How to find a cheap car rental deal in Charleston
Grab a cheap rental car in Charleston and start your adventure for around $103 a day. From short drives to open-road adventures, we'll help you find a rental that suits your trip.
Drive off with extra savings by reserving your ride in September. With average daily rates of $62, it's the cheapest month to rent a car in Charleston.
If you like to plan with precision, book about three weeks ahead to land a cheap rental car in Charleston.
Budget, Avis and Alamo are popular providers offering car rental deals in Charleston.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Charleston car rental policy, whether with Budget or a different supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your car rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved around. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for rent in Charleston.
Cut down on fuel costs by picking a car rental in Charleston that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your vehicle with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore without limits.
Flying into Charleston? Consider booking one of the car rentals in Yeager Airport. That way, you can hit the road not long after you land.
Compare car rental types in Charleston
Small: These cheap rental cars in Charleston may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, fuel efficient, and perfect for city runs or weekend trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, comfort and space. Easy to maneuver around cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're a reliable fit for most trips.
Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Great for longer journeys, this Charleston car rental category includes full-size cars.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and an open view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged backcountry or cruising along uninterrupted highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Charleston that can handle the heavy stuff. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's supplies, baggage or the whole travel crew.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Charleston car rental can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so compare before you commit.
Take your ride to the next level with handy extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. They can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Charleston.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is typically 21 years old. However some providers make their own rules, so always double-check your rental company's terms to make sure you meet the requirements.
If you've got the kids in tow, see if you need to add a child car seat to your Charleston car rental booking. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Charleston
Explore the biggest attractions in the city once you've lined up a car rental deal in Charleston. Charleston City Parks and East End Historical District are classics for any first-time visitor.
If you're looking for somewhere to stay in Charleston while taking in the sights, consider Holiday Inn Express Charleston-Civic Center or Hampton Inn Charleston Downtown.
Around 97 kilometers west of central Charleston, Ironville deserves a place on your itinerary. Find your way to its best sights like Hoods creek cemetery.
Comfy accommodation options in Ironville include Knights Inn Ashland and Best Western River Cities.
Meads has plenty going for it too. Collect your cheap car rental in Charleston and drive about 97 kilometers west to experience attractions like Rural King.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ashland and Hampton Inn Ashland are comfortable places to stay in Meads if you're settling in for a while.
Keep things moving and road-trip it to Cincinnati, roughly 257 kilometers west of Charleston. Kick things off at Cincinnati Music Hall, then head to Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.
Get some shut-eye in Cincinnati at Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. 21C Museum Hotel Cincinnati has a cozy bed lined up for you too.
