$59 Car Rental Charleston, WV

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Charleston

Renting a car in Charleston, West Virginia, offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is especially beneficial for families, as it provides ample space for luggage and gear while keeping everyone together. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as the West Virginia State Capitol Building and the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, both located in Charleston. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, a trip to Kanawha State Forest is just a short drive away, offering beautiful scenery and adventure opportunities.

Additionally, a rental car makes it convenient to explore nearby cities like Cross Lanes, Hurricane, and South Charleston. In Cross Lanes, you can visit the West Virginia Junior College-Charleston and Shawnee Sports Complex. Hurricane offers access to Teays Valley Lakes and Valley Park, while South Charleston features Jefferson Park and the Clay Center. Having your own vehicle allows you to manage your travel plans easily and visit multiple destinations without relying on public transportation.

Most popular car rentals in Charleston

• Midsize: This car type accommodates up to 5 travelers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases, making it an excellent choice for couples and families. Its spacious interior allows for comfortable travel, enabling you to enjoy your trip around Charleston without feeling cramped. The midsize option strikes a balance between comfort and practicality, perfect for those who need a bit more room for both passengers and luggage.
• Economy: Ideal for solo travelers, couples, and families alike, the economy car can accommodate 5 travelers with space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is great for those who want to save on rental costs while still enjoying the flexibility to explore Charleston and the surrounding areas. Economy cars are known for their fuel efficiency, allowing you to make the most of your travel budget.
• Compact: The compact car option is perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families, accommodating 5 travelers with room for up to 3 medium suitcases. Its smaller size makes it easy to navigate through Charleston’s streets and find parking within the city. Compact cars are a great choice for those looking for a balance of space and maneuverability, ensuring a pleasant driving experience while exploring the local attractions.

Top rated car suppliers in Charleston

• Budget: Budget has 1 rental location in Charleston and is known for its short wait times, making it a convenient choice for travelers. Customers appreciate the efficiency of the pickup process. The most booked vehicles with Budget are Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, providing ample space for both passengers and luggage, perfect for exploring the Charleston area at your own pace.
• Enterprise: With more than 5 rental locations in Charleston, Enterprise is favored for its friendly service and extensive vehicle selection. The helpful staff enhances the rental experience, ensuring a smooth process from pickup to drop-off. Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles are the most popular choices among customers, making it an excellent option for families and groups looking to explore the nearby attractions comfortably.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo operates 1 rental location in Charleston and is recognized for its friendly service. Travelers often commend the quick pickup and clean vehicles. The most booked options include Midsize SUVs and Compact cars, offering flexibility for different travel needs. Alamo's commitment to customer satisfaction makes it a reliable choice for those wanting to enjoy Charleston and its surroundings.

Where to stay in Charleston

• Hurricane: Located near Charleston, Hurricane is an excellent choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy recreational activities at Valley Park, which is suitable for family outings, or relax at the scenic Teays Valley Lakes and Hurricane Lake. You'll find plenty of shopping opportunities nearby and delightful wineries to explore. This area is vibrant with city-themed experiences, making it a perfect spot for a fun-filled stay.
• Cross Lanes: Cross Lanes, situated close to Charleston, offers a blend of romantic and family-friendly experiences. You can enjoy a day at the Shawnee Sports Complex or visit the West Virginia Junior College-Charleston for a cultural touch. With various restaurants and wineries nearby, you’ll have plenty of dining options. This neighborhood is ideal for those seeking a city-themed getaway with a touch of romance.
• Kanawha City: This neighborhood around Charleston is perfect for families and those who appreciate outdoor activities. Kanawha City features shopping centres and is close to notable landmarks like the West Virginia State Capitol Building and the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, both great for cultural exploration. With urban parks and dining options nearby, it's a lively area suited for varied interests during your stay.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Charleston

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you need an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option 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're more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy greater availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable 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 the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may 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 additional 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 plan on taking long road trips, search for rentals 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 February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. This month offers a quieter experience compared to others. January and April can also be good options, with average prices and slightly low demand. However, July tends to be the most expensive month, as demand peaks during the summer. June and August also experience high demand and prices, making them less ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

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 $59.

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