How to find a cheap car rental deal in Charleston
Pick up a cheap rental car in Charleston for around AED 473 a day and hit the road happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the top providers, making booking quick and easy.
AED 239 is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental in Charleston.
Planning to stay longer? Pick up a weekly rental from AED 971 and take the time to discover more.
Here's your insider tip for booking at the right time. Around one week in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a Charleston car hire.
Budget, Avis and Ace Rent a Car are some of the best-known providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
The coverage Budget or another supplier offers for your Charleston car rental can vary, so always read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge extra for it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a bargain if the provider needs to move its fleet around. Discover the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any unexpected fees by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Travel without limits by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you need without paying more.
Best value car rental options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average AED 463 a day.
Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around AED 467.
The third option also helps keep costs down. Expect to pay roughly AED 512 a day for one of their rentals.
The Compact rental category is a dependable pick if you're unsure which ride is right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most in Charleston.
Flying to Charleston? Think about an airport pick-up
Take the hassle out of arrival day by picking up a car rental at Charleston Airport. If you're flying to Charleston through this hub, simply pick up your ride after landing and roll out. The drive to the city center is about 19 kilometers and takes around 25 minutes.
Compare car rental types in Charleston
Small: Whether you're weaving through city traffic or taking a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect great mileage and easy handling.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the rental that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are great for small families and couples.
Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for longer drives, this Charleston car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Charleston is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're roomy, hardworking, and ready for whatever the journey demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Charleston car rental gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so compare before you commit.
Upgrade your ride with nifty extras like mobile Wi-Fi or a reverse camera. These add-ons can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in Charleston.
Good to know
Typically, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the United States. Some providers still accept younger drivers — just be ready for a few added rules or costs. Check the companies' terms and conditions before booking.
Add a car seat to your Charleston car rental reservation if you're traveling with small kids. Rules change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest way to travel.
You'll need to show some documents when collecting your car. As a rule, bring a valid driver's license, a credit card with room for the security deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will confirm exactly what's required.
Driving in the United States can take some adjustment if it's your first time. Keep in mind traffic flows on the right side of the road.
Local speed limits are often about 40kph through built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you expect to drink, leave the driving to someone else or find an alternative way to get around.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 5pm. Make driving smoother by avoiding rush hours in general.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for all your purchases and expenses on your trip. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cash and cards to ensure you're covered in all situations.
Best hotels in Charleston for drivers
Offering valet parking, The Loutrel takes the guesswork out of where to leave your car. This hotel is around 0.48 kilometers from central Charleston and also comes with a 24-hour front desk and express check-in.
86 Cannon Charleston - Adults Only makes travel simpler with parking and features like an outdoor swimming pool and a bar. It's roughly 2 kilometers from the city center.
Explore the full range of hotels in Charleston and pick the stay that suits your plans. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
After you've found a car rental deal in Charleston and your hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. International African American Museum, Fort Sumter National Monument and Charleston City Market are some of the city's best experiences.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Charleston
Around 32 kilometers northwest of central Charleston, Summerville is one place you won't want to miss. Navigate your way to its major sights like Azalea Park & Sculpture Garden.
Days Inn by Wyndham Ladson Summerville Charleston and Best Western Magnolia Inn and Suites are recommended accommodation options with parking in Summerville.
Kick back after a day of exploring Goose Creek at Stay Express Inn North Charleston or DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Suites Charleston Airport. These hotels have arrangements for guests with cars.
Not ready to hit the brakes just yet? Cruise on over to Savannah, about 137 kilometers southwest of Charleston. From Savannah Historic District to Savannah River, it makes for a well-rounded adventure.
Get some shut-eye in Savannah at either Holiday Inn Savannah Historic District by IHG or Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District by IHG. They've got a room waiting for you and a place to park too.
