Ready to hit the road straight from CHS? Use the search form above to find real-time car rental deals at Charleston International Airport. Just enter your travel dates and choose “Charleston Intl Airport (CHS)” as your pick-up location. In seconds, you’ll see offers from all the major car rental companies at CHS and more. Our system lets you filter by vehicle type, passenger capacity, and price, so whether you need a compact car for city errands or a 12-passenger van for a family reunion trip, we’ve got options ready. Why book with AirportVanRental at CHS? Because we make it fast, easy, and affordable: • No Pre-Payment Needed: Reserve your car now, pay at pick-up. Most rentals at CHS require no upfront payment, giving you flexibility if your flight or plans change last minute. • Free Cancellation: Enjoy free cancellation on most bookings up to 48 hours before pickup. Lock in a great rate early without worry if your trip shifts or that meeting gets rescheduled, you won’t be stuck with fees. • Instant Confirmation: Our booking process takes just a few clicks. Once you’ve found the perfect vehicle, confirm your reservation and you’re all set. You’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details (including which rental company counter to go to at CHS and any pickup instructions). • Transparent Pricing: The rate you see includes all mandatory taxes and airport fees we itemize everything so there are no surprises at the counter. (Charleston Airport rentals include surcharges like a concession fee and facility charge; our quotes show them upfront.) • Trusted Rental Partners: We work with reputable national brands (Alamo, Budget, Hertz, etc.) and local specialists to bring you the best rates at CHS. Our partnerships and volume discounts mean you often get exclusive prices here that you won’t find by walking up at the airport. Plus, you can compare across companies in one go no need to check each agency individually. • Quick Pick-Up: At CHS, rental car counters are conveniently located right in the terminal, just past baggage claim. After you book, we recommend providing your flight number if prompted this helps the rental agency track your arrival in case of delays. With your reservation in hand, you’ll typically be on the road within 15–30 minutes of landing. The cars are parked in the attached Rental Car Pavilion/parking deck, so no shuttles needed it’s a short walk from the counter to your vehicle. In short, we strive to make the transition from airplane seat to driver’s seat as smooth as possible! Why Rent a Car at Charleston Airport? Renting a car directly at CHS comes with a ton of advantages for both tourists and business travelers. Here’s why savvy travelers choose to grab the keys at Charleston International instead of relying on cabs or waiting for rideshares: • Ultimate Flexibility for Exploring: Charleston International Airport isn’t just the gateway to the city, but to all of coastal South Carolina and even nearby states. With a car right from the airport, you can drop your bags in the trunk and start exploring immediately from downtown Charleston’s historic sites to day trips like Huntington Beach State Park or even a drive down to Savannah. Public transport won’t easily reach many of these spots, and scheduling tours can be limiting. A rental car lets you create your own itinerary and discover charming towns, beaches, and scenic vistas on your own schedule. No need to confine your trip to what’s downtown you have the wheels to go anywhere. • Skip the Hassle of Shuttles & Multiple Rides: After a flight, the last thing you want is to figure out a puzzle of ground transportation. Picking up a car at CHS means door-to-door convenience hop off the plane, walk to the rental desk, and you’re in your car. No dragging luggage to a rideshare zone or waiting for a hotel shuttle that makes multiple stops. For families with kids or lots of baggage, this is a game changer car seats can be pre-reserved with your rental, and you won’t have to lug everything in and out of different vehicles. It’s also a relief if you arrive late at night you’ll have your own private, safe ride ready, no surge prices or scarce late-night drivers to worry about. • Save Time on Business or Quick Trips: If you’re flying in for a short business trip or a specific event (say a conference at the Charleston Area Convention Center in North Charleston, which is near the airport), a rental car can be a huge time-saver. You’re not bound by any shuttle schedule or ride availability drive straight to your meeting in downtown or Mount Pleasant and be on time. Similarly, if you’re visiting one of the area’s hospitals or campuses, you control your commute. What might be a 1.5-hour trip with connections via buses (or an expensive series of Lyfts) could be just a 30-minute straightforward drive with a rental. Your time is valuable don’t spend it figuring out transportation every step of the way. • Freedom for Early or Late Arrivals: Flights don’t always arrive 9-to-5. If you land at midnight or need to depart at 4 AM, having your own car ensures 24/7 mobility. Charleston’s rental car counters typically stay open to accommodate late flights (if your flight is delayed past normal hours, staff usually remain if they know you’re coming with a reservation). And even if a counter closes, many allow after-hours pick-up arrangements. Contrast this with late-night alternatives: fewer cabs on standby, and rideshare surge pricing can be steep at odd hours. With a rental, you can drive yourself to that early sunrise shoot at Folly Beach or handle that 2 AM arrival with ease. • Comfort and Safety: Especially for international travelers or those new to the area, driving yourself can feel more secure and comfortable. You have control over the route and pace. All AirportVanRental partners at CHS provide well-maintained, modern vehicles (and yes, almost all have air conditioning a must in Charleston’s summer). If you’re not familiar with the area, our rental partners can provide a map and basic directions to get you started (downtown Charleston is about 12 miles south of the airport, pretty straightforward via I-526 and I-26). Driving in the US (on the right side of the road) becomes second-nature quickly, and Charleston’s roads are relatively calm outside of rush hour. Having your own car means you can also safely store your luggage or purchases if you’re making stops before hotel check-in. Overall, it adds a layer of convenience and control that many travelers greatly appreciate. In short, renting a car from Charleston Airport sets you up to get the most out of your trip however far afield you want to go. It’s often the fastest, easiest, and even most economical way to cover all your transportation needs from arrival to departure. Our Charleston Airport Car Rental Advantages When you book your CHS Airport rental through AirportVanRental, you’re not just getting a car you’re getting a seamless experience from start to finish, with perks you wouldn’t get by walking up at the counter. Here’s what sets us apart for your Charleston International Airport car rental: • Best Rates at CHS Guaranteed: Airport rentals can sometimes be pricier due to facility fees, but we scan all the rental companies at CHS to find you the cheapest rates available. By aggregating deals from top-rated brands (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty all on-site at CHS) and more, we ensure you don’t miss hidden discounts. We often have exclusive promo rates thanks to our partnerships weekend specials, weekly bundles, etc. If there’s a lower price out there for the same booking, we’ll match or beat it. Our goal is simple: get you the most bang for your buck on your Charleston Airport rental. Why pay more when you can save and spend that money enjoying your trip (maybe on a nice dinner along Charleston’s King Street!)? • Wide Vehicle Selection (Including Vans): Need a zippy economy car just for yourself? An SUV for a family vacation? A roomy minivan or 12-passenger van for a group heading to Parris Island graduation or a golf outing? We’ve got them all. AirportVanRental specializes in van rentals, so at CHS you’ll find plenty of passenger van options that other sites might not show prominently. Of course, you’ll also see sedans, compacts, luxury cars, and hybrids in the mix. With thousands of vehicles in our system, you can choose exactly what fits your trip. Pro tip: Charleston’s downtown has narrow streets and limited parking, so if you’ll mostly stay in the city, a smaller car can be easier; but if you have a big group or lots of gear (surfboards, fishing equipment?), a van or SUV from us will accommodate you comfortably. Either way, we make sure you have the right ride for your needs. • No Hidden Fees Total Transparency: Renting at an airport usually means some extra surcharges (airport concession fee, customer facility charge, etc.). We make sure all mandatory fees and taxes are included in your quote upfront. The price you see is the price you pay, period. For example, Charleston Airport adds a concession recovery (a percentage of the rental) and a facility charge (per day) to rentals rather than surprise you at the counter, we display these in your online quote breakdown. You’ll know the true total cost before you book, so you can budget accurately. No last-minute surprises or mysterious “airport fees” popping up on your bill we hate that too! With AVR, transparency is a given. • Flexible Booking & Payment: Plans change we get it. That’s why most reservations with us require no prepayment. Reserve your vehicle to lock in a great rate and pay when you pick it up. If you need to cancel or modify, it’s usually free as long as you do so a day or two in advance (always check your specific booking terms, but we aim for flexibility). We also don’t add on any sneaky fees like “ticket counter fee” the quotes you see already include everything mandatory. One thing to note: if you’re under 25 or adding extra drivers, the rental companies will have surcharges for that but we show those in the booking process too. Bottom line: we set you up with all the info and don’t penalize you for needing to adjust things. Travel is unpredictable; your car rental with us isn’t. • Customer Support & Local Expertise: Booking through AirportVanRental means you have a team in your corner. Our customer support is available in case you hit any snags or have questions before, during, or after your rental. Flight delay causing you to worry about the counter hours? Give us a call we can often coordinate with the rental branch to hold your reservation. Not sure about South Carolina’s driving laws or need advice on which insurance option to pick? We’re here to help with honest info. We also provide local driving tips (keep reading below!) and up-to-date info on Charleston Airport’s procedures, so you’re never in the dark. With AVR, you’re not dealing with just a machine or a single rental company you have a travel partner looking out for you. Our goal is to make your CHS car rental experience as smooth as sweet tea on a summer day. Navigating Charleston Airport’s Rental Car Facility Picking up your rental at Charleston International Airport is a straightforward process the airport designed it to be traveler-friendly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to expect and how to navigate once you land: 1. After You Land: Once you deplane, follow the signs to Baggage Claim if you have checked luggage. Charleston’s terminal is moderate in size, so it’s a short walk. Grab your bags from the carousel. If you only have carry-on, you’ll save a few minutes and head straight toward the rental area. 2. Find the Rental Car Counters: The rental car desks are located at the end of the terminal, past baggage claim, in the Rental Car Pavilion. Just look for signs that say “Rental Cars” or the logos of major companies. It’s all on the same level. You won’t have to go outside or take a shuttle it’s inside the airport. 3. Check-In at Your Company’s Counter: At the counter for your specific rental provider (e.g., Alamo, Hertz, Budget, etc.), present your driver’s license and credit card. They’ll pull up your reservation (having your confirmation number can help, but they can usually find it under your name). They may ask for your flight details (if you didn’t give it when booking) and have you initial/agree to the rental terms. This is also where you can confirm any add-ons like GPS, car seats, or insurance coverage. Since you booked through AVR, your rate and terms are already set just double-check everything matches what you expect. The agent will then give you your rental agreement, keys, and directions to your vehicle. 4. Picking Up the Car: The cars are housed in the connected parking garage. From the counter, you’ll exit the terminal doors directly into the parking deck (it’s adjacent and clearly marked for rental cars). There are covered walkways. Follow the signs or the directions given by the agent typically, they’ll say something like “Your car is in Section B, Space 12” or they might escort you to it. The garage is multi-level, but rental returns and pickups are usually on the ground Level 1 for convenience. Inspect the car for any pre-existing damage (scratches, dents) and notify the attendant or document it in the paperwork before driving off. Adjust your mirrors, get your GPS set you’re almost ready to go. 5. Exiting the Airport: Leaving CHS by car is simple. The rental garage exit will lead you onto the airport loop road. Follow signs for “Airport Exit” or I-526/I-26. If you’re heading to downtown Charleston, you’ll typically take International Blvd out of the airport, then hop on I-526 East which connects to I-26 East into the city. It’s about a 15-20 minute drive to downtown in normal traffic. Road signage will point toward Charleston. If you have a GPS or phone map, it will likely guide you similarly. Speed limit on International Blvd is 35 mph, and once on the interstates it’s 60-70 mph. 6. Returning the Car: When your trip is done, follow signs for Rental Car Return as you approach the airport. The return is in the same parking garage (Level 1) where you picked up. There are marked lanes for each company. Park in the designated return area, gather all your belongings (double-check the back seat and trunk!), and hand the keys to the attendant or drop them in the drop box if it’s after hours. The airport is small enough that from the garage, it’s a short walk into the terminal for your flight. Aim to return with a little cushion of time in case of any lines or final fuel refill though generally, CHS rental returns are quick. Note: Charleston’s airport is pretty easy-going compared to major hubs no shuttles, no confusion. Plus, the staff are known for that Southern hospitality, often willing to answer questions or give directions for your drive. If it’s your first time, don’t hesitate to ask the rental agent for the best route to your destination or any local driving tips they do this all day and are happy to help. Local Driving Tips for CHS Renters Once you’ve got your car, here are some local driving tips starting from the airport: • Route to Downtown: The primary way to downtown Charleston from CHS is via I-526 East to I-26 East. It’s well-marked. You’ll merge onto I-26 and continue until it ends, feeding you onto Meeting Street or King Street downtown. During rush hour (morning 7-9am, evening 4:30-6pm), there can be congestion on I-26 heading into downtown, so add an extra 15 minutes to be safe. An alternate scenic route (if it’s rush hour and you’re not in a hurry) is to take Dorchester Road or Rivers Ave south, but those have many lights usually not faster, but you’ll see more local scenery. Generally, stick to the interstates for efficiency. • Traffic around CHS: The airport itself is in North Charleston. This area can get busy on weekdays due to the Charleston Air Force Base and Boeing facility nearby. The roads right outside the airport (International Blvd, Montague Ave) see typical commute traffic. If you arrive at 5pm, expect it to be a bit slow getting to the interstate. Nothing too crazy, just be patient and watch for folks changing lanes. • Navigation: If you’re heading elsewhere (not downtown), CHS is conveniently near the junction of I-526 (which is a bypass loop) and I-26 (which goes NW/SE). Going to Mount Pleasant or Isle of Palms? Take I-526 East across the Ravenel Bridge. Going to Summerville/Columbia direction? Take I-26 West. Going to Savannah? You can actually avoid downtown and take I-526 West which merges into US-17 south. A map or GPS will be your friend. Cell service around the region is solid, including on the interstates and in town. • Fueling Up: If you need gas near the airport, there are a couple of gas stations within a mile. Shell and Sunoco on International Blvd often see rental cars topping off. Prices might be a tad higher (maybe 10-20 cents) than further out, but it’s the price of convenience. If you want to save a bit, there are more gas stations on Dorchester Rd or Aviation Ave a couple miles from CHS. It’s a good practice to fill the tank close to full before returning if your rental agreement is full-to-full. Keep that receipt just in case they ask (rare, but good practice). • Charleston Area Highways: Charleston doesn’t have extensive highways beyond I-26 and I-526. If you’re exploring beyond, you’ll be on state highways or local roads. For example, going to Kiawah Island is via SC-171/SC-700 (no interstates once off I-526). These roads can be two-lane and slower, but they’re usually pleasant drives. Just account for extra travel time and occasionally getting stuck behind a tractor or slow tourist it happens. If you’re heading up to Myrtle Beach, you’ll likely take 17 North, which passes through stretches with traffic lights and towns (plan ~2+ hours). If heading to Savannah, as noted, US-17 South is the scenic way (about 2 hours) or you can go I-95 (not really better unless you’re out near I-95 to start with). • Weather and Driving: Charleston’s weather can influence driving. In summer, pop-up thunderstorms are common late afternoon they can be heavy but brief. If it pours, use the low beam headlights (remember SC law lights on with wipers) and drive slower, as streets can flood in low spots. If you encounter standing water on a road, try not to drive through if it looks deep better to turn around. The airport area is higher ground and drains well, but downtown has some notorious flooding spots (Market Street, parts of the Crosstown) be cautious if a heavy rain coincides with high tide. In the rare winter event of ice, bridges like the Ravenel may close temporarily; listen to local news or alerts if visiting in a freak winter storm (once every few years occurrence). • Tolls & Passes: As mentioned, there are no toll roads in the Charleston area, so you won’t need an E-ZPass or SunPass. If you drive on I-95 up toward NC or down to FL, still no tolls on that stretch. Only if you ventured far out (like to Orlando or up to Virginia) would you see tolls and you could decide then to use the rental’s toll program or pay cash where possible. But most CHS renters won’t encounter any tolls. So that’s one less thing to worry about! • Airport Return Timing: On your way back, aim to get to CHS at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight (a bit more for international, though CHS’s only international flights are to London and some Caribbean destinations currently). The rental car return process itself is quick usually under 10 minutes but walking to the terminal and security lines can take time. CHS has a centralized TSA checkpoint; mornings can be busy with business travelers, mid-days are usually moderate, late afternoons can pick up again. Give yourself time and you’ll be fine. The nice part: after dropping the car, you’re literally right at the terminal no shuttle ride eating up time. By following these tips, you’ll find driving to and from Charleston Airport (and around the region) pretty stress-free. Many travelers comment on how convenient CHS is compared to larger airports we hope you feel the same and that having a rental car makes your Charleston trip even better! Featured Car Rental Deals at CHS Airport To give you a flavor of pricing and options, here are some top rental car deals at Charleston International Airport right now. (Remember, these are approximate “from” rates in the current season prices may vary by date.) • Economy Car from $15/day. Example: Toyota Corolla or similar. Great for solo travelers or couples with light luggage. Easy to park in the city and super fuel-efficient for trips up and down the coast. At CHS, economy models are plentiful, and outside peak season you can snag one for around $15 a day competition among multiple agencies keeps rates low. If you’re mostly doing city driving and short hops, this is your budget-friendly go-to. • Standard SUV from $18/day. Example: Nissan Rogue or Hyundai Tucson. Fits 5 passengers plus luggage comfortably. A smart choice if you’re heading to the suburbs or taking a family day trip to someplace like Brookgreen Gardens or Edisto Beach plenty of room for a stroller, picnic gear, and souvenirs. Around $18/day off-peak is a terrific value for the versatility and comfort. And SUVs handle Charleston’s occasional heavy rain puddles with ease due to higher ground clearance. • Minivan from $21/day. Example: Chrysler Pacifica or Dodge Grand Caravan. Seats 7-8. Perfect for groups, whether you’re a family visiting relatives or a bachelorette party doing a weekend in Charleston. Extra cargo space for bags no need to pack light. Considering these can run $80+ in peak summer, grabbing one around $21/day in a slower month is a steal. If you’re traveling with kids, you can also request car seats ahead of time for convenience. • 12-Passenger Van from $21/day. Example: Ford Transit Passenger Van or similar. Got a big crew? This is ideal for sports teams, church groups, or an extended family vacation where you want everyone together. Surprisingly easy to handle despite the size, and it offers unbeatable per-person cost for transportation. At ~$21/day in off-season, that’s like $2 per person! Keep in mind, these vans are in high demand around event times (spring tournaments, summer family reunions), so book early. We pride ourselves on offering plenty of van options at CHS something many rental sites don’t highlight. • Luxury/Premium Car from $20/day. Example: BMW 3 Series, Cadillac XTS or similar. Arrive in style to that business meeting in downtown Charleston or treat your partner to a ride in a luxury sedan for your anniversary trip. These premium vehicles offer a smooth ride on Charleston’s highways and a touch of class. At around $20/day (when demand is low), it’s more affordable than you might think to upgrade your experience. Plus, Charleston’s backdrop makes a luxury car feel right at home imagine pulling up under the grand canopy of the Charleston Place hotel in a sleek BMW. If you’re here during peak wedding or festival season, rates will be higher, but check weekends vs weekdays you might find a deal to indulge a bit. Pricing Note: The above “from” rates are based on current offers for short-term rentals picking up at CHS. Airport rental prices can fluctuate with seasons and events. Expect higher rates during spring (Mar-Apr) when festivals and weddings abound, summer beach season, and any holiday weekends. Conversely, you’ll often find deals in winter (excluding holiday weeks) and late August/September (after school starts, though watch for hurricane season blips). Always search for your specific dates we’ll show you the real-time best prices. And remember, you can book early to lock in a good rate; with free cancellation on most bookings, it’s a no-risk strategy to ensure you have the car you want at a price you like.
Charleston International Airport is the busiest airport in South Carolina and often the first stop for travelers eager to explore Charleston’s historic charm and the surrounding Lowcountry. Renting a car at CHS gives you the freedom to travel on your own schedule from downtown Charleston’s cobblestone streets to scenic coastal byways and beyond. This page is your complete guide to securing an affordable Charleston airport car rental with ease. We’ve combined AirportVanRental’s best deals with local tips on navigating CHS’s rental process, so you can rent a car at Charleston Airport confidently, whether you’re a local or flying in from afar.
Pro Tip: Charleston’s downtown is very walkable and rideshares can handle short trips, but if you plan to venture to plantations, beaches, or neighboring cities, a rental car is the way to go. It lets you skip juggling multiple shuttle or Uber rides and gives you door-to-door convenience as soon as you land at CHS. In the humid summer or if you arrive late at night, nothing beats having your own air-conditioned car ready to whisk you to your destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
All the major national rental brands have counters on-site at CHS. As of now, you’ll find Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty operating right at the airport’s Rental Car Pavilion. This means you can pick up your keys without leaving the terminal. The counters are in the baggage claim area, and the cars are parked in an attached garage (no shuttle required). When booking through AirportVanRental, we’ll show you deals from these providers and more. Occasionally, there are also off-site companies (like some local or discount agencies) that provide car rentals with a shuttle from the airport if so, we’ll clearly indicate that in your booking details (with instructions on where to meet their shuttle). But if convenience is your priority, stick with the on-site ones listed above you can’t beat walking a few yards from plane to car!
Downtown Charleston is roughly 12 miles southeast of Charleston International Airport. By car, it usually takes about 20 minutes to reach the Historic District in light to moderate traffic. The best route is: from the airport, take I-526 East for a couple of exits, then merge onto I-26 East toward Charleston. Stay on I-26 until it ends (don’t worry, you can’t miss it I-26 literally terminates at downtown). At the terminus, follow signs for Meeting Street or King Street depending on which part of downtown you need to go to. Meeting Street will take you through the heart of downtown (near the Visitor Center and then South of Broad), while King Street is the main shopping and dining artery. Either is fine they run parallel a few blocks apart. If it’s rush hour or there’s an accident on I-26, an alternative is to take Dorchester Road (Route 642) or Rivers Avenue (US78) toward the city, but expect a lot of stoplights. Generally, stick to the interstates. Once downtown, be prepared for slower, narrow streets and pedestrians. But that 12-mile hop from CHS is quick and easy one of the perks of our airport’s location. Fun fact: The airport is actually in the city of North Charleston, so you technically travel through three “cities” North Charleston, a tiny slice of North Charleston County, and then City of Charleston!
Generally, yes as long as you provided your flight info or the rental company has your reservation, they usually will honor it. The rental counters at CHS typically align their hours with incoming flights. For example, if your flight was scheduled to land at 11 PM when the counter normally closes at 11, most major companies will stay open if they see your flight is delayed to midnight. It’s one reason providing your flight number in the reservation is helpful. In cases of extreme delays (say past 1 AM when even the airport might get quiet), two things can happen: either staff will stay if they know you’re coming, or they might leave keys with instructions for you (some have a process to pick up keys from security or a dropbox). Worst-case, if you arrive and the counter is closed, check any info that was emailed with your reservation there might be an after-hours number. But rest assured, your reservation is still in the system. First thing next morning, they’ll usually honor it and adjust the pickup time without issue. If you find yourself stuck, call our 24/7 support line; we can assist in coordinating with the rental provider. Pro tip: if you know you’re going to arrive after hours (for example a scheduled 1 AM arrival), choose a rental company that you’ve confirmed is open late or 24 hours (some airports have 24h, though CHS’ aren’t typically, since flights don’t usually go all night). Or consider picking up the next morning though most of us want wheels as soon as we’re off the plane! In summary, rental companies at CHS are accustomed to dealing with the occasional late flight and won’t leave you high and dry.
Yes. The rental counters at the airport will serve local customers or anyone who walks up with a valid license and reservation, not just airline passengers. Sometimes people in the Charleston area use CHS rental agencies if their personal car is in the shop, for example. Do note: if you’re a local renter (no flight), some agencies have extra requirements when using a debit card (like proof of address or a utility bill) this is a standard policy due to risk management. But if you have a credit card, it’s straightforward. You’ll still have to pay those airport fees though, which is one reason locals might prefer renting from a neighborhood branch to save a few bucks. However, if you find a great deal via AVR and you can only get the car you want at CHS, you absolutely can book it and pick it up. Just park in the airport garage where directed when you return it. One more scenario: say you flew into Charleston and you’re going to fly out of a different city (maybe you’re doing a road trip ending elsewhere). You can rent at CHS as a non-returning flyer; the rental company doesn’t mind it’s just a one-way rental then. They might ask if you’re local or got off a flight simply to either get your flight info or know how to process your contract (e.g., some have tourist tax rates vs local, but in SC that’s not really a thing like in other states). In short airport rental locations are open to all, you don’t need a boarding pass to approach them.
Absolutely! All the major rental companies allow their vehicles to be driven across state lines in the US, especially in the Southeast region. There are no border checks between South Carolina and its neighboring states, so you can freely drive to Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, etc. In fact, many travelers fly into Charleston and do multi-state trips. Just keep in mind a few things: Unlimited mileage typically makes this no issue drive as far as you want. If you plan to drop the car in another state (one-way rental), be sure that’s set up in your reservation (and expect a drop fee). But if it’s a round trip, no need to even inform them, as long as you return to the agreed location. One caveat: some rental contracts might restrict travel into Mexico or Canada (irrelevant here) or to certain far regions (like you can’t take a rental car to Alaska or across to Hawaii obviously). But within the continental US, you’re fine. If you want extra peace of mind, you can mention at pickup “I’ll be driving to Savannah and then up to Asheville, that okay?” and the agent will note it or just reassure you. We have customers routinely doing loops like Charleston–Savannah–Atlanta–Charlotte and back. No worries. The car will have a license plate (likely SC or GA plates) that’s fine in any state. Just obey local traffic laws wherever you are (each state might have small differences, e.g., hands-free phone laws). Oh, and watch the tolls if you venture into Florida not a problem around SC/NC/GA as we said, but if you do go down to Florida’s turnpikes, be prepared with cash or see if your rental car has a toll transponder option. Enjoy the road trip!