EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find competitive rental car prices in Charleston, SC with Road Genius. Check rates for SUVs, compact cars, minivans and make reservations with no booking fees. Compare deals from Enterprise, Hertz, Avis and other downtown or neighborhood branches, often about 18 percent cheaper than airport pickups, and lock in a flexible booking for driving to Folly Beach, Magnolia Plantation or a day trip to Savannah.
Charleston offers multiple rental locations beyond the airport:
| Location Type | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown/City Offices | • Around 18% cheaper than airport • No airport concession fees • Convenient if already in the city |
• Limited hours (often 8 AM-6 PM weekdays, shorter on weekends) • May be closed Sundays • Need transportation to reach the rental office |
| Neighborhood Branches | • Often offer pickup service • More relaxed rental experience • Lower security deposits (around $300 vs. $400 at airport) |
• Smaller selection of vehicles • May require advance reservation • Limited premium/specialty vehicles |
Popular City Locations: Major rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis and Budget have neighborhood branches throughout Charleston. These are often found along major roads and in commercial areas.
On average, car rentals in Charleston (SC) cost around $74 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $40 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickups: Downtown and neighborhood branches average about 18 % cheaper than CHS airport because you skip concession fees. Already in town? Grab the car there.
Use the free pickup service: Most neighborhood offices will collect you within 5–10 miles, saving the $30+ rideshare from the airport while still giving you the lower city rate.
Peak spring? Lock in early but keep checking: For March–May, snag a cancelable deal 2-3 months out, then re-search every week or so. If rates dip, rebook and pocket the difference.
Play with dates and length: Charleston agencies love weekend and weekly promos. A 7-day rental can cost less than 5. Test a few pick-up and drop-off combos before clicking "reserve."
Fuel & parking hacks: Fill up in West Ashley or North Charleston where gas is cheaper, and use $1–2/hr city garages instead of $25 hotel valet downtown. Small moves, big savings.
Skip hotel desk markups: Some rental counters inside downtown hotels add "convenience" surcharges. A quick walk to a street-front branch keeps that cash for extra shrimp and grits.
Downtown Charleston:
Beach Areas:
Driving Rules:
Enforcement:
Vehicle Security:
Get a car rental to see:
Folly Beach – 12 miles (19 km)
Isle of Palms – 15 miles (24 km)
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens – 13 miles (21 km)
Patriots Point, Mount Pleasant – 5 miles (8 km)
Kiawah Island – 25 miles (40 km)
Savannah, GA – 108 miles (174 km)
How far is downtown Charleston from the airport?
About 12 miles (19 km). It's usually a 20-30 minute drive, but that depends on traffic.
Where can I find the best rental car rates in Charleston?
You can often find rates about 18% lower at city or neighborhood locations because they have fewer fees and extra charges than airport locations.
Is it difficult to drive in downtown Charleston?
The historic district has narrow streets and some one-way roads and it can get crowded when lots of tourists are visiting. You should drive slowly, watch for people walking and be ready for streets to sometimes flood during heavy rain or high tides.
Do I need a car if I'm staying in the historic district?
You can easily walk around the historic district, but a car helps you get to beaches, plantations and areas farther out that public transportation doesn't easily reach.
Where can I park in downtown Charleston?
You can park in city garages ($1-2/hour, daily maximum $16-24), find metered street parking ($2/hour, usually enforced 9 AM-6 PM Monday-Saturday) and use some private lots.
What happens if streets flood during my visit?
Charleston's streets sometimes flood during heavy rain or very high tides. You should avoid driving through standing water and check local traffic apps for other routes.
Can I take a day trip to Savannah with my rental car?
Yes, Savannah is about 108 miles (174 km) from Charleston. It's around a 2-hour drive, so you can easily make it a day trip.
Is it worth renting a car for beach access?
Yes, popular beaches like Folly Beach, Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island are 10-15 miles (16-24 km) from downtown. A car lets you carry your beach gear and visit different beaches during your trip.
Are there any toll roads around Charleston?
No, you won't find any toll roads in the Charleston area or anywhere along the South Carolina coast.
What's the best vehicle for exploring plantations?
A midsize or full-size car is comfortable for the scenic drives along Ashley River Road to see plantations like Magnolia, Middleton Place and Drayton Hall.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support