$56 Car Rental Downtown Charleston, SC

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Downtown Charleston

Renting a car in Downtown Charleston offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area and its attractions at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families and those with luggage, as a rental vehicle allows for easy management of belongings while traveling. You can visit key sites such as the Harborage at Ashley Marina for outdoor adventures, or delve into local culture at the Aiken-Rhett House Museum and the Historic Rice Mill, all conveniently located in Downtown Charleston.

Additionally, a rental car makes it simple to explore nearby neighborhoods. The Charleston Historic District, less than 1 mile away, features attractions like Waterfront Park and Rainbow Row. Similarly, the Cannonborough Elliotborough neighborhood, also under 1 mile from Downtown, offers sites such as the International African American Museum. With a car, you can easily navigate from Downtown Charleston to these popular destinations, ensuring you make the most of your visit without the constraints of public transportation or rideshares.

Most popular car rentals in and around Downtown Charleston

• Midsize SUV: This car option accommodates 5 travelers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups. With a spacious interior and versatile cargo space, a midsize SUV offers the comfort and practicality needed for exploring Downtown Charleston and its surrounding areas at your leisure.
• Standard SUV: The standard SUV is designed to accommodate 5 travelers with space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This car type is perfect for couples, families, or groups seeking a balance of comfort and utility. With its elevated driving position and ample storage, you can navigate Downtown Charleston effortlessly while enjoying a relaxed ride.
• Compact: The compact car is a great choice for up to 5 travelers, offering room for 3 medium suitcases. This option is particularly well-suited for solo travelers, couples, or families looking for a maneuverable vehicle. Its smaller size allows for easy parking in Downtown Charleston's bustling areas, making it a convenient choice for your rental needs.

Top rated car suppliers in and around Downtown Charleston

• Budget: With 2 rental locations in and around Downtown Charleston, Budget provides convenient access to a variety of vehicles. Their most booked options include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, ideal for travelers seeking comfort and space. Budget is known for offering competitive rates, making it a popular choice for those looking to explore the area without breaking the bank.
• Avis: Avis operates 1 rental location in Downtown Charleston, making it an easy option for those staying in the area. Travelers often choose Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs from Avis, which are great for navigating both the city and surrounding attractions. Avis is recognized for its reliable service and straightforward rental process, ensuring a smooth experience for visitors.
• Enterprise: With 3 rental locations and the nearest being 4 miles away from Downtown Charleston, Enterprise offers a wide selection of vehicles to cater to different needs. Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars are popular rentals, providing comfort for longer drives or family outings. Enterprise is well-regarded for its customer service, making it a trusted choice for travelers looking to explore Charleston and beyond.

Where to stay around Downtown Charleston

• Old Village: Located 4 miles from Downtown Charleston, Old Village offers a charming neighborhood experience with a focus on outdoor and eco-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy the nearby beaches and parks, as well as attractions like Patriots Point, a maritime museum that showcases the area's naval history. The area also features options for food and drinks, including distilleries and wineries, making it a great choice for families and nature lovers alike.
• Scanlonville: Situated 3 miles from Downtown Charleston, Scanlonville is another neighborhood ideal for outdoor and family experiences. The beaches and wetlands nearby provide ample opportunity for recreation, while the local shopping center offers various amenities. Key attractions such as Patriots Point and the USS Yorktown maritime museum are easily accessible, adding to the cultural experience. This eco-friendly area also features food and drink options, including distilleries.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you need a spacious SUV, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize filters on Expedia to discover the perfect fit for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to secure your car well ahead of your journey. By booking early, you're more likely to lock in lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are usually less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain types of vehicles—like SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This limitation can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is often the most convenient option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also work, but ensure you return the vehicle empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often comes with a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected costs and provide peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's easy to add rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent 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 Downtown Charleston

January and February are usually the best value months to rent a car in and around Downtown Charleston, as prices tend to be slightly low and demand is moderately low. June through August can also be decent, with slightly low prices and moderately high demand. However, April is typically the most expensive month, with high prices and average demand. March and October also see slight increases in pricing, while November generally maintains average prices with moderately low demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	51.4°F (10.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	54.7°F (12.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	59.4°F (15.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	65.8°F (18.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	72.9°F (22.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	79.3°F (26.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly Low
July	82.0°F (27.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
August	81.3°F (27.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
September	77.5°F (25.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	69.6°F (20.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	60.1°F (15.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
December	55.8°F (13.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average