Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Charleston with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Charleston?
You should book your rental car in Charleston around 62 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Charleston?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Budget (S$ 39.55/day), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (S$ 57.90/day) and Avis (S$ 58.06/day). The cheapest car hire price was found at Budget 170 Airport Road (3.9 km from city centre).
What is the most popular rental car in Charleston?
Hires in the SUV category (Class Intermediate SUV or similar) are the most popular option in Charleston, costing S$ 105/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as S$ 83/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Charleston?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Charleston is April at an average cost of S$ 80/day. July is the most expensive month to hire a car in Charleston when prices are S$ 103/day on average, which tends to be 51% above the yearly average hire price for Charleston.
Which car hire company in Charleston has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 4 locations in Charleston, more than any other car hire company.
Charleston car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Charleston by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
S$ 66 - S$ 85
All Car Types
S$ 98 - S$ 123
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Charleston?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Charleston?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Charleston?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Charleston?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Charleston?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Charleston?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Charleston?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Charleston?
Small car hire in Charleston typically costs around S$ 76 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average S$ 66 per day, which is about 14% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 29% cheaper than the average car hire in Charleston, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Charleston typically costs around S$ 106 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average S$ 85 per day, which is about 20% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually the same price as an average car hire in Charleston.
Large car hire in Charleston typically costs around S$ 113 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average S$ 90 per day, which is about 21% less than the yearly average. Large cars are typically 7% more expensive than the average car hire in Charleston but offer more comfort for longer trips.
SUV hire in Charleston typically costs around S$ 107 per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average S$ 93 per day, which is about 14% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 1% more expensive than the average car hire in Charleston but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van hire in Charleston typically costs around S$ 141 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average S$ 108 per day, which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 25% more expensive than the average car hire in Charleston but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Charleston typically costs around S$ 97 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average S$ 77 per day, which is about 21% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 9% cheaper than the average car hire in Charleston, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Charleston typically costs around S$ 137 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average S$ 112 per day, which is about 19% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 23% more expensive than the average car hire in Charleston but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Charleston typically costs around S$ 132 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average S$ 74 per day, which is about 44% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 20% more expensive than the average car hire in Charleston but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular car type
Small
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Charleston
Everyone who loves to explore new places should consider going for a vacation in Charleston. The southern Carolina city boasts outstanding attractions within and far from the city, including the magnificent Fort Sumter National Monument, Charleston City Market, and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. It's important to rent a car if you want to visit as many destinations as possible, especially those outside the city. You can get to Joe Riley Waterfront Park, 60 miles away from the city, in about an hour when traveling with your rental vehicle to witness the mesmerizing walkways and fountains. Or, you can drive to White Point Garden, 90 miles from Charleston city, in less than one and a half hours and witness ancient wartime monuments if you hire a rental vehicle from some of the best car rentals in Charleston.
With a good set of wheels, you can visit the vibrant city of Charleston. When you rent a car from the cheap car rentals in Charleston you get to know and explore the city at your own pace. You can drive to Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge 3.7 miles away. View the scenic sites of the bay and the South Carolina Aquarium in less than 15 minutes. You can also explore the beach and the nice selection of restaurants and hotels.
The easiest way to find car rentals in Charleston for visitors coming to Charleston is by opting to rent a car at the airports in the city. Some of the airports in this city that have Charleston car rentals include Charleston International Airport, Charleston County Aviation, and Charleston VORTAC CHS 113.5. For instance, Charleston International Airport has a car rental agency behind the Arrivals 3 terminal, featuring car rentals like Hertz, SIXT, and Europcar. You can get car rentals in Charleston with no hassle if you opt to rent a vehicle at the airport rather than looking around for a suitable car rental agency in or outside the city.
Collect your car after you land at Charleston International Airport. The airport usually houses different car rentals that best fit your needs. It has several car rental agencies on-site that offer any car type that you might need. The agencies have help desks behind the Arrival Halls of Terminal 3. Always remember to check your preferred agency's operation hours.
Driving outside Charleston city on highways such as the King's Highway and Highway 41 is pretty easy because the roads here are wide and in good condition. Driving through the city center can be difficult because streets like King Street and East bay are usually congested and full of pedestrians. Look out for pedestrians while driving through the city center and be cautious of motorists when approaching intersections.
You can present a valid license from your home country with your full Government-Approved Name. The license is an eligible permit when driving Charleston car rentals. The license should be in the English language and have your photograph. That way, you will not need a translation. If the license is not in English, you will need to get a translation of your license issued in your home country. The translation can be in the form an International Driver's Permit.
Being a busy city, Charleston has plenty of people and vehicles. Some roads in this city, such as Elliot Street, Bedons Alley, Bedons Alley, and Montague streets, are full of traffic, and navigating them can be a huge problem. Traffic is usually at its peak from 7 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 6 pm. Avoid driving on busy streets during rush hours. Drive on the streets before or after rush hours if you must use the busy roads in the city.
Small rental cars in Charleston are around 58% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Charleston
How can I find car hires near me in Charleston?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Small car rental cost in Charleston?
A Small car hire in Charleston costs S$ 104 per day, on average.
How much does a Medium car rental cost in Charleston?
A Medium car hire in Charleston costs S$ 89 per day, on average.
How much does a Large car rental cost in Charleston?
A Large car hire in Charleston costs S$ 134 per day, on average.
What car type is recommended for driving in Charleston?
Different car rentals in Charleston suit different drivers with different driving needs. A compact vehicle, for instance, is suitable for cruising on the wide highways in Charleston. Drivers driving on the city center’s narrow street can go for a smaller vehicle to make it easier for them to navigate through the narrow streets. You can opt for a bigger car if you are traveling in the city as a group or with your family to ensure everyone is comfortable throughout the road trip.
Should I rent a car in Charleston, South Carolina?
Even if you are visiting for pleasure or work, picking up a cheap rental car in Charleston will make things easier for you. You can also view things on your own time and at your own convenience. Visit different attractions and go sightseeing affordably. You can also go for a road trip and see what the area around Charleston has to offer.
What is the speed limit in Charleston?
The speed limit in Charleston depends on where you are driving. Motorists driving on the congested roads in downtown, such as King Street, Bedons Alley, and Rainbow RowCharleston and other public areas, such as near schools and hospitals should maintain a speed limit of around 25 mph. You should maintain a speed limit of between 55 mph and 70 mph while driving on freeways within the city. Drivers driving on highways outside the city can drive at 70 mph.
What road trips could I take from Charleston?
Take a drive of about 55 minutes to Folly Beach County Park, which lies about 12 miles away from Charleston. The city provides beautiful beaches surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Folly River. Visitors enjoy surfing, fishing, swimming, and viewing the marine life. The road trip from Charleston to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens will take about 26 minutes to drive about 13 miles away. Here you will get to see the historic house with gardens. On the other hand, a one hour's drive from Charleston to Moris Island is about 15 miles. The city boasts a calm, relaxing beach complete with a lighthouse.
Where are the best places to park in Charleston?
You should plan to pay for parking in most parts of the city because there are few parking lots, especially in the city center. Luckily there are affordable parking lots in the city, such as Cumberland Street Garage, Marion Square Garage, and Queen Street Parking Garage, which typically cost around $5. You can also park your car in private parking lots like Palmetto Parking Inc. and Palmetto Parking lot, although you will have to pay around $8 to around $10 for parking in most private car parks. Alternatively, you can use public transportation to get to your destination if you predict you won’t get parking space at your destination. Walking can also save you money on parking fees because you won’t need to pay for parking if you walk to a nearby destination from your hotel.
The car itself was great. when I returned the car, I waited in line at the checkin counter unnecessarily because I didn’t know I could have simply left my car key and contract on the counter. A sign would have saved me time!
2.0 Poor
Amy, Oct 2022
Vehicle was filthy. Had to clean all the major touch-points inside plus clean out the cup holders once I reached my destination. Very disappointing.
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