Car Rental - North Charleston, SC

 

Car rental in Charleston, SC is the easiest way to explore the beautiful districts of this stunning port city – and beyond.

Admire historic buildings as you drive your Charleston rental car down the atmospheric streets, along the many riverfront stretches and out to Francis Marion National Forest.

You’ll find a welcoming community feel, traditional eateries and spectacular natural surroundings nearby, with many waterways close to its center.

We have convenient car rental pick-up points in South Carolina’s largest city – including Charleston Airport and North Charleston Amtrak Station – offering easy access to Downtown Charleston.

Choose between a wide selection of fantastic vehicles. Convertibles are great for enjoying the Palmetto State’s most sun soaked weather, while you can easily fit the whole family into an SUV for riverside, forest and city adventures.

Reserve Charleston car rental with Hertz to visit all of this city’s attractions and highlights.

Charleston Locations

A Quick Guide to Charleston

The Charleston Museum

The oldest museum in the US – founded in 1773 – this attraction offers a fascinating insight into South Carolina history. A whale that swam into Charleston harbor back in 1880 takes center stage, along with exhibits about the city during the Civil War. Perfect for all ages, the Lowcountry truly comes alive for little ones in the interactive Kidstory section.

Charleston City Market

Experience quintessential Charleston at its finest when you visit this central market that’s been around since 1807. Take in the sights and scents of the various stalls selling leather, hot southern delicacies, clothes and souvenirs. A popular item to pick up is a handmade basket, woven using local sweetgrass and palmetto leaves in a tradition that goes back centuries.  

Fort Sumter National Monument

Visit the exact spot where the first shot of the Civil War was fired in 1861 at Fort Sumter. Find a spot for your Charleston rental car near Gadsdenboro Park and hop on a short ferry out to the old fort in Charleston Harbor – looking out for pods of dolphins on the way. One of the rangers will give a short introduction before you explore the fort yourself.  

Zero George

Right Side, 0 George Street, Charleston, SC 29401

The renovated 19th century buildings, courtyard and oak-shaded street whisk you back in time, while modern touches and the incredible kitchen introduce 21st century luxury.   

The Vendue

19 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401

Located on a cobblestone street close to the Cooper River, two reclaimed redbrick warehouses make up this special hotel. There’s an art gallery, coffee shop and restaurant onsite. Nearby parking is also available for your Charleston car rental.

21 East Battery

21 East Battery, Charleston, SC 29401

Stay in a characterful, renovated carriage house overlooking the harbor – surrounded by other antebellum mansions. Original shutters, exposed brick, ceiling beams and antique furnishings delight in Charleston’s most exclusive neighborhood

Xiao Bao Biscuit

224 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29401

Fusing local soul food with an Asian kick, Xiao Bao Biscuit in Westside is a truly unique place to be. Set in a converted gas station, the casual atmosphere means you can easily relax as you sample their spicy menu. Try the local snapper heavily seasoned with Chinese flavors, or brave the extra spicy mAPO Dou fu – a hot Sichuan pork and tofu dish.

Church and Union Charleston

32B North Market Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Dine on New American cuisine at in this upscale American dining spot situated within a former church. Located on the historic Market Street in downtown Charleston, the menu features a wide selection of dinner, brunch and lunch specials, including hand braided ravioli, southern salad and Moroccan meatballs. Reservations can be made online in advance.  

Maison

708 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403

Just over a 5-minute drive from The Charleston Museum in your rental car, this French bistro combines the popular, old-school Charleston décor with innovative and wonderfully presented French dishes. Tuck into salmon rillettes, roast chicken with macaroni farci, and escargot – all while sat in traditional leather-seated booths.

Driving In and Around Charleston

  • Cumberland Garage (29401) has around 1,000 spaces for your Charleston car rental near Waterfront Park, while Saint Philip Garage (29401) has room for more than 600 vehicles close to the College of Charleston and the city’s historic market.
  • On-street metered parking is available for your rental car in Downtown Charleston, often with a two-hour time limit. Simply check the signs for details as to when charges apply.
  • Street parking is free in many areas on Sundays. Residential areas will indicate where you can park your Charleston rental car freely for up to one, two or four hours.

 

Rush hour in Charleston covers a relatively short period. In the morning, roads are typically busiest between 8am and 9am, while in the afternoon, traffic usually picks up from around 4:30pm until 5:30pm. Renting a holiday or business car rental in Charleston makes it easier to get around.

 

  • Interstate 26 (I-26) starts in central Charleston and heads more than 300 miles northwest to Kingsport, Tennessee. Within South Carolina, this route connects North Charleston with Downtown, passing Charleston International Airport on the way.
  • Interstate 526 (I-526) is a 20-mile ‘spur route’ of I-26 that bypasses central Charleston from west to east, running north and crossing the Ashley, Cooper and Wando rivers.
  • US 17 runs for 221 miles and crosses the Ashley River drawbridges, reaching central Charleston and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge as it heads north to Georgetown.

 

How to Get From Charleston to Savannah

The 100-mile route from Charleston to Savannah, Georgia takes around two hours. Head out in your Charleston rental car on the US-17 south, merge with the I-95 then leave at Exit 5 to cross the border into Savannah.

 

How to Get From Charleston to Orlando

Take your Charleston rental car to Orlando for an adventure of around 380 miles. Use the I-95 all the way to Daytona Beach, leaving at Exit 260 onto the I-4 going southwest, until you reach O-Town.

 

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