Dollar Car Hire
Charleston

After collecting your luggage at Charleston International Airport, proceed to the Rental Car Pavilion, which is conveniently connected to the main terminal. Exit the baggage claim area and follow the prominent overhead signs for "Rental Cars." The Dollar counter is located within this facility, making the process straightforward. Once you complete the paperwork at the counter, you will be directed to the adjacent car park where the vehicles are kept.

For travellers arriving on late-night flights, it's good practice to confirm the rental counter's opening hours directly with the Charleston airport location. Including your flight number in the reservation is also recommended, as it informs staff of your estimated arrival. If the counter is scheduled to be open, the pickup process remains the same, though the facility may be quieter. If your flight is significantly delayed, having flight details on file helps staff prepare for your arrival.

During peak travel periods, allow some extra time for the rental car process at CHS. The walk from baggage claim to the Rental Car Pavilion is typically only a few minutes. However, wait times at the counter can vary depending on how many flights have recently landed. A reasonable estimate is to allow around 30 to 45 minutes from the time you collect your bags to when you drive away, which provides a comfortable buffer for possible queues and completing the rental agreement.

To drive from the CHS rental car facility to downtown Charleston, follow the main airport exit road, International Boulevard. Stay on this road until you see clear signs for Interstate 526 (I-526) East. Take I-526 East for a few miles and then merge onto Interstate 26 (I-26) East, which leads directly into the heart of the Charleston peninsula. Using a sat-nav is advisable, but knowing this basic I-526 to I-26 sequence will help you stay on track.

For first-time visitors driving from CHS to Mount Pleasant, the simplest route is to take Interstate 526 (I-526) East from the airport. Stay on I-526 for several miles; it eventually leads to the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Cross the bridge to reach Mount Pleasant. For Patriots Point, take one of the first exits immediately after the bridge; signs are well-posted, making it straightforward to find.

The most manageable route from the airport to Folly Beach avoids the busiest parts of downtown Charleston. From CHS, take Interstate 526 (I-526) West towards Savannah. Exit onto SC-7 South (Sam Rittenberg Boulevard), which eventually becomes SC-171, also known as Folly Road. This road takes you directly over the causeways to Folly Beach. This path avoids the more complex interchanges of I-26 and the downtown area, providing a more relaxed drive.

When driving from CHS to Kiawah or Seabrook on a weekend, especially during peak check-in times, expect traffic. Bottlenecks often occur on Bohicket Road and Maybank Highway nearer the islands. To mitigate this, consider scheduling a grocery stop before you travel too far south of the city to break up the journey. It’s also wise to allow at least 30–45 minutes extra travel time compared with your sat-nav's estimate to ensure a less hurried arrival.

Yes, it is entirely realistic to pick up your rental car and have a dinner reservation on King Street the same evening. Plan for about an hour to deplane, collect your bags and complete the rental process. The drive from CHS to the downtown historic district typically takes around 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic. To be safe, a dinner reservation scheduled at least two and a half hours after your flight's scheduled landing time should provide a comfortable, stress-free window.

After you’ve picked up the vehicle from the CHS rental garage, a good strategy is to pull into an open, out-of-the-way parking spot within the garage itself. This allows you to install car seats and arrange your luggage in a covered, well-lit area without the pressure of holding up traffic. Most rental garages have ample space on the upper levels. Alternatively, there is a cell phone waiting lot near the airport entrance that provides a safe place to stop and get organised before joining the main road.

A common mistake is not getting into the correct lane soon enough for the Interstate 526 interchange. Signs can appear quickly, so it’s important to know whether you need I-526 East (for downtown/Mount Pleasant) or I-526 West (for West Ashley/Savannah). Another point of confusion is the mix of local and highway traffic on International Boulevard. Setting your sat-nav before you start driving and following lane guidance prompts is the best way to avoid a last-minute stressful merge.

When staying in Charleston’s Historic District, the choice between hotel valet and a public garage comes down to convenience versus flexibility. Hotel valet is extremely convenient, especially for unloading luggage, but may have restricted in-and-out privileges or higher daily rates. Public parking garages are plentiful and often more economical, offering the freedom to come and go as you please. Ask your hotel about their specific valet policy and compare it with the locations and rates of nearby city-run garages.

Finding overnight parking near the City Market is quite manageable thanks to several large, multi-level public parking garages in the immediate vicinity. Garages like the Cumberland Street Garage or the garage at Hotel Bennett are popular choices and are open 24/7. Street parking is available but often metered with time limits and can be difficult to find, especially in the evening. For peace of mind and security, using one of the designated public garages is the most reliable option for overnight parking.

Driving near Rainbow Row and The Battery during peak hours requires patience, as the streets are narrow and often filled with pedestrians and horse-drawn carriages. On-street parking is extremely limited and highly sought after in this area. Your best strategy is to park in a public garage several blocks away, such as the East Bay/Prioleau Street Garage, and enjoy a scenic walk to these iconic spots. Trying to find a spot directly adjacent can lead to frustration and detract from the experience of the historic waterfront.

To visit both Magnolia Plantation and Middleton Place efficiently, it’s best to start with the one farther away and work your way back toward Charleston. From downtown, drive out Ashley River Road (Highway 61) to Middleton Place first. After your visit there, it’s a very short drive back down the same road to Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. This approach avoids backtracking and provides a logical, scenic progression along the historic Ashley River corridor, saving driving time.

To experience Boone Hall Plantation with fewer crowds, plan to arrive right when they open in the morning. From downtown Charleston, the drive to Mount Pleasant typically takes about 20–30 minutes without significant traffic. To be safe, leave the city about 45 minutes before their opening time. This allows for any unexpected morning traffic on the Ravenel Bridge or Highway 17 and ensures you’re among the first visitors through the gates.

To minimise traffic when driving from downtown to Sullivan’s Island, timing is everything. Avoid heading towards the beaches during weekday evening rush hour (around 4–6pm) or on sunny weekend afternoons. The most direct route is over the Ravenel Bridge to Mount Pleasant, then taking the Isle of Palms Connector to SC-703 (Ben Sawyer Boulevard). An alternative to avoid some congestion is to take I-26 out of downtown to I-526 East, which also leads to the IOP Connector and can bypass the busiest Mount Pleasant surface streets.

Parking on Isle of Palms requires some planning, especially on summer weekends. The island has a large municipal car park near the pier and Front Beach area, as well as designated on-street spaces along Palm Boulevard. Be sure to observe all posted signs carefully, as rules about how far you must park from the pavement are strictly enforced. Arriving early in the morning is the best strategy to secure a convenient spot and avoid the frustration of circling packed streets later in the day.

For a comfortable day trip to Beaufort or Hilton Head, plan to leave Charleston early, ideally by 8:00am. The drive to Beaufort is about 90 minutes, while Hilton Head is closer to two hours. An early start allows you to arrive before the main lunch crowds and gives you a full day for exploration. To avoid returning during Charleston’s evening rush hour, aim to leave your destination by 3:30pm or wait until after 6:30pm for a more relaxed drive back into the city.

For a more scenic and less stressful drive to Savannah, consider taking U.S. Route 17 South instead of the interstate. While I-95 is faster, Route 17 offers a classic Lowcountry experience, taking you through charming small towns and past beautiful marshlands. This route has fewer complex interchanges and generally lighter traffic than the main highway. It allows for a more leisurely pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way.

When driving from Charleston to Myrtle Beach, the main route is U.S. Highway 17 North. The most congested area is typically around Georgetown and the stretch just south of Myrtle Beach. A good place to take a break is Georgetown’s historic waterfront district, which is roughly the halfway point. To avoid the worst traffic, try to travel outside peak weekend check-in/check-out times. Leaving Charleston in the morning on a weekday usually results in a much smoother and more pleasant two-hour drive.

Using a rental car for a day trip to the Charleston Tea Garden on Wadmalaw Island and then Folly Beach is very manageable and makes for a fantastic Lowcountry experience. The drive from downtown to the tea garden is scenic and takes about 45 minutes. From there, it’s an easy drive of about 30–40 minutes to Folly Beach, as you’ll already be on the sea islands. This pairing works well geographically and lets you enjoy two quite different coastal attractions in one day.

Driving across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is memorable and offers stunning harbour views. The bridge has multiple lanes and gentle grades, making it straightforward for most drivers. During high winds or heavy rain, reduce your speed, maintain a safe following distance, and be mindful of visibility. The bridge is a modern, well-engineered structure, but exercising standard caution in adverse weather will ensure a safe and comfortable crossing between Charleston and Mount Pleasant.

The area that most often confuses visitors is the grid of one-way streets south of Broad Street and around the French Quarter. Streets like King, Meeting and East Bay alternate directions, and many of the smaller intersecting streets are also one-way. Pay close attention to street signs and rely on a sat-nav with up-to-date mapping. Planning your route before you start driving can help prevent sudden turns or frustrating rerouting through the narrow historic lanes.

Driving from the Shem Creek area in Mount Pleasant to the Historic District for an evening out is very practical. The drive is typically short, around 10–15 minutes without heavy traffic. While finding on-street parking downtown can be a challenge, the city has numerous public car parks that are well-lit and centrally located. Parking in a garage near your dinner destination is a reliable, low-stress strategy that makes the evening more enjoyable than circling for a street spot.

The most efficient way is to drive directly to your friends’ hotel in the Historic District. Most downtown hotels have a temporary loading zone or a valet stand at the entrance. You can pull in and the bell staff can assist with your luggage while you check in or meet your friends. This avoids the hassle of finding immediate parking with a car full of bags and allows you to get settled before moving the car to a more permanent spot in a car park.

Yes, the best place to wait for other members of your group is the airport’s Cell Phone Waiting Lot. It’s a free, designated parking area located just a minute or two from the terminal. You can park there comfortably until your friends have collected their luggage and are waiting at the kerb for pickup. This eliminates the stress of repeatedly circling the busy terminal arrival and departure roadways while you wait for their call.

Before leaving the rental lot for a beach destination, do a quick vehicle check. Make sure you know how to operate the headlights, wipers and air conditioning, as coastal weather can change quickly. It’s also sensible to adjust your mirrors and seating for comfort and to pair your phone with the car’s Bluetooth for hands-free navigation. A quick walk-round to note the vehicle’s condition will also give you peace of mind for your trip.

Planning a grocery stop after leaving CHS is easy and convenient. As you drive towards Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island, you’ll pass through Mount Pleasant, which has several major grocery stores located on or just off Highway 17. You can simply program a stop at a store like Publix, Harris Teeter or Whole Foods into your sat-nav. This allows you to stock up on supplies for your beach rental before you cross the bridge to the islands, saving you a trip back later.

Exploring the breweries in North Charleston’s Park Circle neighbourhood is very car-friendly. Most popular breweries in this area have their own dedicated car parks or ample free on-street parking on surrounding blocks. Unlike the historic downtown, you generally won’t need to pay for a car park or hunt for a space. This makes it easy to drive between different locations like Commonhouse Aleworks or Coast Brewing Co. to sample the local craft beer scene.

Driving around the College of Charleston during term time requires extra awareness. Expect increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic, especially during class changes. The streets are narrow and many are one-way, adding to the complexity. Parking can be particularly challenging, with most spaces reserved for students and staff. It’s often best to park your rental in a public car park on the periphery of the campus, like the St. Philip Street Garage, and explore the college grounds on foot.

A good strategy is to dedicate your first day entirely to exploring the walkable downtown Historic District without the car. Take a taxi or rideshare from the airport to your hotel. On the morning of the second day, take a short ride back to the airport rental facility to pick up your car. This allows you to use the vehicle for a full day of exploring plantations, beaches or other outlying attractions, and then return it to the airport before your departure.

An early-morning drive to Folly Beach for sunrise is one of the most peaceful driving experiences in the Charleston area. Traffic will be virtually non-existent, making the 25–30 minute drive from downtown smooth and quick. On arrival, you’ll have a choice of parking spots, either in the public lots near the pier or along the street. This allows you to find a good vantage point to set up your camera and capture the beautiful coastal sunrise without any hassle.

When heavy rain is forecast in Charleston, be aware of potential street flooding, especially in the downtown area and on low-lying coastal roads. Local news outlets and weather apps often highlight specific streets prone to flooding. The best plan is to avoid driving through standing water, as it can be much deeper than it appears. If you must drive, stick to major thoroughfares like I-26, the Ravenel Bridge and Highway 17, which are generally at higher elevations and less likely to be impassable.

Yes, be mindful when driving in some parts of historic Charleston, particularly with low-clearance vehicles. Many of the charming cobbled streets, such as Chalmers Street, are uneven and can be bumpy. Additionally, some older car parks and driveways have steep entrance or exit ramps. It’s wise to approach these areas slowly and at an angle where possible to prevent the front of the car from scraping. Generally, standard saloons and SUVs handle these conditions without issue.

Driving to the Fort Sumter tour departure points is straightforward. The primary departure location is at Liberty Square, next to the South Carolina Aquarium in downtown Charleston. There is a large, convenient city-run car park directly adjacent to the visitor centre, making parking simple. A second departure point is at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, which also has its own expansive paid car park. Both locations are well-signed and designed to handle a high volume of visitor traffic.

During a major Charleston event like the Spoleto Festival or the Cooper River Bridge Run, the smartest strategy is to park on the outskirts and walk or use other transport. Consider using a car park in a less congested area, such as on the upper peninsula or in Mount Pleasant, and then using a rideshare to get to the heart of the event. Another good option is to use the city’s CARTA bus system, which offers park-and-ride services during large festivals. This helps you avoid street closures and gridlock.

For an early-morning flight, it’s sensible to build a comfortable time cushion for your car return. Plan to arrive at the airport’s rental car return area at least 30 minutes before you’d typically want to be at the airline check-in counter. This allows ample time for the vehicle check-in process, unloading your luggage, and taking the short shuttle ride or walk back to the terminal. Factoring in this extra half-hour helps ensure a calm and unhurried start to your travel day.

As you approach Charleston International Airport, the signage for rental car returns is clear and prominent. The key is to get into the correct lanes early. Look for large overhead signs on International Boulevard that explicitly say "Rental Car Return" and direct you to a dedicated entrance, separate from the main departures and arrivals loops. Following these specific signs, rather than those for the main terminal, will guide you directly into the correct facility without confusion.

The process is designed to be very convenient. After you complete the vehicle return process in the rental car garage, you and your party can board the airport shuttle together. These shuttles run on a continuous loop between the rental car facility and the main terminal building. You can ride with your companion to the departures kerb, help them with their luggage, and then simply re-board the same shuttle to return to the rental car centre if needed, or proceed with your own travel plans.

For a smooth same-day loop, efficiency is key. After picking up your car at CHS, drive first to one of the plantations on Ashley River Road, like Magnolia or Middleton Place, as they are on the way toward the city. After your visit, continue into downtown Charleston for lunch and a few hours of exploration, parking in a central car park. From downtown, it’s a direct and easy drive back to the airport via I-26 and I-526. This route minimises backtracking and allows you to enjoy your day before heading back for your flight.