Turo
Hero background image

Car rental at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)

Discover the Turo car rental marketplace

Where
From
Until
Insurance icon

Extraordinary selection

From standard cars to supercars, find the perfect car for any occasion or budget

Insurance icon

Liability insurance included

Third-party liability insurance comes standard, and choose from a range of vehicle protection plans

Free cancellation

Easy airport pickup

You can skip the rental counter at 100+ airports across the US and Canada

Rental cars at Columbia Metropolitan Airport CAE

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

Chevrolet Corvette car rental at Columbia Metropolitan Airport on Turo

Discover Columbia Metropolitan Airport car rental on Turo

Columbia makes a strong first impression with tree-lined boulevards and a food scene that punches above its weight. With car rental at Columbia Metropolitan Airport on Turo, you skip the rental counter and book directly from a local vehicle owner. Then head straight for your car and jump on the interstate sooner, whether it’s a quick work trip or a weekend lap of the Midlands.

Columbia Metropolitan Airport car rental: How it works

On Turo, renting a car at CAE is easy. Browse cars online, confirm your pickup location, book your car, and get on the road sooner. With pickup locations at airports across the US, you’ll be able to find the perfect car for whatever you have planned.

animated hand holding phone

1. Find the perfect car

Enter a date and airport location in Columbia, SC (or beyond), filter to find the best car for you, and read reviews from previous renters.

animation of finding a car

2. Select a pickup location

Rent a car for pickup at the airport, or opt for delivery to various destinations, including airports, train stations, and hotels.

rear view of a car

3. Hit the road

Your host sends you pickup details, and you’re all set to hit the roads of Columbia, SC! If you have questions, you can easily chat with your host or contact support.

Recent reviews

Christian
Toyota Camry 2016

My girlfriend got into an accident while driving on our road trip. I had to rent a car in a pinch

Christian
-
Brittany
Volkswagen Passat 2014

Best I’ve had so far if you are are looking to rent a car I would definitely recommend Ryan 5stars all the way around customer service was great as well

Brittany
-
Kia Optima 2016

Didn’t book a car before airport drop off so this was a last minute rental (2 hr last min pick up for host) he prepped it the best he can before hand. I had to wipe down windows on the inside because it had a film other than that everything went smooth. Thanks again host and co-host

Precious
-
Nissan Sentra 2026

The quality of the car was perfect…practically brand new. Very clean, no smells no outside defects. Location was 15 mins from airport with access to the vehicle. The owner communicates very well and a pleasure to deal with. Will definitely rent from him again….10 out of 10 would recommend!

Tiffany
-
Ashley
Honda Accord 2025

I had a very positive experience with this Turo rental! The entire reservation process was smooth, easy, and extremely convenient from start to finish. The vehicle was very clean, well maintained, and drove incredibly smoothly. Everything about the experience made my trip stress-free, and I truly appreciated how simple the process was. I would definitely recommend this rental and will absolutely be booking again for my future business trips!

Ashley
-
Rob
Volkswagen Jetta 2017

Trip was great, car ran very well and is great on gas. Thank you! Very good communication and very convenient pickup and drop off.

Rob
-
Marcus
Volkswagen Passat 2014

These are the best people to deal with jus totally understanding and good Genuine People to the Upmost Highly Recommend

Marcus
-
Doug
Tesla Model 3 2018

Fantastic car! Everything worked great with no issues. Thank you for the great rental!

Doug
-
Emily
Nissan Versa 2019

The car was amazing! our trip was amazing! I would say the car is riding like it needs a oil change and the brake pads are squeaking, but other than that we had an amazing time thank you so much!

Emily
-
Courtney
Nissan Sentra 2026

Car was great! Very smooth , good on gas, price was affordable will rent again! Host was great, needed several extensions on rental everything was accommodated without any issues ! Check in and out was easy without any hassle!

Courtney
-
Diamond
Kia Rio 2016

Great quality vehicle super responsive host. Would definitely rent again

Diamond
-
Jarrod
Toyota Camry 2016

Car was as advertised and host was on time for pickup and drop off, as well as kind and professional.

Jarrod
-
Britney
Tesla Model 3 2020

First time in a Tesla, app was easy to figure out, car was clean and Matt was a great host. Everything went smooth

Britney
-
Volkswagen Jetta 2017

Everything was great, the people are respectful and caring I will rent again if I come back

Antwan
-
Toyota Camry Hybrid 2025

Owner was great with communication! Car ride smooth as ever! Will be back again.

Deneka
-
Graehme
Nissan Sentra 2026

Wonderful experience. Car was perfect and communication was incredible. There’s no one else I’ll be using for rentals. Total Touch Enterprises has set the standard.

Graehme
-
Toyota Corolla 2022

The host is friendly and to the point. Very great experience, will rent from him again.

Precious
-

Picking up at CAE

Purple squiggle

Pickup & return areas at CAE

Pickups and returns are allowed only in the Parking Garage and Surface Lot or in person at the curbside lane in front of the Park & Fly Premier lot. Check the Turo app for exact pickup details and any parking instructions.

Communicate with the vehicle owner

Book your car, then confirm the finer points in the app. Arriving from baggage claim? Head to the permitted airport locations listed above, collect your car and go. On return, jump into the Turo app to share the parking stall/section, and follow the app prompts so your rental is secured and the local vehicle owner can retrieve the vehicle rented without any issue.

Parking & airport fees

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) requires Turo to collect and remit to the airport a fee that allows the local vehicle owner to deliver a vehicle there. Turo doesn’t set this fee, mark it up, or retain any portion of it. If the local vehicle owner requires you to cover the cost of a parking fee to enter or exit at an airport parking location, Turo requires them to disclose that information in their vehicle listing.

Why rent a car at the airport on Turo?

" "

Contactless check-in and checkout

Many hosts offer contactless check-in and checkout, if their car has remote access technology, allowing you to find the car, unlock it, and be on your way without meeting them in person. Message your host for specific instructions.

" "

Convenient airport car rental pickup and return

Rather than hustling at the busy terminal curbside, take your time picking up the rental car at approved parking lots or garages. Check in, load up your luggage, and get comfortable with the car without a big rush.

" "

Relax with support & damage protection

24/7 support and roadside assistance mean help is just a call away, plus you can choose from a range of protection plans.

Columbia car rentals for any occasion

This city dishes up plenty of reasons for a Columbia airport car rental — game days, river days, and everything in between. If you’re weighing a rideshare tab against the freedom of a rental vehicle, these are the moments when having keys in your pocket just makes more sense.

purple lines

Vacations & weekend escapes

Chasing sunshine at Lake Murray, strolling Riverfront Park, or ducking into Congaree for that boardwalk glow? A rental vehicle keeps the schedule yours. Reserve compact cars for easy downtown parking, or level up to an SUV rental or extended luxury SUV if you’re hauling coolers and crew. Pair smart car rental deals with a quick pickup at Columbia Metropolitan to maximize time on the fun stuff.

Long-term stays & work trips

In town for a few weeks of campus collaborations or client visits? Lock in a car rental at Columbia Metropolitan Airport for multiple days or even weeks. Many local vehicle owners on Turo offer discounts for longer-term bookings of one month or more, and making long term bookings is the perfect way to save and score the best car rental deals in Columbia.

Weddings & formal events

When the dress code leans “camera-ready,” so should the car. Opt for a premium sedan, a midsize sportscar, or a spacious SUV with room for suits, bouquets, and backup shoes. An electric sedan is a sleek downtown flex, too. Simply collect your car and glide out of West Columbia in under five minutes.

Turo car rental vs. traditional rental

Turo Car rental

  • App-based experience

  • No waiting in line

  • 1,600+ unique makes & models

  • Get the exact car you choose

  • Delivery options & thousands of pickup locations

  • Cars rented out by local small businesses

  • Vehicles and hosts rated by guests

Traditional rental

  • Standard rental counter experience

  • Waiting in line

  • Limited selection

  • Get a type of vehicle “or similar”

  • Pickup at retail locations

  • Owned by large corporations

  • No vehicle ratings

Skip the car rental counter at Columbia Metropolitan Airport

Things to do and places to see in Columbia, SC

Compact, creative, and famously hot, Columbia blends college-town energy with easy access to the outdoors. Start in the heart of the city, where galleries, cafes, and Gamecock pride set the tone, then make your way toward the rivers to slow down, cool off, and enjoy the scenic paths that locals love.

Rent the perfect car
Columbia, SC

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

A true Southeastern standout, Riverbanks pairs 2,000+ animals with miles of lush botanical trails. It’s roughly 6 miles from CAE, easy to reach in a luxury sedan or even compact cars if you’re parking tight. Go early for cooler temps, then reward yourself with something cold in the Vista.

South Carolina State House & the Vista

Neoclassical columns, sweeping lawns, and shaded paths make the State House grounds an easy, history-rich stop — just a short walk from galleries, shops, and dinner in the Vista. Garage parking is straightforward, especially outside event surges. Budget an hour on the grounds, then drift down Main Street. It’s the perfect shakedown drive after you pick up a rental car.

Congaree National Park

Discover boardwalk loops, cathedral-tall hardwoods, and quiet sloughs about 20 miles from downtown. Pack bug spray and a sense of wonder. If you booked an SUV rental or extended luxury SUV, you’ll appreciate the cargo space for day-hike gear.

Top tips for renting a car in Columbia


Whether you’re rolling out of Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) or grabbing keys downtown, a little local know-how makes car rental in Columbia downright easy. Consider this your no-stress cheat sheet — how to find your car, glide through rental car return, and keep traffic, tickets, and timing on your side.


How does airport pickup work at Columbia Metropolitan Airport?


After leaving the baggage claim area, follow airport signage toward the parking garage rather than the airport rental car area. The Turo app will point you to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport CAE pickup location permitted for Turo: either the Parking Garage/Surface Lot (where remote check-in is fine) or the curbside lane in front of Park & Fly Premier (in-person handoff only, under five minutes).


How does drop-off work at Columbia Metropolitan Airport?


Return to the Garage or Surface Lot no earlier than four hours before your trip ends (or within posted limits). Pull a ticket, park legally (no accessible/reserved stalls), leave the ticket in the vehicle, take checkout photos, and message the stall/section. Curbside returns must be in person and completed in under five minutes.


How far is Columbia Metropolitan Airport from Downtown Columbia?


Short and sweet: CAE sits in West Columbia, about 7 miles from downtown Columbia — typically a 15–20 minute drive depending on traffic, weather, and whether the Gamecocks just kicked off. It’s a quick hop on local roads or interstates, which is why a rental car at Columbia Metropolitan makes so much sense.


What are the road rules and driving conditions in Columbia?


City streets trend 25–35 mph; interstates move faster but tighten around merge zones. South Carolina expects hands-free phone use, so mount your device and keep your eyes up. School zones mean what they say. Summer storms can be dramatic, so leave a little extra space.


What is parking like in Columbia?


Downtown garages near the State House, Main Street, and the Vista are your best friend, especially on event nights. Street parking is doable with compact cars and midsize sedans; larger cars, like a spacious luxury SUV, prefer garages. Read signs and mind time limits. One street off the main drag often hides spots that are easier to locate.


Are there toll roads in Columbia?


No major tolls in the Columbia metro, so you won’t need to overthink transponders for most city miles. Planning a bigger loop across state lines? Check navigation for any tolled segments and review your trip settings in the app before you go.


Where can I find gas stations and EV chargers in Columbia?


Fuel is plentiful along I-26, I-20, and I-77, and near downtown corridors. Charging for an electric luxury sedan is typically clustered around shopping centers and newer garages; plan a top off the night before you return the vehicle so you’re not hunting kilowatts on the clock.


Do I need to rent a car in Columbia?


If you’re hovering between the State House, Riverfront Park, and the Vista, rideshare can work in a pinch. But Columbia sprawls just enough that a car keeps your timeline yours — especially if you’re splitting time between campus, Congaree, and family in suburbs like Lexington and Irmo. When you rent a car, you set the soundtrack and the schedule.


What occasions can I rent a car for in Columbia?


You can rent a car in Columbia for vacations, game days, weddings, work trips, and longer stays. Grab an SUV for coolers and crew at Lake Murray, a premium sedan for a formal event, or a car for weeks of client visits. Longer bookings often come with discounts, too.


What rental car types can I find on Turo in Columbia?


In Columbia, you’ll find a wide range of rental car types available to book on Turo, from SUVs to electric cars to compact cars and beyond. Popular models include Honda Accord, Kia K4, Tesla Model 3, Toyota Camry, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Chevrolet Corvette. For week-long trips, look to roomy SUVs and fuel-efficient sedans. Choose based on where you’ll park (downtown garages vs trailheads), cargo needs, and driving preferences.


How much does it cost to rent a car in Columbia?


The cost of car rental in Columbia can vary depending on car type, booking length, extras, and delivery. For cheap car rentals in Columbia, look out for discounts on longer-duration bookings and early bookings.

Frequently asked questions

What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car on Turo in Columbia?

To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver’s license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada.

In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver’s license for at least two years. In France you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver’s license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of vehicles.

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 all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!

What kind of license do I need to rent a car on Turo in Columbia?

Turo accepts valid licenses (not expired, suspended, or revoked) that allow for full driving privileges; this includes driver’s licenses issued outside of the US. Licenses that Turo doesn’t accept in the US include any that have expired, have been altered, are conditional, probational, provisional, or restricted. Learner’s permit/instruction permits are not accepted.

Do I need to be a certain age to rent a car on Turo in Columbia?

To rent a car on Turo in the US, you must be 18 years old or older.

How does car rental insurance work on Turo in Columbia?

You don’t need personal insurance coverage to rent a car on Turo.

In the US, any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your Turo protection plan. When booking a car in the US, you’ll choose between three protection plans — Premier (eligibility requirements apply), Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that’s right for you. On each trip, you’re covered with third-party automobile liability insurance provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company.*

In New York state, you’ll also choose between Premier (if available), Standard, or Minimum. With each plan, you’re covered with liability insurance of $1,250,000.* Protection plans for New York trips also include access to roadside assistance, priority phone support, and 24/7 customer assistance.

Can I get car rental discounts on Turo in Columbia?

You can get discounts and low cost car rental on Turo.

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 promo codes, discounts, and deals.

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.

Learn how the loyalty bonus works

Is there long term car rental on Turo in Columbia?

Yes there is — whether you want to rent a car for three days, three months, or even longer, you can on Turo. You’ll find discounted prices on bookings lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.

See more about promotions & discounts

Is there unlimited mileage car rental on Turo in Columbia?

Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit — you’ll need to check on each rental car individually to see if this service is provided. 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.

Can other people drive the car that I rented in Columbia?

Yes, multiple guests can drive the car you rent on Turo, as long as they are all approved to drive. The primary driver (whoever rented the car) can add additional drivers to the trip. Only the primary driver can request to add drivers; Turo hosts cannot do it for you. We encourage you to request to add additional drivers before your trip starts, though guests can request to add a driver while a trip is in progress.

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 any time via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app.

At which airports can I pick up my car on Turo in Columbia?

Turo has agreements and pilot programs in place with a number of airports across the United States, and we’re always working hard to secure arrangements at even more airports to make your transition between air travel and car travel as smooth as possible, no matter what city.

Currently, Turo has agreements with some regional and international airports in at least 24 US states. The group of airports where Turo has airport pickup permits for guests may change, so refer to the link below for an up-to-date list.

List of airport locations

Can I rent a car monthly in Columbia?

Yes — book a monthly car rental in Columbia on Turo, and you’ll find discounted prices on bookings lasting 30+ days.