Which car rental company is considered to be the best in Charleston?

Taking our users’ ratings and reviews into consideration, Alamo (9.3 rating), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.8 rating) and National (7.3 rating) seem to be the best rental car companies in Charleston.

What are gas prices like in Charleston?

The average gas price in Charleston is 23,714 ₫/liter over the past month, costing you anywhere between 1,067,152 ₫ and 1,541,442 ₫ to fill up a car’s gas tank.

How far in advance should I rent a car in Charleston for the best price?

Generally, for a better deal in Charleston it’s recommended to book in a timely manner (to save up to 26%). Cheapflights recommends you book around 7 days prior to your pickup date. Booking as early as you can also increases the likelihood that you’ll get the ideal car.

Can I rent a car for a month in Charleston?

Typically, how long you can rent a car for depends on the inventory of the supplier. For Charleston however, it is certainly possible to rent a car for an entire month.

What car do most people rent in Charleston?

The most popular car chosen by those travelling to Charleston is Special (Class Special Car) based on our Cheapflights data.

Cheap Car Rentals in Charleston

Charleston, SC, United States

4 Jun — 11 Jun

Same drop-off

Sun 4/6

Noon

Sun 11/6

Noon

Driver's age:

26-65Other

What is the cheapest time to rent a car in Charleston?

January

1,479,220 ₫

February

1,573,139 ₫

March

1,690,537 ₫

April

1,760,976 ₫

May

1,737,497 ₫

June

2,394,928 ₫

July

2,465,367 ₫

August

2,324,489 ₫

September

2,089,692 ₫

October

2,136,651 ₫

November

2,042,733 ₫

December

1,831,415 ₫

Currently, the cheapest month to rent a car in Charleston is January. The most expensive time to rent a car is July. The cheapest prices for each month are shown above, but prices will vary based on availability, how far out you book your rental car, and of course, car type.

Compare available car types for rental in Charleston

Top rental agencies in Charleston

Browse through some of the top rental car agencies in Charleston, including Budget, Alamo and Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Charleston. Make sure to read reviews, pricing info, location, and other important details before choosing a rental car agency.

Budget

6.0

Okay

197 reviews•3 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|May 2023

After waiting for two hours, I was told that there were no cars available at this location and the persons working there were no help. I had to switch my reservation to the Charleston Airport myself. The budget employee stated that they were unable to do so themselves.

10.0

Wonderful|Apr 2023

Everything was great…. Exterior of car was dirty, but car inside was clean. Brand new- 8 miles on odometer… we used car for a southern states road trip, ending in Dallas. Great trip.

2.0

Poor|Apr 2023

Picking up a car at the airport to go one way was a disaster. It took me two hours to get my rental car. They had one person in the garage getting the cars for people. It was disorganized lack of staff. I will never use Avis rental car services again. When it was time to drop off my car back at the airport, that was a hot mess as well. No one there to tell me what to do. I sat in the car for 10 minutes before I decided just to park it and leave the keys in it. I absolutely terrible management.

2.0

Poor|Apr 2023

Budget sucks

2.0

Poor|Apr 2023

Another horrible experience with Budget. This will be the last time I ever use them. Insanely long waits for cars that never come (second time in a row). Absurdly rude and obnoxious personnel—like laughably rude, yelling at customers. Had to take a car too small for my family just to get out of the airport in less than two hours. Car smelled like cigarettes. Could go on and on but what’s the point. I’d rather spend the time telling everyone I know to never use them.

2.0

Poor|Apr 2023

We waited in the rental line at Charleston airport for 1 hour to fill out paperwork to pick up the car. We thought we were in the clear as we headed to the garage….we were wrong. Another HOUR wait to receive the car. Car itself was great and drop off had no issues. But 2 hour wait to pickup is unacceptable.

1 out of 66

Alamo

9.3

Wonderful

89 reviews•1 location

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|May 2023

The car was great and the personal were very helpful.

10.0

Wonderful|Apr 2023

Courteous staff, willingness to adjust price due to some inconvenience with navigation system, and for renting a downgraded vehicle. Quentin was very accommodating

8.0

Very good|Mar 2023

Good experience overall

10.0

Wonderful|Feb 2023

all great, price a little steep.

10.0

Wonderful|Feb 2023

The experience was great. Someone had smoked in our vehicle though which was very unpleasant because we don’t smoke. We didn’t notice as we picked it up because they had just detailed the car and it smelled like cleaning products. We told the person who did the intake on the cars on the return and he was very nice and apologized and reduced the price of the rental for us.

10.0

Wonderful|Jan 2023

Easy rental for a day trip to Charleston

1 out of 30

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7.8

Good

99 reviews•5 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|Mar 2023

I always have great experiences with Enterprise. I tend to rent based on price, so if Enterprise is comparable, I choose them every time. Fast, easy and no hassles.

10.0

Wonderful|Mar 2023

The best from start to finish

10.0

Wonderful|Jan 2023

It was a great experience - friendly and helpful staff and clean car!

10.0

Wonderful|Jan 2023

Experience was great. Cost was pricey.

4.0

Mediocre|Jan 2023

You didn't ask me whether I was under 25 and just assumed I was +25, but the car I initially received a price quote for was only for +25, and the next cheapest car was >$100 more expensive.

10.0

Wonderful|Dec 2022

Severe weather warnings caused an airport change and a 2 hour drive to another city. The last minute rental through Kayak was easy. The agent at the Charleston Enterprise was very helpful.

1 out of 33

Hertz

6.2

Okay

84 reviews•3 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|May 2021

We did not make our pick up time, we were able to pick up at airport, Thank you Diane for helping us after a very stressful day!

6.0

Okay|Nov 2021

Pick up was great. Drop off was terrible. Awful customer service

2.0

Poor|Oct 2021

Hertz took the reservations and then didn't have a car for us!

2.0

Poor|Oct 2021

They didn't have a car after taking a prepaid reservation and I still haven't gotten my refund after several calls

1.9

Poor|Oct 2021

they did not even tell me they are only open until 12 noon, and never got my car as it was closed. would not even honor my place is line and wouldnt give a car even three days later --horrible experience

1.9

Poor|Oct 2021

Almost $200 in hidden fees!!!!! Be wary.

1 out of 28

Avis

5.5

Fair

69 reviews•3 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Apr 2023

No attendant present when dropping off my car 05:45am. Lot was full and other cars that had been returned were blocking entrance. Had to park outside of lot. Took my key inside where there was no attendant, no drop box, so left it on counter hoping it was safe. Then ran to my flight. Never had that type unnerving experience in all my many years of car rentals.

2.0

Poor|May 2023

Faster pick up

8.0

Very good|May 2023

Weird pickup spot Pleasant employees Car stunk a bit Car had some body parts missing and scratches

2.0

Poor|Mar 2023

The service upon pick up was terrible, the clerk was extremely rude and not helpful at all.

4.0

Mediocre|Nov 2022

Long lines at Avis in Charleston for cars that were not completely serviced. Caution lights not attended to for low air in tires. Will use them again in the next go especially for the price paid.

2.0

Poor|Oct 2022

Car was ready on time. Lots of cat hair, no damage report (had to show pics of preexisting damage to prevent charge), but worst was at no time were we informed that the drop off location did not have an after hours return thus causing massive changes to our trip.

1 out of 23