$53 Car Rental French Quarter, SC

Reasons to book a car rental in and around French Quarter

Renting a car in the French Quarter offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility for your travel experience. As a historic traveler, culinary enthusiast, or outdoor lover, you’ll appreciate the ability to explore key attractions at your own pace. For instance, the College of Charleston is only 0.7 miles away, while the scenic Waterfront Park is a mere 0.1 miles from your location, making them easily accessible. With a rental car, you can also effortlessly manage your luggage as you venture to popular destinations such as Downtown Charleston, located 0.9 miles away, or the charming Rainbow Row, just 0.3 miles from the French Quarter. This convenience is especially beneficial for families, allowing you to keep all essentials within reach while enjoying city-related experiences. Additionally, the nearby Cannonborough Elliotborough neighborhood, 1 mile away, offers more cultural exploration opportunities. By opting for a rental car, you can craft your itinerary without the constraints of public transportation, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit to the vibrant surroundings of the French Quarter.

Most popular car rentals around French Quarter

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle is a popular choice among travelers in the French Quarter, accommodating up to 5 passengers and offering space for up to 3 large suitcases. Its size makes it perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore the historic and culinary delights of the area. Renting a midsize SUV provides the comfort and versatility needed for a memorable trip, allowing you to navigate the charming streets and enjoy the local attractions at your leisure.
• Fullsize: Ideal for larger families or groups, the fullsize car type comfortably seats 5 travelers and has the capacity for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option is particularly appealing for those who want to travel together without compromising on space for luggage. With a fullsize vehicle, you can easily manage your belongings while enjoying the freedom to explore the vibrant French Quarter and its surroundings.
• Standard SUV: Offering a blend of comfort and practicality, the standard SUV holds up to 5 passengers and allows for 2 medium suitcases. This option is great for couples or small families who appreciate the extra space while still being able to navigate the city’s streets with ease. Renting a standard SUV in the French Quarter gives you the flexibility to experience its rich history and culinary scene without feeling cramped.

Top rated car suppliers around French Quarter

• Budget: Budget is a popular choice for travelers looking to rent a car in and around the French Quarter, with 2 rental locations available. The nearest location is just 1 mile away, providing easy access for visitors. Travelers frequently choose Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, making it a great option for those needing space and comfort. Budget's reputation for flexibility and convenience makes it an excellent choice for exploring the attractions of Charleston.
• Avis: Avis is another reputable car rental supplier in the vicinity of the French Quarter, featuring 1 rental location located 1 mile away. Known for its reliable service, Avis primarily offers Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, catering to travelers seeking a blend of comfort and practicality. Avis is favored for its efficient service, allowing visitors to easily manage their travel plans and luggage while enjoying their stay in Charleston.
• Enterprise: With 3 rental locations nearby, Enterprise stands out as a flexible option for car rentals, although the nearest location is 4 miles from the French Quarter. This supplier is particularly popular for Midsize SUVs and Fullsize Vans, making it ideal for families or groups needing extra space. Enterprise is recognized for its attentive customer service and wide selection of vehicles, ensuring that travelers can find the perfect fit for their Charleston adventure.

Where to go around French Quarter

• Downtown Charleston: Located 0.9 miles away from the French Quarter, Downtown Charleston offers a mix of family-friendly, outdoor, and city experiences. Key highlights include the historic College of Charleston and the modern Marion Square, making it a great spot for both culture and leisure. Peak visitor numbers occur in March and June to July, while December to February sees a slight drop in traffic.
• Charleston Historic District: Situated only 0.4 miles from the French Quarter, the Charleston Historic District is rich in family, outdoor, and city experiences. Notable attractions include Waterfront Park, perfect for family outings, and the iconic Rainbow Row, which is ideal for cultural exploration. Similar to Downtown Charleston, expect higher visitor numbers during peak months of March and June to July.
• Cannonborough Elliotborough: About 1 mile from the French Quarter, this neighborhood is perfect for those seeking outdoor, family, and city experiences. Attractions like the Medical University of South Carolina and the Upper King Design District cater to both culture and business travelers. Visitor numbers peak in March and June to July, with a slight decline from December to February.

10 tips to save on your French Quarter car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option 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 greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, 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 can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the best option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
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 primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unforeseen expenses and provides peace of mind if something unexpected occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on going on long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around French Quarter

The best time to rent a car in and around the French Quarter is January and February, when prices and demand are both slightly low, offering great value. March presents average pricing and demand, making it a decent option as well. However, April is when rental costs rise significantly, accompanied by higher demand, making it the most expensive month to rent a car. Following this, June through August see increased demand and slightly high prices, creating a bustling environment for rentals.

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	Average
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	Slightly High
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