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North Charleston car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car hire in North Charleston

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Economy car
Economy
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Compact car
Compact
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Intermediate car
Intermediate
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Standard car
Standard
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Full-size car
Full-size
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Luxury car
Luxury
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People carrier car
People carrier
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Passenger van car
Passenger van
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Commercial
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Pick-up truck car
Pick-up truck
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KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in North Charleston

  • 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.
  • Book your car hire in North Charleston at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Mini hire cars in North Charleston are around 20% more expensive than other car types, on average

North Charleston car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travellers who hired a car in North Charleston 
JoanneSept 2024
Yes I would have liked to know that there was a $300 deposit on it, but you do get it back when you return it. I used my own car insurance bring your car insurance card with you and put it on the credit card that way some credit cards. Also have insurance for rental cars. I like the bigger vehicle easy to drive.
VJul 2024
It was a good experience.
PattiMay 2024
Charleston is a fun city but if you stay outside of the city you will need a car to see the sights. Vehicles go quickly on Sundays and Mondays. Renting off site from the airport saved us a ton of $$!
Verified travelerJun 2023
Use Uber — much more reliable.
CassandraJul 2023
The driving was fine in North Charleston.
LisaMay 2023
no problems . Parking rates much cheaper in Charleston garages than where I am from so that was nice. Liked that they had bathrooms in some of the parking garages .
LisaMay 2023
no problems . Parking rates much cheaper in Charleston garages than where I am from so that was nice. Liked that they had bathrooms in some of the parking garages .
DarleneMay 2023
We parked in a garage on Cumberland street. It was reasonable and everything was in walking distance
TanyaMay 2023
It was good I had no problem at all.

FAQs about car hire 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 is the price of fuel in North Charleston?

    The average price of fuel in North Charleston is £2.86 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between £34 and £46, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in North Charleston?

    Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in North Charleston.

  • Which car hire agencies are at Charleston airport (CHS)?

    Car hire companies onsite at Charleston airport include Budget, Avis and Alamo.

  • Which car hire companies will pick you up at Charleston airport (CHS)?

    Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Charleston airport to off-airport locations include Budget, Avis and Alamo.

  • How can I find car hires near me in North Charleston?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does a Mini car hire cost in North Charleston?

    A Mini car hire in North Charleston costs £98 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Full Size car hire cost in North Charleston?

    A Full Size car hire in North Charleston costs £139 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in North Charleston?

    An Intermediate car hire in North Charleston costs £48 per day, on average.

  • Should I get insurance when hiring a car in North Charleston?

    Most car hire 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 hire in North Charleston, check out KAYAK's car hire insurance guide.

North Charleston car hire reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car hire booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Ace

4.4

Best rated

Cleanliness

4.7

Comfort

5.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.4

Value for money

5.0

One location in North Charleston

Show locations

Locations in North Charleston

3632 Cheatham Street

+1 877 219 9192

Monday08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday08:00 - 20:00
Thursday08:00 - 20:00
Friday08:00 - 20:00
Saturday08:00 - 20:00
Sunday08:00 - 20:00

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very Good

Joanne, Sept 2024

Compact

KAYAK
I was supposed to get a Hyundai, but they gave me a Kia instead. Black interior Silver exterior. The car was dirty inside, especially the way back where we put our luggage and the windows were also dirty. We were only renting the car for four days, so not worried about it. The car drove very nicely, good gas mileage, and it was easy to pick up and return. I would go back again

8.0 Very Good

Cicero, Aug 2024

Supplier choice

KAYAK
The rental was definitely a value but I wasn't a fan of the $300 hold on my credit card and the wait for the shuttle was about 20 minutes.

6.0 Okay

Guido, Aug 2024

Supplier choice

KAYAK
ok for what I paid!

10.0 Wonderful

Karen, Aug 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
I liked the price, location. The ladies at the front desk were quick and efficient..no nonsense on rental requirements. I will definitely be returning.

2.0 Poor

Zoran, Jul 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
Unfortunately, we have to wait more than an hour to get a car, in a cabin without air conditioning with very unfriendly staff. When we finally got the car, it was very dirty. in addition, we received a car that was non-evaporative. The left rear tire was deflating and I had to fill it every day. when I called the office, they told me that they don't have a car available at the moment and that if I want another car, I should come to them and wait until someone returns the rental car. The least I expected was for them to apologize and bring me another car to the hotel where I was staying. Very bad experience.

10.0 Wonderful

V, Jul 2024

Supplier choice

KAYAK
Very good experience

1 out of 12

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Cleanliness

7.4

Comfort

7.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.1

Value for money

7.4

3 locations in North Charleston

Show locations

Locations in North Charleston

5757 Rivers Ave. @ Jones Ford

+1 843 566 7805

Monday08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday08:00 - 20:00
Thursday08:00 - 20:00
Friday08:00 - 20:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

7291 Cross County Rd

+1 843 552 2150

Monday08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday08:00 - 20:00
Thursday08:00 - 20:00
Friday08:00 - 20:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

8734 Rivers Ave

+1 843 572 8807

Monday08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday08:00 - 20:00
Thursday08:00 - 20:00
Friday08:00 - 20:00
Saturday08:00 - 20:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Michael, Jul 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

They let me reserve a pickup truck that none of the local offices had in stock.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Good service as usual.

Cons:

Did not have a compact for me as requested. Had to drive a family van

2.0 Poor

Chrys, Mar 2023

Compact

KAYAK
When we got to the counter we were told they had no car just a pick up truck available. I had prepaid for the car so I don’t understand why they released it. My husband and I had to taxi to the hotel and try to find another car for our stay in Charleston. Was very disappointed that they couldn’t do anything but apologize.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2022

KAYAK
Van was clean inside and out. The young man was very helpful and respectful. I will rent from enterprise in the future. Well done!

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2021

KAYAK
Outstanding customer service from pick up to return!

1 out of 2

Avis

Cleanliness

6.3

Comfort

6.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.5

Value for money

6.0

One location in North Charleston

Show locations

Locations in North Charleston

6258 Rivers Ave

+1 843 572 3190

Monday08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday08:00 - 20:00
Thursday08:00 - 20:00
Friday08:00 - 20:00
Saturday08:00 - 20:00
Sunday08:00 - 20:00

Filters

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Jun 2023

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
3 hours before I was scheduled to pick up my car I got a text from North Charleston AVIS saying that they could only provide me with a pick up truck, NOT the SUV I had ordered. I was moving boxes and required a secure interior space in the vehicle, greater than the interior space of a pick up. Loading the boxes in the truck bed was not acceptable because at my hotel stops I would have to move all the boxes into he hotel and back... All the AVIS agent could offer me were some other local AVIS company phone numbers to call to see if I might get lucky and find an SUV available int he area. Terrible. I made a reservation and AVIS North Charleston did NOT honor my reservation. Now - lucky for me, there WAS an SUV available that same morning at the Charleston Airport. I reserved that one, drove it to Michigan and then dropped it off. The SUV worked well for me but AVIS NOT honoring my initial reservation - - what!??

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

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

Arriel, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was rude and unfriendly. I think the owner is racist.

Cons:

New management and someone who has had customer service training.

1 out of 1

Hertz

Cleanliness

5.8

Comfort

5.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.6

Value for money

5.6

2 locations in North Charleston

Show locations

Locations in North Charleston

2821 Azalea Dr

+1 843 480 4311

Monday10:00 - 14:00
Tuesday10:00 - 14:00
Wednesday10:00 - 14:00
Thursday10:00 - 14:00
Friday10:00 - 14:00

8510 Rivers Avenue Ste O

+1 843 793 2235

Monday08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday08:00 - 20:00
Thursday08:00 - 20:00
Friday08:00 - 20:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

I mean, I would call a Kia Sorrento a full-size SUV. We moved our luggage from a RAV-4 and it barely fit in the Kia. Moving from a crossover to a full size SUV, you expect a little bit more room. Maybe you should clear up with your partners what is considered a full-size SUV. When your site says a Nissan Pathfinder OR COMPARABLE, no one expects to show up and have to drive a Kia Sorrento.

Cons:

Stop lying to us about the cars available. I could have gotten way cheaper rates for a Kia Dorrento booking direct or using another service. Massively disappointing.

8.0 Very Good

Caroline, Aug 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Nice and efficient staff.

Cons:

It was clean, but not sure if it was disinfected. COVID days!

9.2 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Drop off was really easy. Car met my expectations.

Cons:

Pick up location took longer than expected.

1.9 Poor

Anonymous, Sept 2021

KAYAK
Office was closed when I went for pickup.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing.

Cons:

After signing a contact saying the tank was full, it was not. It was less than 3/4 of a tank. Vehicle was trashed. Cups, a hat, papers, etc. from previous renter. Remote wouldn’t lock the doors

4.0 Mediocre

Kourtney, Jun 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was doing the best they could with limited resources.

Cons:

We were able to book our vehicle to be picked up in one location and dropped off at another (the airport). At the end of an hour long wait/pick-up, we were told that the car had to be returned to the same location. This resulted in having to return the car early and a $25 Uber ride to the airport.

1 out of 2

Dollar

Cleanliness

6.0

Comfort

6.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.3

Value for money

5.8

One location in North Charleston

Show locations

Locations in North Charleston

3826 West Montague Avenue

+1 843 552 7533

Monday08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday08:00 - 20:00
Thursday08:00 - 20:00
Friday08:00 - 20:00
Saturday08:00 - 20:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

You didn’t have the car I reserved and it was substituted for a truck that had no runners, so my 75 year old mom and I had to jump out of and climb into the truck, we both were very uncomfortable and had to spend more on gas as the truck was not as economical as a car would have been

1 out of 1

Budget

4.7

Cleanliness

5.6

Comfort

6.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.0

Value for money

5.3

One location in North Charleston

Show locations

Locations in North Charleston

6258 Rivers Ave

+1 843 553 5660

Monday08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday08:00 - 20:00
Thursday08:00 - 20:00
Friday08:00 - 20:00
Saturday08:00 - 20:00
Sunday08:00 - 20:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Helena, Feb 2024

Pick-up truck

KAYAK
They did not have the vehicle u tried to rent

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jun 2022

KAYAK
I had no issues at all. Excellent service.

8.0 Very Good

Gary, Apr 2022

KAYAK
Pickup in Charleston was awesome. The drop off at Asheville airport was way too difficult. There were no carts anywhere to unload the vehicle before dropping off the keys. Which was on a different level in a different building. And no instructions anywhere in garage as to where to go.

1 out of 1

VIPCars Recommendation

No score available yet

2 locations in North Charleston

Locations in North Charleston

2039 Savannah Hwy, Charleston

+1 914 368 0091

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

3000 Aviation Way, 3000 Aviation Way, West Columbia, , USA South Carolina

+1 914 368 0091

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

No reviews available

Ace Rental Cars

No score available yet

One location in North Charleston

Locations in North Charleston

3632 Cheatham Street

+1 843 203 5350

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

78 travellers who hired a car in North Charleston gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.0

Car hire locations in or near North Charleston

Good to know

Most popular car type

Mini

When to book a car hire in North Charleston

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

Car hire insurance in North Charleston

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) & Theft Protection Waiver

Some North Charleston car providers already include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection Waiver into the hire price but not all of them. We recommend being aware of your coverage when hiring a car in North Charleston.

Deductible

Keep in mind that car hire insurances often have a deductible clause, which is the amount you’ll have to pay if something happens during the time of your hire. If you want to avoid unwanted surprises, you should consider adding a non-deductible option to your North Charleston car hire.

North Charleston car hire information

Pick-up locationNorth Charleston
Car types
Hire locations12
Airport locations4