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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a car rental in Columbia, SC is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers around South Carolina with no booking fees. Pick up at Columbia Metropolitan Airport or a downtown branch, filter by free cancellation and unlimited mileage and reserve early before Gamecock football weekends drive rates higher.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) | • Immediate mobility upon arrival • All major rental companies present • Cars located in attached garage • Extended hours aligned to flight schedules |
• Airport surcharges and fees • Higher base rates • Can be busy during peak travel times |
| Downtown Columbia | • Lower base rates • No airport fees • Convenient for local business travelers |
• Limited hours (usually 8AM-6PM) • Need transportation from airport • More limited vehicle selection • May have restricted weekend hours |
On average, car rentals in Columbia (SC) cost around $73 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $39 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Downtown Columbia often beats CAE Airport by 10-15% once you skip those airport fees. Factor in a $15 rideshare from the terminal to see if the math works.
Watch USC football weekends: Rates jump for home games in Sept-Nov. Shifting your pick-up/return by a day (or renting the whole mid-week) can dodge the surge.
Play with weekly pricing: In Columbia a 5-6 day rental can cost more than a 7-day "weekly" rate. Run both options in the search box before you click pay.
Lean on memberships: AAA, AARP, USAA, even some warehouse clubs knock 5-10% off here. Enter every code you have during comparison—one will usually stick.
Columbia offers relatively affordable and convenient options for leaving your car:
| Type | Hours | Rates | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Metered Street | Mon-Sat, 9 AM-6 PM | Check posted rates | Often free after meter hours and on Sundays; many meters accept the Passport Parking app; different colors indicate time limits |
| City Garages | Varies | Check posted rates | Evenings and weekends are often free; good option for Vista and Five Points areas |
| Airport Parking | 24/7 | Check posted rates | Rental return area clearly marked |
Local Driving Regulations:
Book a rental car so you can visit:
Congaree National Park – trails, boardwalks
Lake Murray – marinas, picnic areas
Charleston – downtown district, waterfront
Greenville – Main Street, Falls Park
What documentation do I need to rent a car in Columbia?
You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name and proof of insurance if you don't get the rental company's coverage. If you're visiting from another country, you should bring an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English.
Are there toll roads in Columbia?
No. Columbia and most of South Carolina have no toll roads. The only toll road in the state is the Southern Connector (I-185) near Greenville, far from Columbia.
What's the minimum age to rent a car in Columbia?
Most companies require you to be at least 21 years old. They also charge an extra fee of about $25 a day for drivers under 25.
Is unlimited mileage included with Columbia rentals?
Yes. Almost all major rental companies in Columbia offer unlimited mileage on their standard cars when you drive inside the continental United States.
Can I drive my Columbia rental to other states?
Yes. Most companies let you drive your rental car anywhere in the continental United States. You might find restrictions if you plan to travel to Mexico or Canada.
What happens if I encounter severe weather during my rental?
If authorities order a hurricane evacuation, follow the marked evacuation routes. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division provides maps of these routes. For bad thunderstorms, slow down and use your headlights.
What's the best vehicle type for visiting Columbia?
If you're traveling alone or as a couple, we suggest a compact or midsize car to save money. Families often find an SUV or minivan works better. The roads around Columbia are mostly flat, so you won't need a 4WD unless you plan to drive to the mountains in North Carolina.
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