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Greenville offers multiple rental pickup locations to suit different travel needs:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) | • Immediate mobility upon arrival • All major rental companies present • Extended hours and better selection |
• Airport surcharges and fees • 13 miles (21 km) from downtown Greenville • Higher base rates |
| Downtown Greenville | • No airport fees • Convenient for business district • Walking distance to hotels and attractions |
• Limited hours (often 8AM-6PM) • Smaller selection of vehicles • May have restricted weekend hours |
| Suburban Locations | • No airport fees • Often near major shopping areas • Good for local residents |
• Limited hours • Scattered throughout metro area • Transportation needed to reach location |
Major Rental Companies:
On average, car rentals in Greenville (SC) cost around $91 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $37 per day.
Compare pickup spots – Run quotes for GSP airport vs downtown. Even with a 13-mile (21 km) rideshare, downtown often dodges 10-15 % airport fees.
Weekend wins – Greenville's fleet sits after the Thursday business crowd leaves, so Fri-Mon rentals regularly come with promo rates or free upgrades.
Think weekly – Need the car 4+ days? Weekly pricing here is usually cheaper than stacking daily rates.
Seasonal strategy – Book early only for the fall foliage rush (Oct-Nov). For quiet winter months you can wait and grab rock-bottom prices.
Free/cheap parking – Street meters go free after 6 PM and all day Sunday, and most city garages give the first hour on the house. Skip hotel valet fees.
Refuel in town – Gas runs below the U.S. average; top up before mountain drives or the airport to avoid pricey refueling charges.
Greenville offers various options for leaving your car throughout the city:
| Type | Hours | Rates | Where and What to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Street Parking | Mon-Sat, 8 AM-6 PM | Paid | • Free after 6 PM and on Sundays • Most accept mobile payment apps • Time limits vary by location |
| Downtown Garages | 24/7 | Paid | • Convenient option in central locations • Well lit and security monitored |
| Suburban Areas | Varies | Generally free | • Shopping centers and restaurants offer free spaces • Mall parking plentiful and free • Some business parks have restricted areas |
Local Driving Regulations:
Rent a car so you can see:
Blue Ridge Mountains – Caesars Head State Park, Table Rock State Park
Asheville, NC – Biltmore Estate
Upstate lakes – Lake Keowee, Lake Jocassee
BMW Zentrum – Plant Spartanburg
Upstate small towns – Travelers Rest, Simpsonville
Regional cities – Spartanburg, Charlotte

What documentation do I need to rent a car in Greenville?
You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name and proof of insurance if you don't buy the rental company's coverage. If your license isn't in English, you should also have an International Driving Permit.
Is there a toll road in Greenville?
Yes, the Southern Connector (I-185) is a toll road that connects I-85 southwest of Greenville to I-385. You can use it to drive around the city, but most visitors don't need to. You can pay the toll using cash or electronic payment.
What's the minimum age to rent a car in Greenville?
Most companies require you to be at least 21 years old. They also charge an extra fee of about $25 per day for drivers under 25.
Is unlimited mileage included with Greenville rentals?
Yes, most standard rental cars come with unlimited mileage. You should confirm this when you book, especially if you rent from a smaller local company.
What type of vehicle is best for visiting Greenville?
A standard sedan works well for driving around the city. If you plan a trip to the mountains, you might want an SUV to better handle the steep and curvy roads. In the winter, an AWD or 4WD vehicle is helpful in the mountains if the forecast calls for snow or ice.
How far is downtown Greenville from Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP)?
Downtown Greenville is about 13 miles (21 km) from GSP Airport. The drive takes 20 to 25 minutes on I-85 and I-385 when traffic is normal.
Are there electric vehicle charging stations in Greenville?
Yes, Greenville has many electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. You can find them downtown, at shopping centers and at major hotels. Public garages often have charging stations, and the city keeps adding more.
What's the parking situation in downtown Greenville?
You can find plenty of parking downtown in public garages and at street meters. Most garages let you park for the first hour free and charge reasonable rates after that. Street parking is free after 6 PM and all day on Sunday, which makes it easy to park for dinner.