Enterprise Car Hire
South Carolina

For travellers not arriving by air, Enterprise has several convenient neighbourhood branches across the Charleston metro area. Depending on your itinerary you might consider locations in West Ashley, Mount Pleasant or North Charleston. Collecting your vehicle from one of these branches can be a sensible way to avoid airport traffic and get a head start exploring the Lowcountry. It’s always advisable to check the map for the branch nearest your hotel or starting point to ensure a smooth and efficient start to your trip.

Finding the Enterprise rental desk at Charleston International Airport is designed to be straightforward, even on a busy weekend. After collecting your luggage from the baggage carousels on the ground level, look for the prominent overhead signs directing you to the Rental Car Pavilion. This dedicated facility is connected to the terminal and requires only a short covered walk. Following those signs will lead you directly to the counters where you can complete the rental process efficiently.

When returning your hire car for an early-morning flight from CHS, it’s sensible to allow a comfortable time buffer. Plan to arrive at the airport rental car return area at least two hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This allows plenty of time to complete the vehicle return, collect your luggage and walk back to the terminal for check-in and security. During peak travel periods or holidays, adding an extra 30 minutes to this plan can provide useful peace of mind.

For a simple and direct drive from Charleston International Airport (CHS) to the downtown peninsula, the most straightforward route is via Interstate 526 East. From the airport merge onto I-526 East and follow it for several miles until you reach the exit for Interstate 26 East, which is clearly signed for Charleston. This interstate takes you straight onto the peninsula, where you can then use a satnav for the final few blocks to your destination. This route minimises complex turns and is well lit, making it ideal for a late-night arrival.

For visitors seeking less stressful overnight parking, neighbourhoods outside the immediate historic peninsula are excellent choices. Areas such as Mount Pleasant, just across the Ravenel Bridge, or West Ashley offer more hotels with ample, often complimentary, on-site parking. Within the peninsula, the Upper King Street district and the area around Marion Square tend to have more accessible public car parks compared with the narrow residential streets south of Broad Street. Choosing accommodation in these areas can greatly simplify the logistics of managing a hire car.

Driving over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is a memorable part of any Charleston visit, offering impressive views of the harbour. For your first time, be aware it’s a large multi-lane bridge, so choose your lane for Mount Pleasant or downtown Charleston well in advance. During peak morning and evening commute times traffic can slow considerably, so patience is key. Keep a safe following distance, be mindful of merging traffic and let passengers enjoy the scenery while you focus on the road.

Staying on King Street puts you in the heart of the action, but on-street parking is extremely limited and often metered with strict time limits. The most practical and stress-free approach for a hire car is to plan on using one of the many nearby public car parks. Several are conveniently located just a block or two off King Street, offering daily rates that provide security and the freedom to come and go as you please. Using car parks removes the constant search for a rare open on-street bay.

The drive from downtown Charleston to Folly Beach typically takes about 25 to 30 minutes in light traffic. However, this can change significantly depending on time of day and season. During weekday morning and evening rush hours the trip can easily extend to 45 minutes or more as you negotiate traffic on James Island. On a sunny summer weekend, especially around midday, expect the drive to take closer to an hour as beachgoers converge on the single road leading to the island.

A day trip combining Boone Hall Plantation with dinner in Mount Pleasant is an excellent and logistically simple plan. Start by driving your hire car to Boone Hall in the morning, as it’s located in Mount Pleasant, and enjoy your visit with easy on-site parking. Afterwards you’re just a short drive from many of Mount Pleasant’s best restaurants, particularly along Shem Creek or Coleman Boulevard. This keeps all your activities within the same geographic area, minimising drive time and removing the need to return to downtown Charleston until you’re ready.

Visiting both Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms in one day is very achievable with a hire car, as they are linked by a short bridge. A realistic plan is to start on one island in the morning and drive to the other in the afternoon. Parking on Sullivan's Island is mostly on-street, so arriving earlier improves your chances of finding a spot near the beach or restaurants. Isle of Palms has more public parking lots, particularly near the Front Beach area. Driving between the two takes only a few minutes, making it easy to experience both distinct beach-town atmospheres.

Visitors often find the area south of Broad Street and the French Quarter the most challenging for driving in the historic district. This is where you’ll encounter the most one-way streets, tight corners and picturesque but narrow cobbled lanes. It’s easy to get turned around or find yourself on a street that’s too tight for comfort. Using a reliable satnav is essential, as is driving slowly and being highly aware of pedestrians, cyclists and horse-drawn carriages, which have right of way.

If you arrive in Charleston before your hotel room is ready, the best strategy is to keep your luggage secured and out of sight in the boot of your hire car. Plan pre-check-in activities in areas with secure, attended car parks, such as those near the City Market or the South Carolina Aquarium. Avoid leaving valuables visible inside the cabin. This approach lets you explore for a few hours with peace of mind before returning to your accommodation to check in and unload your belongings.

When staying on the Charleston peninsula, the most convenient plan is to coordinate your hire car pickup and drop-off with your travel days. Pick up your car on a day you plan to explore outside the city, such as visiting plantations or beaches. When you return you can either drop the car off at a downtown Enterprise branch that evening or park it in your hotel's designated lot or a nearby public car park. This avoids the need to circle for scarce on-street parking during your stay in the walkable historic core.

Attending an event on Daniel Island requires planning for traffic and parking. The key is to leave much earlier than you think you need to, as the bridges and roads leading to the island can become very congested before a major concert or tennis match. Most venues, like Credit One Stadium, have large designated parking areas, but they can be a considerable walk from the entrance. Following the signs for event parking and having patience are crucial for a low-stress experience.

Driving to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant is very straightforward. It’s located just on the other side of the Ravenel Bridge from downtown Charleston and is well signed. The area is designed for visitors arriving by car and features a very large dedicated car park right at the museum and USS Yorktown entrance. You simply follow the signs for museum parking, making it one of the easiest major attractions to visit with a hire car.

Charleston's summer afternoons are known for sudden, intense thunderstorms that can significantly affect driving conditions. When heading to or from the beaches, it’s wise to allow at least 20–30 minutes of extra travel time if storms are forecast. These downpours can cause temporary flooding on low-lying roads and dramatically reduce visibility, causing traffic to slow to a crawl. Driving cautiously and allowing extra time ensures you’ll arrive safely without feeling rushed.

Yes, Charleston experiences predictable traffic peaks that visitors should be aware of. Weekday rush hours, roughly from 07:30 to 09:30 and 16:00 to 18:30, are the most congested times. Traffic is particularly heavy on Interstate 26, Interstate 526 and the bridges connecting West Ashley and Mount Pleasant to the downtown peninsula. On weekends, especially in fine weather, expect significant slowdowns on the roads leading to Folly Beach and Sullivan's Island from late morning through the afternoon.

Charleston's scenic beauty invites many photo stops, but safe pull-over spots vary by location. Along the Ashley River Road (Highway 61) near the plantations there are some opportunities, but be cautious of narrow shoulders. The roads on Johns Island and Wadmalaw Island offer more rural scenery with occasional safe places to pull onto the grass. For iconic shots of the marshes or Ravenel Bridge, it’s often safer to park at a designated park, such as Mount Pleasant's Memorial Waterfront Park, rather than stopping along a busy roadway.

For a low-stress drive to Kiawah Island the route is scenic and generally well signed. From Charleston take the James Island Expressway, which becomes Folly Road. Then turn right onto Maybank Highway and follow it across Johns Island. The final leg involves turning onto Bohicket Road, which leads directly to the Kiawah Island Parkway and the main security gate. The drive is mostly on two-lane roads through beautiful Lowcountry scenery, so relax and enjoy the journey.

A day trip to Hilton Head from Charleston is best planned as a full-day excursion. The drive itself takes about two hours each way without significant traffic, so you should plan to leave Charleston early in the morning to maximise your time on the island. The drive is mostly on major roads like US-17 South, which are straightforward to navigate. It feels like a pleasant coastal road trip, transitioning from historic Charleston's landscape to the more modern, manicured resort environment of Hilton Head.

When driving back to Charleston at night from a rural Lowcountry venue, planning is essential for safety. Many of the roads outside the city, such as on Wadmalaw or Johns Island, are two-lane, poorly lit and winding. You should be extra cautious of wildlife, especially deer, crossing the road. Drive at a moderate speed, use your high beams when appropriate and have a sober designated driver. Having a reliable satnav is also crucial, as mobile reception can sometimes be spotty in more remote areas.

A common navigation mistake visitors make is getting into the wrong lane at the complex interchanges where I-26, I-526 and US-17 converge. The interchange known as the 'Cosgrove' can be particularly confusing, with exits for North Charleston, West Ashley and Mount Pleasant coming up in quick succession. It’s crucial to use a satnav and pay close attention to the overhead signs well in advance of your exit. Missing your turn can easily lead to a frustrating and time-consuming detour.

A day trip from Charleston to Savannah is very manageable and popular with visitors. The drive is straightforward, taking approximately two hours each way, primarily on US-17 South and I-95 South. To make the most of your day, a sensible departure time from Charleston would be no later than 08:30. This allows you to arrive in Savannah with a full day ahead for exploring the historic district before heading back in the late afternoon or early evening.

When staying in Mount Pleasant, driving your hire car into downtown for the evening offers flexibility but requires planning for parking. You’ll need to factor in the time to find and pay for a space in a public car park. Using a rideshare service can be more convenient, dropping you off directly at your destination and removing parking concerns, which is especially useful if you plan to have a drink. The choice often comes down to balancing the convenience of rideshare against the freedom and potentially lower overall cost of using your hire car.

To visit these three iconic spots your best parking strategy is to use a public car park and explore on foot. The most convenient car parks for this itinerary are located near the City Market or along East Bay Street. From there it’s a pleasant and relatively short walk to the Pineapple Fountain in Waterfront Park. You can then continue south along the waterfront to see Rainbow Row and The Battery. Trying to find on-street parking in this high-demand area is often difficult and time-consuming.

This is a fantastic Lowcountry itinerary that works best with a hire car. Plan to visit the Angel Oak in the mid-afternoon, as it’s on the way to Folly Beach. After spending time at the majestic oak it’s a simple 20–30 minute drive from Johns Island over to Folly. Once at Folly Beach you can find a parking spot and head to the west end of the island, near Folly Beach County Park, which offers some of the best sunset views over the river and marsh.

For visitors needing minimal walking several attractions are very accessible. Patriots Point, home to the USS Yorktown, has a large car park directly adjacent to the entrance. The South Carolina Aquarium has its own dedicated parking garage, making for a very short walk. Many of the historic plantations, like Boone Hall or Middleton Place, also have convenient parking close to their main houses and visitor centres. When visiting the historic district, using a car park near your primary destination is the best strategy.

When picking up your hire car it’s a good idea to assess the boot space to ensure it will comfortably fit all your family’s gear. Consider doing a quick test fit of your largest items, like a stroller or cooler, before you drive off the lot. This is especially important if you’ve hired a smaller saloon. If space looks tight you can always ask the Enterprise staff about availability of a vehicle with more cargo room to make your beach trips and daily outings much easier.

Driving in Charleston during a major event like the Spoleto Festival or during the peak spring season can be challenging due to increased traffic and limited parking. The key is to adjust your strategy: start your day earlier to get ahead of the crowds, especially when heading to the beaches or downtown. Pre-booking a spot in a car park online can be a lifesaver. Often the best approach is to park your car once for the day and then rely on walking or the free DASH trolley to explore the historic peninsula.

For a food-focused trip concentrate on neighbourhoods that are both culinary hotspots and walkable. The Upper King Street area is an excellent choice, with numerous acclaimed restaurants and several large public car parks. You can park once and spend an entire evening exploring different eateries and bars on foot. Similarly the Shem Creek area in Mount Pleasant offers a cluster of popular waterfront restaurants with their own parking lots, allowing you to park and then stroll along the boardwalk.

Driving to both Middleton Place and Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is a beautiful journey along the historic Ashley River Road. The drive itself is part of the experience, shaded by ancient live oaks. Both plantations are well equipped for visitors arriving by car and have very similar, straightforward parking situations. They each offer large, unpaved parking lots with ample space located conveniently near their respective visitor centres, making access easy and stress-free for those in a hire car.

For a smooth late-night pickup and drive to a beach destination preparation is key. Ensure your rental reservation is confirmed for your arrival time and have your driving licence and details ready. Once you have the car use a satnav to navigate from the airport directly to your accommodation on Folly Beach, Isle of Palms or Sullivan's Island. The roads will have minimal traffic late at night, making for an easy drive, but be sure to have your hotel’s address pre-loaded for seamless navigation.

Starting a coastal road trip from Charleston is incredibly easy and a popular choice. The primary route north to Myrtle Beach is US Highway 17, which you can access directly from the Charleston area. The drive is straightforward and takes you through charming coastal towns like Georgetown. Having a hire car gives you the complete freedom to stop and explore these places at your own pace, turning a simple drive into a memorable part of your journey along the South Carolina coast.

To enjoy a day trip to Congaree National Park plan for an early start from Charleston. The drive takes about an hour and a half to two hours, so leaving by 08:00 is ideal. This gives you plenty of time to walk the famous Boardwalk Loop and explore other trails before the afternoon heat sets in. Pack a lunch and plenty of water, as amenities are limited in the park. By planning to spend around four to five hours at Congaree you can have a full experience and still be back in Charleston in time for dinner.

A day trip to Beaufort is a lovely drive, taking about 90 minutes from Charleston via US-17 South. Once you arrive you’ll find Beaufort’s charming historic downtown is very walkable and parking is relatively easy to find, with a large public lot near the waterfront park. The best plan is to park on arrival and explore the beautiful streets, shops and restaurants on foot. The compact nature of the downtown area makes it perfect for a leisurely day of strolling.

Downtown Charleston’s public parking garages are the most convenient option for visitors with a hire car. They operate with automated ticketing systems where you take a ticket on entry and pay via kiosk or attendant on exit. Garages in the highest-demand areas, such as those adjacent to the City Market and near the junction of King and Market Streets, tend to fill up fastest, especially at weekends. It’s often wise to look for garages slightly further up King Street or on East Bay Street for better availability.

Drivers in Charleston are generally known for being more patient and courteous than those in larger metropolitan areas, reflecting the city’s Southern charm. However the most important thing to be aware of is the high volume of pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in the historic district. Be prepared to stop for people in crosswalks as they have right of way. Be extra vigilant for tourists who may step into the street unexpectedly to take photos.

The most seamless plan is to use your hire car to drive directly to the cruise terminal on the day of departure. The Port of Charleston has clear signage directing cruise passengers to designated luggage drop-off areas and secure long-term parking lots. After dropping off your bags with the porters you can park your car for the duration of your cruise. Alternatively you could drop off your family and luggage at the port then have one person return the hire car to a nearby Enterprise location and take a short taxi back to the terminal.

To maximise your last day pack your luggage into the hire car after checking out of your hotel. Plan to visit an attraction that is either on the way to the airport or has easy parking, such as Patriots Point or one of the plantations in West Ashley. Keep your luggage secured in the boot while you explore. Aim to finish sightseeing at least three hours before your flight’s departure time. This provides a comfortable window to drive to the airport, return the car and proceed to your gate without any last-minute rushing.