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Pick-up location | Charleston |
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Car types | Compact, Economy, Full-size, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Luxury, Minivan, Open air all terrain, Pickup truck, Premium SUV, Standard SUV |
Rental locations | 22 |
Airport locations | 10 |
Popular agencies | Turo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise Rent-A-Car |
Economy | $39/day |
Compact | $39/day |
Intermediate | $33/day |
Full-size | $43/day |
Minivan | $48/day |
Full-size SUV | $60/day |
Luxury | $54/day |
Pickup truck | $54/day |
Premium SUV | $45/day |
Standard SUV | $29/day |
Intermediate SUV | $37/day |
Open air all terrain | $63/day |
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 rental 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.
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.
On average a rental car in Charleston costs $79 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Charleston found in the last 2 weeks is $46.
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Avis ($39/day), Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($54/day) and Budget ($55/day).
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Charleston are Alamo (9.2, 91 reviews), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.7, 86 reviews), and Hertz (7.1, 113 reviews).
The average gas price in Charleston is $3.93 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $47 and $63, depending on the car size.
Standard (Nissan Pathfinder 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 Standard car rental in Charleston costs $38 per day, on average.
A Compact car rental in Charleston costs $42 per day, on average.
An Economy car rental in Charleston costs $44 per day, on average.
On average a rental car in Charleston costs $552 per week ($79 per day).
On average a rental car in Charleston costs $2,367 per month ($79 per day).
Most car rental providers in Charleston offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Charleston, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 8 car rental agencies in Charleston.
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Charleston so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
Yes, renters can change or modify reservations for cheap car rentals in Charleston, so long as you have your reservation confirmation number. Any reservation changes or cancellations should be made directly with your provider. Cancellation is free if done at least 24 hours before pick up of the rental. There are no refunds for no cancellation and no pick-up. Similarly, no refunds are done for early drop-offs.
Yes, Charleston car rentals can cross state borders throughout the US and the US-Canadian border free of charge. However, crossing the Mexican border has restrictions. You also need to purchase additional insurance for your rental in Mexico.
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 quick6 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
8.0 Very good
Apr 2024
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.5 locations in Charleston
Locations in Charleston
3025 Ashley Town Center Drive
+1 843 459 2839
4565 Gaynor Ave
+1 843 767 4554
5500 International Blvd
+1 843 640 3629
5875 S Aviation
+1 843 640 3629
6060 S Aviation Ave
+1 843 767 4554
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very good
Nov 2021
6.0 Okay
Nov 2021
10.0 Wonderful
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.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
6.0 Okay
May 2024
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
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.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
One location in Charleston
Locations in Charleston
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in Charleston
Locations in Charleston
Filters
No reviews available