$81 Car Rental Charleston, WV

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Charleston

Renting a car in Charleston, West Virginia, offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility for your travels. As a metropolis, Charleston provides a variety of attractions that are easily accessible by car, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Outdoor enthusiasts, road trippers, and families will appreciate the convenience of managing luggage and creating flexible travel plans. Key sites such as the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, the West Virginia State Capitol Building, and the University of Charleston are all within a short drive, making cultural experiences readily available. Additionally, you can venture to nearby cities like Cross Lanes, Hurricane, and Nitro, where you can enjoy locations such as Shawnee Sports Complex, Blenko Glass Company Studios & Gallery, and Nitro City Park. A rental car ensures that you can easily navigate between these destinations, making it ideal for those seeking both city-related experiences and the beauty of West Virginia's surroundings. Whether you're traveling with family or exploring on your own, having a car allows you to maximize your time and enjoy the diverse attractions Charleston and its vicinity have to offer.

Most popular car rentals in Charleston

• Midsize SUV: This car type is a popular choice for travelers in Charleston, accommodating up to 5 passengers and allowing for up to 3 large suitcases. It’s an ideal option for families, couples, or small groups who appreciate the extra space and comfort. Midsize SUVs provide the freedom to explore Charleston and its surroundings at your own pace, making them perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and road trippers alike.
• Fullsize: Fit for families and larger groups, the fullsize car option also accommodates 5 travelers with room for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it a practical choice for those planning to travel with more luggage or equipment. With the flexibility and comfort it provides, renting a fullsize car can enhance your experience of exploring Charleston while ensuring everyone travels together comfortably.
• Economy: Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small families, the economy car option fits 5 travelers with space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for those looking to save on rental costs while still enjoying the convenience of a vehicle for their adventures in and around Charleston. The economy car offers a great balance of affordability and practicality for your trip.

Top rated car suppliers in Charleston

• Budget: Budget has 1 rental location in the Charleston area and is known for its friendly service and short wait times. Travelers appreciate the efficient process and the ease of managing their luggage. The most booked vehicles with Budget include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, providing comfortable options for your travels around Charleston and its attractions.
• Enterprise: With over 5 rental locations in and around Charleston, Enterprise is a popular choice among travelers. Customers commend the exceptional service and flexible rental options available. The most frequently booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize SUVs, making it an excellent option for families or groups looking to explore the area comfortably. Enterprise’s comprehensive presence ensures convenience and accessibility during your trip.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo operates 1 rental location in the Charleston area and is recognized for its quick pickup process and friendly staff. Travelers enjoy the well-maintained vehicles offered by Alamo, with Midsize SUVs and Compact cars being the most popular choices. This supplier is noted for its hassle-free returns, making it a reliable option for those who value efficiency during their travels.

Where to go in Charleston

• Cross Lanes: Nestled within Charleston, Cross Lanes offers a variety of attractions for visitors. The area is popular for its casino experience, family-friendly Shawnee Sports Complex, and local educational sites such as West Virginia Junior College-Charleston and West Virginia State University. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the urban park, while those seeking romance can find serene spots. The best times to visit are March and from June to July when traveler numbers peak.
• Hurricane: Located near Charleston, Hurricane is ideal for family and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore the scenic Teays Valley Lakes, perfect for a romantic outing, or visit the Blenko Glass Company Studios & Gallery for a cultural experience. Valley Park provides ample space for family activities and recreation. The peak visiting months are April and June to July, making it a great destination during these times.
• Nitro: Part of the Charleston area, Nitro is known for its welcoming atmosphere and family-friendly options. Nitro City Park offers green spaces for outdoor fun, while the Nitro Wars Museum provides a glimpse into local military history. For sports fans, Crawford Field is a notable venue. The city sees more visitors in March and June to July, making it an appealing destination during these months.

10 tips to save on your Charleston car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you need an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilizing filters on Expedia can help you discover the perfect vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to secure lower rates and have a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age criteria before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements may require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is usually the most favorable option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience it offers might justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extended road trips, seek out rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Charleston

The best value period to rent a car in and around Charleston is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. April also offers a quieter time, with slightly low demand and average prices. As summer approaches, June and July see a rise in both prices and demand, making it the most expensive time to rent a car. August continues this trend, maintaining high prices and demand before the market stabilizes in September and October.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	32.7°F (0.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	36.7°F (2.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	45.0°F (7.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
May	63.9°F (17.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	71.1°F (21.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	74.7°F (23.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	67.5°F (19.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	45.3°F (7.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	38.8°F (3.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Charleston

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Charleston into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Charleston and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Charleston

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Charleston. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Charleston

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $81.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals