Compare Car Rental Summerville, SC

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Finding a car rental in Summerville is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers all around South Carolina with no booking fees. Choose a neighborhood pickup from Enterprise, Hertz or Avis right in town, or expand your search to Charleston Airport for extra vehicle types and late hours. Book early for the Flowertown Festival or summer weekends to lock in low rates.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 595694

Summerville offers several car rental options for visitors and residents:

Location	Advantages	Considerations
Neighborhood Branches	• Lower rates than Charleston Airport • Some offer pickup service • More relaxed rental experience	• Limited hours (usually 8 AM-6 PM weekdays, restricted weekend hours) • Closed Sundays • Smaller selection of vehicles
Charleston Airport (25 miles / 40 km)	• Larger selection • Extended hours • All major brands	• 30-minute drive from Summerville • Higher rates and airport fees • Transportation needed to/from Summerville
North Charleston	• More options than Summerville • Potentially lower rates than airport	• 15-20 minute drive from Summerville • Transportation needed to reach location

Local Providers: Major rental companies in Summerville include Enterprise (E. 5th North St.), Hertz (Bacons Bridge Rd) and Avis/Budget (Main St. or at dealerships). These neighborhood branches serve both local residents and visitors.

Fleet Considerations: Summerville locations usually offer standard vehicle classes (economy through full-size cars, plus some SUVs and minivans). Specialty vehicles like luxury models or convertibles are limited and may need to be reserved from Charleston locations.

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Summerville?

On average, car rentals in Summerville cost around $77 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $40 per day.

How to save?

Check Summerville branches before CHS Airport – local offices skip airport surcharges and can be 15-20 % cheaper.
Toggle pickup day in the search – weekday collections price lower and have fuller fleets than late-Saturday pickups.
Use the free "We'll Pick You Up" service from many neighborhood locations to avoid a $40 rideshare from the airport.
Play with rental length – a Fri-Mon weekend promo or full 7-day rate can beat a 4-day booking.
Stack membership discounts (AAA, AARP, military) and compare multiple brands in one view to see which actually honors them.
Book early only for high-demand events like Flowertown Festival; in off-peak Nov-Feb you can sometimes score cheaper last-minute deals.

Parking and Driving

Summerville offers relatively easy parking compared to larger cities:

Downtown Summerville:

Free street parking throughout downtown (some have 2-hour limits on weekdays)
Free public lots near Hutchinson Square
No meters anywhere in Summerville

Shopping Areas:

Azalea Square and other commercial centers offer free parking
Plenty of surface lot spaces at all commercial establishments

Special Events:

Flowertown Festival (early April): Many downtown streets closed
Third Thursday events: Some street closures and limited spaces available
Christmas events: Temporary closures and designated event areas

Driving Regulations:

Speed limits: 25-30 mph downtown, 35-45 mph on major roads, 55-70 mph on highways
School zones: 25 mph when lights flashing
Residential areas often have speed humps or bumps
South Carolina law requires headlights when wipers are in use
Seat belts required for all occupants

Why rent a car in Summerville

Book a car rental so you can get to:

Charleston – downtown, harbor
Ashley River Road plantations – Magnolia Plantation, Middleton Place
Cypress Gardens – swamp trails, boat tours
Folly Beach – pier, surf
Isle of Palms – beach, golf
Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site – ruins, river views

Local Rental Locations

Driving Distances from Summerville

FAQs

How far is Summerville from Charleston International Airport?

It's about 16 miles (26 km). The drive on I-26 East usually takes 20 to 25 minutes.

Do I need to use a credit card to rent in Summerville?

Most rental companies prefer credit cards. Some will accept a debit card, but you may need to show extra documents like proof of insurance or a utility bill. Using a credit card usually makes the rental process easier.

Can I get a one-way rental from Summerville to Charleston Airport?

Yes, most companies let you do that. They often charge a small drop-off fee, but sometimes they'll waive it. This is handy if you're flying out of Charleston.

Are there age restrictions for renting in Summerville?

Yes, most companies require you to be at least 21 years old. They also charge an extra fee of about $25 per day for drivers who are under 25.

What happens if I need to extend my rental?

You should call the rental location directly before you're supposed to return the car. The company can usually extend your rental if a car is available, but you need to give them notice beforehand.

Can I add an additional driver to my rental?

Yes, you can add another driver to your rental agreement. Some companies charge about $13 to $15 per day for this, unless the other driver is your spouse.

What if I need roadside assistance in Summerville?

You should call your rental company's roadside assistance number. You can usually find it on the key tag or the rental agreement. For emergencies on highways, you can also call HP (47).

Is it difficult to drive to Charleston from Summerville?

No, it's an easy drive on I-26 East. Just make sure to leave extra time during the morning rush hour (6:30 AM to 9:00 AM) when the traffic is at its worst.

Can I return outside business hours?

Most locations in Summerville let you return cars after hours using a key drop box. You'll need to park in the special return area, leave the keys in the secure drop box and take photos of the car.

What if I'm visiting during the Flowertown Festival?

You should book your rental car far in advance. That popular spring festival (usually in early April) makes rental cars hard to get. Also, know that some roads in downtown Summerville will be closed during the festival.

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Summerville, SC