$83 Car Rental Charleston, WV

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Charleston

Renting a car in Charleston, West Virginia, allows you the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as the West Virginia State Capitol Building, which offers rich cultural experiences, or the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, both located within the city. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to drive to Kanawha State Forest for outdoor adventures and scenic views.

A rental car also makes it easy to explore nearby cities like Cross Lanes, Hurricane, and South Charleston. In Cross Lanes, you can check out local spots like the West Virginia Junior College-Charleston or Nitro City Park. Hurricane offers beautiful locations such as Teays Valley Lakes and Valley Park. South Charleston is home to Jefferson Park and additional attractions. This flexibility is especially beneficial for families, allowing ample space for luggage and equipment while keeping everyone together. With easy navigation and no reliance on public transportation, renting a car ensures you can fully enjoy your time in Charleston and its vibrant surroundings.

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 operates one rental location in Charleston and is recognized for its friendly service and minimal wait times. Customers appreciate the efficiency of the rental process. The most commonly booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, making it a great choice for travelers looking for spacious and comfortable options.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo has a single location in Charleston and is well-regarded for its friendly service. Travelers value the convenience and quick service provided by Alamo. The popular choices among customers are Midsize SUVs and Compact cars, offering flexibility for different travel needs, whether you’re exploring the city or heading out on a road trip.
• Enterprise: With over five rental locations in Charleston, Enterprise is a top choice for many travelers. Known for its exceptional customer service, Enterprise provides a wide selection of vehicles, including popular Midsize SUVs and Fullsize options. The multiple locations enhance convenience, making it easy for you to pick up and drop off your rental vehicle.

Where to stay in Charleston

• Hurricane: Located near Charleston, Hurricane offers a family-friendly atmosphere with great outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy attractions like Teays Valley Lakes and Hurricane Lake, both ideal for scenic relaxation and outdoor adventures. Valley Park is also a great spot for families and city-themed experiences. The area features various dining options, including local wineries and vineyards, making it an excellent choice for those looking to unwind after a day of exploration.
• Cross Lanes: Cross Lanes is another charming city close to Charleston, perfect for romantic getaways and family outings. Notable attractions include the Shawnee Sports Complex and Nitro City Park, both suitable for outdoor fun. Guests can also explore the West Virginia Junior College-Charleston for a bit of culture. With several restaurants and wineries nearby, this area offers a delightful blend of activities and dining options for travelers.
• Kanawha City: This neighborhood around Charleston is ideal for families and those seeking outdoor experiences. Key attractions include the historic West Virginia State Capitol Building and the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, both enriching cultural sites. Urban parks and shopping centers provide ample opportunities for leisure activities. Dining options abound, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience while you explore the local sights.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're likely to obtain better rates and enhance your options, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between price, 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 could also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify age restrictions before finalizing your booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you need to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra fees. This is usually the most advantageous option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but this added cost may be worthwhile for the convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and offers peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your travels. Adding car rental insurance is simple when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning lengthy road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional 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. March and April offer moderate options as well, with average prices and demand. However, July is the most expensive month, featuring high demand and elevated rental rates. June also sees high prices and demand, making it a busy time for rentals. While October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	32.7°F (0.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
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	Slightly High	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	Average	Slightly High
September	67.5°F (19.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
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 $83.

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