Car Rental at Charleston Municipal Airport from C$ 68/day

Nissan Versa

or similar Small

C$ 93/day

Toyota Corolla

or similar Medium

C$ 76/day

Nissan Altima

or similar Large

C$ 74/day

Dodge Grand Caravan

or similar Van

C$ 146/day

Nissan Armada

or similar SUV

C$ 122/day

Hyundai Genesis

or similar Luxury

C$ 115/day

RAM Pickup

or similar Pickup Truck

C$ 105/day

Mercedes-Benz GLE

or similar SUV

C$ 146/day

Class Special Car

or similar Category

C$ 68/day

Hyundai Tucson

or similar SUV

C$ 93/day

Kia Sportage

or similar SUV

C$ 95/day

Hyundai Santa Fe

or similar SUV

C$ 114/day

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

or similar SUV

C$ 136/day

Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

Useful Info

Most popular agency	Economy Rent a Car
Most popular car type	Mini
Average price	C$ 115/day
Good deal	C$ 102/day

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.
25% of our users found rental cars at Charleston Municipal Airport for C$ 103 or less
Book your rental car at Charleston Municipal Airport at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price

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.
What is the cheapest car rental company at Charleston Municipal Airport?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Economy Rent a Car (C$ 68/day), Alamo (C$ 92/day) and Budget (C$ 113/day).
What is the best rental car company at Charleston Municipal Airport?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies at Charleston Municipal Airport are Alamo (9.2, 52 reviews), and Hertz (7.3, 57 reviews).
How much does it cost to rent a car at Charleston Municipal Airport?
On average a rental car at Charleston Municipal Airport costs C$ 115 per day.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Charleston Municipal Airport?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Charleston Municipal Airport to off-airport locations include Budget, and Alamo.

Budget

5.4

Fair

Read 95 reviews

Cleanliness

6.2

Comfort

6.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.5

Value for money

5.9

One location in Charleston Airport

fromC$ 126/day

Locations in Charleston Airport

5500 International Blvd

+1 843 552 1771

Monday	00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Tuesday	00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
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

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

8.0 Very good

Cindy, Apr 2025

Intermediate SUV

There was a long line at pick up that took over an hour. Drop off was easy

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2025

Intermediate SUV

Have more people working at the check in desk. There were 50-60 people on line to get their reserved vehicles with 1 agent. People were close to rioting. We were forced to go to Hertz just to get out. Never again.

2.0 Poor

Mary Beth, Apr 2025

Standard

I cancelled my reservation because the process of actually trying to get the car from Budget at Charleston airport was abysmal. Ridiculous line, unclear instructions, extremely long walk to try to get to the car and terrible customer service.

2.0 Poor

Jonathan, Feb 2025

Supplier choice

I ended up renting from another rental car provider. Budget wanted to give me an electric car for a 435 mile trip. The type of electric car was not one that has the infrastructure to do the trip (some do, this was not one of those). So the vehicle offered was not suitable..... they asked me to wait and "hope" that a different car would be dropped off and that too was not very practical.

6.0 Okay

Mark, May 2024

Premium SUV

The rental car operation at CHS was overwhelmed - I waited an over an hour waiting in lines. They had to pull my vehicle from a remote lot - it wasn’t in the garage. The car was clean on the outside but the interior was not - my wife spent time wiping everything down. The tires were really worn - I wish that I had more time to reject the vehicle - bald spots on all four tires. Returning to Budget at OKC was fast and friendly - that part of the rental was terrific!

2.0 Poor

Dan, Apr 2024

Intermediate SUV

I prepaid my car in full. When I finally got to the counter after waiting an hour in line they had my reservation but said I didn't pay yet. I had to wait another hour for the manager to call me, who was of no help. I had to pay again and this time had to pay $100 more than I paid originally. Not I have to fight with Budget to get my well deserved money back. Absolutely awful. Will never ever rent from Budget again and will tell everyone in the world to stay away.

Alamo

9.2

Wonderful

Read 22 reviews

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

9.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.3

Value for money

8.6

One location in Charleston Airport

fromC$ 114/day

Locations in Charleston Airport

5500 International Blvd

+1 833 969 2383

Monday	00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Tuesday	07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Wednesday	07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Thursday	07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Friday	00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Saturday	07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Sunday	00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59

Filters

Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, May 2024

Luxury SUV

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

Minivan

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.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2021

Pros:

We were treated so kindly. The young man carried our luggage to the car and even gave us a choice. Most will not do that!

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2021

Pros:

All of the staff I had come into contact with were phenomenal! Couldn't have asked for better service.

Cons:

If they had actually attached the invoice to to email that was sent to me.

8.0 Very good

Anonymous, Mar 2021

Pros:

Easy in and out. Car was very comfortable.

Cons:

The battery died on me the first day, but Alamo roadside assistance was able to fix the problem and all was good the rest of the trip.

10.0 Wonderful

patrice, Jan 2021

Pros:

It was a last minute decision to rent & the process was easy and the car was great

Hertz

7.3

Good

Read 39 reviews

Best rated

Cleanliness

7.5

Comfort

7.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.6

Value for money

6.5

3 locations in Charleston Airport

Locations in Charleston Airport

5500 International Blvd

+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

5875 S Aviation

+1 843 640 3629

Monday	04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Tuesday	04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Wednesday	00:00 - 01:0004:00 - 23:59
Thursday	04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Friday	04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday	04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Sunday	04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00

6060 S Aviation Ave

+1 843 767 4554

Monday	00:00 - 01:0004:00 - 23:59
Tuesday	04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Wednesday	00:00 - 01:0004:00 - 23:59
Thursday	04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Friday	04:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday	00:00 - 01:0004:00 - 23:59
Sunday	00:00 - 01:0004:00 - 23:59

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Jennifer, Aug 2024

Full-size SUV

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!

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, May 2021

Pros:

The car drove fine

Cons:

When I picked up my car the check engine light came on, so they swapped my car out. When they did, they put in the wrong drop-off point (wrong state!), so when I called to change it back to the original drop-off, they said there was nothing they could do. I wasted half my afternoon on the phone with people that “couldn’t help”.

8.0 Very good

Montana, May 2021

Cons:

There was a sticky substance below the gas peddle that did not dry. Made it an unpleasant drive as your foot would get stuck frequently.

Thrifty

6.3

Okay

Read 31 reviews

Cleanliness

7.6

Comfort

7.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.0

Value for money

6.1

One location in Charleston Airport

Locations in Charleston Airport

5500 International Boulevard

+1 843 640 3947

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	00:00 - 01:0006:00 - 23:59
Friday	00:00 - 01:0006:00 - 23:59
Saturday	06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Sunday	06:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00

Filters

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Sep 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.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, May 2021

Pros:

Staff was friendly. Pick up car on site.

Cons:

Slow check in, 1 car option, no receipt sent and don’t answer phone when call and Vm is full.

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Apr 2021

Pros:

The vehicle was comfortable.

Cons:

Waited in line for an hour. Only one person working behind the counter until 15 min before my turn. I did not ask for a giant Dodge Ram truck. I signed up for an economy size car. Was told I had the Managers Special. BS. Parking lot very poorly marked it was difficult to get to where the vehicle was, it was too far. Signage unclear as to where to leave the vehicle.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2021

Pros:

Yes and yes!

Cons:

I was going for a bottle of water from the desk agent

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Apr 2021

Cons:

I had to wait an hour for a car to be available. Then it was a huge car when I had reserved a small one. Gas price was double what I would have paid. No attendant at the return with only a very small sign to tell you where to go with keys.

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Feb 2021

Pros:

The reservation was there. The drop off after-hours was simple.

Cons:

The vehicle I reserved was not available and I was given a much larger vehicle (pick-up truck). I waited in line for 30 minutes with only two people in front of me. It took the representative 10-15 minutes per customer. I was not able to do submit the walk-around information because the agent did not answer the phone.

Avis

5.4

Fair

Read 21 reviews

Cleanliness

7.0

Comfort

7.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.6

Value for money

6.3

One location in Charleston Airport

Locations in Charleston Airport

5500 International Blvd

+1 843 767 7030

Monday	07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Tuesday	07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Wednesday	00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Thursday	07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
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

2.0 Poor

Ben, Oct 2024

Minivan

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

Minivan

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.

8.0 Very good

Anonymous, Nov 2023

Supplier choice

Everything was easy and as-planned. The only thing that wasn’t great was that I didn’t have obvious instructions for the drop off procedure for the small airport I was dropping off the car at. I wish Avis would have sent me instructions for the drop off at my specific location.

8.0 Very good

Joe and Emily, Sep 2020

Pros:

We received an upgrade car from the one we reserved. Drop off at ATL airport rental car center was quick and convenient.

Cons:

Pickup at CHS was a little slow. Car had a strong smoker smell, but we didn’t want to delay our trip any further by going back to ask for another one.

Ace

4.5

Mediocre

Read 37 reviews

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