This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in Columbia with a pick-up date of 8/12 and drop-off date of 8/18. 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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KAYAK’s insights & trends for Columbia car rentals
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Columbia with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Columbia?
You should book your rental car in Columbia around 69 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Columbia?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Hertz ($43.02/day), Avis ($44.31/day) and Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($45.79/day). The cheapest rental car price was found at Hertz, 508 Gervais Street (0.6 mi from city center).
What is the most popular rental car in Columbia?
Rentals in the SUV category (Chevrolet Equinox or similar) are the most popular option in Columbia, costing $96/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $61/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Columbia?
The cheapest month to rent a car in Columbia is January at an average cost of $48/day. April is the most expensive month to rent a car in Columbia when prices are $82/day on average, which tends to be 24% above the yearly average rental price for Columbia.
What rental car company in Columbia has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 7 locations in Columbia, more than any other rental company.
Columbia car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Columbia by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
$40 - $64
All Car Types
$75 - $103
How much does it cost to rent a small car in Columbia?
How much does it cost to rent a medium car in Columbia?
How much does it cost to rent a large car in Columbia?
How much does it cost to rent an SUV in Columbia?
How much does it cost to rent a van in Columbia?
How much does it cost to rent a pickup truck in Columbia?
How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in Columbia?
How much does it cost to rent a convertible in Columbia?
Small car rentals in Columbia typically cost around $54 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $40 per day which is about 26% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 40% cheaper than the average rental in Columbia, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Medium car rentals in Columbia typically cost around $76 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $66 per day which is about 14% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 15% cheaper than the average rental in Columbia, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car rentals in Columbia typically cost around $83 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $72 per day which is about 14% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 7% cheaper than the average rental in Columbia, offering more comfort for longer trips at a valuable price.
SUV rentals in Columbia typically cost around $89 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $72 per day which is about 20% less than the yearly average. SUVs are usually the same price as an average rental in Columbia.
Van rentals in Columbia typically cost around $115 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $91 per day which is about 21% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 23% more expensive than the average rental in Columbia, but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck rentals in Columbia typically cost around $80 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average $67 per day which is about 17% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 11% cheaper than the average rental in Columbia, a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car rentals in Columbia typically cost around $125 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average $99 per day which is about 21% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 29% more expensive than the average rental in Columbia, but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible rentals in Columbia typically cost around $101 per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average $73 per day which is about 28% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 12% more expensive than the average rental in Columbia, perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Turo
Medium
$60/day
$48/day
Columbia car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Columbia
Enterprise is a good rental to chose but make sure you book straight from enterprise and not a third party because you will be paying more for your rental.
JoyceJun 2025
Verify hours of operation. Times selected for pick up does not always reflect the branch’s hours.
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Columbia
A historical city, Columbia has many cultural attractions and landmarks for tourists to visit. Having a rental car will let you tour these sights at your convenience. Additionally, you can drive to the ACE Basin or the nearby town of Beaufort with its Southern charm and historical architecture.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport is one of the major airports in South Carolina. It serves the cities of Columbia, Greenville, Lexington, and Clemson. Travelers flying out of this airport can enjoy a number of amenities including easy access to car rental agencies. Located close to baggage claim, Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Thrifty all operate out of this facility.
In Columbia you should always be on the lookout for animals that might suddenly run out into the road. This is especially a problem in the fall during deer hunting season. These animals can cause substantial damage to your rental car. Additionally, by law, if you are driving on the highway and see a tow truck loading a vehicle, you must move over to the other lane for safety reasons.
During your stay in Columbia, you might want to limit your driving during peak travel hours. This includes morning rush hour from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and in the afternoon from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Traffic is especially busy on highways like Interstate 26 and Highway 17, which lead into and out of the downtown district.
When visiting the historic capital of South Carolina, you'll probably want to see what the city has to offer its tourists. Naturalists will want a piece of the expansive Congaree National Park, while lovers of history will want to dig into the treasures of the city's museums. Cheap car rentals in Columbia make vacationing easier and more so if you visit the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Riverbank Zoo and Garden, or William Brice Stadium, which is about 15 minutes drive from the city conveniently accessible by car. With several cheap car rentals in Columbia, you won't need to put up with unreliable public transport or overpriced cabs.
The largest and busiest airport in Columbia is the Columbia Metropolitan Airport which also serves three other cities, namely, Clemson, Greenville, and Lexington. After touchdown, proceed to the baggage claims area, where you will find several Columbia car rentals, including Hertz, Enterprise, Thrift, and Avis. These car rental companies conveniently have on-site offices where you can get your rental car and proceed to your destination. Besides the airport, there are more than 45 other car rental locations where you can still book your rental car through KAYAK.
Traffic jams on Columbia roadways get more intense during weekdays, especially in the morning and evening. If you want to cut down on time spent in traffic, avoid some of Columbia's notorious highways, especially highways 1, 48, 16, and 321, best known for heavy traffic congestion. Rush hours is another factor to consider. It would be best if you tried to avoid driving around 7 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 6 pm. The city isn't suitable for walking, and that's where cheap car rentals in Columbia come in. Driving a rental car allows you to visit as many places as you want and on your own schedule. While free parking is scarce in Columbia, several parking companies offer metered parking spaces and garages at flexible rates and hours.
25% of our users found rental cars in Columbia for $48 or less
Medium rental cars in Columbia are around 30% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Columbia
What type of car is recommended for driving in Columbia?
You’ll find a wide variety of vehicles to choose from when renting a car in Columbia. Select from compact, luxury, or a sports utility vehicle (ideal if you plan to drive through the ACE Basin). Also, if you are traveling to Columbia in the summer months, be sure that the air conditioning system in your rental car works well because there can be many hot days.
What’s the speed limit in Columbia?
Because it is a big city, Columbia has many highways. When traveling on city freeways, you can travel at maximum speeds of 60 mph and on major roads around shopping districts the speed limit is 50 mph. However, on the interstate you can increase your speed to 70 mph. Inside residential neighborhoods, the maximum speed allowed is 30 mph.
Where are the best places to park in Columbia?
The City of Columbia has numerous metered parking spaces downtown. Street parking in Columbia is always free after 6 p.m. and on weekends. But, if you are willing to walk, drive down some nearby side roads to find non-metered parking spaces. Additionally there is the option of parking in a garage or lot. Note that some of these facilities are city-owned while others are privately owned and operated.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Columbia?
On average a rental car in Columbia costs $60 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 Columbia found in the last 2 weeks is $54.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Metropolitan airport (CAE)?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Metropolitan airport to off-airport locations include Thrifty, and Dollar.
How much does a Medium car rental cost in Columbia?
A Medium car rental in Columbia costs $79 per day, on average.
How much does a Special car rental cost in Columbia?
A Special car rental in Columbia costs $56 per day, on average.
How much does a Luxury car rental cost in Columbia?
A Luxury car rental in Columbia costs $134 per day, on average.
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Columbia?
Most car rental providers in 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 Columbia, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Columbia?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 6 car rental agencies in Columbia.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in 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 Columbia?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in 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 is the average gas price in Columbia?
The average gas price in Columbia is $5.3 per gallon. So, while you can fuel your car at the airport, it is a bit costly compared to other locations. Gas stations like Murphy Express, Shell, and Costco have an average price of $4.4 to $4.8 per gallon.
What is the average speed limit in Columbia?
All visitors planning to use Columbia roadways must understand how fast they are allowed to drive on different highways. When driving around the city, keep your speed limit to a minimum of 25 mph unless otherwise specified on road signs. The speed limit for highways and suburban locations remains at 75 mph.
Seats in the back would have been nice if they could recline a little
10.0 Wonderful
Jesse, Jun 2026
Passenger van
I had no complaints. Thank you for making our family trip amazing!
4.0 Mediocre
Joyce, Jun 2025
Intermediate
The location closed at 6 pm. I had to pick up at the airport.
2.0 Poor
Chas, Oct 2024
Intermediate SUV
They gave me a tiny crossover (Mazda CX) not an intermediate SUV. When questioned on it they offered a sedan (Nissan Sentra) instead, which I declined. Vehicle was filthy, had no GPS card, and smelled quite strongly.
2.0 Poor
s, Aug 2024
Minivan
Arrived at my time to get my minivan when we pulled up we noticed there was no minivans in the parking lot of the manager there said that she tried to call me on Sunday at 12:30. When I told her that I was in church, she giggled and said oh I didn’t know you go to church. And said that she gave my car away at 1:30 30 minutes before my schedule time to pick up the car that I had reserved three weeks in advance. her and her assistant, then proceeded to walk outside and get on the phone . Will not return.
2.0 Poor
Edward, Sep 2022
No car available
1 out of 4
Ace
5.2
Fair
Cleanliness
6.0
Comfort
6.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.0
Value for money
5.6
One location in Columbia
Locations in Columbia
5317 Two Notch Road
+1 803 744 9700
Monday
09:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday
09:00 - 18:00
Thursday
09:00 - 18:00
Friday
09:00 - 18:00
Saturday
09:00 - 14:00
Filters
No reviews available
Hertz
5.1
Fair
Cleanliness
5.9
Comfort
5.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.8
Value for money
4.7
7 locations in Columbia
Locations in Columbia
200 Stonebridge Dr
+1 803 252 2561
Monday
09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
09:00 - 17:00
Thursday
09:00 - 17:00
Friday
09:00 - 17:00
3260 Airport Blvd Ste 9w
+1 803 851 4270
Monday
07:30 - 23:59
Tuesday
07:30 - 23:59
Wednesday
07:30 - 23:59
Thursday
07:30 - 23:59
Friday
07:30 - 23:59
Saturday
07:30 - 22:00
Sunday
07:30 - 23:59
4016 Fernandina Road
+1 803 661 6259
Monday
08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 18:00
Thursday
08:00 - 18:00
Friday
08:00 - 18:00
Saturday
09:00 - 12:00
508 Gervais Street
+1 803 252 2561
Monday
07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday
07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday
07:30 - 18:00
Thursday
07:30 - 18:00
Friday
07:30 - 18:00
Saturday
09:00 - 13:00
6615 Two Notch Rd Ste D
+1 803 834 6744
Monday
08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 18:00
Thursday
08:00 - 18:00
Friday
08:00 - 18:00
Saturday
09:00 - 12:00
7356 B Garners Ferry Road
+1 803 695 0179
Monday
08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 18:00
Thursday
08:00 - 18:00
Friday
08:00 - 18:00
9817 Farrow Rd
+1 803 430 9332
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Karen, Nov 2021
Price could have been better.
2.0 Poor
Dominique, Nov 2021
Customer service was terrible. I’m still getting calls saying the vehicle wasn’t returned, when it was returned almost 2 weeks ago.
6.0 Okay
Cale, Oct 2021
Everyone is strapped for cars these days. Luckily Hertz had a car for me (had a reservation via Kayak). Others coming to the counter late at night were not so lucky. The lot was thin. I reserved a sedan, e.g. Chevy Malibu but received a GMC Acadia. Way too much car, but can't be to picky these days. No agent in the return lot, had to take keys to counter, but it was quick.
1 out of 4
Avis
6.4
Okay
One location in Columbia
Locations in Columbia
408 Blossom Street
+1 803 771 8766
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
08:00 - 13:00
Filters
No reviews available
Easirent
4.5
Mediocre
Cleanliness
5.2
Comfort
5.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.5
Value for money
5.1
One location in Columbia
Locations in Columbia
Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Ace Rental Cars
No score available yet
One location in Columbia
Locations in Columbia
5317 Two Notch Road
+1 803 744 9700
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
37 travelers who rented a car in Columbia gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.7
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