$52 Car Rental North Charleston, SC

Reasons to book a car rental in and around North Charleston

Renting a car in North Charleston offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts, family explorers, and business travelers alike. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans. You can visit key attractions such as the historic Medical University of South Carolina, located 7 miles away, or enjoy a show at the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center, conveniently situated in the area. For a family outing, Riverfront Park provides a beautiful urban setting for outdoor activities. Additionally, a rental car allows you to venture into nearby neighborhoods like Downtown Charleston, just 7 miles away, where you can explore the College of Charleston and Marion Square. West Ashley, 6 miles away, features both the coliseum and Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, while Cannonborough Elliotborough, also 6 miles away, offers access to the Upper King Design District. With a rental car, you can easily navigate these destinations, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable trip for everyone.

Most popular car rentals in North Charleston

• Midsize SUV: This option is perfect for families, couples, or small groups, accommodating up to 5 travelers with space for 3 large suitcases. The midsize SUV offers a great balance of comfort and versatility, making it ideal for those who want to explore North Charleston and its surroundings with ease. Its spacious interior allows for comfortable travel while providing the flexibility needed for outdoor adventures or city excursions.
• Fullsize: Suitable for families and groups, the fullsize car fits up to 5 travelers and can hold either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option is an excellent choice for those who need extra space for luggage and prefer a little more room during their travels. Whether you're taking a longer trip or need to accommodate more gear, the fullsize car provides the comfort and convenience that many travelers seek.
• Standard SUV: Ideal for couples, families, or groups, the standard SUV accommodates up to 5 travelers and has room for 2 medium suitcases. This car type is a great option for those looking for a compact yet spacious vehicle, offering a comfortable ride for city exploration or outdoor activities. The standard SUV strikes a balance between size and functionality, making it a popular choice among visitors to North Charleston.

Top rated car suppliers in North Charleston

• Enterprise: With 4 rental locations in the North Charleston area, Enterprise is a popular choice among travelers. Known for its friendly service and an overall rating of 7.4 out of 10, this supplier offers a diverse fleet. The most booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, allowing you to find the perfect ride for your adventures around the city at your own pace.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo has 1 rental location in North Charleston and is favored by many for its friendly service. With an overall rating of 7.2 out of 10, this supplier makes it easy for you to pick up your vehicle and start exploring. Popular choices include Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs, providing flexibility for your travel needs.
• Budget: Budget operates 2 rental locations in North Charleston, making it a convenient option for travelers. While specific satisfaction ratings are not detailed, the supplier is well-known for offering a variety of vehicles. Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs are among the most booked options, ensuring you can find a vehicle that fits your requirements for exploring the area.

Where to go in and around North Charleston

• Downtown Charleston: Located 7 miles from North Charleston, Downtown Charleston offers a vibrant city experience with a blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore historic sites like the College of Charleston, enjoy the greenery at Marion Square, or delve into the modern vibe at the Upper King Design District. Peak travel months are March and June to July, making it an excellent time to experience the local culture and attractions.
• West Ashley: Situated 6 miles from North Charleston, West Ashley is perfect for families seeking outdoor fun and city experiences. Highlights include the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center for entertainment, and shopping at local centers. The Medical University of South Carolina adds a cultural touch, while the Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site offers a glimpse into history. Peak visitation occurs in March to April and July, providing favorable weather for exploration.
• Cannonborough Elliotborough: Also 6 miles from North Charleston, Cannonborough Elliotborough is an inviting neighborhood ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Visitors can check out the historic Medical University of South Carolina, explore the vibrant Upper King Design District, or relax in Marion Square. This neighborhood sees peak traveler arrivals in March and June to July, making it a lively spot for city experiences and cultural exploration.

10 tips to save on your North Charleston 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 the summer sun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, 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 wise to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to lock in lower rates and enjoy improved availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars typically come at a lower rental cost and are easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles offer a solid compromise between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be accessible. This age restriction can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age policies prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, requiring you to return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most economical choice. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also be convenient. Just remember to return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but this might be worthwhile for the added convenience it provides.
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 unexpected expenses and offers peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is a simple process when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around North Charleston

The best time to rent a car in and around North Charleston is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low, making it a quiet period for rentals. March to May also offers average pricing with steady demand, providing a balance for those looking to travel. However, July is the most expensive month, as it sees high demand and slightly high prices, making it a busier time for car rentals. June through August continue this trend of elevated costs and demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	53.8°F (12.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	58.8°F (14.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	65.7°F (18.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	72.5°F (22.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	79.2°F (26.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	81.9°F (27.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	81.0°F (27.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	77.0°F (25.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	68.5°F (20.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	58.8°F (14.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

Finding the cheapest car rentals in North Charleston

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter North Charleston into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in North Charleston and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in North Charleston

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in North 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 North Charleston

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $52.

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