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Car Hire Charleston, SC

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Car rental offers in Charleston, SC

Whether you're looking for a small rental car or a station wagon for the entire family, we will always have a suitable vehicle for the lowest price. Below are some examples from our selection in Charleston, SC.

Car type
Mini
Economy
Compact
Intermediate
Standard
Full-size
Luxury
Passenger van
Convertible
SUV

Car rental companies in Charleston, SC

Below are the car rental companies in Charleston, SC with the best ratings. Compare all ratings and prices of these rental companies in one search.

  • Enterprise

    8.7 (2077)
    From £ 38 / day
  • Avis

    8.2 (6392)
    From £ 32 / day
  • Hertz

    8 (7382)
    No rates available
  • Budget

    7.5 (10104)
    From £ 35 / day
  • Alamo

    8.9 (9214)
    No rates available
  • Dollar Rent a Car

    7.6 (4605)
    No rates available
  • National Car Rental

    9.4 (430)
    From £ 45 / day
  • Thrifty

    7.3 (5815)
    No rates available
  • National

    No reviews
    No rates available
  • ACE Rent A Car

    5.3 (16)
    No rates available
  • Payless

    No reviews
    No rates available

Recent reviews

Our customers rate us a 8.9/10 out of 2259

When is the best time to book a rental car in Charleston, SC?

Charleston, SC - When is the most affordable time to rent a mini class car?

At this destination (Charleston, SC), September is the most affordable time to rent a mini class car with an average daily rate of . The rest of the year, the average rate is per day. April is the peak month for renting mini class cars, with an average rate of per day. To secure a good selection and favorable rates, it is recommended to make your rental car reservation well ahead of time. Last-minute bookings may result in limited options and higher prices.

Charleston, SC - When is the most affordable time to rent a economy class car?

At this destination (Charleston, SC), September is the most affordable time to rent a economy class car with an average daily rate of . The rest of the year, the average rate is per day. April is the peak month for renting economy class cars, with an average rate of per day. To secure a good selection and favorable rates, it is recommended to make your rental car reservation well ahead of time. Last-minute bookings may result in limited options and higher prices.

Charleston, SC - When is the most affordable time to rent a compact class car?

At this destination (Charleston, SC), September is the most affordable time to rent a compact class car with an average daily rate of . The rest of the year, the average rate is per day. April is the peak month for renting compact class cars, with an average rate of per day. To secure a good selection and favorable rates, it is recommended to make your rental car reservation well ahead of time. Last-minute bookings may result in limited options and higher prices.

Charleston, SC - When is the most affordable time to rent an intermediate class car?

At this destination (Charleston, SC), September is the most affordable time to rent a intermediate class car with an average daily rate of . The rest of the year, the average rate is per day. April is the peak month for renting intermediate class cars, with an average rate of per day. To secure a good selection and favorable rates, it is recommended to make your rental car reservation well ahead of time. Last-minute bookings may result in limited options and higher prices.

Charleston, SC - When is the most affordable time to rent a standard class car?

At this destination (Charleston, SC), September is the most affordable time to rent a standard class car with an average daily rate of . The rest of the year, the average rate is per day. October is the peak month for renting standard class cars, with an average rate of per day. To secure a good selection and favorable rates, it is recommended to make your rental car reservation well ahead of time. Last-minute bookings may result in limited options and higher prices.

Charleston, SC - When is the most affordable time to rent a full-size car?

At this destination (Charleston, SC), September is the most affordable time to rent a full-size class car with an average daily rate of . The rest of the year, the average rate is per day. April is the peak month for renting full-size class cars, with an average rate of per day. To secure a good selection and favorable rates, it is recommended to make your rental car reservation well ahead of time. Last-minute bookings may result in limited options and higher prices.

Charleston, SC - When is the most affordable time to rent a luxury car?

At this destination (Charleston, SC), December is the most affordable time to rent a luxury class car with an average daily rate of . The rest of the year, the average rate is per day. October is the peak month for renting luxury class cars, with an average rate of per day. To secure a good selection and favorable rates, it is recommended to make your rental car reservation well ahead of time. Last-minute bookings may result in limited options and higher prices.

Charleston, SC - When is the most affordable time to rent a SUV?

At this destination (Charleston, SC), September is the most affordable time to rent an SUV with an average daily rate of . The rest of the year, the average rate is per day. April is the peak month for renting an SUV, with an average rate of per day. To secure a good selection and favorable rates, it is recommended to make your rental car reservation well ahead of time. Last-minute bookings may result in limited options and higher prices.

Charleston, SC - When is the most affordable time to rent a MPV?

At this destination (Charleston, SC), May is the most affordable time to rent an mpv with an average daily rate of . The rest of the year, the average rate is per day. April is the peak month for renting an mpv with an average rate of per day. To secure a good selection and favorable rates, it is recommended to make your rental car reservation well ahead of time. Last-minute bookings may result in limited options and higher prices.

Charleston, SC - When is the most affordable time to rent a minivan?

At this destination (Charleston, SC), September is the most affordable time to rent a minibus with an average daily rate of . The rest of the year, the average rate is per day. April is the peak month for renting a minibus, with an average rate of per day. To secure a good selection and favorable rates, it is recommended to make your rental car reservation well ahead of time. Last-minute bookings may result in limited options and higher prices.

Charleston, SC - When is the most affordable time to rent a sports car?

At this destination (Charleston, SC), July is the most affordable time to rent a sports car with an average daily rate of . The rest of the year, the average rate is per day. July is the peak month for renting a sports car, with an average rate of per day. To secure a good selection and favorable rates, it is recommended to make your rental car reservation well ahead of time. Last-minute bookings may result in limited options and higher prices.

Charleston, SC - When is the most affordable time to rent a convertible?

At this destination (Charleston, SC), December is the most affordable time to rent a convertible with an average daily rate of . The rest of the year, the average rate is per day. October is the peak month for renting a convertible, with an average rate of per day. To secure a good selection and favorable rates, it is recommended to make your rental car reservation well ahead of time. Last-minute bookings may result in limited options and higher prices.

Car rental companies in and around Charleston, SC

Looking for a hire car in United States? Take a look at our Car rental United States directory.

Charleston, SC

Available locations in Charleston, SC

Charleston Airport
3025 Ashley Town Center Drive
390 Meeting Street

Charleston, SC Guide

Guide

Charleston is one of the South’s best preserved and most loved cities. Its charms have made it one of the top tourist destinations in the US, with sightseers coming to view its historic buildings and experience its famed southern hospitality.

The downtown area, with its beautifully restored houses and buildings, is perfect for exploring by foot. Some of the most sought-out edifices are the pseudo-classical Nathaniel Russell House, dating from 1808, and the Heyward-Washington House, which housed George Washington in 1791.

The best preserved 19th century interiors are at the Aiken-Rhet House and the renowned Edmondston-Alston House in Charleston’s refined High Battery neighbourhood. The Aiken-Rhet House retains the original slave quarters and work yard, showing conditions as they were during the Civil War.

On a cobbled street lies the Old Powder Magazine, built in 1713 and used during the Revolutionary War. It now contains a museum which details life in 18th century Charleston and contains weapons, clothes and belongings from the era. Additionally, the city is blessed with many parks, with one of the most popular being Waterfront Park, which boasts a fishing pier, interactive fountains and landscaped gardens.

The Mount Pleasant area is a must-see for military and history buffs. Patriot’s Point hosts the planet’s largest naval and maritime museum. Its floating attractions include: the aircraft carrier, Yorktown; a WWII submarine; a nuclear merchant ship; and a Coast Guard cutter. Tours are available on all vessels. Those interested in the US Civil War should pay a visit to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the war were fired.

Home to food specialties like sautéed shrimps, grits and pecan pie, Charleston has enough food options to satisfy most tastes. As well as these regional delights, there are international options ranging from Italian to Vietnamese to Israeli.

The major suburbs in Charleston are: Avondale, Hampton, Heathwood, Myers, The Crescent, Wappoo Heights and Windermire.

Exploring

Popular excursions for those coming to Charleston are to the many magnificent plantation houses and estates which dot the surrounding countryside. These historic houses evoke days of refined Southern society, but they also stir memories of the slave-owning era.

One of the most famous is the 1743 Boone Hall Plantation and Grounds on Highway 17. The plantation’s setting amid an avenue of oaks is said to have provided inspiration for Tara in Gone with the Wind. The grounds, house and slave quarters can be explored, and lunch is served in the old cotton gin building.

Another estate is the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens which, as well as containing America’s oldest garden, has canoe trips. Built between 1738 and 1742, the plantation is unfurnished but contains opulent carvings and décor.

There are many popular islands close to Charleston. At the harbour entrance is Sullivan’s Island, which contains Fort Moultrie, where on June 28, 1776 the American Revolutionaries won their first victory over the British.

For a more extensive holiday experience, visit the Isle of Palms, which offers all the attractions of a secluded getaway, with pristine beaches, a wide variety of outdoor activities and top class facilities. Just over 35kms south of Charleston is Seabrook Island, which is more exclusive than the Isle of Palms.

Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge is a large group of barrier islands and salt marshes easily reached by car from Charleston. Considered one of the most outstanding refuges in the country, it is home to extensive bird and reptile life. The Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center offers information and exhibits about the refuge and also has ferry trips to the unspoilt wilderness of Bull Island.

Much farther afield is Myrtle Beach on South Carolina’s coast. This resort is the hub of the Grand Strand coastal strip and is famous for its long, clean beaches, temperate seas, raucous wildlife and family-oriented activities.

To & From

Charleston International Airport is in northern Charleston on I-26, about 19kms west of the city. Five major airlines provide daily service to major hubs all over the eastern US. There are also a few regional, transcontinental and international flights. If you're driving from the airport to town, follow the airport-access road to I-26 into the heart of Charleston.

The main north-south coastal route, US 17, passes through Charleston; I-26 runs northwest to southeast, ending in Charleston. Charleston is 192kms southeast of Columbia via I-26, and 157kms south of Myrtle Beach via US 17.

Amtrak's Silver Service provides rail service along the eastern seaboard between New York's Penn Station and Miami, Florida, with stops in South Carolina.

Greyhound services link Charleston to other major cities in the state and the rest of the US.

Boats arriving at Charleston Harbour via the Intracoastal Waterway may dock at City and Ashley marinas.

Practical information

  • Currency
    United States Dollar
  • Driving direction
    Right
  • City speed limit
    25 - 70 km/h
  • Freeway speed limit
    90 - 130 km/h
  • Language
    English
  • Popular car category
    Standard

What most people want to know

The following questions and answers are a selection of the most popular questions. If you do not find the answer to your question, have a look at the Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us.

Is Carrentals.co.uk the cheapest?

Yes, we offer a guarantee of the lowest price - because we compare various retailers, we can always offer you the best price in town.

What do I need to do when picking up a car?

To pick up your car, you will need your voucher, passport, driver's license and a credit card. It is very important that your driver's license and credit card are in the same name as the main driver. Keep in mind that the local rental company will reserve a certain amount on your credit card as a deposit. This requires the PIN code for your credit card. If your driver's license is foreign (for example, in Chinese), you must bring a translation with you. Only your original passport and driver's license will be accepted - a copy is not sufficient.

Are there any additional costs?

In general, our rates are all-inclusive. Should there be any additional costs, our booking department will get in touch with you before issuing the invoice. Should you object, you can always cancel your reservation with no obligations attached (at least 48 hours in advance).

What kind of insurance is applicable to my car rental?

In general, Liability Insurance, Fire Insurance, All-Risks Insurance and Theft Insurance are included in the cost of your rental car.

What is a worry-free label?

Only rental companies with a high level of customer satisfaction are eligible to be included in our Worry-Free selection. This rate includes excess cover and unlimited kilometres. Your vehicle will be provided and must be returned with a full tank of fuel. With a vehicle from our Worry-Free selection, you can travel with peace of mind and no hidden costs.

How can I change or cancel my reservation?

You can cancel your reservation through "My Account". We recommend contacting us by phone if your changes to your booking or cancellation takes place at short notice (48 hours or less).

When will I get a confirmation of my booking?

Most reservations will receive confirmation within minutes after payment takes place. We recommend contacting our Booking Department for last minute reservations (pick-up within 48 hours).

Which car rental companies are compared by Carrentals.co.uk at this location?
  • Enterprise
  • Avis
  • Hertz
  • Budget
  • Alamo
  • Dollar Rent a Car
  • National Car Rental
  • Thrifty
  • National
  • ACE Rent A Car
  • Payless