South Carolina Car Rentals

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Top destinations to rent a car in South Carolina

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Charleston

Charleston

What you need to know for your South Carolina car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in South Carolina

Renting a car in South Carolina provides the freedom to explore the state's attractions at your own pace, making it a popular choice for tourists. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans that suit your itinerary. This convenience appeals to travelers seeking outdoor experiences, scenic views, and romantic getaways. Notable attractions such as the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, ideal for family and outdoor experiences, and Broadway at the Beach, perfect for family fun, are easily accessible with a rental vehicle. You can also visit Coligny Beach for a relaxed day by the shore. Exploring key destinations like Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, and North Myrtle Beach becomes straightforward when you have your own transportation. Myrtle Beach features attractions like Family Kingdom Amusement Park, while Hilton Head Island boasts Coligny Beach and the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. North Myrtle Beach offers the Cherry Grove Fishing Pier and Barefoot Resort and Golf. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, a rental car enhances your experience in South Carolina by providing the ability to move freely from one destination to another.

Most popular car rentals in South Carolina

  • Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the midsize SUV accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases. This vehicle offers a perfect balance of space and comfort, making it an excellent choice for exploring South Carolina's attractions at your own pace.
  • Standard SUV: With a capacity for 5 travelers and up to 2 medium suitcases, the standard SUV is a versatile option suited for couples, families, and groups. Its spacious interior allows for a comfortable journey, making it a popular choice among travelers looking to enjoy South Carolina's scenic routes.
  • Fullsize: The fullsize car accommodates 5 travelers with the flexibility of carrying up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an ideal option for families and groups who need extra luggage space while traveling through South Carolina. It combines comfort and practicality, ensuring a smooth experience on the road.

Where to stay in South Carolina

  • Myrtle Beach: A vibrant city known for its outdoor, family, and romantic experiences, Myrtle Beach offers a variety of attractions. Visitors can explore the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, a beautiful esplanade perfect for vacations. Broadway at the Beach is a popular tourist precinct featuring shopping and entertainment. For thrill-seekers, the Family Kingdom Amusement Park provides outdoor adventure. With local food options including wineries and breweries, Myrtle Beach makes for a delightful destination.
  • Hilton Head Island: Renowned for its outdoor activities and family-friendly atmosphere, Hilton Head Island is ideal for a city-themed getaway. Visitors can enjoy the stunning Coligny Beach and Tybee Island Beach for a beach vacation. The Sea Pines Forest Preserve offers a chance to connect with nature. With numerous resorts and golf courses nearby, along with various dining options, Hilton Head Island caters to a diverse range of travelers.
  • North Myrtle Beach: Known for its outdoor and family-friendly beach experiences, North Myrtle Beach features attractions like Cherry Grove Beach, perfect for sun-seekers. The Cherry Grove Fishing Pier is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. The Barefoot Resort and Golf provides excellent golfing opportunities. With nearby shopping centers and a variety of dining options, including wineries and restaurants, North Myrtle Beach is a fantastic choice for a beach vacation.

10 tips to save on your car rental in South Carolina

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to help you discover the perfect match for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good balance of 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 premium models, might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most favorable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also be convenient. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports usually incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
  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 prevent unexpected costs and provide peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in South Carolina

The best time to rent a car in South Carolina is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. This period offers great value for travelers. Following this, March provides average pricing and demand, making it another reasonable choice. However, April tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand. The summer months of June through August see increased pricing and demand, making them less ideal for budget-conscious renters.

Find South Carolina Car Rentals

Expedia.com makes it easy for you to book your next South Carolina car rental. We work with the best car rental companies in South Carolina, bringing you discount car rental rates and a wide variety of car rental classes including economy, compact, midsize, full-size, convertible, van, luxury and SUV rentals. Our partner car rental companies in South Carolina offer different pick-up and drop-off options. If you are ready to book your South Carolina car rental, follow the links on this page to view more information and details on your next short or long term car rental.

Expedia.com offers a wide selection of rental cars in South Carolina to meet nearly every need. If you need any special equipment, like a child seat or ski rack, let us know and we will forward your request on to the rental car company. And what's more, when you choose to rent a car from one of our South Carolina airport car rental partners you'll be dealing with a rental car company that has made a special commitment to provide Expedia customers with great customer service, a wide choice of top quality cars, and competitive total pricing.

Expedia.com offers many South Carolina rental cars pick up locations

Find the best place to get your South Carolina airport rental cars by searching tons of pickup locations with Expedia.com

Frequently asked questions

What are the cheapest car rentals in South Carolina?
You can find cheap car rentals in South Carolina from $13 a day with Thrifty Car Rental's midsize suv. Car rentals for exploring South Carolina are picked up at a nearby gateway like Raleigh Durham Airport (RDU). From there it's an easy drive to popular South Carolina destinations like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island. Suppliers such as Sixt, Thrifty Car Rental, and Dollar Rent A Car operate across the region. Rates shift by vehicle type and dates, so compare a few pickup points and dates on Expedia to find a rate that suits your trip. For more options, explore Economy Car Rentals in South Carolina.
What are the best car rentals in South Carolina?
Car rentals across South Carolina offer a full range of vehicle types from providers like Sixt, Thrifty Car Rental, and Dollar Rent A Car, broadly available in the region's main cities — Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, and North Myrtle Beach. The most common car classes include:
  • Midsize SUV
  • Fullsize 2 or 4 door
  • Compact 2 or 4 door
  • Standard elite SUV
  • Standard 2 or 4 door
These options cater to various traveler needs, whether you're a solo adventurer, a couple, a family, or a small group. Choose based on passenger count, luggage, and whether you're driving in the city or exploring the wider South Carolina region. For more options, explore Minivan Car Rentals in South Carolina.

What are the best car rental companies in South Carolina?
For car rentals across South Carolina, well-rated providers like Sixt, Thrifty Car Rental, and Dollar Rent A Car offer a strong mix of vehicles and competitive rates, with wide availability in the region's main cities — Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, and North Myrtle Beach. Compare suppliers and pickup points on Expedia to find a great rate and the right vehicle for your trip.
Can I rent a car from Raleigh Durham Airport (RDU) for exploring South Carolina?
Yes — you can pick up a rental car right at Raleigh Durham Airport (RDU) for exploring South Carolina. Providers including Sixt, Thrifty Car Rental, and Dollar Rent A Car operate at the airport, with rates from around $13 a day. RDU serves as a convenient gateway for reaching cities across the South Carolina area, from Myrtle Beach to Hilton Head Island.
Can I rent a car one-way in South Carolina?
Yes, one-way car rentals work well across South Carolina — pick up in one city, such as Myrtle Beach, and drop-off in another, like Hilton Head Island, which is ideal for regional road trips, with prices starting from around $13 a day. Providers like Sixt and Thrifty Car Rental offer flexible one-way options. A one-way drop-off fee may apply, so confirm it when booking on Expedia.
Are there electric or hybrid car rental companies in South Carolina?
Electric and hybrid car rentals are available across South Carolina, including in Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island. Sixt and Thrifty Car Rental both offer electric vehicles from $13 a day and hybrid options from $13 a day. Dollar Rent A Car also provides electric vehicles starting from $13 a day. These vehicles can help keep fuel costs low, and charging infrastructure is becoming more widely available along major routes. For longer regional drives, it's a good idea to plan your charging stops in advance.
What are the best luxury car rental companies in South Carolina?
For luxury car rentals across South Carolina, Sixt offers fullsize elite 2 or 4 door cars from $20 a day (and standard elite SUV from $15 a day), while Thrifty Car Rental and Dollar Rent A Car also add premium categories — high-end vehicles with extra comfort and space for exploring the region in style. You'll find them in the region's main cities like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island. Use Expedia's car-class filters to browse premium options and compare rates before you book. For more options, explore Luxury Car Rentals in South Carolina.
What are the best car rentals in South Carolina for families or groups?
For families or groups exploring South Carolina, SUVs and minivans give you room for passengers, car seats, strollers, and luggage — available across the region's cities, from Myrtle Beach to Hilton Head Island:
  • Sixt: midsize SUV from $13 a day — seats up to 5 people with room for 3 large suitcases
  • Thrifty Car Rental: mini passenger van from $24 a day — seats up to 8 people with room for 6 large suitcases
  • Enterprise: fullsize SUV from $43 a day — seats up to 6 people with room for 3 large or 5 medium suitcases
These keep everyone comfortable for both city driving and longer trips into the surrounding area. Book a few weeks ahead, as the larger vehicles can have lower availability during busy periods. For more options, explore SUV Car Rentals in South Carolina.

What are the best car rentals in South Carolina for solo travelers?
The best car rentals in South Carolina for solo travelers are economy and compact classes — small, easy to park, and cheap to run for one person exploring the region at their own pace, available across cities like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island:
  • Economy 2 or 4 door, from $18 a day — fits up to 2 medium suitcases, nimble on tight city streets
  • Compact 2 or 4 door, from $14 a day — fits up to 3 medium suitcases with a little more room for luggage
Both comfortably fit a solo traveler plus a bag or two. Compare suppliers on Expedia to find the right car for getting around the region. For more options, explore Compact Car Rentals in South Carolina.

What are the best car rentals in South Carolina for couples?
The best car rentals in South Carolina for couples balance comfort and easy handling for two, available across the region's cities like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island:
  • Midsize 2 or 4 door, from $16 a day — fits up to 3 large suitcases with smooth cruising for two
  • Compact SUV, from $16 a day — fits up to 3 medium suitcases with a higher ride for regional day trips
Both give a couple comfortable seating and trunk space without being hard to park. Compare suppliers on Expedia to find the right car for your South Carolina adventure. For more options, explore Midsize Car Rentals in South Carolina.

What are the closest airports to South Carolina for car rental pick-up?
Several airports offer car rental pick-up for exploring South Carolina, giving you flexible options close to your arrival point:
  • Raleigh Durham Airport (RDU)
  • Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
  • Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH)
These airports provide convenient access to various parts of the South Carolina region. Compare rental rates at each airport on Expedia to find a rate that fits your trip.

Which side of the road do you drive on in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, you drive on the right-hand side of the road. Keep to local speed limits and traffic laws for a safe, easy drive while exploring the region's cities like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island, and the roads between them. If you're used to driving on the other side, give yourself a little time to adjust — take extra care at intersections and roundabouts, which flow in the opposite direction.
Are there any hidden fees when renting a car on Expedia?
Expedia aims to show the key price and important rental details clearly during booking, so you know what to expect before you reserve. In some cases, car rental companies may apply additional charges at pick-up or during the rental, such as security deposits, tolls, fuel charges, extra driver fees, or local requirements, so it's worth checking the supplier's rental terms before you book.
Are there any long-term car rentals in South Carolina?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in South Carolina. Whether you're planning an extended holiday with the family, relocating temporarily, or simply need a vehicle for several weeks or months, many car rental providers offer flexible long-term rental plans tailored to your needs. Click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then book a ride that suits.
Do you need insurance to rent a car in South Carolina?
No, you don't need personal auto insurance to rent a car in most cases. You will, however, be required to purchase some insurance to cover the duration of the rental. Rental companies will offer this insurance when you rent the car. Certain personal car insurance policies can also be applied to rental cars, and travelers can even use non-owner car insurance if they rent cars often but don't have a car of their own. Additionally, some car rentals simply include rental car insurance within the price of the rental.
How much does it cost to rent a car in South Carolina?
Budget car rental in South Carolina can be easy to find, with prices based on rates seen within the past seven days . To find some of the cheapest options, sort your search results by price and use filters to match your budget and travel needs. For added flexibility, it's also worth exploring one-way car rentals.
What are the top car rental deals in South Carolina?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in South Carolina. The easiest way to get a good deal on a rental car is to use our filters. At the top of the filter list, you'll find a section featuring our best car rental offers. Check the filter for "Great Deal," and your search results will be filled with specials. Compare offers from trusted rental providers, choose the option that fits your trip, and book with confidence. For even more value, bundle your South Carolina car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in South Carolina?
To rent a car in South Carolina, a current driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essential. If you're opting out of the company's insurance plan, then you may also need proof of other coverage. Rules may differ between rental companies, so read through your policy.
What happens if I need to cancel my South Carolina car rental?
If you need to cancel your South Carolina car rental, read over the policy to be sure, but almost all prepaid rentals are eligible for a complete refund if you notify us at least six hours prior to the pickup time, though there may be some exclusions so check your itinerary for more information, or just click through to our Customer Service Portal.

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