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24/7 SupportCar Rental Charleston International Airport (CHS)
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Compare rental cars from leading brands at Charleston International Airport (CHS) with Road Genius. From affordable cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Most suppliers park their cars in the garage next to baggage claim, so you can grab the keys and be cruising toward downtown Charleston in about 20 minutes, while our search also shows off-airport deals that can trim the concession fee.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Charleston International Airport hosts all major car rental brands in the dedicated Rental Car Pavilion located near baggage claim:
| Rental Company | Location | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National | On-site at Rental Car Pavilion | Approximately 5:00 AM-12:00 AM (aligned to flight schedules) |
| Dollar, Thrifty | Off-site (3826 W. Montague Ave) | Approximately 4:00 AM-12:00 AM |
On-Site vs. Off-Site: Most major rental companies have counters inside the terminal and vehicles in the adjacent garage. Dollar and Thrifty operate off-site and provide a free shuttle service.
Car Rental Prices
How to save?
- Compare airport vs downtown pickup – city branches are about 18 % cheaper and skip the 11-15 % airport concession fee; a quick rideshare from CHS can offset the cost fast.
- Peak season? Lock in early – spring/fall and big events like Spoleto fill up quick, so grab a cancelable reservation 2-3 months out. Off-peak (Nov-Feb) you can often wait and watch.
- Play the re-price game – book a refundable rate, set a calendar reminder, then re-check a week or two before travel; if the price drops, rebook and cancel the original.
- Test weekly vs daily pricing – a 7-day quote can beat 5-6 separate days, so always run both options in the search box.
- Fuel up 2-3 miles from CHS – stations on Rivers Ave and Dorchester Rd are usually 20-30 ¢/gal less than the pumps hugging the airport.
- Sign up for free loyalty programs – bypass the counter and score free upgrades or extra drivers without spending a cent.
Car rental prices at Charleston Airport 2025/2026
Parking and Local Driving
Airport Parking (if returning to CHS):
- Short-term parking available, brief free grace period then hourly rates apply
- Daily parking is available in the garage
- Economy lot offers lower daily rates for longer stays
Downtown Charleston Parking
- Street meters operate during business hours
- City garages charge incremental rates, capped at a daily maximum
- Residential zones: avoid streets marked "Residential Permit Required"
Driving Regulations
- Speed limits: 70 mph on interstates, 55 mph on highways, 25-30 mph in downtown Charleston
- School zones: 15 mph when lights flash
- South Carolina law requires headlights when wipers are in use
- Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants
- No automated speed or red-light cameras in South Carolina
- Right turn on red is permitted after a complete stop unless posted otherwise
Why rent a car in Charleston (CHS Airport)
Rent a car to drive to:
- Downtown Charleston – Battery, Rainbow Row, City Market
- Folly Beach – piers, surf spots
- Isle of Palms – beaches, Wild Dunes
- Ashley River Plantations – Boone Hall, Magnolia Gardens
- Savannah GA – River Street, Forsyth Park
Local Rental Locations
- Car Hire South Carolina
- Car Rental Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
- Car Rental Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)
- Car Rental Greenville, SC
- Car Rental Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH)
- Car Rental Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
- Charleston, SC
- Columbia, SC
- Florence, SC
- Hilton Head Island, SC
- Myrtle Beach, SC
- Rock Hill, SC
- Spartanburg, SC
- Summerville, SC
FAQs
What's the minimum age to rent at CHS Airport?
- Most companies require you to be at least 21 years old. They charge an extra fee of about $25 per day for drivers under 25.
Do I need a credit card to rent at CHS?
- Yes, most companies ask for a credit card to hold your security deposit, which is about $300-$400. They might accept a debit card, but you'll have to meet extra conditions.
How long does the rental process take at CHS?
- Plan for it to take 15-30 minutes to get from the counter to your car. The exact time depends on the time of day and if you checked in online.
Can I return my rental outside of business hours?
- Yes, all companies at CHS let you return cars after hours. You just need to park in the special return area and put the keys in the drop box at their counter.
Is there a free shuttle service from the rental car area to the terminal?
- You don't need a shuttle for on-site companies because their rental area connects to the terminal. Dollar and Thrifty offer free shuttles to their location, which is off-site.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
- Rental companies at CHS usually watch for flight arrival times and will hold your car if your flight is late. It's a good idea to give them your flight number when you book.
Do I need special insurance for driving in South Carolina?
- The law in South Carolina says you must have liability coverage. Your own car insurance or credit card might already cover you. If not, you can buy coverage from the rental company.
Are there any roads to avoid around Charleston?
- I-26 gets very crowded during rush hour (7:30-9:00 AM and 4:30-6:30 PM). On summer weekends, roads to the beaches, like Folly Road and the IOP Connector, can have very heavy traffic.
Can I pick up at CHS and drop off at another location?
- Yes, you can rent a car one way. Most companies will let you drop off the car at other places in South Carolina, like downtown Charleston or Columbia, and some also allow out-of-state drop-offs for an extra charge.
