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Finding a rental car in Charleston is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers across West Virginia with no booking fees. Pick up at Yeager Airport (CRW) for a getaway or choose a downtown branch to skip airport surcharges, then hit I-64 for a drive to New River Gorge, Beckley or Huntington.
Charleston provides multiple car rental options both at the airport and in the city center.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) | • All major rental brands available onsite • Counters inside baggage claim area • Vehicles parked immediately outside, no shuttles needed • Convenient for travelers arriving by air |
• Slightly higher rates due to airport fees (approximately 10% premium) • Possible short lines during peak flight arrivals • Facility charges added to final bill |
| Downtown Charleston | • Generally lower rates (no airport surcharges) • Multiple agencies available (Enterprise, Hertz, etc.) • May offer weekend specials |
• Transportation needed from airport (3 miles / 5 km from CRW) • Business hours only • Fewer vehicle options than airport location |
On average, car rentals at Charleston Yeager Airport cost around $76 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $36 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pickup – downtown desks skip the CRW facility fee and can be 10-15 % cheaper; a quick rideshare from the terminal often pays for itself.
Mind the busy weeks – summer, October leaf season and big events (Regatta, legislative session) send rates up. For those windows lock in 4-6 months ahead; otherwise keep checking and re-book if prices dip.
Shift your start day – picking up on Tue or Wed usually avoids the Fri-Sun surge and can unlock lower weekly pricing.
Price out a 7-day rental even for 4-5 days – in Charleston weekly deals often beat 5-day quotes.
Hunt downtown weekend flash sales – city branches cut rates for Fri-Mon keep-the-cars-moving specials.
Refuel off-airport – fill up on MacCorkle Ave or Corridor G before returning; beats airport pumps and prepaid gas every time.
| Location | Cost | Availability | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Garages | Paid hourly or daily rates | Good availability except during events | Charleston Town Center, City Center and Shankhlin garages provide covered parking |
| Street Parking | Metered | Enforced 8 a.m.–6 p.m. weekdays | Free evening and weekend parking available on many streets |
| Capitol Complex | Free or nominal fee | Limited during legislative session | Visitor parking available at the Cultural Center and designated lots |
| Shops at Kanawha | Free | Abundant | Time limits may apply in some sections |
| Yeager Airport (CRW) | Short-term and long-term lots available | Ample spaces available | Cell phone waiting lot available for pickups |
Book a rental car so you can drive to:
New River Gorge National Park – bridge, overlooks
Kanawha State Forest – trails, picnic areas
Huntington – Pullman Square, Marshall University campus
Beckley – Tamarack Marketplace
Lewisburg – shops, restaurants
Parkersburg – Blennerhassett Island
Do I need to carry cash for the turnpike tolls?
You'll pay a $4.25 toll at each of the three plazas on the WV Turnpike (I-77/I-64). The staffed lanes take cash and major credit/debit cards. You can also use E-ZPass if your rental car has a transponder. If you plan to pay with cash or a card, stay in the lanes marked "Cash/Card" instead of the E-ZPass-only express lanes.
Where is the best place to park for the State Capitol?
You can park in the Cultural Center lot and in marked visitor areas on the Capitol Complex. Parking is free but has time limits. When the legislature is in session, try to arrive early since the spaces fill up quickly.
Is navigation difficult in Charleston?
No, you'll find Charleston is pretty easy to get around. The Kanawha River divides the city. Downtown and the Capitol are on the north side and Kanawha City is on the south. Major interstates connect these sections and GPS works well all over the area.
What type of vehicle is best for exploring the Charleston area?
A standard sedan works fine for most visitors in Charleston. If you plan on taking a lot of trips to outdoor areas or you're traveling in the winter, you might want to consider an SUV. An SUV gives you better ground clearance and has all-wheel drive.
Are there any driving restrictions I should know about?
No, Charleston doesn't have any unusual driving restrictions. Just follow the standard traffic laws. Police enforce speed limits and other rules as you would expect. You should watch out for people walking in the downtown and Capitol areas, since those areas have a lot of foot traffic.
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