West Columbia car rentals from $48/day
This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a car rental in West Columbia with a pick-up date of 5/4 and drop-off date of 5/11. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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West Columbia car rental information
| Pick-up location | West Columbia |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Compact SUV, Economy, Full-size, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Minivan, Pickup truck, Standard, Standard SUV |
| Rental locations | 8 |
| Airport locations | 7 |
| Popular agencies | Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Thrifty, Dollar, Alamo |
Cheap car rentals in West Columbia
| Economy | $48/day |
| Compact | $49/day |
| Intermediate | $51/day |
| Standard | $53/day |
| Full-size | $54/day |
| Minivan | $65/day |
| Pickup truck | $57/day |
| Compact SUV | $54/day |
| Intermediate SUV | $62/day |
| Standard SUV | $65/day |
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in West Columbia
- Using car rentals in West Columbia makes exploration of the region incredibly convenient and flexible. Travelers gain the freedom to discover hidden attractions and locations without being constrained by public transportation timetables. The option of renting a car also provides the advantage of setting one's own itinerary, making the most of time and comfort while being immersed in the varied wonders of West Columbia. With West Columbia car rentals, you can explore attractions like the scenic Three Rivers Greenway, the intriguing Cayce Historical Museum, and the serene Congaree National Park.
- If you fly to West Columbia, you'll likely land at Metropolitan Airport (CAE), about 5 miles from the city. CAE houses several car rental companies whose desks are within the airport. You can find the car rental desk situated within the terminal close to baggage claim. Vehicles are conveniently positioned just outside the terminal, with returns handled at the same location as pickup. Renting a car at CAE offers the advantage of immediate access to transportation upon arrival, eliminating the need for additional transfers. This convenience allows you to seamlessly continue your journey and explore your destination more efficiently and flexibly.
- Driving car rentals in West Columbia is a smooth experience due to the generally well-maintained roads and offers a relatively calm and relaxed experience. The city's drivers tend to adhere to traffic rules and exhibit patience on the roads. While bicycles are seen occasionally, and pedestrians are generally cautious, jaywalking is not a significant issue. You'll encounter a mix of cars, SUVs, and local commuters, with trucks being less common on the roads.
- Although a fun experience, driving car rentals in West Columbia can be challenging during the morning (7:30 am to 9:00 am) and evening rush hours (4 pm to 6:30 pm), notably affecting key roads like Interstate 26 and US-378. Traffic congestion often hampers smooth travel. Additionally, the city experiences occasional difficulties during heavy rainfall in the rainy season, which can lead to slippery road conditions, requiring heightened caution from drivers.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in West Columbia for $55 or less
- Book your rental car in West Columbia at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport rental car locations in West Columbia are around 1% cheaper than airport locations on average
- Intermediate rental cars in West Columbia are around 27% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in West Columbia
How much does it cost to rent a car in West Columbia?
On average a rental car in West Columbia costs $70 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in West Columbia found in the last 2 weeks is $49.
What is the cheapest car rental company in West Columbia?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($48/day), Thrifty ($53/day) and Alamo ($57/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at Enterprise Rent-A-Car 1502 Charleston Hwy 29169-5048 (1 miles from city center).
What is the best rental car company in West Columbia?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental company in West Columbia is Alamo (8.9, 50 reviews).
How much is gas price in West Columbia?
The average gas price in West Columbia is $3.89 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $47 and $62, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in West Columbia?
Intermediate (Nissan Rogue or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in West Columbia.
Which car rental companies are at Metropolitan airport (CAE)?
The only car rental company onsite at Metropolitan airport is Hertz.
How can I find car rentals near me in West Columbia?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in West Columbia?
An Intermediate car rental in West Columbia costs $61 per day, on average.
How much does a Mini car rental cost in West Columbia?
A Mini car rental in West Columbia costs $88 per day, on average.
How much does a Premium car rental cost in West Columbia?
A Premium car rental in West Columbia costs $156 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in West Columbia?
In West Columbia, cars are most frequently rented at Enterprise Rent-A-Car 1502 Charleston Hwy (1 miles from city center).
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in West Columbia?
On average a rental car in West Columbia costs $492 per week ($70 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in West Columbia?
On average a rental car in West Columbia costs $2,107 per month ($70 per day).
Should I get insurance when renting a car in West Columbia?
Most car rental providers in West Columbia offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in West Columbia, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in West Columbia?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 7 car rental agencies in West Columbia.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in West Columbia?
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in West Columbia?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in West Columbia so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
What type of car is recommended for driving in West Columbia?
Choosing the right car for West Columbia depends on your preferences. For city driving, a compact car offers easy maneuvering and parking. A mid-sized sedan or SUV provides comfort and versatility if you plan to explore nearby areas. Opt for a vehicle with good handling for navigating traffic efficiently. Additionally, a larger SUV could be suitable if you're traveling with a group or carrying equipment. Assess your needs to determine the best fit for your West Columbia driving experience.
What's the speed limit in West Columbia?
When driving car rentals in West Columbia, you should know that the speed limits in the city vary across different zones. The maximum allowable speed is 80 miles per hour. Undivided highways typically have speed limits ranging from 45 to 55 mph. The speed limits within residential and business areas range from 20 to 30 mph. The speed limits are further reduced to 15 to 25 mph when passing through school zones. It's essential to adhere to these speed limits to ensure safety and compliance while driving in West Columbia. Expect to be pulled over if you don't adhere to these speed limits.
Where are the best places to park in West Columbia?
There are varying parking options in West Columbia based on your location. When downtown, you can find parking garages and lots near the State Street historic district and the Vista. Specific parking areas are available for attractions like Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden. Residential areas offer on-street parking, while shopping districts feature their parking facilities. Exploring the diverse parking choices across different regions ensures convenience during your visit to West Columbia. Expect to pay around $1 for an hour of parking.
West Columbia car rental reviews and directory
Alamo
8.9
Very good
107 reviewsCleanliness
9.0
Comfort
9.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.1
Value for money
8.8
One location in West Columbia
Locations in West Columbia
3000 Aviation Way
+1 844 806 3358
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2024
10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2023
7.6 Good
Nov 2020
Pros:
Staff was effective, friendly, helpful and attentive to our needs. Car was great!Cons:
Interior and exterior could have been cleaner.9.6 Wonderful
Aug 2020
Pros:
Smooth pick up and drop offCons:
Automatic back hitch didn’t work so convenience was loss, but overall good car.8.0 Very good
Jul 2020
Pros:
Staff was friendly and very helpful.Cons:
Selection of cars could have been better, but I ended up with a good car that performed well, no problems.10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2020
Pros:
Slow process to pick up car but after that, everything went smoothly.Cons:
Processing pickupEnterprise Rent-A-Car
9.0
Wonderful
32 reviewsCleanliness
9.3
Comfort
9.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.5
Value for money
8.5
4 locations in West Columbia
Locations in West Columbia
1307 Assembly St
+1 803 748 9214
1502 Charleston Hwy
+1 803 791 1984
3000 Aviation Way
+1 833 969 2399
320 Greystone Blvd
+1 803 251 2912
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2024
2.0 Poor
Sep 2022
8.8 Very good
Aug 2019
Pros:
Disappointed that the location was closed. Just a drop off to a key suppository. Ho hum.Cons:
Open location during daytime.9.2 Wonderful
Jul 2019
Pros:
Process went smoothly, very friendly and helpful employeesCons:
Car smelled like it had been smoked in and I was given the car with less than half a tank of gas8.0 Very good
Dec 2018
Pros:
On line reservation easy, price was OK. The overall staff were very friendly and helpful. The car was clean and what I had reserved.Cons:
I had to drive to the airport to pick up the car instead of a oneway rental as I have done in the past. This time they were charging a $75 drop off fee which was something new. Rental went from forty something dollars to over one hundred and twenty plus!!!9.6 Wonderful
Dec 2018
Pros:
The process was simple and they even accommodated a last minute change in drop off location.Cons:
The price using Kayak was several hundred dollars less which was great, but it bothers me that some people would have paid the Enterprise going rate. Why such a difference?Dollar
7.2
Good
46 reviewsCleanliness
7.5
Comfort
7.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.6
Value for money
6.9
One location in West Columbia
Locations in West Columbia
3018 Aviation Way
+1 803 822 2300
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2024
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
8.0 Very good
Oct 2020
Pros:
The cleanliness of the car and the make and model!2.0 Poor
Jul 2020
Pros:
Absolutely nothing about this experience was good.Cons:
When reserving a specific class of vehicle, try having that type of vehicle available. Completely ruined a trip that I planned a month in advance. I needed a pick up truck, reserved a pick up truck. After calling 10-15 times, to verify the availability, I was able to get someone on the phone. Unfortunately they were not at all helpful, but they did mention that a truck would be due back in on Tuesday.2.0 Poor
Jun 2020
Cons:
We made the reservation online through kayak. Decided to drive well out of our way to pick up from dollar bc the price was much less. Once we arrived, they racked on $95 bc it was a one way trip! This should have been calculated when making our reservation for what was clearly a one way reservation. Explained this to Dollar rep and they could care less. We were so upset... wasted lots of time and money. Will never rent from dollar or use kayak again.10.0 Wonderful
May 2020
Pros:
Friendly staff, clean car, easy access - no wait.Thrifty
7.0
Good
19 reviewsCleanliness
7.4
Comfort
7.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.8
Value for money
6.4
One location in West Columbia
Locations in West Columbia
3018 Aviation Way
+1 803 822 2300
Filters
Reviews
6.0 Okay
Mar 2018
Cons:
Wasn't informed of the extra fees for roadside have never rented from a car rental company that doesn't include roadside for their vehicles, and also had to pay for a better upgrade class all because the class I reserved wasn't available!10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2018
Pros:
It was cheap and service was good.Cons:
I had to go to the rental counter to return the car keys when dropping off.8.0 Very good
Mar 2018
Pros:
Exactly as expected. The price quoted on the website was exactly what I paid. The car worked fine, was clean and the drop off was hassle free.Cons:
I didn't know that there would not be an attendant to check me out when I returned the car to the parking space. Luckily, an attendant from a competitor told me there was nobody to check the car and that I should take a picture of the mileage and gas meter so I could show it to the counter attendant at the rental desk who would do the final paperwork.2.0 Poor
Feb 2018
Pros:
The only positive I can say about Thrifty is that the lady working the counter really did try her best to find me a car.Cons:
We rented a minivan for a church trip online through Kayak a few days before our departure. When we arrived to the rental company (passengers and all luggage in tow), the Thrifty employee informed me that the car we'd rented was not available, nor were any other minivans. She said that since you don't pay when you reserve, the reservation is not binding. All she had to offer me was a 15-passenger van, which is not covered by our church insurance policy. I was unfortunately unable to rent from Thrifty and had to find a van from another rental company at the very last second, or we would have been unable to go on our trip. I would not recommend this company to anyone.2.0 Poor
Jan 2018
Pros:
It is hard to list anything they performed well.Cons:
Their staff is extremely rude. They didn't have the car we reserved. They said it wasn't available and offered us an upgrade for additional cost. We declined their offer. Suddenly, the attendant, whom happens to be the manager, found the car we reserved and indicated it wasn't cleaned because the cleaning staff have left for the day. She informed us that she will get someone to clean the car and to meet them in the lot. We waited for 10 minutes in the cold weather and nobody met us there. We came back in and the manager made us wait another 10-12 minutes while she took care of one customer. Finally, when it was our turn, she wondered why we came back. The car was handed to us extremely filthy. The manager was rude about the whole situation the entire time and never apologized. Never rent from Thrifty or Dollar period at the CAE location.6.0 Okay
Dec 2017
Pros:
Truck was nice when I got itCons:
Not getting vehicle I reserved and waiting 2 hours to get something I didn’t want.Avis
6.5
Okay
13 reviewsCleanliness
6.5
Comfort
6.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
6.1
One location in West Columbia
Locations in West Columbia
3010 Aviation Way
+1 803 822 5100
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
Nice car. Attentive staff.10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2019
Pros:
it was excellent, the prior page would not allow me to select the rateingsCons:
nothing8.4 Very good
Apr 2018
Pros:
The person at the counter was friendly and courteousCons:
I do not like dropping my car off in the parking garage without an attendant to inspect it. I am always concerned of being blamed if any damage occurred in the gargae I will be Joel responsible for it9.6 Wonderful
May 2016
Pros:
The easy access at the airport.Cons:
It was very difficult finding how to open the gas cover door release. The AVIS rep didn't say anything. I had to Google how to so I could fill up the car. The release mechanism on the Nissan Versa is located under the dash near your knees so you don't see it. As opposed to being on the floor next to the trunk release or like the new models where you just push on the gas cover door and it opens.2.0 Poor
Feb 2023
2.0 Poor
Aug 2022
Budget
6.4
Okay
10 reviewsOne location in West Columbia
Locations in West Columbia
3010 Aviation Way
+1 803 822 8346
Filters
Reviews
5.2 Fair
Nov 2018
Cons:
Return instructions non-existent: Found garage but inside no kiosk or personnel or clear instruction how to proceed. Ended up having to go to counter in terminal. Then they tried to charge me too much.2.0 Poor
Oct 2018
Pros:
Absolutely nothing.Cons:
I was apparently an hour late and it cost me twice as much as I was quoted. I learned that budget has independent centers. It was horrendous. I will never choose Budget again. Don’t do it people, they are not kind nor helpful. There are lots of other options.10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2018
Pros:
Quick check out Very clean car Good handling car Quick check inCons:
Nothing8.4 Very good
Sep 2017
Cons:
Expense8.0 Very good
Sep 2016
Pros:
i think the car needed some transmission work.8.0 Very good
Apr 2016
Cons:
The first car I was assigned had a low air in the tire light on and I had to go back to the desk to change cars. And two days into the rental, the same thing happened to the car that I was driving. I filled the tire at the gas station, but that should be taken care of before renting the carHertz
No score available yet
2 locations in West Columbia
Locations in West Columbia
200 Stonebridge Dr
+1 803 252 2561
508 Gervais Street
+1 803 252 2561
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Jun 2018
Cons:
The agent gave me a car with worn out tires. The front tires did not have any tread left. So I got a flat tire and I had to change a flat tire out in the rain. I returned the car early. Very bad experience.2.0 Poor
Jun 2017
Pros:
Never got carCons:
Giving the runaround by people that didn't know what they were talking about3.9 Poor
Aug 2021
National
No score available yet
One location in West Columbia
Locations in West Columbia
3260 Airport Blvd Ste 8
+1 844 806 3357
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2016
Pros:
Van was clean and ran smoothly – made transporting all of our equipment super easy. Getting the van was great - right outside of the airport and hassle free.Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in West Columbia
Locations in West Columbia
Filters
No reviews available
Car rental locations in or near West Columbia
Good to know
Most popular agency | Enterprise Rent-A-Car |
|---|---|
Most popular car type | Intermediate |
Average price | $70/day |
Good deal | $56/day |
When to book a rental car in West Columbia
Airports serving West Columbia
Popular rental types in West Columbia
- Cargo Van Rentals in West Columbia
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