Car rental in Columbia, SC
Discover the Turo car rental marketplace
Rental cars in Columbia, SC
Dream big in Columbia
Eclectic and gorgeous, South Carolina’s capital city is well worth visiting. Here, you can tour impressive old mansions, wander through gorgeous gardens, and examine centuries of art. One of the largest cities in the state, Columbia also has a vibrant arts culture, delectable restaurant scene, and long-standing sports tradition.
Discover the area’s Civil War history, stroll along the river promenade, and light up the night with fireflies in nearby Congaree National Park.
Columbia favorites
Full of history and beauty, Columbia is a great tourist city.
South Carolina Statehouse
This Greek Revival capitol is one of South Carolina’s most famous attractions. Not only is the Statehouse a stunningly beautiful building, but its grounds are home to impressive monuments and statues. You can even see where the Statehouse was struck by cannonballs during the Civil War.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Home to 2,000 animals and more than 4,000 plant species, Riverbanks is an award-winning tourist attraction, perfect for a lovely outdoor excursion. See South Carolina’s first water-powered textile mill, get up close and personal with birds and reptiles, and don’t miss the koalas!
South Carolina State Museum
At the massive State Museum, about 70,000 objects tell the story of South Carolina’s flora and fauna, first settlements, military history, culture, travel, and technology. Take a peek at a life-sized megalodon replica and be sure to see America’s first locomotive.
Top hosts in Columbia, SC
Sid .
Sid .’s vehicles
RaeâQuann B.
RaeâQuann B.’s vehicles
Rent cars in Columbia, SC
Hit the road
Centrally located in South Carolina, Columbia is just a jaunt away from awe-inspiring natural marvels, happening historic towns, and more museums than you can possibly see in one trip. Wherever you travel, the state’s rolling green hills, serene river banks, and distant mountains are sure to provide a scenic drive. Grab a full fuel tank
Rent the perfect carCongaree National Park
Explore an otherworldly landscape of huge trees and diverse plants. At Congaree National Park, only about 20 miles from city center, you can see the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the U.S. Its 26,000 acres include hiking trails, kayaking and canoeing, and wildlife viewing.
Charlotte, NC
Less than two hours away is Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina and a popular hub for culture, sports, and dining. Home to historic buildings, beautiful parks, and unique restaurants, it’s the perfect spot for a fun day trip.
Greenville
Featuring a 50-foot waterfall and a suspension bridge with jaw-dropping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville is a city like no other. Car lovers will enjoy the BMW factory, foodies will love the restaurants on main street, and everyone will appreciate the breathtaking beauty of Falls Park.
Recent reviews
For the price, one of the best cars that I’ve ever rented would 100% rebook with this host again very flexible very generous super reliable 10 out of 10
The car was clean all detailed up , gas tank on full ready for me to drive.
Greattttttt host greattttttt car and gave great resources on helping with anything i definitely will use Tobin cars again!!
The rental was as promised & he acknowledged existing damages (minor scratches).
Browse by category
Best Columbia driving roads
Polo Rd
Leave downtown Columbia behind as you travel east to Polo Rd. This easy cruise takes you along the edge of sprawling Sesquicentennial State Park and past lovely upscale neighborhoods. Stop at the park for a hike or to cool off in Sesquicentennial Lake.
Beckham Swamp Rd
For a close-up view of the Congaree River, take Beckham Swamp Rd, which heads out into stark fields and swamplands before looping back around on the edge of the river. It’s a nice place for a relaxing country drive, no matter whether in summer or winter months.
River Rd at Lake Wateree
For a drive with beautiful lakeside views, head up to River Rd on the banks of Lake Wateree. As you head north toward the Rocky Creek Trail (a great hiking spot), you’ll pass lots of opportunities for boating and fishing.
Frequently asked questions in Columbia
What do I need to book a car on Turo?
What do I need to book a car on Turo?
To book a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, be 18 years old or older with a valid driver’s license, and get approved to drive on Turo. When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver’s license and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for future road trips, business trips, and family vacations!
Do I need my own insurance?
Do I need my own insurance?
No, you don’t need personal insurance coverage to book a car on Turo. But, any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your Turo protection plan, except in limited situations for trips booked in Maryland, but this protects your own wallet. The liability insurance included in a protection plan is provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company.*
What protection plan options are available on Turo?
What protection plan options are available on Turo?
When booking a car on Turo, you’ll choose between three protection plans — Premier, Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of coverage that’s right for you. With each plan, you’re covered with liability insurance provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers — $750,000 for the Premier plan.*
How do I get discounts on cars in Columbia?
How do I get discounts on cars in Columbia?
On your Account page, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we’ll send you occasional promotions, discounts, and deals on cars in Columbia!
Additionally, frequent travelers on Turo can get rewarded with the loyalty bonus — earn a promo code for one bonus day when you take trips totaling 10 days in a 90-day period!**
Are there discounts on weekly or monthly trips?
Are there discounts on weekly or monthly trips?
Yes, many Turo hosts offer discounted prices when you book trips lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days. Additionally, hosts can offer “early bird” discounts for Columbia trips booked a week or more in advance. So, get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips, at least a week in advance.
What types of cars can I book in Columbia?
What types of cars can I book in Columbia?
Browse a wide selection of vehicles for all kinds of occasions and budgets on Turo. Find a full-size SUV for a family road trip, a pickup truck for some errands, or a sporty convertible for a special night out in Columbia. For the lowest prices, use the “budget-friendly” filter to browse economy vehicles.
How can I drive unlimited miles during my trip to Columbia?
How can I drive unlimited miles during my trip to Columbia?
Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit. On the vehicle pages, you’ll see the total miles or kilometres you’re allowed to drive under the heading “Distance included.” You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the “Unlimited distance” filter.
What payment methods does Turo accept?
What payment methods does Turo accept?
Turo accepts most credit cards issued by major financial institutions, including American Express and Discover cards, as well as debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo that are linked to a checking account.
Apple Pay and Google Pay on mobile devices are also accepted, but Turo does not accept cash or checks as valid payment methods.
What is the cancellation policy for guests on Turo?
What is the cancellation policy for guests on Turo?
You can cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts. If you book a trip with less than 24 hours’ notice, you have one hour after booking to cancel free of charge. If you cancel after the free cancellation period ends, you will be charged a small cancellation fee.
What are the cleaning and safety policies on Turo?
What are the cleaning and safety policies on Turo?
Under the enhanced cleaning policy, hosts are required to clean and disinfect their vehicles thoroughly before every trip, so you can feel safe and comfortable behind the wheel. Turo hosts have access to training materials on enhanced cleaning practices, using the latest recommendations compiled from the CDC, EPA, WHO, and vehicle detailing experts, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Is Turo a rental car company?
Is Turo a rental car company?
No. Unlike rental car companies, Turo is a peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace where you can book directly from trusted local car owners in the US, Canada, and the UK. Turo does not own any vehicles — Turo hosts share their own personal cars and set their own prices, discounts, vehicle availability, and delivery options.
Are there cars available near the Columbia airport?
Are there cars available near the Columbia airport?
Yes, there are hundreds of cars available on Turo at locations near the Columbia airport. After arriving at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, the Fairfield County Airport, or the Jim Hamilton L.B. Owens Airport, skip the rental counter and have your car delivered for pick-up and dropoff at your Columbia hotel or the address of your vacation rental to save time and hassle.
Is there a fee to add additional drivers to my trip?
Is there a fee to add additional drivers to my trip?
There is no fee or additional charge for adding a driver to your trip on Turo. Only the guest who booked the trip (primary driver) can request to add drivers; Turo hosts cannot do it for you. We encourage you to request to add authorized drivers before your trip starts, though guests in the US and Canada can request to add a driver while a trip is in progress with no extra charges.
To speed up the process, have your additional driver create a Turo account and get approved to drive before you request to add them. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license and meet the age requirements for the car you’ve booked. You can request to add drivers via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app without additional driver charges or extra costs.
What’s the best way to get around Columbia?
What’s the best way to get around Columbia?
The best and fastest way to get around the Columbia area is by booking a car on Turo, so you can explore every urban hot spot and outdoor activity South Carolina has to offer at your own pace.
South Carolina’s second biggest city offers plenty of public transportation options. If you prefer to avoid gas stations and morning rush hour traffic, the Comet Bus System and Soda Cap Connector offer rides around the city for $1 or $2 per ride. You can also catch a free ride on the courtesy E-rover shuttle anywhere in the Main Street District.
Currently, South Carolina only has one toll road: the Southern Connector I-185 near Greenville. If you’ll be venturing that way, keep in mind there are electronic toll lanes, and you can pay the toll with a Palmetto Pass e-toll device, or you can bring cash for tolls.
What’s the best way to get to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport?
What’s the best way to get to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport?
The best and most convenient way to get to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport is by booking a car on Turo, so you can get to and from every airport location on your own time. The airport is conveniently located just 15-20 minutes from downtown Columbia, and it’s an easy drive via SC-602 for most of the way.