SUV Hire
South Carolina

From the Charleston area, an SUV is ideal for exploring the coastal Lowcountry and the Sea Islands. Destinations like Beaufort, Hilton Head Island and Edisto Island are easily accessible, and the extra cargo space is perfect for beach chairs and coolers. The higher ground clearance can be beneficial on some rural roads leading to nature reserves or historic plantations. For inland trips, an SUV provides a comfortable, stable ride on main routes such as the I-26 for journeys to Columbia or Greenville, making longer drives more enjoyable for the whole family.

For a long weekend, dedicate your first full day to exploring the Charleston peninsula, parking your SUV in a central car park to enjoy the historic district on foot. On the second day, use your vehicle for a trip to a nearby beach such as Folly Beach or Sullivan's Island, planning to arrive early to secure good parking. On your final day you could visit a historic plantation along the Ashley River, such as Middleton Place or Magnolia Plantation, which are a short drive from the city and offer ample parking for larger vehicles before you head back to the airport.

To avoid the worst of Charleston’s rush‑hour traffic, aim to pick up your SUV and be on the road from CHS before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:30 a.m. on weekdays. The main corridors, particularly the I-26 and I-526, become heavily congested during typical commute times. The evening rush is generally from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., so if you have a later arrival it can be wise to wait until after that window. Weekend traffic is less predictable but tends to build mid‑morning, especially on routes heading towards the beaches.

Driving an SUV on the historic Charleston peninsula requires care, as many streets are exceptionally narrow and were laid out centuries ago. You’ll encounter tight corners, especially south of Broad Street, and may find some lanes feel restrictive for a wider vehicle. It’s best to drive slowly, be prepared to yield to pedestrians and horse‑drawn carriages, and use your mirrors frequently. Many visitors find it easiest to park their SUV in a designated car park for the day and explore the most compact historic areas on foot to avoid navigational stress.

When spending a full day in downtown Charleston, the most convenient option for an SUV is one of the city’s public car parks. Car parks like the one on Cumberland Street, near the City Market, or the Aquarium car park are popular choices as they offer ample space and are designed to accommodate larger vehicles. These locations provide a secure place to leave your vehicle while you explore the historic district on foot. Attempting to find on‑street parking for an extended period can be difficult and often involves tight parallel spaces not well suited to an SUV.

The most straightforward route from CHS to Isle of Palms is via the I-526 East towards Mount Pleasant. To avoid the worst traffic, try to time your drive outside peak beach‑going hours, especially on summer weekends. The main bottleneck occurs on the Isle of Palms Connector bridge and the roads leading to it. Travelling on a weekday or arriving on the island before 10 a.m. on a Saturday or Sunday can make a significant difference. Using a GPS app with real‑time traffic data will also help you anticipate slowdowns as you get closer to the island.

Driving to Folly Beach involves taking the Folly Road causeway, which can become a single point of heavy congestion, especially at weekends. The town of Folly Beach itself has a mix of street parking and lots, but finding a spot for a larger SUV can be competitive. In contrast, the drive to Sullivan’s Island via the Ben Sawyer Bridge is generally less congested, though it still gets busy. Sullivan’s Island relies almost exclusively on kerbside parallel parking, so while the drive may be easier, you’ll need to be comfortable manoeuvring your SUV into potentially tight spaces along residential streets.

A drive from Charleston to Hilton Head Island in an SUV offers a great opportunity for a scenic stop in the historic town of Beaufort. The drive itself is about two hours, so plan to add at least another two to three hours for your detour. Beaufort’s waterfront park and charming historic district are well worth a visit. The route primarily follows US‑17 South, which is a comfortable drive in a larger vehicle. This plan lets you break up the journey and experience another beautiful part of the South Carolina Lowcountry before arriving at your final destination.

Yes, several coastal routes near Charleston are more comfortable in an SUV. On roads like Bohicket Road out to Johns and Wadmalaw Islands, you’ll appreciate the smoother ride and better visibility over the marsh grasses. Similarly, exploring the rural roads of the ACE Basin or driving down to Edisto Beach involves long stretches where the stability and space of an SUV enhance the experience. The higher driving position is also a plus for sightseeing along scenic byways, giving you a better vantage point for spotting wildlife and enjoying the Lowcountry landscapes.

The most straightforward and generally least stressful route from Charleston to Myrtle Beach is to take US‑17 North the entire way. This drive takes you through charming small towns and the Francis Marion National Forest, offering a more scenic experience than interstate travel. While it’s not a motorway, it’s a well‑maintained road perfectly suitable for an SUV. This route avoids the major interchanges of the I‑26 and I‑95, reducing the chances of encountering complex merging situations and heavy lorry traffic, making for a more relaxed two‑hour journey.

The drive from Charleston to Greenville is about three hours, primarily on the I‑26 West. A perfect halfway point to stop with kids is in or around Columbia. You can visit the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, which is easily accessible from the interstate and has ample parking for an SUV. Another great option is Sesquicentennial State Park, which offers picnic areas, playgrounds and easy walking trails to let everyone stretch their legs. These stops provide a much‑needed break from the car and turn the travel day into part of the adventure.

Under normal conditions, the drive from Charleston to Columbia via the I‑26 West typically takes about two hours. Factoring in realistic traffic, especially if you’re leaving Charleston during a weekday commute, could add another 15 to 30 minutes to your trip. If you plan for one brief stop for fuel and snacks, it’s wise to budget a total travel time of around two and a half hours. An SUV is great for this drive, providing a comfortable ride and plenty of room for passengers and luggage on the straightforward interstate journey.

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is a high, exposed structure, and you will definitely feel the wind more in an SUV than in a smaller saloon. On a particularly windy day, your vehicle may sway slightly, which can be unnerving for some drivers. The best approach is to keep a firm, two‑handed grip on the steering wheel, maintain your lane position, and reduce your speed slightly for added stability. It’s also wise to give extra space to the vehicles around you. The bridge is perfectly safe, but being mindful of the conditions ensures a more comfortable crossing.

During major events like the Spoleto Festival or the Cooper River Bridge Run, the entire Charleston peninsula becomes challenging to navigate. The areas around Marion Square, the Gaillard Centre and the City Market experience the heaviest congestion and numerous road closures. Getting to and from Mount Pleasant via the Ravenel Bridge can also be extremely slow. If you’re staying downtown during a festival, the best strategy is to park your SUV in a car park upon arrival and rely on walking or ride‑hailing services for the duration of your stay to avoid the frustration of gridlock.

If you’re staying in Mount Pleasant, the simplest way to get downtown is to cross the Ravenel Bridge and park at the Charleston Visitor Centre car park on Ann Street. This location is easy to access directly from the bridge exit and keeps you out of the most confusing one‑way street networks in the historic core. From the visitor centre you can easily walk to King Street, the City Market and other major attractions. This park‑and‑walk strategy saves you the stress of navigating narrow, unfamiliar streets in a larger vehicle.

A day trip to Beaufort from Charleston is an excellent choice with an SUV. Plan for about a 90‑minute drive each way, primarily on US‑17 South. Once in Beaufort you’ll find parking is generally easier than in Charleston. After exploring Beaufort’s historic waterfront, use your SUV to drive across the bridge to Hunting Island State Park. The park offers beautiful beaches and a lighthouse, with plenty of parking available. The extra space in your vehicle will be perfect for packing a picnic, beach towels and anything else you need for a full day of exploration.

For a day trip to Cypress Gardens from Charleston, plan for a 45‑minute drive north. The route is straightforward and the destination has ample parking suitable for an SUV. To make it a full day, you could combine this visit with a trip to the nearby Francis Marion National Forest for a scenic drive or a short hike. Alternatively, after Cypress Gardens you could head to a historic plantation like Boone Hall in Mount Pleasant on your way back towards Charleston. This creates a well‑rounded Lowcountry experience without spending too much time in the car.

In historic Charleston, GPS systems can sometimes fail to account for the extreme narrowness of certain streets or recent changes to one‑way patterns. A common surprise is being directed down a cobbled alley or a street that is technically wide enough for a car but feels uncomfortably tight for an SUV. Be prepared to trust your judgment over the GPS if a turn looks too restrictive. It’s also wise to have a passenger help navigate and watch for pedestrians, cyclists and horse‑drawn carriages that your GPS won’t see.

Coordinating multi‑stop pickups in Charleston can be tricky due to limited curb space and one‑way streets. The least stressful method is to designate a single, easily accessible pickup point with good parking, such as the Charleston Visitor Centre or a public car park. Have your friends walk a few blocks to meet you there. This avoids the hassle of trying to double‑park on a narrow historic street or circling the block multiple times. Using a central meeting spot saves time and eliminates the pressure of navigating complex routes under pressure.

When checking into a Charleston hotel with limited curb space, the best strategy is to be efficient. Pull up to the designated loading zone, and have one person run inside to check in while the other starts unloading luggage onto the pavement. Most hotels are accustomed to this and will have a porter ready to assist. Once the luggage is out and your passengers are safely on the kerb, the driver can immediately proceed to the hotel’s recommended car park. This prevents you from blocking the narrow street for an extended period.

For straightforward SUV parking, the Isle of Palms County Park and the main public lot at Folly Beach Pier are excellent choices. These lots feature clearly marked, standard‑sized spaces and are easier to navigate than tight kerbside spots. Arriving early, especially on a summer weekend, is crucial as these lots fill up quickly. Sullivan’s Island relies on parallel parking along the street, which can be more challenging in a larger vehicle. Therefore, for ease and convenience, the dedicated county park lots are your best bet.

To avoid peak crowds at popular plantations like Boone Hall or Middleton Place, plan to arrive right when they open in the morning. Most visitors tend to arrive mid‑morning, so getting there early allows you to find a prime parking spot for your SUV and enter before the tour buses. Alternatively, visiting on a weekday instead of a weekend will almost always result in a more relaxed experience. Buying tickets online in advance can also help you bypass the initial entry line, getting you onto the grounds more quickly.

To combine Charleston with a trip to Congaree National Park, dedicate at least one full day to the park. The drive from Charleston to Congaree is about 90 minutes to two hours each way via the I‑26 West. A good plan is to leave Charleston early in the morning to maximise your time at the park, where you can walk the boardwalk trails. You can pack a lunch to enjoy at the park’s picnic areas, making good use of your SUV’s cargo space. It’s a long but rewarding day trip before returning to your Charleston base in the evening.

A practical plan is to visit the Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island first thing in the morning, as it has limited hours and parking can fill up. From there you are well‑positioned to continue driving to either Kiawah Island’s Beachwalker Park or Folly Beach. Driving to Beachwalker Park from the Angel Oak is a relatively short and scenic trip. This order prevents you from backtracking through the traffic that often builds up around James Island and Folly Road later in the day, making for a more efficient and enjoyable excursion.

For convenient SUV access and easier parking, consider staying in Mount Pleasant or West Ashley. These suburban areas offer hotels and rentals with dedicated parking lots, eliminating the stress of finding a space on the historic peninsula. From Mount Pleasant you have a straightforward drive over the Ravenel Bridge into downtown. West Ashley provides easy access via US‑17. Both locations are also closer to major highways, making day trips to plantations, beaches and other regional attractions much simpler to start and end.

During weekday morning and evening commutes, you should allow at least 20 to 30 minutes of extra drive time for crossing between the Charleston peninsula and suburbs like Mount Pleasant or West Ashley. The primary routes, including the Ravenel Bridge, the Ashley River bridges and the I‑26, can become very congested. A trip that might take 15 minutes in light traffic can easily stretch to 45 minutes during peak rush hour. Planning your travel outside the 7:00–9:00 a.m. and 4:00–6:30 p.m. windows will save you significant time and frustration.

South Carolina, especially near the coast, is known for sudden, intense rainstorms, particularly during the summer months. These downpours can drastically reduce visibility and cause roads to become slick very quickly. In an SUV you’ll benefit from a higher driving position, which can improve visibility. However, it’s crucial to slow down, increase your following distance and turn on your headlights. Be aware of potential road flooding in low‑lying areas, a common issue in the Charleston region, and never attempt to drive through standing water.

When driving through the small towns and rural areas of the Lowcountry, be very mindful of abrupt changes in the speed limit. As you approach towns along roads like US‑17, the limit can drop quickly from 55 mph to 35 mph or even lower with little warning. These transitions are common areas for speed enforcement. It’s important to stay alert and watch for the signs as you enter and exit these small communities to ensure a safe and ticket‑free drive while exploring the scenic backroads in your vehicle.

Planning a day trip to the ACE Basin from Charleston is quite simple. The easiest approach is to take US‑17 South, which runs directly through the heart of the region. A great destination within the basin is the Edisto River National Scenic Byway, which offers a beautiful, leisurely drive. You can also visit the Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge. An SUV is perfect for this trip, as some of the best viewing areas are accessed via well‑maintained but unpaved roads where the extra stability is welcome.

To avoid summer beach gridlock, timing is everything. Plan to drive out to the beaches, such as Isle of Palms or Folly Beach, before 9 a.m. to beat the majority of the traffic and secure a good parking spot. For the return trip, the roads become heavily congested starting around 3 p.m. The smartest strategy is to either leave the beach by 2:30 p.m. or stay for an early dinner and head back after 7 p.m. when the traffic has significantly subsided. This approach can save you from sitting in long, slow‑moving lines of cars.

To efficiently run errands, try to group your stops within one suburban area, such as Mount Pleasant’s Towne Centre or West Ashley’s Citadel Mall area. These locations have major grocery stores, retail shops and restaurants clustered together, minimising your drive time between stops. Plan your trip for mid‑day, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., to avoid both morning and evening rush hours. Using an SUV is great for this, as you’ll have plenty of cargo space for all your purchases in a single, well‑planned outing.

When returning a rental vehicle at CHS, the most common point of confusion is the final turn into the rental car return area. The airport road system has several loops, and the signage can be easy to miss, especially in the dark for an early flight. As you approach the main terminal, stay in the designated lane for rental returns and drive slowly so you don’t miss the entrance to the car park. It’s helpful to review an airport map beforehand to familiarise yourself with the layout and reduce last‑minute stress.

Arriving late at night at CHS means you’ll encounter very light traffic, which makes navigating out of the airport complex much easier. The roads are well lit and the signage for major routes like I‑526 and I‑26 is clear. Simply follow the signs for the motorway that heads toward your destination, whether it’s downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant or North Charleston. Driving an SUV at night can feel more secure due to the better road visibility from the higher seating position, ensuring a smooth start to your trip.

The drive from Charleston to Kiawah or Seabrook Island takes about 45 to 60 minutes. The route through Johns Island is scenic but involves two‑lane roads that require your attention. Before you go, ensure you have the proper credentials or passes from your rental property or host, as you cannot enter these private, gated communities without them. The gate attendants are accustomed to visitors and will provide clear directions and a map to your specific destination once you are cleared for entry, making the final leg of your journey straightforward.

The drive from Charleston to Savannah is about two hours, making it easy to include a short stop. A perfect place to visit is the charming town of Beaufort, which is roughly at the halfway point. Plan to leave Charleston in the morning to give yourself about two hours to walk along Beaufort’s waterfront park and grab a quick lunch. This schedule allows you to be back on the road by early afternoon, ensuring you arrive in Savannah with plenty of time to meet a standard 3:00 or 4:00 p.m. check‑in time without feeling rushed.

When driving on rural Lowcountry roads at night, your primary concerns should be wildlife and limited lighting. Deer are very common and can appear suddenly, so it’s crucial to drive at a cautious speed and use your high beams when there is no oncoming traffic. The roads are often unlit, with sharp curves marked only by reflectors. The higher vantage point of an SUV can help you spot animals or road hazards from a greater distance, but staying alert and reducing your speed is the most important safety measure.

To make beach day trips easier, pack your SUV strategically. Keep frequently needed items like a small cooler, snacks and sunscreen in the passenger area for easy access. In the boot place heavier items like beach chairs and umbrellas on the bottom, with lighter things like towels and bags on top. If your SUV has a third row, consider keeping it folded down to maximise flat storage space. This organised approach prevents you from having to unpack everything just to find one item when you arrive at your destination.

If easy driving and guaranteed parking are your top priorities, staying in the area around CHS airport and North Charleston is the better choice. Hotels in this area are designed for travellers with vehicles, offering ample, free parking and direct access to major motorways like the I‑26 and I‑526. While you’ll have a 15–20 minute drive to reach the historic downtown, you’ll completely avoid the stress of navigating narrow streets and finding expensive parking on the peninsula. This option is ideal for visitors planning numerous day trips outside the city.

For a simple and beautiful scenic drive, take a trip through the Sea Islands on your way to Edisto Beach. The route along the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway is a peaceful, two‑lane road shaded by magnificent live oaks. Another excellent option is driving through parts of the Francis Marion National Forest just north of Mount Pleasant. Both of these drives involve minimal traffic and no complex interchanges, allowing you to relax and enjoy the stunning Lowcountry scenery from the comfort of your SUV.

To minimise backtracking, the most practical plan is to fly into one city and out of another. For example, you could fly into Charleston (CHS), spend a few days exploring the coast, and then drive your SUV inland to Greenville. After enjoying the Upstate, you can fly home from Greenville‑Spartanburg International Airport (GSP). This one‑way driving route is efficient and allows you to experience two distinct regions of South Carolina without wasting a day driving back to your starting point. The drive between the two cities is a straightforward three‑hour trip on the interstate.