National Car Hire
Greer

After collecting your luggage from the baggage reclaim carousels on the lower level, follow the prominent "Rental Car" signs. You will cross the road directly from the terminal building to the multi‑storey car park. The National Car Rental desk and vehicle collection area are conveniently located on the ground floor of this car park. The entire walk is short and covered, protecting you from the weather as you make your way to the facility.

Greenville‑Spartanburg International Airport is known for its efficiency, which benefits travellers. If you arrive without checked bags, you can often walk from your gate to the car hire facility in about 10–15 minutes. Allow a few minutes to complete the hire agreement and choose your vehicle, and you could be driving away in as little as 20–30 minutes from deplaning. If you have checked luggage, add another 15–20 minutes to your timeline.

To make things smoother, consider having one adult wait with the child and luggage in the terminal’s main lobby while the other person collects the car. The hire facility is just a short walk across the road in the car park. Once the car is ready, the driver can pull up at the terminal arrivals kerb for a quick handover. This approach minimises the distance you have to manage everything at once and keeps the child comfortable.

Hire cars at GSP are located in a covered multi‑storey car park directly opposite the terminal. This is a considerable advantage, especially in poor weather. You can load your luggage, fit child seats and settle your party into the vehicle without being exposed to rain or strong sun. The whole process from the hire desk to your car is sheltered.

During peak travel times, such as Monday mornings or Thursday afternoons, the primary bottleneck can be the hire desk itself if several flights arrive simultaneously. Having your reservation details and driving licence to hand will help speed up your turn. Also, if many travellers are choosing from the same vehicle class, selecting your car might take a few extra minutes. Overall, GSP’s compact layout helps keep these potential delays to a minimum.

Before heading into the mountains, take a moment to perform a few key checks for a comfortable and safe drive. Ensure the tyres appear properly inflated and have good tread for handling winding roads. Adjust your mirrors, seat and steering wheel for optimal visibility and control. It’s also sensible to familiarise yourself with the headlight and windscreen‑wiper controls before you set off into higher elevations where the weather can change quickly.

Exiting the GSP hire area is remarkably straightforward, even for first‑time visitors. The airport’s road system is designed for simplicity, with clear and frequent signage directing you toward major routes like I‑85. As you leave the car park, signs will guide you to the main airport boulevard, which provides direct access to the motorway. Using a GPS navigation app will make the process virtually foolproof.

The most direct and common route is to take Interstate 85 South from the airport for a few miles. You will then merge onto Interstate 385 North, which acts as a main artery leading directly into the heart of downtown Greenville. This route is mainly multi‑lane highway driving and is very well signed, making it the easiest option for visitors to navigate.

For a simple and low‑stress drive to Spartanburg, the best route is Interstate 85 North. After exiting the airport you will quickly merge onto I‑85 North, and it’s a direct drive to the various Spartanburg exits. This route avoids complex urban streets and keeps you on a major highway for the entire journey, which typically takes around 20–25 minutes depending on your exact destination.

For an early morning flight you’ll benefit from minimal traffic. The drive from downtown Greenville to GSP typically takes about 20–25 minutes in light conditions. To be safe, plan to leave downtown about 40 minutes before you want to arrive at the hire‑car return. This provides a comfortable cushion for the drive and ensures a relaxed return process.

The most common point of confusion, particularly at night, is ensuring you’re in the correct lane as you approach the terminal. The airport signage is good, but the turn for the "Rental Car Return" can come up quickly. Pay close attention to the overhead signs as you get closer to the car parks. Staying in the left lanes on the airport approach road will generally position you correctly for the return entrance.

The car hire return at GSP is centrally located in the main multi‑storey car park, which is connected to the single consolidated terminal building. After you drop off your vehicle and an agent checks you in, it’s a very short, covered walk into the terminal’s main hall. From there you can easily access check‑in desks and security checkpoints for all airlines, regardless of their location within the building.

For transporting formalwear, a full‑size saloon or a standard SUV offers the most practical space. In a full‑size saloon you can often lay garment bags flat across the spacious back seat. An SUV provides the flexibility to lay them in the rear cargo area or hang them from the grab handles above the rear doors, ensuring your attire arrives looking its best.

Hiring a car at GSP is the most practical way to visit multiple local universities. The airport is centrally located, putting you within a 20–30 minute drive of both Furman and Bob Jones in Greenville. Wofford College in Spartanburg is also an easy 30‑minute drive in the opposite direction via I‑85. A hire car provides the essential freedom to travel between campuses on your own schedule.

To enjoy a Greenville Drive game, plan to drive downtown and park in one of the nearby city car parks, such as County Square or River Street Garage. Arriving about an hour early allows you to find parking easily and soak in the atmosphere. Post‑game traffic near the stadium can be slow for about 15–20 minutes, but it typically clears up quickly as you move a few blocks away from Fluor Field.

The most reliable parking for exploring downtown Greenville is in the city’s public car parks. The Riverplace Garage and the Poinsett Garage are both excellent choices that put you just steps from Falls Park and Main Street. Using a car park eliminates the stress of searching for limited on‑street parking and allows you to pay easily when you leave, making your visit much more enjoyable.

GSP is an excellent and convenient airport for a trip focused on Travelers Rest. The drive from the airport to the heart of Travelers Rest is a pleasant and scenic 30–40 minutes. Having a hire car is ideal for this type of trip, as it allows you to easily access different trailheads along the Swamp Rabbit Trail and explore the shops and restaurants in the area.

The most common and least intimidating route to Asheville is taking US‑25 North. While it is a mountain highway, it is well maintained and has multiple lanes for a significant portion of the drive, making it feel more like a standard interstate. This route offers beautiful scenery without the very tight bends or steep drop‑offs found on smaller, more remote backroads, providing a comfortable drive for most visitors.

While any standard car can handle the drive, a mid‑size or standard SUV often provides the most comfortable experience for a trip to these state parks. The higher seating position offers better visibility to enjoy the stunning scenery along the winding mountain roads. Additionally, the extra space can be useful for packing hiking gear, a coolbox, or picnic supplies for your day of exploration.

To ensure you get a good start on your hike at Jones Gap, it’s best to leave Greenville about 75 minutes before you plan to be on the trail. The drive itself is roughly 45–50 minutes, but the last several miles are on two‑lane country roads. This extra buffer accounts for any slower local traffic and gives you time to park and prepare your gear on arrival.

A great approach is to use Greenville as your base. After enjoying the city, you can take a day trip to Hendersonville via US‑25 North, which is a direct and scenic drive of about 45–50 minutes. You can explore Hendersonville and the surrounding apple orchards or wineries and then return to Greenville along the same route in the evening. This simple out‑and‑back plan is efficient and easy to navigate.

The drive from Greenville to Charlotte is a straightforward 1.5 to 2‑hour trip, almost entirely on Interstate 85 North. It’s an easy motorway drive with no complex navigation required. Once you arrive in Charlotte’s city centre, known as Uptown, the most common parking solution for visitors is to use one of the many well‑marked public parking decks, which charge by the hour or day.

Visitors should be mindful of speed limits on major surface roads like Woodruff Road and Pelham Road, where the limit can change as you pass through different commercial and residential zones. These thoroughfares, along with I‑85 connecting the cities, are regularly monitored by law enforcement. The best practice is to remain attentive to posted speed limit signs to ensure a safe and uneventful drive.

During large downtown events like Artisphere or Fall for Greenville, expect significant road closures and heavy pedestrian traffic. The best strategy is to avoid driving directly into the event area. Instead, plan to park in a city car park on the periphery of the festival and walk the remaining few blocks. Always check the event’s official website for maps of road closures and recommended parking areas.

Visiting the BMW Zentrum is generally very easy. There is ample, complimentary parking available for visitors right at the museum. While the roads around the plant can be busy during employee shift changes in the early morning and late afternoon, it typically doesn’t impact access to the Zentrum itself. Plan your visit during mid‑day to avoid the heaviest commuter traffic in the area.

Making a grocery stop after leaving GSP is extremely convenient. Several major supermarkets are located just a few minutes’ drive from the airport along Pelham Road and near the junctions with I‑85 and I‑385. You can easily pull off the main route to your hotel, pick up any necessary supplies, and then continue on your way with minimal detour.

A frequent mistake for newcomers is navigating the interchange between I‑85 and I‑385, so it’s helpful to know which direction you need beforehand. Another common challenge is getting accustomed to the one‑way street grid in downtown Greenville for the first time. Using a GPS and allowing a few extra minutes for your first trip into the city centre can help you navigate with confidence.

A great meetup point at GSP is the spacious main lobby area on the upper level, near the large windows overlooking the runway. This spot is out of the way of passenger traffic and has plenty of seating. Alternatively, you can all agree to meet at the baggage reclaim carousel of the last person scheduled to arrive. This allows everyone to gather before heading to the car hire centre as a group.

A one‑day loop including the Blue Ridge Parkway is an ambitious but rewarding day trip. A feasible plan involves driving to an access point near Brevard or Asheville, enjoying a 1–2 hour stretch of the Parkway, and then returning via a different highway. This will be a full day, likely 8–10 hours with stops for photos and food, so it’s essential to start early to avoid feeling rushed, especially during months with shorter daylight.

The most responsible and enjoyable way to tour local wineries and breweries is to have a designated driver who agrees to abstain from alcohol. For a more carefree experience, consider booking a place on a professional tour coach or hiring a private car service for the day, which removes any concerns about navigation or driving safely.

While mobile signal is reliable in Greenville and along major interstates, it can become patchy or completely unavailable as you drive into the foothills and mountains. Before you leave, it’s highly recommended to download the maps for your destination area for offline use within your preferred navigation app. This ensures you can continue to get turn‑by‑turn directions even without a cellular data connection.

While significant snow is uncommon in Greenville itself, the higher elevations can see ice, snow and dense fog during the winter months. Roads leading to state parks or mountain towns like Saluda can become hazardous, especially in the early mornings after an overnight freeze. Always check the specific weather forecast for your mountain destination, as conditions can be very different from those at the airport.

When driving from a mountain location, it’s wise to build in a significant time buffer for your return to GSP. Plan to arrive at the airport at least 30–45 minutes earlier than you normally would. This extra time accounts for potential delays from fog, slow‑moving vehicles on winding roads, or unexpected weather, ensuring a low‑stress end to your trip.

Hiring a car for the day is perfect for this plan. After collecting your vehicle at GSP, a great option is to drive up US‑276 toward Caesars Head State Park. The drive itself is scenic, and the overlook provides breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Escarpment. This trip can be done comfortably in a few hours, leaving you plenty of time to explore Greenville before returning the car.

Before finalising a reservation for a large SUV or van, it’s a sensible idea to call your hotel directly and enquire about the height clearance of their car park. Some of the car parks in downtown Greenville, especially older ones, may have lower ceilings. A quick phone call can confirm their specific height restrictions and help you avoid any potential issues when you arrive to park your vehicle.

The most direct route to Clemson is I‑85 South to US‑76 West. On a football match day you must plan for extremely heavy traffic, so leave GSP at least four hours before kickoff. For parking, your best bet is to look for private lots and fields along the main roads leading to campus that offer paid day‑of‑game parking, as official university lots are often reserved for season ticket holders.

Plan for a drive of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from GSP to the Lake Keowee or Jocassee area. As you get closer to the lakes, the roads become more rural and services are limited. It’s a good strategy to stop for groceries, drinks and any other necessary supplies in a larger town like Easley or Pickens before you complete the final leg of your journey.

Weekday mornings, particularly between 07:30 and 09:00, are the busiest times around GSP due to local commuter traffic on I‑85 and Pelham Road. You should expect potential slowdowns during this window. In contrast, Sunday afternoons are typically very light, with traffic flowing freely, making for a much quicker and more relaxed drive to or from the airport.

A safe and realistic buffer to build in is about 75 minutes from your flight’s scheduled arrival time. This allows for about 15 minutes to deplane and walk to the hire facility, 20–30 minutes for the hire process and getting the car, and 25 minutes for the drive to downtown Greenville. This cushion helps absorb minor delays at any stage of the process, ensuring you arrive on time.

For a relaxed departure, aim to arrive at the hire‑car return area approximately two hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time. The return process at GSP is typically very efficient, and the walk to the terminal is short and fully covered. This timing provides a comfortable window to check your luggage, clear security, and still have 45–60 minutes to relax or grab a snack before boarding begins.