Car Hire
Charleston

Getting from baggage claim to the hire car counters at Charleston International Airport is very straightforward, even late at night. After collecting your luggage, exit the terminal building and follow the signs for the Rental Car Pavilion. This dedicated facility is a short, covered walk directly across the road from the arrivals area. All the major hire companies are consolidated in this one convenient building, so you won’t need to take a shuttle or hunt for a separate lot.

A great first stop to get your bearings after leaving the airport is the Tanger Outlets Charleston, located just a few minutes away. It’s an easy drive and offers large, low-stress parking where you can pull over, adjust mirrors and double-check your route into the city centre. This allows you to get comfortable with the vehicle and merge onto the main interstate, I-526, when you’re ready. From there, the drive into the historic peninsula is much more direct and less confusing than navigating smaller surface streets immediately after pickup.

Driving from Charleston International Airport to the Historic District during the morning commute typically takes between 35 and 50 minutes. The primary route uses I-526 and I-26, which carry significant traffic during peak hours, generally from 7:00 to 9:00. Although the distance is only about 12 miles, congestion can build up, especially on the approach to the peninsula. Allowing a bit of extra travel time ensures you won’t feel rushed starting your visit to Charleston.

When staying on the peninsula, most visitors find parking in a city-managed garage the most convenient and secure option. Many hotels in the Historic District have limited or valet-only parking, so a public garage is a reliable alternative. You can leave your car for the day or overnight and explore the walkable neighbourhoods on foot. It’s sensible to identify the garage closest to your accommodation ahead of time to simplify arrival and unloading.

Driving over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is memorable, offering stunning panoramic views of the Cooper River and Charleston’s skyline. For first-time visitors, the height and scale of the bridge are impressive. Around sunset traffic can be heavier as people head home to Mount Pleasant or into the city for the evening, but traffic generally keeps moving. The lanes are wide and well marked, which helps the drive feel secure despite the elevation and visual distractions.

King Street can be very busy, so the least stressful approach is to coordinate with your hotel in advance. Many hotels have a designated short-term loading zone directly outside or on a nearby side street. Pull into that zone, unload your bags quickly—ideally with assistance from a bellman if available—and then move the car to a designated car park. Trying to park directly on King Street while handling luggage is challenging due to the high volume of vehicles and pedestrians.

Yes, several parts of historic downtown Charleston can be tricky for drivers unfamiliar with the area. The neighbourhoods south of Broad Street, in particular, feature very narrow cobblestone streets, tight turns and a complex grid of one-way roads. It’s important to drive slowly and be mindful of pedestrians, cyclists and horse-drawn carriages. A reliable GPS is highly recommended, but be prepared for occasional reroutes as you navigate the unique historic layout.

A scenic loop around The Battery and White Point Garden is a classic Charleston drive but requires attention. The main road, Murray Boulevard, runs along the water and is one-way for a significant stretch, which simplifies traffic flow. Be prepared to drive slowly, as the area is popular with walkers, joggers and sightseers. Street parking is limited, so if you plan to stop you may need to circle a few times to find a space, especially on a fine day.

To get to Magnolia Plantation or Middleton Place before the largest tour crowds, it’s best to leave downtown Charleston by 8:30am. This timing helps you get ahead of the main rush and secure prime parking on arrival. The drive, mainly along Ashley River Road, can become congested as the morning progresses. An early start ensures a more relaxed drive and gives you time to enjoy the gardens in the peaceful morning light before peak visitor hours.

The most straightforward route to Boone Hall Plantation is to take the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge into Mount Pleasant. Once over the bridge, stay on US-17 North, which is the main thoroughfare. Avoid turning off onto smaller local roads, as these can be confusing. Continue on US-17 for several miles until you see signs for Boone Hall Plantation on your right; the entrance is directly off this main highway, making it a very direct, easy-to-follow drive.

For a beach day at Folly Beach, especially on a summer weekend, aim to arrive before 10:00am. Traffic onto the island via the Folly River Bridge can become heavily congested as the day goes on. Arriving early helps you avoid the worst stop-and-go traffic and significantly increases your chances of finding a convenient parking spot. The most desirable public and on-street spaces fill up quickly, so an early start makes for a much more relaxed day.

Driving to Isle of Palms on a summer weekend requires patience, as you should expect significant traffic delays. The main route, the Isle of Palms Connector, is the primary access point and can back up for miles, particularly from late morning through the afternoon. Once on the island, finding parking near the beach can be challenging, so head straight for the municipal car parks or be prepared to search for on-street parking. Leaving early in the morning will minimise time in traffic and maximise time on the sand.

The drive to Sullivan’s Island is generally considered more relaxed than the drive to Folly Beach. Access is via the Ben Sawyer Bridge, which can open for boat traffic, but overall congestion is typically less intense than the Folly Beach causeway. Sullivan’s Island has a more residential feel with strict on-street parking rules and no large commercial lots, which naturally limits crowds. While you still need to be mindful of finding a legal spot, the traffic pinch points are fewer, resulting in a calmer driving experience.

A smart strategy is to drive into downtown Charleston once in the morning and park your hire car for the day in a centrally located public car park, such as one near the City Market or Marion Square. From there the historic peninsula is incredibly walkable, allowing you to explore attractions, shops and restaurants on foot. Alternatively, the Charleston Water Taxi offers a scenic ride from Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant to Waterfront Park downtown, avoiding traffic and parking hassle altogether.

The interchange between I-26 and I-526 can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the area, as it’s a major crossroads. The ramps and lanes can seem complex, especially in heavy traffic when quick decisions are needed. The best approach is to use a GPS and pay close attention to the overhead signs well in advance of your exit. Knowing whether you need to go east or west on I-526 beforehand will help you position your vehicle in the correct lane early, preventing last-minute, stressful manoeuvres.

Accessing Patriots Point is quite simple for drivers. After crossing the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge into Mount Pleasant, take the first exit for Patriots Point. The exit ramp leads you directly onto Patriots Point Road. Follow the clear signage for the museum, which will guide you to a large, dedicated visitor car park right at the entrance. There is ample space, so you typically won’t need to circle or search for a spot.

The simplest route to the Angel Oak Tree is to take Maybank Highway onto Johns Island. The most common point of confusion is the turn from Maybank Highway onto Angel Oak Road, which is a smaller, less prominent street. Watch your GPS closely for that turn. Once on Angel Oak Road the drive is pleasant and scenic through a residential area leading directly to the park entrance. The road is unpaved for the final stretch, so be prepared to drive slowly as you approach.

A day trip to Kiawah Island requires some planning, as it is a private, gated community. Public access is limited to Beachwalker Park, which is located just before the main security gate. You must drive to the park entrance, where there is a large public car park available for beachgoers. Note that you cannot drive your hire car into the private residential areas of the island without a guest pass from a property owner or a reservation at one of the resorts.

Plan to leave your hotel at least 45 to 60 minutes before your scheduled ferry departure time. This buffer accounts for potential downtown traffic, finding parking in the designated car parks near the ferry terminals, and the walk from your car to the ticket office and dock. During peak season or on weekends, adding an extra 15 minutes is a wise precaution. Arriving early ensures a stress-free start to your tour without risking missing the boat.

To avoid event traffic near Marion Square or the City Market, check the city’s event calendar before you set out. If a festival, parade or large market is scheduled, consider parking in a car park on the perimeter of the historic district and walking to your destination. Using alternate routes that bypass Meeting Street and King Street can also be effective. A real-time traffic app will help you navigate around unexpected congestion and road closures in these busy central areas.

Briefly waiting to pick up friends downtown can be tricky due to narrow streets and limited stopping areas. The safest option is a designated hotel loading zone, which usually allows a few minutes of standing. If the hotel doesn’t have one, look for a metered parking spot on a nearby side street. Have your friends ready and waiting outside, as idling in a travel lane on streets like King or Meeting can quickly cause traffic backups and attract fines.

One of the most convenient places for a grocery run after leaving the airport is the area around the I-526 and West Montague Avenue interchange in North Charleston. This location is just minutes from the airport and features several major supermarkets with large, easily accessible parking lots. Stopping here lets you stock up on essentials without having to navigate the tighter streets and smaller markets of the downtown peninsula. It’s a straightforward detour before you continue on to your accommodation.

Parking a larger SUV in neighbourhoods like Cannonborough-Elliottborough can be quite challenging. The streets are very narrow and on-street spaces are often tight and better suited to compact cars. When renting, consider that a smaller model will be much easier to manoeuvre and park in these historic residential areas. If you do have a larger SUV, be prepared to park several blocks away where more space is available.

Driving in Charleston at night requires extra caution, especially in the historic district. While main thoroughfares are well lit, many charming side streets have dimmer, atmospheric gas lighting, which can reduce visibility. Pedestrian traffic remains high in the evenings around restaurant and bar districts, so stay vigilant. Also be aware that streets can sometimes close unexpectedly for events or filming, so having a GPS with real-time updates is helpful for navigating detours.

Areas with public car parks are the easiest for loading and unloading kids and a pushchair. Garages near the South Carolina Aquarium or the Charleston Visitor Centre offer ample space to get organised without the pressure of holding up traffic. These locations also serve as great starting points, providing central access to multiple attractions like the aquarium, Waterfront Park and the City Market. Managing this on a busy street like King or Meeting can be far more stressful and less safe.

Keeping a hire car is very practical in this scenario, as it provides flexibility for your beach day and any other excursions. While you may not need the car daily for exploring the walkable peninsula, the convenience of having it ready for a trip to Folly Beach or Isle of Palms is invaluable. You can simply park it in a car park for the days you’re staying downtown. This approach often proves more convenient and cost-effective than arranging separate transport just for one day trip.

For a smooth day trip to Beaufort, start early and take US-17 South, which is a scenic and historic route. After exploring Beaufort’s waterfront and historic district, consider returning via a slightly different inland route for a change of scenery. To avoid feeling rushed, plan on spending about four to five hours in Beaufort itself, which allows ample time for a walking tour, lunch and browsing the shops. Leaving Charleston by 9:00am and heading back around 3:00–4:00pm helps you avoid the worst commuter traffic.

When driving from Charleston to Savannah, plan to leave before or after the morning rush hour, which typically peaks between 7:00 and 9:00. The initial part of your drive through West Ashley and onto US-17 South can be slow during these times. Once past the Charleston suburbs, the drive is generally smooth and straightforward. The trip takes about two hours without significant traffic, so an early start ensures you maximise your time exploring Savannah.

To plan an efficient day trip to Hilton Head, take I-26 West out of Charleston to I-95 South. This interstate route is more direct and avoids smaller towns and variable speed limits of US-17. Once on I-95 it’s a straight run to Exit 8 for US-278, which takes you directly to Hilton Head Island. This all-highway route minimises complex turns and stressful merges, making for a more relaxed drive, even if it may be slightly longer in distance than other options.

Driving in West Ashley during peak hours, especially on Savannah Highway (US-17) and Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, involves significant congestion. The morning commute into Charleston and the evening commute out can be very slow-moving. If your lodging is in West Ashley, try to plan trips into the downtown peninsula to avoid the 7:30–9:30am and 4:00–6:00pm timeframes. Using side roads can sometimes help, but the main arteries are often unavoidable for crossing the Ashley River.

During heavy rain, drivers in Charleston should be extremely cautious of localized street flooding, a common issue in this low-lying city. Pay close attention to weather alerts and news reports that often name specific streets and intersections prone to flooding. Never drive through standing water — its depth is deceptive and can quickly disable a vehicle. Be prepared to take alternate routes and allow for significantly more travel time if a major storm is affecting the area.

In the Charleston area, low-lying routes downtown, such as the Septima Clark Parkway and areas around the City Market and The Battery, are often the first to flood. Likewise, causeways leading to the barrier islands can become impassable during storm surge. To spot and avoid these hazards, look for police barricades — a clear sign to turn around. If you see other cars stalled in water or creating a large wake as they drive, that’s a strong indication the road is unsafe to pass.

To avoid getting trapped in post-event traffic at North Charleston Coliseum, try to park your hire car near an exit that points you toward your intended direction of travel. For example, if you are heading back toward I-526, park on the side of the lot closest to that exit. It’s also wise to wait about 15–20 minutes after the event ends for the initial surge of traffic to clear. A little patience can make for a much smoother and faster departure.

When returning a hire car and checking bags at CHS, it’s recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight’s departure time. This provides a comfortable buffer to complete the vehicle return, walk to the terminal, check your luggage with the airline and clear security. During peak travel seasons or early morning flight banks, adding an extra 30 minutes is a prudent measure to ensure a stress-free experience.

The simplest method is to drive to the departures curb at the main terminal to drop off your passengers and luggage. This allows them to proceed directly to the airline check-in while you handle the car. After the drop-off, follow the signs for 'Rental Car Return' and complete the process yourself. This approach is much more efficient than trying to manage luggage through the rental car facility and then across to the terminal.

If you find yourself on the wrong ramp heading toward downtown from the airport, the safest thing to do is stay calm and continue to the next available exit. Do not attempt a sudden, risky lane change or stop on the highway. Take the next exit, pull over in a safe location such as a petrol station or shopping centre car park, and reset your GPS. Charleston’s road network has many opportunities to turn around and get back on track safely.

Yes, GPS systems can sometimes lag in Charleston’s dense historic district where tall buildings and narrow streets can affect the signal. The complex interchange of I-26 and the Crosstown (Septima Clark Parkway) is another area where last-second instructions are common. It’s helpful to review your route on a map before you start driving and to have a co-pilot read the directions aloud, giving you more time to anticipate turns and lane changes.

Charleston has several drawbridges, most notably the Ben Sawyer Bridge to Sullivan’s Island and the Wappoo Cut Bridge in West Ashley. These bridges open for boat traffic on a set schedule and also as needed for larger vessels. A bridge opening can cause delays of 10 to 15 minutes, so factor this possibility into your travel time, especially if you have a reservation or tour to catch. There’s no way to predict unscheduled openings, so a little patience is key.

Parking for sunrise photos at Waterfront Park or The Battery is typically very easy in the early morning. You can usually find ample on-street parking along Murray Boulevard (by The Battery) or on streets adjacent to Waterfront Park before the meters become active. The city car parks in the vicinity will also be open and largely empty at that hour. Arriving before 7:00am almost guarantees you a convenient spot with no hassle.

The easiest way to plan this trip is to use US-52 West out of North Charleston, which leads toward Moncks Corner, the gateway to these attractions. The drive transitions from suburban highways to more rural two-lane roads as you approach. These country roads are scenic and generally light on traffic, but watch for slower-moving local vehicles and wildlife. Both destinations are well signed from the main roads, making for a pleasant and straightforward drive into the Lowcountry landscape.