Car rental in Charleston, SC
Discover the Turo car rental marketplace
Rental cars in Charleston, SC
Small city, big charm
Charleston has quickly become one of travelers’ favorite cities. This southern seaside escape boasts happening restaurants and bars, a gorgeous brick-walled downtown, and dreamy Atlantic coast beaches.
Take a walking tour through town and pick up a souvenir at Charleston City Market, then stroll the Battery and Waterfront Park for southern style architecture. Make sure to visit historic mansions like The Nathaniel Russell House in the Charleston Historic District and Magnolia Plantation & Gardens for the perfect warm afternoon stroll.
Charleston favorites
Get your fill of southern charm and American history while eating your way through Charleston, then hit the beach for some downtime.
Fort Sumter National Monument
For first-time visitors and history buffs, the walls, cannons, and museum of Fort Sumter are a must-see. The site of the beginning of the American Civil War is perched on an island in Charleston Harbor, which you can access via a ferry ride.
Middleton Place
This mansion is the former home of Arthur Middleton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Visit to gawk at the collection of historic furniture and art and take a tour through the impressive 65-acre gardens.
Isle of Palms County Park
Just east of the city, Isle of Palms boasts seven miles of gorgeous clean coastline for relaxing, swimming, or windsurfing. Isle of Palms’ expansive white sands are slightly more popular with families than other Charleston beaches like Folly Beach.
Top hosts in Charleston, SC
Doriam D.
Doriam D.’s vehicles
Harold C.
Rent cars in Charleston, SC
Hit the road
Strolling the colorful, cobbled streets of the Charleston city center is an excellent option if you’re only in town for a few days. But rush hour traffic can get busy in the popular summer months, so grab a car, fill up the tank, and head out for a day trip or road trip to the lush Carolina countryside for more hidden gems.
Rent the perfect carKiawah Island
Less than an hour’s drive south through moss-covered oak tree tunnels, this barrier island feels worlds away and is the perfect overnight resort escape for your choice of fine dining, pampering, kayaking, and world-class golfing.
Savannah, GA
A couple hours in the car will bring you just across the Georgia state line to Charleston’s sister city, Savannah. Relax at your own pace and make sure to hang out at some of Savannah’s abundant verdant spaces like Forsyth Park and Skidaway Island.
Myrtle Beach
If you still need more beach time, head about two hours north up Route 17 to reach Myrtle Beach, the famous resort town boasting the endless white beaches of the Grand Strand with warm waves for surfing and swimming.
Airport pickup made easy
Skip the rental car counter — easy pickup offered by hosts at hundreds of airports across the US, UK, Canada, France, and Australia.
Parking lot pickup & return
Rather than hustling at the busy terminal curbside, take your time picking up the car at approved parking lots or garages. Check in, load up your luggage, and get comfortable with the car without a big rush.
Parking & airport fees
When picking up at some airports, you may be charged an airport fee according to the agreements in place with the airport. Parking fees are not covered by Turo — communicate with your host to confirm their process.
Free cancellation
Cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts, unless you opt to receive a non-refundable trip discount when you book. Because life happens and it helps to be flexible when it does.
Pickup near or at Airports
Recent reviews
We accidentally went to the wrong address and she picked us up so we wouldn’t have to walk.
Allowed me to change reservation at last minute with no issues!
My host dropped off the car at the exact time that we set up and picked it up at the exact time that we made arrangements for.
Car rides smooth it was nice and comfortable pick up and drop off was easy I would definitely recommended and would rent again
Pickup location was amazing and when I did have a problem the host made sure to reach the car drove smooth the entire trip and I had no complaints at all and would book again for future trips car was clean with a full tank of gas and also the car smelled amazing the host was amazing to deal with
Best Charleston driving roads
Savannah River National Scenic Byway
Sleepy towns, rural farmlands, and historic churches dot this winding 100-mile route along the Savannah River in the south part of the state. Stop off for fishing, swimming, or hiking wherever you please!
Edisto Island National Scenic Byway
Drive through towering tree tunnels, salt marshes, and moss-covered forests on your way out to the Atlantic Ocean. Make sure to stop at the old plantations along the way like Brooklands Plantation and Windsor Plantation.
Falling Waters Scenic Byway
South Carolina’s Loneliest Road is only 13 miles long, but drivers will be treated to the Sumter National Forest’s scenic overlooks, hidden hiking trails, and waterfalls in the northern part of South Carolina.
Frequently asked questions in Charleston
What do I need to rent a car on Turo?
What do I need to rent a car on Turo?
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!
Do I need my own insurance?
Do I need my own insurance?
No, 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.
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 or decline coverage in some cases. With each plan, you’re covered with liability insurance provided under a policy from Travelers — up to $750,000 for the Premier plan.*
How do I get discounts on cars in Charleston?
How do I get discounts on cars in Charleston?
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 car rental alternatives in Charleston!
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 worksAre 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, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.
See more about promotions & discountsWhat types of cars can I book in Charleston?
What types of cars can I book in Charleston?
Browse the widest selection of vehicles for every occasion and budget on Turo. Find an SUV for a family road trip, a truck for some errands, or an exotic sports car for a special night out in Charleston. For the lowest prices, use the “budget-friendly” filter to browse economy vehicles.
How can I drive unlimited miles during my trip to Charleston?
How can I drive unlimited miles during my trip to Charleston?
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, unless you opt to receive a non-refundable trip discount when you book. 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 cancellation fee.
In the rare event a host cancels, you’ll be notified immediately so you can book another car, or we’ll help you find one. Your refund can be temporarily held to expedite rebooking, or the funds can be returned to your bank account — your choice.
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 Charleston airport?
Are there cars available near the Charleston airport?
Yes, there are hundreds of cars available on Turo at locations near the Charleston Intl airport. After arriving at Charleston International Airport (CHS), have your car rental alternative delivered for pick-up and dropoff at your Charleston hotel or the address of your vacation rental to save time and hassle.
What types of sports cars, luxury cars, or exotics can I book in Charleston?
What types of sports cars, luxury cars, or exotics can I book in Charleston?
You can find nearly endless options for sports cars, luxury cars, and high-performance exotics in Charleston on Turo. Filter your search by category, vehicle type, or vehicle make to refine your results, or try the “Deluxe Class” and “Super Deluxe Class” filters to browse high-end luxury car rental alternatives in Charleston.
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 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 in the US and Canada 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 via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app without additional driver charges or extra costs.
* Any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your protection plan, except in limited situations for trips booked in Maryland, but this protects your own wallet. In the US, liability insurance is provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. The policy does not provide coverage for damage to a host’s vehicle.
For questions or information about the third party liability insurance that is included in protection plans, consumers in Maryland and the licensed states listed here may contact Turo Insurance Agency at (415) 508-0283 or claims@turo.agency. For questions about how damage to a host’s vehicle is handled, visit the Turo Support site.