$57 Car Rental Columbia, SC

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Top Car Deals in Columbia

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Lowest prices found within the past 6 hours. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in Columbia?
The cheapest daily rate in Columbia was $57 based on prices within the last seven days. Have a look at our broad range of options, from budget vehicles to luxurious rides.
Can I rent a car from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)?
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) has plenty of choice just a quick commute away. See what's available with Thrifty Car Rental, Enterprise, National Car Rental, Hertz or Dollar.
What happens if I need to cancel my Columbia car reservation?
You should get a total refund on your prepaid reservation if you notify us more than six hours prior to picking up the car. Read through the rental agreement for all the information. Our Customer Service Portal may have the answers too.
Where can I go on a road trip from Columbia?
Once you've visited all of the terrific places in Columbia, there's loads more to discover in the region. Pick up the keys to a rental car, stow your bags in the trunk and get out there. These are some drives you're sure to enjoy:

  • Charlotte is 85 miles from Columbia. Renowned tourist attractions like Spectrum Center should be at the top of your list here.
  • Approximately 110 miles away, Charleston is also a favorite with wanderers. Set aside time to get to Charleston City Market while you're in town. It's one of the reasons people love this colorful city.
  • Make tracks to Biltmore Estate to reconnect with nature. Pack a picnic to enjoy or just relax and unwind. From Columbia, it's roughly 140 miles away.

How do I find the best car rental deals in Columbia with Expedia?
Browse our huge range of rental cars, check out customer ratings and compare prices from major brands. In just a few clicks, Expedia will help you track down the best deal on your wheels. Got a hotel or flight booking? Add on your Columbia car rental to save even more money.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Columbia?
Rental vehicle rules in Columbia require drivers to be 21 and over. Are you a young driver? Some restrictions and surcharges may apply. Rental companies impose what is known as a young driver surcharge, which is an additional fee to the car rental cost. Restrictions usually apply to the types of cars young motorists can rent as well. Age limits may differ between outlets, so check before you book.
What do you need to rent a car in Columbia?
Generally, you'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card in the same name when picking up the car. Proof of coverage may also be needed if you'd prefer to opt out of the company's insurance policy. Requirements are likely to differ between rental companies, so it's always a good idea to check while booking.
What is the cheapest car rental in Columbia?
We looked into prices over the last seven days and found that the lowest daily rate was $57. The second lowest price for rental vehicles in Columbia was $62 a day. These rates were available on Expedia, with a rental starting date within the next year. Prices and availability are subject to change and additional terms apply.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in Columbia?
Whether you plan to stop in Columbia or explore what's beyond, you can reserve a long-term rental with Expedia. Enter your trip information and pick-up/drop-off locations and we'll help you find amazing long-term car rental deals.
Where can I find a Columbia car rental if I am younger than 25?
This depends on the rental car companies that operate in Columbia. They often have different policies when it comes to minimum ages. If you've found a place that does cater to drivers under the age of 25, keep in mind that extra costs may apply. Do some research into any extra charges before you collect the car.
What insurance should I choose for my car rental in Columbia?
It's a good idea to have collision protection to cover your Columbia car rental against theft, accident damage and vandalism. And with Expedia, you can easily purchase this insurance for your vehicle at the time of booking. Providing up to $35,000 in primary coverage, it also offers 24-hour emergency support and no deductible should you need to make a claim. Change of plans? If you cancel your policy before your scheduled collection time, you'll receive a 100 percent refund.

Car Rental Information

 
Popular car types
SUV, Full Size, Economy
 
Car suppliers available
 
Our best deal of the day
$57
 
Our second best deal of the day
$62
 
Our third best deal of the day
$63
 
From the airport to your hotel
Airport Transportation
 
From popular domestic and international airports
Airport Car Rentals

Tips for car rentals in Columbia in 2025

Car rental prices in Columbia

Find car rentals in Columbia, South Carolina from as low as $57* a day on Expedia. See all the latest deals for convenient car travel around the capital city, complete with pricing and booking information. Columbia rental car prices vary based on the car class, time of year, and more. In summer, the city is filled with travelers looking to enjoy the lively atmosphere and live music available all throughout South Carolina's capital, making it more expensive. Keep university dates in mind, too: new and returning students will head back to the city after summer break, often driving up car rental prices for a few weeks in the fall.


Finding some of the best deals for cheap car rentals in Columbia

Finding cheap rental cars in Columbia in 2025 is easy thanks to Expedia: compare available prices across providers and look out for a "Great deal", which shows you some of the lowest prices currently offered on the website for Columbia rental cars. You can also filter your personalized search results by your desired price range. Winters in Columbia are mild, so you can save even more on your vehicle rental in Columbia by booking in the winter months when fewer tourists are around. Plus, all the warm southern hospitality will keep you cozy, anyway.


Best car rental companies in Columbia

No single rental car company is perfect for everyone, but on Expedia, you can browse offers for Columbia rental cars from excellent providers: Alamo, Enterprise and National. Search by company or filter and sort to see car rental offers from the suppliers recommended the most. That way, you can find the best car rental company in Columbia for your trip. Some companies offer more cheap car rental deals, while others have greater offerings for sports car rental in Columbia – choose what works for you.


Best places to rent a car in Columbia

Head straight from the airplane to the highway with airport car rental deals that can be picked up directly from the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, which is less than seven miles from the city center. Expedia allows you to view the results of your customized Columbia rental car search on a map of Columbia to help you plan your trip from the moment you arrive. Use the map view and filter by distance and location to find other pick-up and drop-off points throughout the city. Whether you need a car rental near University Hill or want a car hire in Columbia's Downtown, Expedia can show you the most convenient offers.


Columbia car rental types

For your car rental in Columbia, you can go for passenger van car rental that fits all the kids for the family road trip, or a pickup car rental in Columbia to explore nearby Sesquicentennial State Park. If you're staying in the city, compact rental cars in Columbia can make getting around town easy. Celebrating a special event in the heart of this historic southern city? Then opt for a luxury car rental in Columbia to make your trip even more special.


Advice on car rental in Columbia as an American

To rent a car in Columbia, you'll need a valid driver's license and have to be at least 21 years old. Don't forget to bring a credit card, too – you can't always rent a car with a debit card. If you're under the age of 25, you may have to pay a bit of a premium, but don't worry too much: you can still score cheap car rental deals in Columbia with Expedia. Another common issue is cancellation policies: Expedia makes it easy to find car rentals with flexible or penalty-free cancellation policies, so there is no need to second-guess yourself when you find a deal on your next Columbia car rental. Plus, Expedia's search results show you which providers offer helpful options, such as the ability to reserve a rental before having to pay or provide credit card information.


Benefits of booking a car rental in Columbia with Expedia

With a rental car in Columbia, you don't have to worry about how you're getting from your hotel to the Columbia Canal, Museum of Art, or any other attraction, which broadens your options when it comes to booking travel and accommodations. You can jump into your own rental car and enjoy the shopping, restaurants, and entertainment in downtown Columbia or visit USC's campus on your own time. A rental vehicle will also allow you to take advantage of Columbia's natural surroundings. You'll find Expedia car rental deals that you can't find anywhere else. You can also find some of the best car rental deals in Columbia by using Expedia's extensive search filters. Plus, plans change. Expedia makes it easy to find car rentals with flexible or penalty-free cancellation policies, so there is no need to second-guess yourself when you find a deal on your next Columbia car rental.


*Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia