$51 Car Rental Charleston, SC

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Charleston

Renting a car in Charleston, South Carolina, offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility to explore this historic city and its surroundings. Whether you are a historic site enthusiast, a beachgoer, or a foodie, having your own vehicle allows you to visit key attractions at your own pace. For instance, you can easily drive to the College of Charleston for a cultural experience, or head to Waterfront Park for family-friendly outdoor activities. With a rental car, managing luggage is a breeze, making it ideal for those traveling with family or planning to explore multiple destinations.

Additionally, a car allows you to venture into various neighborhoods such as Downtown Charleston, where you can find Marion Square and the vibrant Upper King Design District, or the Charleston Historic District, home to iconic sites like Rainbow Row. Exploring West Ashley is also convenient, with attractions like the North Charleston Coliseum and Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site within easy reach. The convenience of a rental car ensures that you can create flexible travel plans suited to your interests, making your visit to Charleston truly enjoyable.

Most popular car rentals in Charleston

• Standard SUV: This option is perfect for those traveling in couples, families, or groups. It comfortably accommodates up to 5 travelers and offers space for up to 2 medium suitcases. The Standard SUV is particularly suitable for exploring Charleston's historic sites, allowing you to travel with flexibility while managing your luggage with ease.
• Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV provides room for up to 5 travelers and storage for up to 3 large suitcases. This vehicle type offers a balance of comfort and practicality, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy Charleston's diverse attractions at their own pace.
• Fullsize: A fantastic choice for families or larger groups, the Fullsize car fits 5 travelers and has the capacity for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option combines spaciousness and convenience, ensuring you have ample room for both passengers and luggage as you navigate around Charleston and its surrounding areas.

Top rated car suppliers in Charleston

• Budget: Budget has 2 rental locations in and around Charleston, making it easy for travelers to access their vehicles. Known for providing great value, Budget's most booked options include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, allowing you to travel comfortably while exploring the city and its attractions.
• Enterprise: With 4 convenient rental locations in Charleston, Enterprise is a popular choice for those seeking flexibility during their trip. Their top vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, catering to a variety of needs for travelers looking to explore Charleston at their own pace.
• Avis: Avis operates 2 rental locations in Charleston, offering a range of vehicles suited for your journey. Most travelers opt for Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, making Avis a solid choice for those who prioritize space and comfort while navigating through the picturesque landscapes of Charleston.

Where to go in and around Charleston

• Downtown Charleston: This vibrant neighborhood offers a mix of family-friendly activities, outdoor experiences, and rich city culture. Key attractions include the historic College of Charleston and the modern Marion Square, both adding to the area's appeal. Visitors can enjoy the public market and various educational venues nearby. With beach access and a historic college university within reach, Downtown Charleston is a perfect base for exploration, especially during the peak months of March and June to July.
• Charleston Historic District: Known for its rich history, this neighborhood features family-oriented outdoor spaces and city experiences. Visitors can stroll through Waterfront Park or admire the colorful buildings at Rainbow Row. The area also includes Marion Square, making it a great spot for city activities. The Charleston Historic District is ideal for those interested in cultural experiences, and visitor numbers peak during March and June to July, making it a lively time to explore.
• West Ashley: This neighborhood combines family activities with shopping opportunities and outdoor attractions. Key points of interest include the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center, which caters to entertainment seekers, and the Medical University of South Carolina, offering a glimpse into local culture. Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site adds a historic touch, making West Ashley a diverse area for exploration. The best times to visit are typically March to April and July, when visitor numbers are higher.

10 tips to save on your Charleston car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer driving, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, 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 vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and better availability, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good balance of affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This could also impact renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges. This is typically 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 those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the convenience may make it worthwhile.
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 unanticipated expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unexpected occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional costs.
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 and around Charleston

The best time to rent a car in and around Charleston is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. This period offers great value for travelers. Moving into the spring, March and April see higher prices and average demand. After that, June through August are the busiest and most expensive months, particularly July, when demand peaks. The summer months can be quite crowded, making them less ideal for budget-conscious renters.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	51.4°F (10.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	54.7°F (12.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly 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	Slightly Low	Average
June	79.3°F (26.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	82.0°F (27.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	81.3°F (27.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
September	77.5°F (25.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	69.6°F (20.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	60.1°F (15.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	55.8°F (13.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	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 $51.

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