Cheap Budget Car Hire in Charleston

Choose car hire suppliers with high ratings, as these often indicate better service, newer cars, and more convenient pickup locations. For Charleston, we have car hire deals from 7 suppliers. Among them, Budget has a rating of 4.6, AVIS has a rating of 4.6, Alamo has a rating of 4.4 and National has a rating of 4.3.

Some rental companies offer a free tank of fuel with your rental. Be sure to understand the terms, including how much fuel you need to return the car with and any potential fees for not meeting these conditions.

When hiring a car in Charleston, be aware that rentals are charged per day. For instance, Budget charges per day, so if you rent for more than 24 hours, you’ll incur an additional day’s charge. Plan your hire period to avoid extra costs

When hiring a car, especially if you’re arriving in Charleston by flight, plan for extra time at pickup to accommodate any potential delays. Suppliers like Budget typically offer a grace period of 30-60 minutes. Providing your flight number can be helpful, but if you’re running late, be sure to call the supplier to inform them.

Before booking, review the rental agreement for any hidden fees such as airport surcharges, additional driver fees, or late return penalties. Understanding these can help you budget more effectively.

Research fuel prices in the area where you'll return the vehicle. Filling up at a local station may be cheaper than paying for fuel through the rental company, especially if they charge higher rates.

When hiring a car in Charleston, choose a car hire deal with a “Full-to-Full” or “Same-to-Same” fuel policy from suppliers like Budget. These policies ensure you only pay for the fuel you use, helping you avoid unnecessary costs. While a “Full-to-Empty” policy might seem convenient, it can often be more expensive if you don’t use all the fuel.

Before leaving the rental location, inspect the car for any existing damage and ensure it’s documented. Take photos if necessary to avoid disputes when returning the vehicle.