We have great offers for daily, weekly and long term rentals in Charleston. Find the cheapest prices online, for your future Car Hire in Charleston in 4 quick easy steps. Book now at the lowest possible rates only with a small down payment and pay the rest when you pick up the car.

  • Customer benefits:
  • Quality & Expertise
  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

Flexible Booking Process

No need for huge up-front costs. Search for the best deal for you in Charleston and book it with only a small advance payment, you will pay the remaining amount during the car pickup time.

Free Extras & Cancellation

In case your plans change you can cancel or do minor modifications for free up to 48 hours before your rental starts. We will also include all special offers in Charleston and surcharges from our partners on the final price.

Quality & Expertise

We constantly evaluate our partners in the level of service they provide in Charleston so we can ensure the quality of service you will receive.


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Why rent a car in Charleston?

Renting a car in Charleston, South Carolina, offers unparalleled flexibility to explore the city's rich history, charming neighbourhoods, and scenic surroundings at your own pace. With a personal vehicle, you can easily access both popular downtown attractions and more secluded sites beyond the city centre.

Beyond Charleston's historic district, a car allows you to venture to nearby destinations like the picturesque beaches of Folly Island, the historic plantations along the Ashley River, and the quaint town of Mount Pleasant. Having your own transportation ensures you can fully experience the Lowcountry's diverse offerings without the constraints of public transit schedules.

Car rental tips for Charleston

  • Charleston International Airport hosts several car rental agencies conveniently located near the baggage claim area, allowing for a seamless transition from flight to vehicle. Booking your rental car in advance can ensure availability and potentially better rates.
  • Be prepared for narrow and one-way streets in Charleston's historic district, which can be challenging to navigate. A GPS or updated map can be invaluable in these areas.
  • If you plan to visit nearby beaches or plantations, check if your rental agreement allows for travel on unpaved roads, as some destinations may have gravel or dirt access roads.
  • Parking in downtown Charleston can be limited, especially during peak tourist seasons. Utilising public parking garages or park-and-ride options can alleviate the stress of finding street parking.

FAQs about renting a car in Charleston

What is the recommended car type/category?

A mid-sized saloon or compact SUV is ideal for navigating Charleston's historic streets and nearby destinations. These vehicles offer comfort for longer drives to plantations or beaches while being manageable in the city's narrower roads.

What are the parking options?

Downtown Charleston offers metred street parking and several public parking garages. Be mindful of parking regulations and time limits, especially in the historic district, to avoid fines.

What's the speed limit?

In South Carolina, the maximum speed limit is 70 mph (113 km/h) on rural motorways, 60 mph (97 km/h) on urban motorways, and 55 mph (89 km/h) on other roads unless otherwise posted. Always adhere to posted speed limits, especially in residential and historic areas where limits may be lower.

Popular attractions

  • The Battery and White Point Garden: A historic waterfront promenade offering stunning views of Charleston Harbour, lined with grand antebellum mansions and a picturesque park featuring Civil War-era cannons and monuments.
  • Historic Charleston City Market: A vibrant marketplace established in the 1800s, where local artisans sell handmade crafts, including the renowned sweetgrass baskets, reflecting the city's rich cultural heritage.
  • Fort Sumter National Monument: The site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired in 1861, accessible by ferry, offering well-preserved ruins and informative exhibits detailing its pivotal role in American history.
  • South Carolina Aquarium: Home to over 5,000 animals, including a notable Sea Turtle Care Centre, this aquarium provides interactive exhibits and panoramic views of the Charleston Harbour.
  • Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens: Famous for its majestic Avenue of Oaks, this plantation offers tours of its historic mansion and exhibits detailing the lives of enslaved people, providing insight into the region's complex history.

More places to visit

  • Folly Beach: A laid-back beach town just a short drive from downtown Charleston, known for its scenic pier, surfing opportunities, and the iconic Morris Island Lighthouse.
  • Mount Pleasant: A charming town across the Cooper River, offering attractions like the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum and picturesque waterfront parks.
  • Kiawah Island: A barrier island renowned for its pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, and natural beauty, perfect for a relaxing day trip.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Hire Brands in Charleston

Experience the difference with rentals from trusted brands. We focus on quality and customer satisfaction, so you can enjoy every mile of your journey.

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Alamo Car Hire

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National Car Hire

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SIXT Car Hire

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Enterprise Car Hire

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Budget Car Hire

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Hertz Car Hire

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Europcar Car Hire

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Keddy Car Hire

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Thrifty Car Hire

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AVIS Car Hire

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Firefly Car Hire

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: This company has yet to receive any customer evaluations.

Find a car according to your needs


Small / Economy

You want a small, fuel-efficient vehicle for your trip? We provide a large range of options for you to select from. Save money while still getting a reliable vehicle!

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Hybrid / Electric

A hybrid car rental gives you the option to travel using different kinds of power, save energy, and cut down on emissions. Get where you need to go without constantly stopping for gas.

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Prestige Cars

Renting a luxury car gives you the chance to drive your dream car at an affordable price. This puts you in the driver’s seat of luxury cars from internationally renowned brands.

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Stationwagon / Minibus

You are on a family vacation or group outing? Our minibus and station wagons are perfect for the job. Minivans and 7-9 seaters are designed to provide a comfortable ride for everyone to enjoy.

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Charleston: Most popular locations



The cheapest car rental deals


Displayed prices are the best daily rates found by our customers during the last two weeks. (Subject to change)

Website advantages

  • Destinations in almost every city in the world.
  • Competitive prices from trusted car rental brands
  • Genuine customer evaluation scores for each brand
  • Multilingual website

Customer benefits

  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

One ways are supported! You want to pick up your car and return it to a different location, we can do it!

No hidden fees with us! Select your preferences and see the total prices before booking! Any extra fees that may apply because of driver's age or late pick up time selection, will always be included on the total price.

No need for full payment! Book your car with just a small amount and give the rest upon pick up.