North Charleston car rental information
| Pick-up location | North Charleston |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Compact SUV, Economy, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Minivan, Pickup truck, Standard, Standard SUV, Supplier choice |
| Rental locations | 15 |
| Airport locations | 7 |
| Popular agencies | Turo, Ace, Budget |
Cheap car rentals in North Charleston
| Economy | $38/day |
| Compact | $37/day |
| Intermediate | $36/day |
| Standard | $38/day |
| Minivan | $40/day |
| Pickup truck | $47/day |
| Standard SUV | $30/day |
| Compact SUV | $32/day |
| Intermediate SUV | $33/day |
| Supplier choice | $37/day |
Top tips for renting a car in North Charleston
- If you travel to North Charleston by train, you can enjoy the services offered by car rental companies in the city. However, you may need a provider who can pick you up at the train terminal in North Charleston Intermodal Transportation Center since there are no car rental facilities on site. Thus, calling the car rental company before you arrive is a great idea. If you prefer picking up your car from North Charleston car rentals, check out various offices a few miles from the train station.
- With a vehicle from cheap car rentals in North Charleston, exploring the numerous attractions in and around the city is easy and fun. If you need a spot where the whole family can enjoy, visit the North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center. The museum is approximately 2 miles from the city center and is accessible by car in less than 10min. You can also check out some attractions just outside the city. In Mount Pleasant, about 10 miles from North Charleston city center, you will find Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, an outdoor haven. It takes about 15min to get there. Nearly 12 miles from North Charleston, Ladson city harbors an expansive golf course that hosts refreshing tournaments. Driving from North Charleston to Crowfield Golf Club takes less than 20min.
- Despite being South Carolina’s third-largest city, North Charleston has no toll roads. However, numerous toll-free highways allow travelers in and out of the city without coming across heavy traffic build-ups. Highway I-95 runs north to south, while I-26 cuts North Charleston from east to west. As for navigating through the city, well-serviced streets allow access to numerous destinations. You will find them to be wide enough such that driving a minivan or a standard SUV through North Charleston is not a daunting task.
- Getting assistance from North Charleston car rentals facilitates navigation around the city, making business and leisure trips more comfortable. You can visit several areas close to the town, such as the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. These lush grounds are about 12.8 miles from central North Charleston and include a zoo, making it suitable for trips with kids or friends. You can appreciate the area’s history by driving about 16 miles to the Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site in Summerville city. Conversely, you can go to the North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center on International Boulevard within the city center for a shorter ride.
- You arrive in North Charleston via the Charleston International Airport, situated approximately 3 miles from the town’s center. This airport conveniently incorporates a Rental Car Pavilion, which you can find past the baggage claim at the end of the terminal area, opposite the bus stop. Some of the car rentals in North Charleston’s city center include Alamo, Hertz, Enterprise, National, Budget, and Avis. You can also find services from Dollar and Thrifty, which offer a direct and free airport shuttle to their pick-up location. You can follow the shuttle signs in the terminal and board immediately outside the baggage claim across the street.
- North Charleston ensures you can move through the town and nearby cities and states using the well-developed and connected roads, like Rivers Avenue and the I-526 and I-26 that link to Charleston and Mount Pleasant. To prevent getting lost along the streets, you can opt to integrate a navigation system into your vehicle. You will want to keep a lookout for pedestrians throughout your drive in North Charleston because many residents travel by foot and commonly use the sidewalks and roadways.
- You will most likely find congested roads during the morning and evening commute hours along the main streets, including International Boulevard, Montague Avenue, and I-526. International Boulevard also services the airport, so you generally want to stay off the roads from around 6:30am to 9:30am and from about 5pm to 7pm. You can safely drive during the cold season since North Charleston usually experiences mild winters.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in North Charleston for $48 or less
- Book your rental car in North Charleston at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport rental car locations in North Charleston are around 1% cheaper than airport locations on average
- Supplier choice rental cars in North Charleston are around 34% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in North Charleston
What type of car is recommended for driving in North Charleston?
You can comfortably rent any model from car rentals in North Charleston since the city has a quality infrastructure system. However, the few parking lots within the town can make finding spaces challenging. We recommend renting a compact vehicle to navigate the tight spaces with ease.
What’s the speed limit in North Charleston?
Most roads in this city have a speed limit of approximately 35mph. Streets in residential, school zones, and business areas typically post a 25mph limit. The speed along the interstate roads is around 70mph outside the urban core. On the Charleston peninsula, these interstate highways have limitations ranging from approximately 40mph to about 55mph.
Where are the best places to park in North Charleston?
You can conveniently park in the Park & Go garage at the Charleston International Airport, which charges around $10 per day on the surface lot. The 5-tier space has an approximately $17 daily rate, while the 3-level lot closest to the terminal offers a maximum of around $15 a day. You can use the North Charleston Marriott Car Park on 4770 Goer Drive or the parking spaces available at 4821 Chateau Avenue for free services.
How much does it cost to rent a car in North Charleston?
On average a rental car in North Charleston costs $61 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 North Charleston found in the last 2 weeks is $41.
How much is gas price in North Charleston?
The average gas price in North Charleston is $4.12 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $49 and $66, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in North Charleston?
Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in North Charleston.
Which car rental companies are at Charleston airport (CHS)?
Car rental companies onsite at Charleston airport include Budget, Alamo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Avis and National.
How can I find car rentals near me in North Charleston?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does a Special car rental cost in North Charleston?
A Special car rental in North Charleston costs $61 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in North Charleston?
An Intermediate car rental in North Charleston costs $78 per day, on average.
How much does a Premium car rental cost in North Charleston?
A Premium car rental in North Charleston costs $79 per day, on average.
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in North Charleston?
On average a rental car in North Charleston costs $425 per week ($61 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in North Charleston?
On average a rental car in North Charleston costs $1,820 per month ($61 per day).
Should I get insurance when renting a car in North Charleston?
Most car rental providers in North Charleston offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in North Charleston, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in North Charleston?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 9 car rental agencies in North Charleston.
Which car rental companies in North Charleston have updated their vehicle cleaning and safety policies because of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Some car rental companies in North Charleston which have updated their car rental health and safety policies due to COVID-19 to make sure vehicles are clean and disinfected include Budget, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Avis
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in North Charleston?
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 North Charleston?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in North Charleston so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
Does North Charleston allow carpooling?
North Charleston is a proponent of carpooling. If you prefer sharing a ride with one of North Charleston’s residents, check out carpooling apps in the city. Before you carpool, consider checking whether cheap car rentals in North Charleston allow the practice.
What annual festivals cause traffic in North Charleston?
You may encounter road congestion in North Carolina due to some annual events. These include the City of North Charleston Harvest Festival in October and the Charleston Half Marathon, which usually occurs in mid-January. In November, some roads in North Charleston remain closed as the town celebrates the City of North Charleston Veteran’s Day and Ceremony.
North Charleston car rental reviews and directory
Hertz
7.8
Good
288 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
7.2
3 locations in North Charleston
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
8.0 Very good
Nov 2021
10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2021
4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
Pros:
The car drove fineCons:
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
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.10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
Excellent staff, easy drop offCons:
EXPENSIVE8.0 Very good
Apr 2021
Pros:
Easy to pick up and drop off.Cons:
The car key was not automatic and it was difficult to work. After opening the door you had to hurry up and start the car before the alarm went off.Thrifty
6.4
Okay
275 reviewsCleanliness
7.4
Comfort
7.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.1
Value for money
6.2
One location in North Charleston
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
2.0 Poor
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
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
Apr 2021
Pros:
Yes and yes!Cons:
I was going for a bottle of water from the desk agent4.0 Mediocre
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
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.6.0 Okay
Feb 2021
Pros:
I really enjoy using Priceline, but certainly hope I NEVER have to use Thrifty again. Had to wait in line for over an hour waiting to return the keys. Had to wait an hour to pick up the car the previous day.Cons:
There needs to be faster service at the check in and check out at the Charleston Airport location. There was one person behind the counter with about 10 guest in line. No other car rental dealer had that many and they did not take that long to process the customer. Need to have more employees and a faster process especially when the customer has a reservation already. The employer behind the desk was working as fast as she could but she needed help!Dollar
5.6
Fair
96 reviewsCleanliness
6.1
Comfort
6.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.3
Value for money
6.0
2 locations in North Charleston
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
Requested large SUV. Kayak said that the reservation was for a Nissan Armada. On arrival , no armadas or similarly sized vehicles were ever available at location. FIX THIS8.0 Very good
May 2021
Pros:
Fast and easy service4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
Cons:
You can never reach anyone at the desk by phone. They rarely pickup and you can’t leave any messages because the mailbox is full. There’s also no one manning the pickup or drop off kiosk.4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
Cons:
The manager wasted time with two other customers and we could hear all of their conversation. Very unpleasant for us while waiting. When it was our turn, she insisted there was a block on my debit card which I checked before making the trip which was okay for the rental company to use. She said if we didn't want the car we could go to another car rental. We produced another card and suddenly it was okay and cost us extra. I checked with my bank the next morning and said there was not any block on my card. This lasted with her for a half hour. Very unprofessional for a manager as she stated she was. Makes me think twice about wanting to rent again from them.2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
Yes, staff was friendlyCons:
They could have had a car available for us. We just put in a 14 hour day of travel. We are sorry we have no cars available, just does not cut it. We will not rent a car from Dollar/Thrifty again. Unreliable.8.0 Very good
Apr 2021
Pros:
The rental was quick. The car was better than expected.Cons:
Employees did not go out of their way to do anything. They did their job. At times I felt a nuisance to them. It was quite inconvenient that the rental place was not at the airport or did not provide a shuttle.Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8.0
Very good
12 reviewsCleanliness
7.7
Comfort
8.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.7
Value for money
7.7
3 locations in North Charleston
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Jul 2020
Cons:
They let me reserve a pickup truck that none of the local offices had in stock.10.0 Wonderful
Feb 2020
Pros:
Good service as usual.Cons:
Did not have a compact for me as requested. Had to drive a family van9.2 Wonderful
Sep 2018
Pros:
Pick up location.Cons:
After purchasing the 3rd party protection insursnce, the Enterprise agents said it wasnt the best idea to go that route. They offered (wanted me to purchase) their in-store insurance, which I did. They advised to cancel the 3rd party I insurance. Of course all of this is happening as I'm dealing with everthing else and i never got around to calling the 3rd party to cancel. So basically I paid for two sets of coverage. My point here is if you are going to purchase the additional insurance, wait until at the counter; it was basically the same price.8.0 Very good
Oct 2016
Cons:
I reserved a sedan and when I went to pick up all they had was an SUV. I end up paying about $100 more in gas for my road trip as a result.10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2016
Pros:
The staff at Enterprise are always so good at staying positive and handling things quickly and efficiently. The crew at this location were no different! I had to put my car in the shop unexpectedly and I needed a vehicle capable of handling the duties of my small business for several days (delivery of small goods to several locations). Chuck and Ray were on point with their customer service and made everything a breeze, from picking me up before my rental to dropping me off after, I couldn't have asked for better service.Cons:
Not applicable!2.0 Poor
Mar 2023
Budget
8.0
Very good
10 reviewsCleanliness
8.2
Comfort
8.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.1
Value for money
8.2
One location in North Charleston
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2019
Pros:
Didn’t have car I ordered so upgraded but kept the same cost!9.2 Wonderful
Oct 2018
Pros:
The inside of the car was clean.Cons:
The car should have been washed better on the outside.2.0 Poor
Jan 2018
Cons:
When I reserved the car, the web site mentioned that they also accepted debit cards. When I went to pick up the car, the clerk told me that without a major credit card that they had to run a credit check on me. That was not mentioned in my confirmation email. I know that my credit rating is not very good. I realize I had to put a deposit and had the funds in my account to cover it. It was a big inconvenience for me to not be able to rent the car.2.0 Poor
Oct 2017
Cons:
There were no cars available and they did not notify us. We were unable to get a rental car period. They were rude and told us we should not have booked through anyone but them.2.0 Poor
Nov 2016
Pros:
NOT one thingCons:
made a reservation..when i got there they said they needed a credit card.. didnt have one on me so i was unable to get a car. Terribke customer service10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2022
Avis
5.2
Fair
8 reviewsCleanliness
5.3
Comfort
5.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.6
Value for money
5.3
One location in North Charleston
Filters
Reviews
6.0 Okay
Jun 2023
2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
Nothing because they bailed on the reservation.Cons:
The staff texted me 3 days after the rental reservation and two days before I needed the car to tell me they were overbooked and they wouldn't have anything available for me. I had to contact Priceline to get my insurance deposit back again. Definitely wasn't helpful to have the car pulled out via a non official text message on Saturday when I needed the car Monday. I ended up renting from Hertz directly from their website instead of using Kayak or Priceline.2.0 Poor
Mar 2021
Pros:
The staff was rude and unfriendly. I think the owner is racist.Cons:
New management and someone who has had customer service training.2.0 Poor
Dec 2018
Cons:
Extremely rude and unhelpful. The Avis rental car location in North Charleston, SC is not where you want to go. The owner actually raised his voice to customers complaining of his bad day as if it was their fault. Left shaking without renting a car.6.8 Okay
Aug 2017
Pros:
Car was clean. Attendants were polite and accommodating.Cons:
Actual rate was higher than kayak posted rate. Reservation was not made at location selected on kayak. Car wheel well was falling off. Not sure if location and rate are kayak issues or Avis.Ace
3.5
Poor
23 reviewsCleanliness
3.9
Comfort
4.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
3.5
Value for money
4.6
One location in North Charleston
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Aug 2023
2.0 Poor
Aug 2023
6.0 Okay
Aug 2023
2.0 Poor
Aug 2023
2.0 Poor
Aug 2023
2.0 Poor
Jul 2023
VIPCars Recommendation
No score available yet
2 locations in North Charleston
Ace Rental Cars
No score available yet
One location in North Charleston
Car rental locations in or near North Charleston
When to book a rental car in North Charleston
Airports serving North Charleston
Popular rental types in North Charleston
- Van Rentals in North Charleston
- Luxury Car Rentals in North Charleston
- Pickup Truck Rentals in North Charleston
- SUV Rentals in North Charleston
- Convertible Car Rentals in North Charleston
- Cargo Van Rentals in North Charleston
- 6 Passenger Van Rentals in North Charleston
- 7 Passenger Van Rentals in North Charleston
- 8 Passenger Van Rentals in North Charleston
- 9 Passenger Van Rentals in North Charleston
- 10 Passenger Van Rentals in North Charleston
- 12 Passenger Van Rentals in North Charleston
- 15 Passenger Van Rentals in North Charleston
Popular car brands to rent in North Charleston
- Audi car rentals in North Charleston
- BMW car rentals in North Charleston
- Jaguar car rentals in North Charleston
- Jeep car rentals in North Charleston
- Land Rover car rentals in North Charleston
- Lexus car rentals in North Charleston
- Mercedes-Benz car rentals in North Charleston
- Porsche car rentals in North Charleston
- Subaru car rentals in North Charleston
- Tesla car rentals in North Charleston
- Toyota car rentals in North Charleston