KAYAK’s insights & trends for Charleston Airport car hire
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Charleston Airport with confidence.
How far in advance should you book car hire in Charleston Airport?
You should book your car hire in Charleston Airport around 4 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Charleston Airport?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Charleston Airport is January at an average cost of £34/day. April is the most expensive month to hire a car in Charleston Airport when prices are £51/day on average, which tends to be 13% above the yearly average hire price for Charleston Airport.
Which car hire company in Charleston Airport has the most locations?
Hertz operates 3 locations in Charleston Airport, more than any other car hire company.
Charleston Airport car hire price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right car hire in Charleston Airport by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
£32 - £49
All Car Types
£59 - £81
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Charleston Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Charleston Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Charleston Airport?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Charleston Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Charleston Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Charleston Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Charleston Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Charleston Airport?
Small car hire in Charleston Airport typically costs around £39 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average £32 per day, which is about 18% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 43% cheaper than the average car hire in Charleston Airport, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Charleston Airport typically costs around £62 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average £45 per day, which is about 28% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 9% cheaper than the average car hire in Charleston Airport, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Charleston Airport typically cost around £63 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average £50 per day, which is about 21% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 8% cheaper than the average car hire in Charleston Airport, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in Charleston Airport typically costs around £76 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average £67 per day, which is about 12% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 11% more expensive than the average car hire in Charleston Airport but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van hire in Charleston Airport typically costs around £105 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average £88 per day, which is about 17% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 36% more expensive than the average car hire in Charleston Airport but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Charleston Airport typically costs around £62 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average £48 per day, which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 9% cheaper than the average car hire in Charleston Airport, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Charleston Airport typically costs around £85 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average £66 per day, which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 20% more expensive than the average car hire in Charleston Airport but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Charleston Airport typically costs around £69 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average £46 per day, which is about 34% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 2% more expensive than the average car hire in Charleston Airport but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular car type
Medium
Top tips for hiring a car at Charleston Municipal Airport
Charleston Airport is about a 15min drive from the city center via I-26E and US-78 E. Bus service from the airport is limited to downtown and the North Charleston areas. Therefore, car rental at Charleston Airport is the easiest and the quickest way to get to your hotel or vacation rental. Although you can book a rental car when you land, if you're traveling from Monday through Thursday during business hours, it is recommended that you make a reservation. This is because airport traffic can be busy during these hours.
You can rent a car at the airport from numerous national brand companies. Some car rentals at Charleston Airport are convenient because they are in the terminal, such as Budget and Avis. Look for signs pointing you to the rental car area. Other rental agencies, such as Dollar, Sunnycars, and Thrifty, are offsite. These agencies, however, will shuttle you from the airport to their offices. To catch the shuttle, follow the signs located outside of the baggage claim. Note that Dollar and Thrifty share a shuttle because they are in the same location.
Most of the car rentals at Charleston Airport are open seven days a week. They open at around 7 am and close at midnight. If, however, you need to return your car outside of those hours, you can do so. Simply lock the vehicle and leave both your contract and key in dropbox. For agencies with kiosks at the airport, there is a dropbox right by the desk. Dollar and Thrifty, who are offsite, are also open from 7 am until midnight. Although you can return the car after hours, it could be a problem getting back to the airport if the shuttle is not running.
Rent a specialty vehicle, such as a sporty convertible or an open-air jeep, to drive during your beach vacation to South Carolina. SUVs or sedans with large trunks are available for travelers who plan to drive to nearby Myrtle Beach for a day of shopping or golfing and need extra space for their bags or sporting equipment. Check out Alamo, Hertz, Dollar, or Budget to rent one of these car types.
Book your car hire at Charleston Municipal Airport at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
FAQs about hiring a car at Charleston Municipal Airport
Where are the car rental desks at the Charleston Airport?
The car rentals at Charleston Airport are on Level 1 just past baggage claim. Once you have the keys to your car, you'll walk across the street to the parking lot to pick up your car. It is not a long-distance and it is a pedestrian walkway making it easy to get around with your luggage. This is the same place that you'll return your car.
Are there any gas stations close to the Charleston Airport?
Before you return your car, you'll want to make sure that the tank is full. Ideally, you should stop at a gas station that is within a couple of miles of the Charleston Airport car rentals. If you're on I-26, turn on Aviation Avenue to get to Circle K. This is the closest station to the airport. There is also a Speedway and a Sunoco nearby.
What documentation will I need for a car rental at Charleston Airport?
To rent a car at Charleston Airport, you'll need to show a valid driver's license. You must also present a credit card to the agent which has sufficient funds on it. The driver of a car rental at Charleston Airport must be at least 21 years of age. No one under that age can rent a car. Drivers between the ages of 21 and 25 may be required to pay a surcharge or young driver's fee.
Which car hire companies will pick you up at Charleston Municipal Airport?
Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Charleston Municipal Airport to off-airport locations include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.
I ended up getting a car from another company because the line was ridiculously long at Budget- longer than 2 days previously when my friend waited at least an hour to get to the front. There were also people waiting for cars out by the car pick up.
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Apr 2026
Intermediate SUV
The car was not thoroughly cleaned inside. Crackers, etc. under passenger seat. Seats not thoroughly cleaned. The rental counter was seriously understaffed. One person (and one out for lunch) for 25 waiting people. Person who finally helped us stated, "everyone is always in a hurry." Repeat renters in line stated that it's always like this because the rental is less expensive. I think 25+ minutes in line is unacceptable. People just filling in their hours with no hurry involved.
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Apr 2026
Intermediate
The staff was friendly but the wait time was ridiculous. I did not get my car on time and paid for an extra day of rental which I shouldn't have been charged for due to getting my car later than I should have.
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Apr 2026
Intermediate SUV
We waited in line for over 90 minutes to get the car. Staff (2 women doing their best) said there were no cars ready. How is this even possible when there are reservations? There were at least 40 people in line. A few jumped ship @ went to other car rental companies who had no lines. It was all frustrating. Once we did get our car, there appears to be several cars ready.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2026
Economy
Not only was I charged over $200 by the third party (QEEQ), but Budget has now charged my card once upon the first day of rental over $200 and now that the rental is over, my card is being charged over $800. There had been no damage to the car and I feel deceived by Budget and the third party booking company,
Reserved a luxury SUV (Audi Q5 or equivalent was stated). When I arrived I was given the choice of only two SUV’s, both Ford Expedition Max. The vehicle is the biggest SUV Ford makes…6000lbs, 7 passenger and 20’ long. Not a luxury SUV and a gas guzzler averaging 13 mpg. You need a step ladder to climb into the vehicle. Was not a pleasant experience trying to drive and park that thing around Charleston SC.
4.0 Mediocre
Veronique, Feb 2024
People carrier
our rental car could not be given to us because the car that we returned in Atlanta the day before had not been registered as returned. We had to make a new rental under different name. Luckily Isaac Mattern the manager helped us with the process. The Atlanta Alamo managers were incompetent.
I couldn’t rent my car from Hertz. I used AFFIRM via online to get the rental that way. When I went to hertz counter, they wouldn’t rent me the car. Even though, the car was paid for prior to my pick up via AFFIRM. All they needed was a deposit since car was paid for. Nope, wouldn’t let me even use a debit card for that. I have NEVER had issues with Hertz before and I’ve rented cars via AFFIRM, KLARNA or AFTERPAY. I was so embarrassed. Money is tight for people wanting to rent vehicles and those buy here, pay later accommodations really help. I had to spend $600 of my own money to rent a car through AVIS.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Premium SUV
Hertz did not have the car we reserved. We were forced to take a smaller car which was unsafe given the number of passengers and the luggage. Hertz did not offer any other options. I would not rent from Hertz again. I have heard many similar stories about the company. It used to be good but no longer.
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Nov 2021
The gentleman at the rental desk was great! The car had a somewhat offensive odor in it which did not subside during the course of our 3 day rental.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Nov 2021
The agents were wonderful!
1 out of 8
Avis
5.0
Fair
Cleanliness
6.9
Comfort
7.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.1
Value for money
6.1
One location in Charleston Airport
Locations in Charleston Airport
5500 International Blvd
+1 843 767 7030
Monday
00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Wednesday
00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Thursday
00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Friday
07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday
00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Sunday
00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Filters
Reviews
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Apr 2026
Standard
The pickup took over 45 minutes to get through the line and delayed our travels. The drop off was great.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Apr 2026
Intermediate SUV
The pickup experience was extremely disappointing. There were many, many customers and one associate. We were finally directed to the actual pickup location to complete transactions.
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Mar 2026
Full-size
Pick up time was 40 minutes after prechecking in. I was told that I did not have a reservation confirmed through QEEQ.Com. Had a confirmation number but somehow QEEQ dropped the ball. I called a local Avis person that was very helpful and able to help me out otherwise I really would have been giving a much worst review.
2.0 Poor
Ben, Oct 2024
People carrier
We rented a van to evacuate from Hurricane Milton. When we arrived at the counter I was told no vans weee available and that my only option was an SUV for an extra $100. Considered we were evacuating from a CAT 5 storm I feel this was very poor customer service. To price gouge my family in a time of need. I won’t do business with Avis again.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jun 2024
People carrier
Did not tell us in any email that I needed $200 deposit so I did not come prepared and then they were mean and unhelpful when I was trying to find a solution
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, May 2024
Premium SUV
The customer service agent was efficient, friendly and helpful.
Ace
4.5
Mediocre
Cleanliness
4.8
Comfort
5.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.5
Value for money
5.1
One location in Charleston Airport
Locations in Charleston Airport
3632 Cheatham Street
+1 877 219 9192
Monday
08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 20:00
Thursday
08:00 - 20:00
Friday
08:00 - 20:00
Saturday
08:00 - 20:00
Sunday
08:00 - 20:00
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Dec 2024
Full-size
Good
8.0 Very Good
Joanne, Sept 2024
Compact
I was supposed to get a Hyundai, but they gave me a Kia instead. Black interior Silver exterior. The car was dirty inside, especially the way back where we put our luggage and the windows were also dirty. We were only renting the car for four days, so not worried about it. The car drove very nicely, good gas mileage, and it was easy to pick up and return. I would go back again
8.0 Very Good
Cicero, Aug 2024
Supplier choice
The rental was definitely a value but I wasn't a fan of the $300 hold on my credit card and the wait for the shuttle was about 20 minutes.
6.0 Okay
Guido, Aug 2024
Supplier choice
ok for what I paid!
10.0 Wonderful
Karen, Aug 2024
Intermediate
I liked the price, location. The ladies at the front desk were quick and efficient..no nonsense on rental requirements. I will definitely be returning.
2.0 Poor
Zoran, Jul 2024
Standard SUV
Unfortunately, we have to wait more than an hour to get a car, in a cabin without air conditioning with very unfriendly staff. When we finally got the car, it was very dirty. in addition, we received a car that was non-evaporative. The left rear tire was deflating and I had to fill it every day. when I called the office, they told me that they don't have a car available at the moment and that if I want another car, I should come to them and wait until someone returns the rental car. The least I expected was for them to apologize and bring me another car to the hotel where I was staying. Very bad experience.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
9.2
Wonderful
Cleanliness
9.4
Comfort
9.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.3
Value for money
8.7
One location in Charleston Airport
Locations in Charleston Airport
5500 International Blvd
+1 833 969 2385
Monday
07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Tuesday
00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Thursday
00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Friday
00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Saturday
00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Sunday
07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2026
Intermediate SUV
Car was ok. The service at the Charleston Airport with a power outage was amazing. I believe Karen in particular was great under pressure.
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Jul 2024
People carrier
Everything went fine and as expected.
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Apr 2024
People carrier
Easy online selection. The car I requested was actually there (unlike other brands on past). The car seats for the kids were ok. A high back booster option would be nice to have for young kids who are bigger than a toddler seat and too small for just a simple booster. Rental price for kids seats is too much for the value. Those booster seats are old and can be bought for 20$ at Walmart, which I will do instead next time. Slow counter service and the line to leave the garage took almost 10 mins. Overall, good value and nice clean vehicle.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Compact
Seamless process!!
National
7.3
Good
Cleanliness
7.3
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.3
Value for money
8.0
One location in Charleston Airport
Locations in Charleston Airport
5500 International Blvd
+1 833 969 2384
Monday
00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Wednesday
00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Thursday
00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Friday
00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Saturday
00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Sunday
00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Compact
The National agent at the counter in Charleston (Riya) was the most professional, efficient and friendly agent I have encountered in my many years of picking up rental cars. Made for a great experience.
Thrifty
6.8
Okay
Cleanliness
8.0
Comfort
7.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.4
Value for money
6.7
One location in Charleston Airport
Locations in Charleston Airport
5500 International Boulevard
+1 843 640 3629
Monday
06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Tuesday
06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Wednesday
00:00 - 01:0006:00 - 23:59
Thursday
06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Friday
06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday
00:00 - 01:0006:00 - 23:59
Sunday
06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Filters
Reviews
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Sept 2024
Full-size SUV
Washer fluid in SUV was low (lights coming on to alert) but otherwise car was excellent. Service at pickup was fine but agent spoke very quitely and quickly despite multiple requests to speak louder.
Dollar
5.4
Fair
Cleanliness
4.4
Comfort
5.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.7
Value for money
5.4
One location in Charleston Airport
Locations in Charleston Airport
5500 International Boulevard
+1 843 640 3629
Monday
00:00 - 01:0006:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
00:00 - 01:0006:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Thursday
06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Friday
00:00 - 01:0006:00 - 23:59
Saturday
00:00 - 01:0006:00 - 23:59
Sunday
06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
dylan, Feb 2026
Full-size SUV
Front desk people were nice and apologetic about what happened! They told me once I made it to South Carolina that they had no cars available, they overbooked and that I’d have to find another vehicle! Highly recommend using TURO!!
Economy Rent a Car
3.3
Poor
Cleanliness
3.3
Comfort
5.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
3.6
Value for money
5.0
One location in Charleston Airport
Locations in Charleston Airport
3632 Cheatham St
Opening times not available
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Loren, Nov 2025
Full-size
We waited for almost an hour for the pick up shuttle, 30 minutes at their office and the car was still not ready 90 minutes after the scheduled reservation. We reserved a full size vehicle and received a Toyota Corolla which is definitely full size and then it smelled like weed inside. The only positive was returning the car and being done with them.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2025
Intermediate SUV
Horrible service!!! Said they didn't have a reservation from us and never picked us up. We ended up renting from the Budget airport counter.
2.0 Poor
Mark, Oct 2025
Intermediate SUV
This was a terrible experience from the start. Their “shuttle” was being repaired so they sent a car that couldn’t fit everyone - despite me calling and telling them that we had golf bags. When we got to the check in, they refused to accept my credit card insurance - despite this being acceptable with every other car rental company I’ve rented from. They said it was in their “terms and conditions” and then pointed to some small print on a page. The car was OK, although one of the rear tires lost significant pressure on our small drive out to Kiawah and back again. Lastly, I filled the tank at a nearby gas station before return and they still charged me for refueling. I called to tell the I had receipts from the gas station and that I could prove that this gas station was only 2 miles from their location but the lady I spoke to refused to refund me the $20 they had charged, saying that the discrepancy must be because “the gas station was so far away” Terrible experience. Do not recommend
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Aug 2025
Compact SUV
The shuttle van to the off-site location was dirty and smelled of weed. The first driver to pick up us from the airport was not prompt, however our return driver was very pleasant and ready to pick us up. The car we rented still had some trash in it from the prior user.
Easirent
4.5
Mediocre
Cleanliness
5.2
Comfort
5.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.5
Value for money
5.1
One location in Charleston Airport
Locations in Charleston Airport
Charleston International Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
U-Save
4.4
Mediocre
Cleanliness
5.5
Comfort
5.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.4
Value for money
4.6
One location in Charleston Airport
Locations in Charleston Airport
5270 International Blvd
+1 854 274 1781
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Sunnycars
No score available yet
2 locations in Charleston Airport
Locations in Charleston Airport
5500 Interbnational Boulevard
Opening times not available
5500 International Boulevard
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Ace Rental Cars
No score available yet
One location in Charleston Airport
Locations in Charleston Airport
3632 Cheatham Street
+1 843 203 5350
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
AutoEurope
No score available yet
One location in Charleston Airport
Locations in Charleston Airport
Charleston International Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Movly
No score available yet
One location in Charleston Airport
Locations in Charleston Airport
Charleston International Airport
+44 7342 283294
Monday
00:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
00:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
00:00 - 23:59
Thursday
00:00 - 23:59
Friday
00:00 - 23:59
Saturday
00:00 - 23:59
Sunday
00:00 - 23:59
Filters
No reviews available
VIPCars Recommendation
No score available yet
One location in Charleston Airport
Locations in Charleston Airport
2039 Savannah Hwy, Charleston
+1 914 368 0091
Monday
00:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
00:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
00:00 - 23:59
Thursday
00:00 - 23:59
Friday
00:00 - 23:59
Saturday
00:00 - 23:59
Sunday
00:00 - 23:59
Filters
No reviews available
319 travellers who hired a car in Charleston Airport gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.7
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