Car Hire
South Carolina

On exiting the baggage reclaim at Charleston International, simply follow the prominent overhead signs for "Rental Car Center" or "Ground Transportation." The car hire desks are located in a consolidated facility within the main terminal building. After completing the paperwork, you will be directed to the adjacent multi-storey car park where the hire vehicles are staged. The well-lit, clearly marked routes make it straightforward, even late at night.

The most direct and best-signed route from the airport to downtown Charleston is via Interstate 526 East onto Interstate 26 East. As you leave the terminal, follow signs for I-526 East towards Mount Pleasant. After a few miles you will see clear signs for the I-26 East exit towards Charleston. This main highway takes you directly to the peninsula, with several clearly marked exits for the historic district and visitor areas.

During weekday rush hours, typically from 4:00pm to 6:30pm, expect significant delays crossing the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge into Mount Pleasant. It’s sensible to add at least 20 to 30 minutes to your travel time. Congestion often begins on the Charleston side of the bridge and can extend along Coleman Boulevard once in Mount Pleasant. Adjust dinner reservations or travel later to avoid peak traffic for a more relaxed journey.

A convenient strategy is to stop in North Charleston or West Ashley before heading onto the peninsula. Several large grocery stores and shopping centres are located along International Boulevard, just minutes from the airport’s rental car centre. Alternatively, take I-526 towards West Ashley, where you’ll find numerous options off the motorway exits. This lets you stock up without navigating narrow streets and difficult parking in the city centre.

Driving on the historic peninsula requires patience and planning, as many streets are narrow, cobbled and one-way. It’s highly recommended to contact your hotel in advance for unloading instructions; many have designated short-term loading bays. Use a reliable GPS, drive slowly and be mindful of pedestrians and horse-drawn carriages. Be prepared to unload luggage efficiently to avoid blocking the tight roadways.

A common mistake is underestimating the prevalence of one-way streets and attempting to find on-street parking by every attraction. This often leads to frustrating circling and getting stuck on narrow residential lanes. The best way to avoid this is to pick a centrally located public car park as your base for the day. Park once and explore the compact Historic District on foot — far more enjoyable and efficient.

To ensure a stress-free start, plan to leave at least 45 to 60 minutes before your scheduled ferry departure. This buffer accounts for morning traffic, the time to navigate to the South Carolina Aquarium area and finding a space in the designated car park. From there it’s a short walk to the Liberty Square ferry terminal, and you’ll want a few extra minutes to check in before boarding.

The drive to Folly Beach is straightforward, largely using the James Island Expressway (SC-30) which becomes Folly Road (SC-171). The key is timing: on a sunny day, especially at weekends, aim to be on the island before 10:00am to secure a convenient parking spot. Arriving later can mean a lengthy search for on-street parking, which fills up quickly.

The most effective approach is to drive into downtown in the morning and leave your car parked for the day in one of the city’s public car parks. Garages near the Visitor Centre on Ann Street or the City Market on Meeting Street are excellent central locations. The historic peninsula is very walkable, and you can also use the free DASH trolley. This removes the hassle of seeking new parking for each site.

Driving to either island is not technically difficult — routes from Mount Pleasant are well signposted. The main challenge is parking once you arrive. Both islands rely largely on on-street parking, which is in high demand and has specific rules about how far tyres must be from the pavement. To make it easier, arrive early, be prepared to walk a few blocks with your gear and read posted parking signs carefully.

The primary route is Ashley River Road (Highway 61), a beautiful but often slow scenic byway. The road is mostly two lanes, winding under a canopy of live oaks, so passing opportunities are limited. Expect potential bottlenecks and slower traffic, particularly at weekends or during peak season. There are no particularly tricky turns, but this drive rewards patience rather than speed.

The most straightforward route is to take US-17 North across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge into Mount Pleasant. Continue on US-17 for several miles then turn right onto Long Point Road. The entrance to Boone Hall Plantation is clearly signed on your left. Using your GPS will help you anticipate the Long Point Road turn well in advance so you can move into the right-hand lane without last-minute stress.

Weekend traffic to Kiawah and Seabrook can be substantial, particularly on Saturday mornings during peak season. The main chokepoint is often Bohicket Road on Johns Island leading to the private community gates. To avoid the worst congestion, plan to leave Charleston early in the morning, before 9:00am, or wait until the afternoon after the main wave of arrivals.

For a smoother drive to Hilton Head, plan your departure to avoid the morning rush around Savannah. Leaving around 9:30am often works well, as it allows you to pass through the I-95 corridor near Savannah after the local commute has subsided. This timing also helps you arrive on Hilton Head before afternoon traffic builds, making for a pleasant start to your visit.

For the most efficient day trip, drive directly to Hunting Island State Park first. Enjoy the beach and lighthouse in the cooler morning hours when it’s often less crowded. Afterwards, drive a short distance to the charming town of Beaufort for a late lunch and an afternoon exploring the historic downtown. This sequence avoids unnecessary backtracking.

The drive to Savannah is relatively straightforward, primarily via US-17 South and I-95 South. Be aware of Savannah’s commuter traffic, which can cause delays on I-95 and near the Talmadge Memorial Bridge during morning and evening peaks. To mitigate this, consider leaving early to arrive in Savannah before 8:00am, or wait until mid-morning for a clearer run into the city.

To make the journey part of the experience, stick to US-17 North for the whole drive. This Coastal Highway passes through historic Georgetown and the charming Pawleys Island area, offering plenty of scenic stop opportunities. It may take longer than inland routes, but it provides true Lowcountry character and natural breaks — stop for fresh seafood in a fishing village or browse a roadside market.

The drive to Congaree National Park is mostly along Interstate 26 West. Reliable places for a break are around Summerville and Orangeburg. Both towns have multiple exits with a full range of services, including petrol stations, restrooms and various fast-food and restaurant options. Stopping in one of these areas is sensible to refuel and refresh before you leave the interstate for the more rural final stretch to the park entrance.

To avoid searching for on-street parking, head straight to one of the nearby city-operated car parks. The Cumberland Street Garage and the Hasell Street Garage are both excellent options, just a block or two from the City Market. These multi-level facilities are well signed and almost always have available spaces, providing a reliable, stress-free start to your visit.

James Island County Park hosts large festivals and events, notably the Holiday Festival of Lights. To avoid major traffic backups on the James Island Connector and Folly Road, check the park’s official event calendar before visiting. On non-event days, a weekday morning is typically the smoothest. If you must go at the weekend, arrive right when the park opens for the easiest access.

During peak season, finding on-street parking near Waterfront Park or the Battery is exceptionally difficult and not recommended. The area has very limited spaces with strict time limits, leading to constant circling. A much better plan is to park in a public car park further north, such as the Prioleau Street Garage or the East Bay Street Garage. From there it’s a pleasant walk along the waterfront to these iconic landmarks.

For a relaxing evening on Upper King Street, park once and forget the car. Aim for the large Visitor Centre car park on Ann Street or the Hutson Street Garage, both a short walk from the main restaurant district. Arrive about 20–30 minutes before your reservation to allow time to park and stroll to your destination, avoiding the stress of hunting for scarce on-street spaces.

Hampton Park, on the northern edge of the peninsula, is ideal for a family reset. It’s easily reachable by car from downtown and offers plenty of free parking. The park features large grassy areas, a well-equipped playground and a scenic pond with ducks and geese — a low-stress environment for children to burn off energy away from busier tourist spots.

When driving through suburbs like Mount Pleasant, West Ashley or James Island on weekdays, be very aware of school zones. During designated morning and afternoon hours speed limits drop significantly and these zones are strictly enforced by local police. Watch for prominent signs and flashing yellow lights that indicate when the lower limit is in effect to avoid a costly ticket.

To guarantee a traffic-free trip to Folly Beach for an early visit, be on the road well before the crowds. Any day of the week, especially in warmer months, aim to cross onto James Island before 7:00am. This should give you a clear run down Folly Road and help you secure a prime parking spot. Main beach traffic generally builds after 9:00am.

Charleston’s low elevation makes it prone to localised street flooding in heavy rain. Areas to be cautious of include the Crosstown (US-17), parts of the historic downtown peninsula and lower-lying roads in West Ashley. Visibility can be severely reduced, so slow down, use headlights and never attempt to drive through deep standing water. If possible, wait for the worst of the storm to pass before travelling.

The most convenient, stress-free option is the airport’s complimentary Cell Phone Waiting Lot. It’s located just a minute’s drive from the terminal and is clearly signposted. You can wait there free in your vehicle until your party has collected their luggage and called you, then proceed straight to the arrivals curb for a quick pickup.

For an early-morning flight, plan to arrive at the hire car return area at least two hours before your flight’s departure. The rental facility is in the car park directly opposite the terminal, so it’s just a short walk and you won’t need a shuttle. This two-hour window gives a comfortable buffer to complete the return, walk to the terminal, check bags and clear security without rushing.

Driving from North Charleston into downtown in the evening is typically straightforward. The most direct route is to take Interstate 26 East, which leads directly to the peninsula. At night traffic is much lighter than during the day, making for a quick journey. After exiting the motorway, a GPS helps navigate one-way streets to find a car park near your destination.

The Crosstown is notorious for requiring drivers to be in the correct lane well ahead of their turn or exit, especially near the Ashley River bridges and the I-26 interchange. To avoid sudden lane changes, use a navigation app and heed its lane guidance. Reviewing the final turns of your route before you reach the Crosstown also helps you prepare for which lane you’ll need.

Plan your stops in a logical geographic loop rather than hopping across the city. A good approach is to start in West Ashley, then cross the Ashley River to visit breweries on the peninsula. From there, take I-26 to head to the Park Circle area in North Charleston. This progression generally reduces difficult left turns across busy roads and cuts unnecessary driving time between venues.

The approach to Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant can become congested, particularly at weekends and during mid-day from late morning to mid-afternoon. Traffic on the Ravenel Bridge and Coleman Boulevard can be heavy at these peak times. To avoid the worst, visit early when the museum opens or later in the afternoon after the main crowds have departed.

Charleston has several modern multi-lane roundabouts and some notoriously short motorway on-ramps that can intimidate first-time visitors. The key is to be assertive but predictable: yield to circulating traffic when entering a roundabout and signal when exiting. For short on-ramps, be ready to accelerate briskly to match the flow and look for your gap to merge.

Before leaving Charleston for rural parts of the Lowcountry, download regional maps for offline use in your preferred navigation app. This lets your phone’s GPS continue providing accurate turn-by-turn directions even if you lose mobile data. It’s a simple, proactive step to prevent getting lost on scenic backroads and in remote natural areas.

Never leave valuables, bags or electronics visible inside a parked car. Store belongings in the boot before arriving at your parking destination. With an SUV, use the cargo cover to conceal items. Whenever possible, choose a well-lit, attended car park rather than on-street parking for added security while you explore.

A well-paced itinerary is to visit the Angel Oak early in the morning to avoid crowds and mid-day heat. Afterwards explore nearby Johns Island attractions such as the Charleston Tea Garden. Head to Kiawah Island in the early afternoon to miss the morning rush onto the island, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing late afternoon at Beachwalker Park before returning.

Start by driving from Charleston over the Ravenel Bridge to Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant as your first stop. From there it’s a short drive to Sullivan’s Island, then continue directly to Isle of Palms, since those two are connected. Return via the Isle of Palms Connector to I-526, which often provides a smoother trip back to Charleston than retracing through Mount Pleasant.

Drive into the historic district once and park for the day in a public car park. Garages on Queen Street, Cumberland Street or near the Visitor Centre are good choices. The historic core is compact and walkable, allowing easy strolls between most museums and houses. This approach saves time and the hassle of finding parking at each site.

Expect extensive street closures and detours during major events like the Cooper River Bridge Run or Spoleto Festival USA, especially on the downtown peninsula. Check the event’s official website for maps of affected areas before you travel. It’s also advisable to call your hotel on the day of arrival for their recommended route, as they’ll have the most up-to-date access information.

Choose a final destination convenient to the airport. For a plantation visit consider Drayton Hall or Middleton Place on Ashley River Road, both relatively close to CHS. For a final local flavour, Park Circle in North Charleston is very near the airport and offers pleasant shops and restaurants. This avoids a long cross-town drive and ensures you can reach the airport with time to spare.