Payless Car Hire
South Carolina

For travellers prioritising easy day trips, staying in Mount Pleasant or West Ashley is an excellent strategy. These areas provide direct access to major routes such as US-17 and I-526, allowing you to bypass the intricate one-way streets of the historic peninsula. From Mount Pleasant you can easily head north towards coastal towns or the beaches. West Ashley offers a straightforward starting point for visiting the famous plantations along the Ashley River or heading south towards Kiawah Island and Edisto Beach.

The most direct route from Charleston International Airport (CHS) to Kiawah Island involves taking I-526 West towards Savannah and then joining US-17 South. From there you'll follow signs for Main Road, which becomes Bohicket Road and leads onto the islands. A common point of confusion for first-time visitors is the roundabout at Main Road and Bohicket Road; be sure to stay in the correct lane for Kiawah. Pay close attention to your satnav as you negotiate the scenic, tree-lined roads of Johns and Wadmalaw Islands before reaching the Kiawah gateway.

To enjoy a stress-free dinner drive from Isle of Palms to downtown, timing is everything. Plan to leave the island at least 60–90 minutes before your reservation, especially on weekdays, to avoid the late-afternoon commuter traffic heading into the city. For the return trip, traffic is generally much lighter later in the evening. The drive involves crossing the Isle of Palms Connector and the Ravenel Bridge, both of which can become congested at peak times, so an early departure for dinner is your best bet for a relaxed journey.

After leaving the airport rental car facility, one of the most convenient areas for groceries is along International Boulevard and Montague Avenue. Several major supermarkets are located just a few minutes from the airport, often in shopping centres with large, easy-to-navigate car parks. Heading towards I-526 gives you immediate options in North Charleston. This allows you to stock up on essentials with simple right or left turns before getting onto the motorway to head towards your final destination.

While the drive from Charleston International Airport to the downtown peninsula can be as quick as 20 minutes in ideal conditions, a midday weekday arrival requires a more realistic time budget. You should plan for the journey to take approximately 30 to 45 minutes. This accounts for potential congestion on I-26 East as you approach the city, which is common throughout the business day. Allowing yourself this extra buffer ensures you won't feel rushed as you navigate the final city streets to your hotel.

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is a modern, impressive structure with wide lanes and a gentle gradient, making it much less intimidating than older bridges. If you're nervous, staying in one of the middle lanes can help you feel more secure and less aware of the height. For children, the drive is a highlight, offering fantastic views of the harbour, downtown Charleston and the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point. Pointing out these landmarks can turn the crossing into a fun sightseeing moment for the whole family.

Yes, visitors often find that satnavs can struggle with the dense network of one-way streets downtown, particularly around the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Streets in this area can have restricted access or turn limitations that navigation apps may not always process in real time. It's wise to pay close attention to posted street signs and be prepared for your satnav to recalculate. Always prioritise the information on official signs over your navigation, especially regarding turns and street direction.

For a quick drop-off on the peninsula, the key is to plan your approach and communicate with your passengers. Identify a safe, legal spot to pull over for a moment on a less busy side street near your destination, rather than on a major thoroughfare like King or Meeting Street. Have your passengers ready to exit the vehicle promptly. Another effective strategy is to use a nearby public car park as a brief drop-off point, allowing you to pull out of traffic completely for a safe and unhurried exchange.

For a sunrise photography session, the easiest locations to access by car are on the east-facing coasts. Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms offer numerous public beach access points with parking, allowing you to get to the shoreline quickly in the pre-dawn hours. Another excellent option is Pitt Street Bridge in Mount Pleasant's Old Village, which has dedicated parking and provides a stunning vantage point of the sun rising over the marsh and Sullivan's Island. These spots require minimal hiking, letting you focus on setting up your gear.

A common mistake when driving from CHS to Mount Pleasant during peak traffic is underestimating congestion on I-526 East. Drivers may stay in the far-left lane for too long, only to face a difficult merge across multiple lanes of slow-moving traffic to exit onto the Ravenel Bridge. It's better to move into the centre or right-hand lanes well in advance of the bridge approach. Additionally, not accounting for potential delays on the bridge itself can throw off your schedule, so it's always sensible to add extra time for this route during rush hour.

To efficiently visit both Magnolia Plantation and Middleton Place, start your day early at the plantation that is further away, which is typically Middleton Place. This allows you to enjoy it during the cooler morning hours with fewer crowds. The two historic sites are very close to each other on Ashley River Road (Highway 61), so the drive between them is only a few minutes. By visiting them back-to-back, you consolidate your driving time and avoid making two separate trips out of the city, maximising your exploration time.

To visit Boone Hall Plantation from downtown while avoiding school traffic, plan your drive to miss the morning and afternoon rush. The best approach is to depart after 09:30, once the morning school and work commute has subsided. The route takes you over the Ravenel Bridge and through Mount Pleasant, which has several schools. For your return, aim to leave the plantation either before 14:30 or after 16:30 to steer clear of school dismissal times and the subsequent buildup of local traffic.

When visiting Park Circle in North Charleston, the most convenient strategy is to find a spot in one of the public parking areas or along the streets surrounding the central circle on East Montague Avenue. Once you've parked, the neighbourhood is extremely walkable. The main cluster of restaurants, shops and breweries is concentrated within a few blocks. Parking once and exploring on foot is the best way to experience the area's vibrant atmosphere without having to move your car between stops.

Driving to Sullivan's Island is generally straightforward, but parking can be a challenge, especially on sunny weekends. The island gets most crowded from late morning through the afternoon, typically between 11:00 and 16:00. To secure a parking space more easily and avoid the peak traffic crossing the Ben Sawyer Bridge, plan to arrive before 10:00. Be sure to park with all tyres off the carriageway and obey all posted parking signs to avoid a ticket, as enforcement is strict.

To visit Shem Creek without the stress of hunting for parking, consider arriving outside of peak dining hours. The area is busiest during weekend evenings and for Sunday brunch. A great strategy is to visit on a weekday afternoon, when parking spots are more plentiful in the public lots near the restaurants and boardwalk. If you must go at a popular time, look for parking a little further away on Mill Street or other side streets and enjoy a short, scenic walk to the waterfront.

For a quick beach trip with easy logistics, Folly Beach and Sullivan's Island are excellent choices. Folly Beach offers ample public parking near the pier and along side streets, making it easy to get from your car to the sand in minutes. Sullivan's Island provides a quieter experience, and while parking is along the street, its proximity to Mount Pleasant makes it a convenient stop. Both are relatively close to downtown, allowing you to enjoy the coast without committing to a full-day excursion.

For accessible parking in the historic district, using one of the city's public car parks is the least complicated option. The car parks on Cumberland Street or near the Aquarium offer lifts and are located close to key attractions like Waterfront Park and the City Market. These locations provide a stable starting point without the challenge of navigating uneven pavements or searching for a rare on-street space. From these car parks, you can enjoy relatively flat and well-maintained walking routes to many popular sights.

The drive to the Angel Oak Tree is a lovely trip through the sea islands, but the final approach requires some attention. After turning off the main road, you will be on narrower, unpaved and sandy roads with low-hanging branches. It's important to drive slowly and be mindful of your vehicle's clearance. Be prepared for these rustic conditions and watch for other cars and pedestrians, as the area can be busy. The unique setting is part of the charm, but cautious driving is key.

The most efficient way to handle this itinerary is to park your car once and explore on foot. These three destinations are all within a comfortable walking distance of each other. A good strategy is to park in a central public car park, such as the one near the Aquarium, which is convenient for both Waterfront Park and harbour cruise departures. From there you can easily walk to the City Market. This approach saves you the time and stress of finding multiple parking spots in a busy area.

A great place to meet and consolidate cars is at a large shopping centre in Mount Pleasant or West Ashley, just outside the downtown core. For example, the Mount Pleasant Towne Centre has ample, free parking and is easy to find right off the Isle of Palms Connector. This allows everyone to park easily, transfer luggage, and then drive into the more congested historic district in a single vehicle. It's a low-stress solution that avoids the complexities of trying to coordinate a meetup on narrow city streets.

The drive from Charleston to Beaufort is a scenic and simple trip, primarily following US-17 South. The journey takes about 90 minutes without stops. A perfect place to take a break is the ACE Basin, a beautiful and protected estuary you'll drive through. You can stop at the Edisto River–Dawhoo Bridge for great views or visit the McKenzie Field Station at Bennett's Point for a short walk. This provides a refreshing pause and a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Lowcountry.

To make a day trip to Savannah feel manageable, start early from Charleston, aiming to be on the road by 08:00. The drive itself is about two hours each way, primarily on US-17 South and I-95 South. An early start allows you to arrive in Savannah with a full day ahead for exploring the historic district. Plan to leave Savannah by late afternoon, around 16:00 or 17:00, to avoid driving the whole route back in the dark and to miss the worst of any returning commuter traffic.

Cypress Gardens, located in Moncks Corner, is surprisingly easy to reach from the main Charleston area. The most direct route involves taking I-26 West from Charleston and then exiting onto US-17 ALT/North Main Street. From there, clear signage will guide you the rest of the way. This route primarily uses major roads and well-marked streets, allowing you to avoid the more confusing rural back roads and enjoy a simple, pleasant drive to this unique attraction.

Yes, Charleston is well known for street flooding, especially in the lower-lying areas of the downtown peninsula, which can persist long after a rainstorm, particularly at high tide. The City Market area, the Crosstown (Septima Clark Parkway) and roads near the Battery are particularly susceptible. It is crucial never to drive through standing water, as its depth is often deceptive and can damage your vehicle. Always check a local traffic app or news report for road closures if there has been recent heavy rain.

Driving in Charleston at night requires heightened awareness, especially in the historic district where lighting can be atmospheric but dim. Be particularly watchful for pedestrians and cyclists who may be difficult to see on the narrow streets. On larger roads like the Crosstown or in West Ashley, be prepared for other drivers making sudden lane changes. Maintaining a safe following distance and staying vigilant for your surroundings is the best way to ensure a safe nighttime drive in the city.

Charleston International Airport offers a convenient cell phone waiting lot where you can park for free while you wait for your party to arrive. It is located just a minute's drive from the terminal, allowing you to stay out of the busy arrivals lane until your passenger has collected their luggage and is ready at the kerb. This is the simplest and most stress-free way to handle a delayed pickup without circling the airport or parking in the short-term garage.

Even for a very early flight when road traffic is minimal, it's wise to allow at least 30 minutes for the car rental return process at CHS. This buffer accounts for the time needed to find the designated return area, have the vehicle checked in by an agent, gather all your luggage, and then walk to the terminal for airline check-in and security. Building in this dedicated time for the return itself ensures a smooth and unhurried start to your departure, even if the drive to the airport is quick.

This is a very efficient itinerary as the two locations are close to each other in Mount Pleasant. Start your morning at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. When you are finished, you will exit back onto Coleman Boulevard. From there, it's a direct and well-signed drive over the Ben Sawyer Bridge to reach Sullivan's Island. This route is a natural progression that requires no backtracking, allowing you to seamlessly transition from the historical site to a relaxing afternoon on the beach.

The biggest surprise for visitors driving near Tanger Outlets and the North Charleston Coliseum is the complex and often congested network of roads. The junctions can be large and confusing, with multiple turn lanes and quick merges required, especially on Montague Avenue and International Boulevard. Traffic can build up suddenly, particularly during a major event at the Coliseum or on a busy shopping weekend. It's best to use a satnav and pay close attention to lane signage well in advance of your turns.

When driving to a rural Lowcountry venue at night, expect roads that are narrow, winding and poorly lit, often lined with large oak trees. It's crucial to drive slower than you normally would and use your main beams when appropriate, being mindful of oncoming traffic. Also, be on the lookout for wildlife, such as deer, which are common in these areas. Allow extra travel time and ensure your satnav is fully charged, as mobile coverage can sometimes be spotty.

To minimise driving time on a food tour, group your destinations geographically and time them to avoid rush hour. For example, you could spend a morning and lunch exploring Park Circle in North Charleston, then head to Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant for a late-afternoon drink and waterfront views. Finally, travel into town for a dinner reservation in the Upper King district after the evening commute has died down. This sequence avoids criss-crossing the metro area during peak congestion.

For a quick and easy break with kids near downtown, Waterfront Park is an excellent choice. It has public toilets, plenty of benches, and wide, pushchair-friendly paths where children can safely stretch their legs and watch the boats. Another great option is to stop at a Harris Teeter supermarket, such as the one in West Ashley just over the bridge. These stores offer clean restrooms, a wide variety of snacks, and large car parks, making for a convenient and low-stress pit stop.

A great way to combine the beach and outlet shopping is to start your day at the beach. Head to Sullivan's Island or Isle of Palms in the morning to enjoy the coast before the biggest crowds and strongest sun. After lunch, drive to the Tanger Outlets in North Charleston. By travelling in the early to mid-afternoon, you'll be moving against the main flow of beach traffic and will arrive at the outlets after the initial morning rush, making for a much smoother day.

If you're wary of narrow streets, you should avoid driving in the historic area south of Broad Street and the French Quarter. These neighbourhoods feature cobbled streets, extremely tight turns and very limited parking, which can be stressful. A better plan is to park your car in a public garage north of this area, perhaps near the City Market or on the west side near Lockwood Drive. From there, you can comfortably explore these charming and historic areas on foot.

During College of Charleston move-in weekends or major events, the streets around the downtown campus become extremely congested with slow-moving traffic and temporary road closures. Expect a significant increase in pedestrians who may not be paying attention to cars. It's best to avoid driving through the heart of campus on streets like Calhoun, St Philip and Coming if possible. If your destination is in this area, allow for significant extra travel time and be prepared for frequent stops.

For a relaxed final day, plan your stops in locations that are generally on your route back towards the airport in North Charleston. You could enjoy a final Lowcountry view at Riverfront Park in North Charleston or take a leisurely stroll through the Park Circle neighbourhood for a coffee. These spots have easy parking and are located away from the downtown congestion. This allows for a pleasant end to your trip without the stress of navigating heavy traffic before your flight.

During the holiday season, driving downtown in the evening presents unique challenges. Expect increased pedestrian traffic as people enjoy the decorations, and be prepared for slow-moving horse-drawn carriages and tour vehicles that can cause backups on narrow streets. Finding on-street parking becomes even more difficult due to the crowds. It's highly advisable to park in a garage and walk, and to allow much more time than usual to get to any dinner reservations or events.

The Charleston Farmers Market is held in Marion Square, which is centrally located but lacks dedicated parking. The most straightforward approach is to park in the Camden/Exchange Street public car park, located just one block away. This car park is easy to access from major roads like Meeting Street. Parking here allows for a very short walk to the market, making it convenient to carry back any produce, crafts or food items you purchase without having to trek across town.