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Wednesday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Thursday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Friday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Saturday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Sunday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
10.0 Excellent12 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 Excellent10 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 Excellent24 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 Excellent3 Jan 2021
Pros: It was a last minute decision to rent & the process was easy and the car was great
10.0 Excellent9 Jun 2020
Pros: Staff was super friendly and efficient, pick up was quick
10.0 Excellent27 May 2020
Pros: Very efficient staff. The entire process was painless
10.0 Excellent18 Mar 2020
Cons: Nice fast check in and great car for rental! Thank You!
10.0 Excellent10 Feb 2020
Pros: Everything was wonderful
8.0 Excellent28 Jan 2020
Pros: The staff was friendly but did not listen when running payment so it turned into a mess. They ran my card 3 times charging it 3 times.Cons: Not running my card 3 times and me spending 45 minutes getting it straightened out with bank.
10.0 Excellent27 Jan 2020
Pros: Easy drop off, friendly staff.
Enterprise![agency]()
8 Excellent (105 reviews)
5 locations in Charleston
Enterprise
Locations in Charleston
2004 Savannah Hwy+1 843 556 7889
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 14:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00 - 14:00 |
2440 Savannah Hwy+1 843 766 5160
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Sunday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
398 Meeting Street+1 843 723 6215
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
5500 International Blvd # 114+1 833 969 2385
| Monday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Tuesday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Wednesday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Thursday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Friday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Saturday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Sunday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
619 Marina Dr+1 843 800 3074
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
| Sunday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
2.0 Mediocre5 May 2021
Cons: To have had the car we reserved be at the Charleston airport where we requested instead of an offsite location that we were unaware of and unable to get to because they closed early! Therefore, we had to obtain a car at the Enterprise location at the airport for a far more expensive rate than we had been quoted originally.
4.0 Okay25 Apr 2021
Cons: Car smelled of cigarette smoke. It was overwhelming
5.2 Okay19 Oct 2020
Pros: The return staffCons: Not being lied to about price
2.0 Mediocre11 Oct 2020
Pros: Not at all!! Our plane was late 1 hour and they were closed! Who closes a car rental business at noon on Saturday??? Plus I booked to pick up at Charleston international airport which the paperwork reflects, and we got to the counter they said it was an off site pickup, and they were closed already!!! The counter said they didn’t have any cars available and if they did it would be $908. !!! I ended up having to pay for a hotel that night and rented a car from Avis the next day!! I was out an additional $200 due to all of this! Will ONLY deal directly with the rental companies in the future - will NEVER use your company again to book through or any of the SO CALLED discount companies!! It cost me extra booking with YOUR company!! Who is going to reimburse me for my hotel and rides to and from the airport????? I am sure not your company!!!Cons: The place could stay open after 12 on Saturdays.
10.0 Excellent3 Aug 2020
Pros: Fast and attentive service received both visits when picking up our SUVs at the Mt Pleasant SC Location (1145 Johnnie Dodds). The team is solid. We received phone calls day prior to confirm, and the timing was great for our specific situations, and our concerns were always taken care of. Staff (Elliot) went above and beyond not to educate us about our rental and potential upgrade/ insurance options but made us feel confident we got a good rate. We were new to the area and he even recommended his favorite places to eat or visit. We really appreciated the warm welcome and exceptional service. Our second time we just did a rewrite (name care another month) Elliot serviced the car, he even washed it and filled the windshield fluid. He also spent the time helping us apply our Rental points for enterprise plus. Even though we are staying in Folly Beach, we would definitely go back to that location and rent again.Cons: Nada.
4.4 Okay27 Jul 2020
Cons: Gas was empty fuel light was on with zero miles to empty. Washer fluid was dry not even a drop.
10.0 Excellent7 Jul 2020
Pros: Staff very friendly and pick up and drop off was very easy. The price was very good for a 30 day rental.Cons: The car could have been a little cleaner inside and out.
2.0 Mediocre14 Aug 2019
Cons: I reserved a car but when I got there they did not even have my name and all of their cars were booked! I had to rent from Hertz next door!
9.6 Excellent15 Apr 2019
Pros: Staff were very friendly and positive and helpful. Car was immaculate and perfect for us.Cons: Need more folks to help here. originally we were told to wait to turn the car in! then we were able to leave and trust that they would confirm the car is ok. the staff is great, just understaffed.
2.0 Mediocre7 Apr 2019
Cons: The place to pick up the car, could have been open so I could actually get the car. I should never have had an rental scheduled and confirmed from a buyer lace that was not open. The entire last day of my vacation was ruined by not having a car available.
Hertz![agency]()
8 Excellent (338 reviews)
2 locations in Charleston
Hertz
Locations in Charleston
3025 Ashley Town Center Drive+1 843 573 2147
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 14:00 |
5500 International Blvd+1 843 767 4554
| Monday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Tuesday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Wednesday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Thursday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Friday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Saturday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Sunday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
8.0 Excellent8 May 2021
Cons: There was a sticky substance below the gas peddle that did not dry. Made it an unpleasant drive as your foot would get stuck frequently.
10.0 Excellent8 May 2021
Cons: We did not make our pick up time, we were able to pick up at airport, Thank you Diane for helping us after a very stressful day!
4.0 Okay7 May 2021
Cons: Less expense and not charging more for airport pickup and delivery
10.0 Excellent4 May 2021
Pros: Excellent staff, easy drop offCons: EXPENSIVE
10.0 Excellent29 Apr 2021
Pros: The agent, Katherine Morales at Ashley Towne Center, Charleston SC, was both efficient, welcoming and 100% accommodating to all our needs. Her attitude and helpfulness is a rarity in todays world and because of her we will use Hertz in our future travels. She should be teaching all your employees what "customer service" means. YAHOO< Katherine!!!!!
8.0 Excellent27 Apr 2021
Pros: Friendly staffCons: More options of vehicles
8.0 Excellent25 Apr 2021
Pros: Easy to pick up and drop off.Cons: The car key was not automatic and it was difficult to work. After opening the door you had to hurry up and start the car before the alarm went off.
8.0 Excellent16 Apr 2021
Cons: The exterior and interior of the car wasn’t as clean as it should’ve been. I worked for a rental car company for many years as a District Manager. The vehicle rented would not have cleared cleanliness requirements.
10.0 Excellent6 Apr 2021
Pros: No line. Staff was quick and helpful.Cons: Nothing really. Great exp.
8.0 Excellent6 Apr 2021
Cons: Price
Budget![agency]()
7.3 Good (194 reviews)
3 locations in Charleston
Budget
Locations in Charleston
2070 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard+1 843 573 9144
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 14:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 14:00 |
390 Meeting Street+1 843 577 5195
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
5500 International Blvd+1 843 552 1771
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
10.0 Excellent13 May 2021
Pros: Glad I got a car. Charleston was out.Cons: All good
6.0 Good3 May 2021
Pros: The staff in Charleston was friendly and courteous.Cons: The car was barely clean. There were spots, smudges, and it was filthy on the doors. The car was also very uncomfortable. It caused a lot of pain from the less than adequate padding on the seats. Additionally, when we turned the car in one (1) day early we did not receive any credit for that one day early. We tried calling and the individual, when we started to explain our concern, hung up on us. This rude behavior, and the fact that the care had not been properly cleaned at the Charleston pickup point, and it was an uncomfortable ride, and we did not get credit for turning the car in one (1) day early adds up to the fact that we will not rent from Budget again and we will tell all of our friends about this poor treatment and give no positive recommendations for Budget rentals.
8.0 Excellent24 Apr 2021
Cons: Check in was very slow! Person went on break as line was growing. He guy was very welcoming and the gal (who I had) said nothing but what the prompts were. No hello, enjoy your trip, welcome to Charleston!
10.0 Excellent30 Mar 2021
Pros: Drop off super easy! No lines at pickup either.
8.0 Excellent21 Mar 2021
Pros: Drop off very easy.Cons: More staff at pick up. It was a long wait.
8.0 Excellent25 Feb 2021
Pros: Friendly staff, very simple. Paid what I was quoted for the car. No fuss, no muss.Cons: not enough clarity about fees: I was terrified until the moment I dropped the car off that at some point they were going to try to hit me with drop-off or one-way fees in the hundreds of dollars. Car did not have wiper fluid. Back dashboard contained what appeared to be long white dog hairs. Not a big deal, but combined with the lack of wiper fluid, made me a little concerned what else they might have been glossing over in cleaning and maintenance. Would like to have had the toll structure explained to me before I drove off, instead of when I was 150 miles into the trip and it suddenly occurred to me WAIT HOW DO I PAY TOLLS????
4.0 Okay27 Jan 2021
Pros: YesCons: Exterior of vehicle was dirty and the vehicle had more than 58,000 miles and the check engine light was on
2.0 Mediocre1 Dec 2020
Cons: they nickel and dime you for everything. i filled up with gas 1 exit away from airport and they charged me $10 to fill up tank at avis as they said it wasn't full. ridiculous. How much more full could it be. I drove 5 miles after i filled it
4.0 Okay22 Nov 2020
Pros: Staff was good, the car was dirty, the carpet was never vacuumed from the last renter and the dash board was covered in some film. The car wreaked of old cigarette smoke covered up by air freshener.Cons: Clean the cars.
2.8 Mediocre9 Nov 2020
Cons: Car was FILTHY and reeked of cigarette smoke. Instead of changing out, they just gave me a slip notating that there was a "smoky smell". Didn't acknowledge that the car was absolutely disgusting.
Avis![agency]()
7.4 Good (56 reviews)
3 locations in Charleston
Avis
Locations in Charleston
2070 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard Space 804+1 843 402 9626
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 14:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 14:00 |
390 Meeting Street+1 843 577 9705
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
5500 International Blvd+1 843 767 7030
| Monday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 18:00 |
8.0 Excellent6 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 Good10 Jun 2020
Pros: Pick up and drop off was quick and easy.Cons: Car smelled of cigarette smoke.
6.4 Good2 Nov 2019
Cons: The car was givenTo us with only a quarter of a tank of gas. The clerk said that he would put this in the computer and we would not be charged for a full tank upon return. He did not document this in the computer. Upon pick up, we noticed several ants crawling out of the ventilation system. When trying to phone Avis to tell them about this and for the potential of exchanging the car, the agent was unable to help us in anyway. She would not put us through to any other customer service agent, And she indicated that she was unable to document this in our record. So, in essence we picked up a car that had only a quarter of a tank of gas and was crawling with ants.
9.6 Excellent17 Aug 2019
Pros: Staff at both pick up and drop off were excellent, very polite and helpful. Drop off location in Charlotte was a little difficult to find/notice due to location and store frontage, but figured it out after calling that office.Cons: Drop off location signage.
6.8 Good23 Jul 2019
Pros: Check in process fairly quick.Cons: Chose to return car with gas full with gas I bought. In the check in process in rental return they added $15.88 for gas. He could not remove it in the lot. Had to go inside and wait in line. She said that because I drove less than 74 miles, it adds that charge no matter. This is not right.
2.0 Mediocre13 Oct 2018
$700 debit card depositCons: I expected $200 plus rental. WOW. Denied. Stuck on a Sunday with limited options. Had to borrow a friends car. I understand it was my responsibility to check ahead but i rent cars. Never 700
10.0 Excellent23 Aug 2018
Pros: The lady @Mansell office was super sweet and knew her customers..and, waited for someone running late,with an EXCEPTIONAL ATTITUDE..so I give this an excellent rating.. the staff at Charlston airport, not as helpful,organized friendly or knowledgeable..I had my reservation and rental policy insurance ready for her to see, and she said" drivers license and credit card" then asked for what I was prepared to show her..Short, slow line..
10.0 Excellent2 Jul 2018
Pros: Service friendly. Great price!Cons: Nothing
4.0 Okay19 Jun 2018
Cons: The rental offfice at 390 Meeting St was closed when I went to pick up my car so I had to arrange a new rental the following day. The office was at the Sears Auto Center which is closing and the Avis people could’t open up until 15 minutes late. My rental was for one day and cost me $150 which did. include $30 for insurance. The Avis agents were courteous but my overall experience was not good. Avis is moving out of the Sears Auto Center as I understand it. As for the office at Meeting St, I had called Avis and was lead to believe I couldn’t get the car until after 12 but the office closed at 12.
8.0 Excellent12 May 2018
Pros: Good basic transportationCons: Long wait at counter. Unclear directions on where to get car.
National![National]()
9.1 Excellent (4 reviews)
1 location in Charleston
National
Locations in Charleston
5500 International Blvd+1 833 969 2384
| Monday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Tuesday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Wednesday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Thursday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Friday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Saturday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Sunday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
10.0 Excellent31 May 2020
Pros: Great car cleanCons: Nothing
Sunnycars![Sunnycars]()
2 locations in Charleston
Sunnycars
Locations in Charleston
2039 Savannah Highway
5500 Interbnational Boulevard
Recent reviews
Easirent![Easirent]()
1 location in Charleston
Easirent
Locations in Charleston
Charleston International Airport
| Monday | Invalid date - 23:59 |
| Tuesday | Invalid date - 23:59 |
| Wednesday | Invalid date - 23:59 |
| Thursday | Invalid date - 23:59 |
| Friday | Invalid date - 23:59 |
| Saturday | Invalid date - 23:59 |
Recent reviews
835 travellers who rented a car in Charleston gave the car agency they used an average rating of 8.0
Car rental locations in or near Charleston
Good to know
Most popular car type | Mini |
|---|
When to book a rental car in Charleston
Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches
Top tips for hiring 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
FAQs about hiring a car in Charleston
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Charleston are Alamo (8.7, 210 reviews), Enterprise (8.3, 328 reviews), and Hertz (8.0, 375 reviews).
The average price of fuel in Charleston is $4.51 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between $54 and $72, depending on the car size.
Mini (Dodge Grand Caravan or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Charleston.
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
A Mini car rental in Charleston costs $64 per day, on average.
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.
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.
Drivers will rejoice to hear that petrol prices in Charleston are fairly cheap, especially in comparison to some of the more expensive cities in the U.S. for gas, such as San Diego and Seattle. On average, petrol prices in Charleston are around $2.20 per gallon of gas.
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.