Car Rental Guide for the Charleston International Airport (CHS)
The Charleston International Airport (CHS) in South Carolina is a small hanger with one main terminal located at 5500 International Blvd, Charleston, SC 29418, which is technically in North Charleston. The small size of the airport makes navigating it easy. AutoRentals.com has put together a photo guide of the airport and all the companies located in the Rental Car Pavilion.
Renting from an auto company not on the airport? We’ve got you covered as well. Both Thrifty Car Rental and Dollar Car Rental are accessible by a direct free shuttle from the airport. While less convenient, this can sometimes be a more affordable option for travelers looking to save money. Most of the time airports charge more per day for car rentals and the airport concession fees and taxes can make the total cost of the rental go up significantly. Make sure you compare different location prices to get the best option for your Charleston Airport car rental.
How to Get to Baggage Claim
When arriving at the airport check to make sure you have your reservation, identification card and all carry-on items. If you are traveling with luggage, follow signs for baggage claim. There are only three baggage carousels, labeled numerically, located directly next one another. There are clearly marked display screens above indicating which carousel has the baggage from your arriving flight.
Where are the Car Rental Companies Located?
After gathering your bags continue to follow signs for “Rental Cars”. The airport’s Rental Car Pavilion is located just past the baggage claim area. Here, you will find several different car rental counters. Get in line and make sure to have all your documents and payment method ready. After picking up your keys you can head right outside; there is no shuttle necessary if you’re renting from Alamo, National, Avis, Budget, Enterprise or Hertz! The rental cars are all within a short walking distance and ready to go. Both Thrifty Car Rental and Dollar Car Rental are accessible by a direct shuttle pick up service from the airport, see more instructions below!
What Car Rental Companies are at the Airport?
Alamo Rent a Car Charleston Airport Hours of Operation:
· Monday through Sunday 12:00AM to 1:00AM and 6:00AM to 11:59PM
· AFTER-HOURS RETURNS: Please contact provider for information.
· Address: 5500 International Blvd # 119, Charleston, SC 29418
· Map: Here
· Reviews: Yelp
National Car Rental Charleston Airport Hours of Operation:
· Monday through Sunday 12:00AM to 1:00AM and 6:30AM to 11:59PM
· AFTER-HOURS RETURNS: Return is available on this location which might require you follow a few additional steps. Please reference the instructions on your reservation email, call their direct line to see other terms and conditions.
· Listed Address: 5500 International Blvd # 119, Charleston, SC 29418
· Map: Here
· Reviews: Yelp
Avis Car Rental Charleston Airport Hours of Operation:
· Monday through Sunday 6:00AM to 12:00AM
· AFTER-HOURS RETURNS: Available. Park & lock the vehicle. Place the completed contract & the keys in the Drop Box located on counter. Please remember to take your personal belongings with you.
· Avis Car Rental and Budget Rent a Car at the Charleston International Airport Rental Car Pavilion are closed every day from midnight to 6:00 AM, if you need a rental car during that time make sure to anticipate a wait or make other arrangements.
· Address: 5500 International Blvd, Charleston, SC, 29418, U S A
· Map: Here
· Reviews: Yelp
Budget Rent a Car Charleston Airport Hours of Operation:
· Monday through Sunday 6:00AM to 12:00AM
· AFTER-HOURS RETURNS: Available. Park & lock the vehicle. Place the completed contract & the keys in the Drop Box located on counter. Please remember to take your personal belongings with you.
· Address: 5500 International Blvd, Charleston, SC, 29418, United States
· Map: Here
· Reviews: Yelp
Enterprise Rent-A-Car Charleston Airport Hours of Operation:
· Monday through Sunday 7:00AM to 11:59PM
· AFTER-HOURS RETURNS: When getting a car from Enterprise, after hour returns are allowed. You’ll need to return your rental vehicle to the airport rental car parking area. Park in a designated Enterprise parking space. Place keys in the drop box located at the Enterprise counter inside the terminal. Car rental Charleston SC airport Enterprise has some of the best reviews for this airport location.
· Address: 5500 International Blvd #114 Charleston, SC, 29418, US
· Map: Here
· Reviews: Yelp
The Hertz Corporation Charleston Airport Hours of Operation:
· Monday through Sunday 5:30AM to 12:30AM
· AFTER-HOURS RETURNS: After hours drop off available and after hours pickup available, please see Hertz’s qualifications and requirements. When returning after hours you will have to place your keys in the drop box at the end of counter where you initially picked up the car or other rental vehicle
· Address Listed: 5500 International Blvd. Charleston (North Charleston), South Carolina 29418 United States
· Map: Here
· Review: Yelp
Which Companies Can I Take a Shuttle to from the Airport?
When renting from either of these companies it is important to remember the counter locations are NOT at the airport. Both Dollar Car Rental and Thrifty Car Rental are accessible by a direct free shuttle from the airport. After gathering your items from baggage claim follow signs for the free shuttle. It is right outside baggage claim, across the street and clearly labeled. There is one shuttle for both Dollar Car Rental and Thrifty Car Rental as both share the same office building and lot.
Dollar Car Rental & Thrifty Car Rental Charleston Airport Hours of Operation:
· Monday through Sunday 4:00AM to 12:00AM
· AFTER-HOURS RETURNS: Please call individual providers for details
· Address: 3826 W Montangue Avenue, Charleston, SC 29418
· Reviews: See Yelp or other review sites for information on the separate rental companies
How many terminals does Charleston airport have?
Charleston International Airport consists of a single passenger Terminal.
Where is Each Car Rental Company Located in Airport?
All the car rental company counters are inside the Charleston International Airport at the Rental Car Pavilion directly next to the baggage claim area in the main terminal. To get to your car you only need to walk outside and follow the designated signs. No shuttle is required at this airport to pick up your rental.
In Airport Car Rental Company Phone Numbers
Alamo Rent a Car
Counter Phone Number: 843–556–1255
Customer Service: 800–522–9292
Avis Car Rental
Counter Phone Number: 843–767–7030
Customer Service: 800–331–1212
Counter Phone Number: 843–552–1771
Customer Service: 800–527–0700
Counter Phone Number: 843–767–1109
Customer Service: 800–261–7331
The Hertz Corporation
Counter Phone Number: 843–767–4550
Customer Service: 800–654–3131
National Car Rental
Counter Phone Number: 843–767–3078
Customer Service: 800–227–7368
What Are Some Things to Do in Charleston?
Whether you’re in Charleston, South Carolina for business or pleasure there’s plenty to do in The Palmetto State. From beaches to the historical downtown and vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone.
The downtown area in Charleston is home to exquisite restaurants, charming backroads, years of history beautiful parks and live music. A Charleston favorite for a Saturday night on the town is Uptown Social and Prohibition. Be sure to stop by the downtown Historic Charleston City Market area on Meeting Street where you can find local crafts, vintage clothes, scented candles and more! Byrd’s Famous Cookies is also a must visit for some free samples, they’re so good you’ll want to buy some and take them home to share.
If you’re staying on Folly Beach be sure to checkout the funky summer vibes at Chico Feo, regulars can’t get enough of their yummy tacos. The streets on Folly are lined with restaurants, bars and cute shops for tourists. With your rental car or rental truck, be sure to drive out to the Washout, this is a great spot for surfing and exploding nature. Take a left at the last stoplight on Folly Beach Road and keep driving down East Ashley Avenue until it ends. If you’re feeling really adventurous try a surf lesson with Sol Surfers.
If you’re looking to drive out to a quitter, cozier beach be sure to check out Sullivan’s Island. It is one of the nicest locations in Charleston. You can spend the afternoon wandering the beach while searching for shells, taking in the ocean breeze and end the day with an ice cream cone from Beard Cat’s. If you’re interested in history make sure to visit Fort Moultrie and Poe’s Tavern, Edgar Allen Poe was stationed here for the majority of 1828 and the restaurant is covered with his work, excerpts and photographs.
Have Questions? How to Contact Airport
The Charleston International Airport customer Information desk is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays and weekends for your convenience. The number to the desk is (843)-767–7009 and more information can be found at: https://www.iflychs.com/Travel-Information/Information-Desk.
If you don’t have questions and feel you’re ready to book a rental car at the Charleston, South Carolina airport visit Autorentals.com to start a car reservation. We have vehicles in almost every car class and brand you could need.
AutoRentals.com’s real time matrix that allows users to compare options quickly has recently been featured in SmarterTravel’s blog, The 16 Best Car Rental Booking Sites for 2020.
