Ready to roll through the Mountain State? Use the search form above to find real-time car rental deals at Charleston Yeager (CRW). Enter your travel dates and select “Yeager Airport (CRW)” as your pickup location. In moments, you’ll see offers from all the major rental companies at CRW (and a few local options). Filter by vehicle type, passenger count, or price to narrow it down whether you need a compact car for zipping around Charleston or a sturdy SUV for mountain roads, we’ve got you covered. Booking is a breeze and secure. Most rentals at Yeager Airport let you reserve now and pay later when you pick up, and many include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.
Welcome to West Virginia International Yeager Airport, the gateway to Charleston, WV and the scenic Appalachian countryside beyond. Picking up a rental car at CRW puts you just minutes from downtown Charleston’s attractions (like the gold-domed Capitol and riverfront parks) and opens the door to West Virginia’s natural wonders misty mountains, winding country roads, and wild rivers. In a state where public transit is scarce and the best destinations are off the beaten path, having your own set of wheels is essential. This page is your comprehensive guide to securing an affordable Charleston Yeager Airport car rental with ease. We’ve gathered AirportVanRental’s top deals and combined them with local driving tips so you can hit West Virginia’s roads with confidence. Whether you’re flying in for business in Charleston, visiting family in the hills, or planning a whitewater rafting getaway, we’ll help you find the perfect vehicle at a great price all while highlighting why AirportVanRental is the trusted choice for savvy travelers.
Top Yeager Airport Car Rental Deals
Economy Car from $34/day. Example: Nissan Versa or similar. Perfect for solo travelers or couples staying around town. Easy to park in Charleston’s downtown and extremely fuel-efficient (great for those scenic drives along Route 60 without breaking the bank on gas). Despite the lower price, you’ll have modern features like AC (a must in humid summers) and Bluetooth for your road trip tunes.
Midsize SUV from $49/day. Example: Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 or similar. A popular choice in West Virginia. Seats 5 with room for luggage. All-Wheel Drive models often available handy if you plan to explore mountain roads or visit ski resorts like Winterplace. An SUV gives you a higher ride height for better views on winding Appalachian roads and confidence in various weather conditions (rain, snow, or that occasional fog in the hollows).
Minivan from $59/day. Example: Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Pacifica or similar. Seats 7–8. Ideal if you’re traveling with family or a group of friends. Plenty of cargo space for bags, camping gear, or sports equipment. If you’re in town for a wedding or family reunion in the hills, a minivan keeps everyone together comfortably. Also fantastic for long drives the kids (or adults) can spread out, and you have convenient sliding doors for all those pit stops at scenic overlooks.
12-Passenger Van from $85/day. Example: Ford Transit Passenger Van or similar. When you have a really big crew perhaps a church group mission trip, a school team heading to a tournament, or a bunch of buddies on a fishing expedition this is your go-to. Seats up to 12 (and we can even source 15-seater vans through certain partners). Despite the size, these vans are relatively easy to handle and often come with modern safety features. Split the cost among passengers and it becomes a very economical way to travel together.
Premium/Luxury Sedan from $75/day. Example: Chrysler 300, Buick LaCrosse or similar. Arriving for business or just want a smoother ride for those mountain highways? A premium car offers extra comfort and amenities. Enjoy a spacious interior, advanced tech, and a powerful engine to glide through West Virginia’s interstate curves. Great for impressing a client you’re picking up, or simply treating yourself as you tour the scenic Highland Scenic Highway in style.
(Note: “From” daily rates exclude taxes/fees. Roughly 15–18% in taxes and surcharges will apply at CRW, including West Virginia state sales tax (6% plus Charleston city 1%), a small daily rental car surcharge (~$1.50/day), and airport concession fees (~10%). We show you the total price with these included before you pay. Prices can fluctuate with seasons and demand for example, summer travel season, fall foliage weekends, or special events like the October Bridge Day festival at New River Gorge can boost rates due to higher demand. Book early if visiting during popular times. Also, weekly rentals often have a lower per-day rate than single-day rentals, so consider that if you’re staying a while. Always search with your exact dates for the most accurate quote!)
Navigating Car Rentals at Charleston Yeager Airport (CRW)
Picking up a car at Yeager Airport is delightfully simple one of the perks of a smaller airport. Here’s how the process works once you land in Charleston, WV and need your rental wheels:
In-Terminal Rental Counters: Upon landing at Yeager (CRW), you’ll deplane into the small terminal. After grabbing your luggage at the single baggage claim area (there’s one main carousel area for most flights), you’ll find the rental car counters right there in the baggage claim hall. Yeager’s terminal is compact, so you won’t have to go far at all. Look for signs or just glance around you’ll see counters/desk areas for major companies like Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Alamo/National, and Hertz lining one side of the baggage claim area. If you booked with AirportVanRental, check your confirmation to see which company and counter to approach. Walk up to the agent (lines are usually short to non-existent here, as flights are spaced out) and provide your name and ID. They’ll locate your reservation and have you sign the rental agreement. This is also where you can confirm any options (like adding a driver or child seat) or ask last-minute questions. The agents at CRW are known to be friendly it’s that West Virginia hospitality!
Getting Your Vehicle: The rental cars at Yeager Airport are parked just outside the terminal. Once you’re checked in, the agent will direct you to the rental car lot, which is adjacent to the terminal building. In many cases, it’s literally a 1-2 minute walk out the door. Follow the signs toward “Rental Car Pickup” or the directions given by staff. The lot is small and right on airport grounds (no shuttles needed at all). Find the section or parking spot for your rental company often they are labeled by company or a representative might escort you to your car. For example, Avis/Budget might have a row of vehicles and your paperwork will indicate something like “Space 14” or a car number. Inspect the car before driving off do a walk-around to note any pre-existing scratches or dents (though with smaller locations, their cars often have fewer dings since they’re well-maintained and not as constantly in use as big city fleets). If you see something significant that’s not marked on your rental form, alert the attendant or take photos just to have a record. Adjust your seat, mirrors, pair your phone if you want some driving tunes and you’re ready to head out. Exiting Yeager Airport by car is straightforward: there’s essentially one main road (Airport Road) that winds down the hill. The exit from the rental lot will feed you into the airport’s loop road and down to the airport entrance/exit. From there, you’ll connect to Interstate 64/77 or US-119 within minutes (signs will point toward “Charleston” or whatever your next destination is).
Leaving the Airport (Driving Out): Yeager Airport sits on a hilltop east of downtown Charleston. As you drive out, you’ll experience a scenic descent with a great view of the city if during daylight. The airport road (Greenbrier Street WV-114) has a speed limit around 35 mph as it curves downhill take it easy, especially if you’re not used to mountain terrain. At the bottom, you can turn onto the major highways. Downtown Charleston is only about a 10-minute drive from CRW. If you’re heading further out, you’re also conveniently near the junction of I-77 (north-south) and I-64 (east-west). So getting on your way is quick and hassle-free one reason many travelers love flying into Charleston and driving from there as opposed to a bigger hub.
Early & Late Arrivals: What If My Flight Schedule Is Odd?
Charleston’s airport follows an airline schedule that generally has flights during normal hours (early morning through evening). Most rental counters at CRW open around the first flight of the morning (around 7 AM) and stay open until after the last flight arrives (often around 11 PM). If your flight is delayed or you’re coming in on a later-than-usual arrival, the rental agencies will usually wait for you if you have a reservation. For example, if a flight gets in at 1 AM due to delays, typically one of the rental staff will either remain or arrange for you to get your keys (they might coordinate with airport security or leave info at their counter). To be safe, if you know your flight will land after normal counter hours, give the local office a call while you’re in your connection or departing they can advise or stay in touch. In the rare event you arrive and the counter is closed, check for a sign on the counter it may instruct you to pick up the keys at the airport information desk or a specific procedure. Rest assured, Charleston is a small, friendly airport you won’t be left hanging without options. Tip: Always include your flight number when booking your car, so the agency can track delays. And have the 24-hour customer service number of your rental company handy (or call AirportVanRental’s helpline) if you need assistance after hours.
Returning Your Rental Car at CRW
When your visit to wild and wonderful West Virginia comes to an end, returning your rental car at Yeager Airport is a breeze:
Finding the Airport: Charleston’s Yeager Airport is located just off Interstate 77/64 on the northeast side of the city. You’ll likely drive up via the same Airport Road (WV-114/Greenbrier Street) that you left on. As you approach from downtown Charleston, you’ll see signs for Yeager Airport directing you to the correct exit. The road winds uphill for about a mile to the terminal. There aren’t multiple confusing loops or terminals it’s one main passenger terminal, so you can’t miss it.
Follow “Rental Car Return” Signs: As you get close to the top of the hill near the airport, watch for signs pointing to Rental Car Return or the specific company names/logos. Typically, you’ll turn off the main entrance road into the same small rental car lot where you picked up, but there might be a clearly marked return lane. Since CRW is small, all returns go back to the same area where pickups are. Drive into the lot and look for a spot in your rental company’s section if marked. Often, there will be an attendant or just an instructional sign.
Fuel Up First: Don’t forget to refuel to the level it was when you picked up (usually full). Unlike some big airports where gas stations are scarce or pricey, Charleston has gas stations not far from the airport. A popular place to fill up is along Washington Street East or Greenbrier Street on the way in for instance, there’s an Exxon and a GoMart convenience station a few minutes from the airport turn-off. There isn’t a gas station right at the top by the airport, so definitely do it in the city below. Also note: West Virginia’s terrain means if you’re coming from a more remote area, plan your gas there can be 30-40 miles between services on some highways. As a rule, before you drive up the hill to CRW, have that tank replenished.
Hand-Off or Self-Return: During normal hours, a rental car agent may be present in the lot or at the counter to receive the keys. They’ll quickly inspect the car (mostly checking fuel and for major damage), and get your final mileage. This usually takes just a couple of minutes. If no one is available outside, head inside to the counters (a 1-minute walk) and give the keys to the desk agent. They’ll finalize your return in the system and can email you a receipt. If you’re in a rush and the counter has a line, you typically can just drop the keys in the secure drop box and be on your way (you’ll automatically get checked in later).
Time to Terminal: The beauty of Yeager Airport is that the rental drop-off is right by the terminal. Once you’ve handed over the car, you’re essentially already at the airport check-in area. From the rental lot, it’s a short walk into the departures hall. Plan to arrive a bit earlier if you’re flying out early morning, just because you might need to find parking for the rental if it’s busy (though “busy” at CRW is relative it’s rarely hectic). In general, giving yourself a 30-minute buffer from car return to getting through security is plenty at this small airport.
After-Hours Return at CRW
Have a super early flight or need to drop the car off before the crack of dawn? Yeager Airport accommodates after-hours returns too. Each rental company has a drop box either at their counter or at a designated key return box in the lot. If you arrive and the rental office is closed (say, you’re dropping the car at 4 AM and counters open at 6 AM), just park in the return area as described above. Remove your belongings, lock the car, and then locate the drop box. It’s usually a slot at the rental counter for example, a little metal box labeled with the company name. Slide your keys (and contract if they gave you a paper one) inside. That’s it you can head to catch your flight. They’ll process the return when they open and email you the final receipt. If you have any issues (say the lot is gated, which at CRW it generally isn’t), you could park in short-term parking and give the keys to the airline desk or airport information desk but that’s very rarely needed. The standard drop procedure should suffice. Always good measure: take a photo of where you parked and the fuel gauge, in case there are any discrepancies later (this is just a general rental tip). But overall, after-hours drop-off at Charleston Yeager is straightforward and designed to fit traveler schedules.
Charleston & West Virginia Driving Tips: What to Know Before You Go
Driving around Charleston and the wider West Virginia region is a unique and enjoyable experience, with winding roads, beautiful scenery, and some different considerations compared to flatland or urban driving. Here are detailed local driving tips covering seasonal conditions, roads, laws, and more:
Mountain Roads & Terrain: West Virginia is the Mountain State, so expect hills and curves! Even in Charleston, which lies in a river valley, any trip out of town involves some elevation changes. On the interstates (I-64, I-77, I-79), you’ll encounter occasional steep grades and long downhill stretches. These are well-engineered with truck brake-ramp pull-offs for safety, but you should still be cautious. Use lower gear or engine braking when going down long hills to avoid overheating your brakes (especially if driving a larger vehicle or van). Curves are common the highway speed limits might drop to 60 mph or 55 mph around sharper bends; heed those signs. On rural two-lane roads, be prepared for very twisty sections you might be going 35 mph around hairpins even if the posted limit is 55. Always stay in your lane and don’t cut corners on blind curves; there could be a coal truck or oncoming pickup just out of sight. If you’re not used to mountain driving, take it easy until you get comfortable. Locals may know the roads and drive a bit faster if someone is tailing you on a one-lane mountain road, it’s okay to briefly pull off at a safe spot to let them pass. Better to let a hurried local by than feel pressured.
Seasonal Weather Snow, Rain & Fog: West Virginia’s weather can be unpredictable. Winter (Dec–Feb): Charleston gets occasional snow and ice, and higher elevations get quite a bit of snow. Road crews do plow interstates promptly, but secondary roads can remain snow-covered longer. An SUV with AWD from AirportVanRental’s selection can be a good idea in winter if you plan to drive into the mountains (like up to Snowshoe Ski Resort or through mountain passes). Always clear snow completely off your car (including headlights and roof) before driving it’s safer and it’s the law in many places. Carrying some windshield de-icer and using your vehicle’s anti-freeze washer fluid will help keep your windshield clear of road salt muck. Summer (May–Sep): Summers are warm and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Heavy rain can cause flash flooding in low-lying areas and can reduce visibility on winding roads if it’s pouring, slow down, as hydroplaning can happen. Also be aware of fog, especially in mornings or late evenings around rivers and higher elevations. Patches of fog can appear suddenly; use low-beam headlights and fog lights if you have them, and take it slow until visibility improves. Fall (Oct): Beautiful foliage but also leaf-covered roads in rural areas wet leaves can be slick, so be cautious on curves covered in leaves after rain. Spring (Mar–Apr): can be very rainy some smaller mountain roads may have washouts or rock debris after heavy rains. Keep an eye out for any “High Water” or “Road Closed” signs never drive into flooded roadways; it only takes a few inches of moving water to sweep a car.
Tolls West Virginia Turnpike: If you plan to drive the West Virginia Turnpike (the portion of I-77/I-64 between Charleston and Beckley/Princeton), be ready for toll booths. There are three toll plazas on this stretch (as of 2025) each charges about $4.50 for a standard car (cash) or a bit less if you have E-ZPass. The plazas are at Chelyan (just southeast of Charleston), Pax, and Ghent. Cash is accepted (make sure to have some small bills; attendants can make change). Credit cards were historically not accepted at the booths, but the state has been upgrading some lanes now accept credit or even toll-by-plate. Still, it’s best to carry cash for now, since implementation can vary. If your rental car comes with an E-ZPass or toll device (some do for a fee), you can zip through the electronic lanes and the fees will be billed to you later. Otherwise, slow down and stop at the booth, pay the toll, grab your receipt if you want one, and carry on. If you frequently drive toll roads back home and have your own E-ZPass transponder, it will work in WV as well (just make sure it’s properly mounted). Other than the Turnpike, no other interstates in WV have tolls. One exception: US-19 between Beckley and Summersville (often used as a shortcut to avoid part of the Turnpike if heading north) has one toll at the Summersville plaza (around $4). That route is a common path to the New River Gorge. In summary, plan for a few toll stops if your road trip takes you through southern WV. They’re well-marked in advance, so they won’t sneak up on you.
Charleston City Driving & Parking: Charleston is a relatively small city (about 50k people), so city driving is usually low-stress. Downtown Charleston has a grid of one-way streets, but it’s easy to navigate. During the legislative session (Jan-Mar), you might see a bit more traffic near the Capitol Complex, but even then “rush hour” is mild compared to big cities. Typical downtown speed limits are 25 mph. Keep an eye out for pedestrians on Capitol Street and around the university/medical district. Parking in downtown Charleston is plentiful and cheap. Street meters charge around $0.50 to $1 per hour and many spots are free after 6 PM or on weekends (check the meter labels). There are also several parking garages (like the Town Center Mall garage, or city garages on Summers St and Lee St) which typically cost $3-5 for a whole evening. If you’re visiting the Capitol, there’s visitor parking lots around the Capitol Complex that are usually free or low-cost. One thing to note: during special events (like a big concert at Charleston Civic Center or during festivals like FestivALL), downtown parking can get busier, but you’ll still find a spot with a bit of patience. If you’re staying at a hotel downtown with your rental car, ask if they provide free parking. Many do, or charge a nominal fee around $10/day far less than major city hotel parking rates.
Fuel & Services in WV: Once you get outside Charleston and other cities, remember that services can be spaced out. It’s not desert distances, but in the mountains you might find 30-40 miles between gas stations in some stretches, especially in the coalfields of southern WV or the highland areas of eastern WV. Cell phone service can also drop in the hollows and national forest areas. It’s a smart idea to keep your gas tank above 1/4 full when roaming far. Most interstates have travel plazas or exits with multiple gas stations at least every 20-30 miles. For example, if you’re driving I-79 north toward Morgantown, Flatwoods and Weston are good midway stops. On I-64 east towards Virginia, stop in Beckley or Lewisburg for fuel before hitting the long mountain stretch toward Charlottesville. Gas prices in West Virginia are moderate often a bit cheaper than neighboring Pennsylvania or Virginia, but slightly higher than in some larger states due to transportation costs. It might vary by region (northern panhandle vs. southern coalfields). If you need an EV charging station (for those renting electric cars), Charleston and some larger towns have them, but they become sparse in rural areas. Plan accordingly or consider a hybrid if going off-grid.
Wildlife & Road Hazards: West Virginia is known for abundant deer, and they don’t mind wandering onto roads. Be especially cautious driving at dawn or dusk, and at night use your high beams on dark rural roads when no traffic is coming (it helps spot the glowing eyes of animals by the roadside). Hitting a deer can cause severe damage and injury and deer are most active in fall (mating season) and spring. Also watch for smaller critters like raccoons or the occasional black bear in very remote areas. Another natural hazard: fallen rocks. In mountainous sections, you might see “Falling Rock” warning signs heavy rain or freezing can cause rocks to tumble onto roadways. If you see debris, slow down, and report larger fallen rocks to authorities if possible. Always wear your seatbelt (it’s a primary law in WV; police can ticket you for not wearing it even if no other violation). And keep your eyes on the road the scenery is gorgeous but let a passenger take photos, or find a scenic overlook to safely stop and enjoy the view.
Traffic Laws & Local Regulations: Driving laws in West Virginia align with general U.S. rules with a few specifics: Handheld cell phone use while driving is illegal. Since 2012, WV has a hands-free law so you cannot hold your phone to talk or text. Use Bluetooth or speaker, or pull over to use the phone. Police do enforce this, especially on highways. Impaired driving (DUI): The legal BAC is 0.08%. Enforcement is strict and West Virginia has no tolerance for intoxicated driving expect checkpoints during holidays. If you’re enjoying some famous Appalachian moonshine or local craft beer, don’t drive after. Move Over law: If there’s an emergency vehicle, tow truck, or police stopped on the shoulder with lights flashing, you are required to move to the adjacent lane away from them, or if not possible, slow down significantly as you pass. School buses: If a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing (common on rural routes), you must stop traffic in both directions must halt unless on a divided highway. This is strictly enforced for kids’ safety. Speed limits: Generally 70 mph on rural interstates, 55 on most other roads, but as mentioned, adjust speed for conditions. West Virginia’s State Police (and local sheriffs) do run radar, often from hidden spots around bends. The fines aren’t worth the few minutes you’d save by speeding excessively. One unique thing: On certain very steep downhill stretches, you might see a sign “Trucks 45 MPH” or similar that’s for heavy trucks, but if you’re in a large van it’s wise to also heed a bit. For regular cars, just keep to the car speed limit. Lastly, traffic signals in Charleston: the city has some horizontal traffic lights and some flashing lights late at night (flashing red = stop, flashing yellow = caution). Treat flashing red lights as stop signs.
Local Courtesy: West Virginians are generally courteous drivers. It’s not uncommon in small towns for folks to wave you through a four-way stop even if it’s technically their turn, or to let you merge on a congested street with a friendly wave. Feel free to do the same. Use of the horn is typically only for urgent warnings, not out of impatience. You might also experience the local custom of the “finger wave” not the bad kind! but rather, on country backroads, drivers often lift a hand or a finger off the steering wheel in a hello gesture when passing each other. Don’t be surprised; it’s just a bit of country friendliness. You can nod or wave back.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well prepared to drive in Charleston and throughout West Virginia. A rental car gives you unmatched freedom to explore this beautiful state at your own pace. Take it slow on those curves, soak in the mountain vistas, and enjoy the ride almost heaven, West Virginia awaits you around every bend.
Road Trip Ideas from Charleston, WV Scenic Drives & Adventures
With your rental car from CRW in hand, you’re ready to venture beyond Charleston and discover the magic of Appalachia. Here are 3 original road trip ideas packed with local flavor:
Each of these road trips offers a different taste of what’s within reach from Charleston from adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventure to serene small towns and big-city excitement. With your rental car, you have the freedom to create your own West Virginia story. Pack some snacks (maybe pepperoni rolls a WV classic road trip snack), queue up a playlist (John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is mandatory at least once), and enjoy the journey through wild and wonderful landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Charleston’s Yeager Airport, all the rental car counters are conveniently located right inside the terminal, specifically in the baggage claim area. After you land and exit your gate, just follow the signs to Baggage Claim (it’s a small airport, you can’t get lost). Once you’re at the baggage carousel, you’ll see the rental car desks along the wall. Companies like Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Alamo/National, and Hertz have counters there. Essentially, as soon as you grab your suitcase, you can walk a few steps over to your rental counter to pick up your car keys. No shuttles or separate rental center to worry about everything is under one roof. After checking in at the counter, the actual rental cars are parked just outside, in a lot adjacent to the terminal. So, Yeager Airport makes it super easy: off the plane, get your bags, get your car. It’s one of the advantages of a smaller airport quick and hassle-free transitions.
Not long at all one of the great things about Yeager Airport being small is the speedy process. Typically, you can be driving away in your rental car within 15-20 minutes of stepping off the plane (even faster if you don’t have checked bags). Here’s the usual timeline: a short walk from your gate to baggage claim (5 minutes or less), maybe wait a few minutes for luggage if you checked any, then 5-10 minutes at the rental counter for paperwork. Because there are fewer flights and passengers than big airports, there’s rarely a line at the car rental desks. The parking lot is right outside, so add another 2-3 minutes to walk to your car. If you’ve signed up for any express programs (like National’s Emerald Club or others), it could be even quicker as some agencies allow you to go straight to your car. In summary, plan on around 15 minutes, maybe 30 in a worst-case scenario (say multiple flights arrived at once). Compare that to larger airports where it can take an hour or more to get your car Yeager is refreshingly efficient. Of course, if you arrive at 11 PM and are the only person around, you might be out even sooner.
Yeager Airport in Charleston has several major rental car companies on-site: you’ll find Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, Alamo, and Hertz with a presence at the airport. (Alamo and National often share a counter and fleet, as they’re sister companies, and sometimes Enterprise is part of that group as well they might operate from the same desk.) These are the primary providers, and through them you can access a wide range of vehicles. Occasionally other brands or local agencies might have cars available via off-site locations or delivery, but the six mentioned above are the ones with counters in the terminal. When you search on AirportVanRental, we compare deals across these companies, so you’ll see what’s available from each. Despite Yeager being a smaller airport, having this selection means you get competitive pricing and vehicle variety. Fun fact: Avis and Budget typically have a strong presence because a lot of government travel in the capital uses them, and Enterprise is big nationwide including WV. In any case, all these companies’ lots are at the airport, so whether you book a Budget economy car or an Enterprise SUV, you’re picking it up right at CRW. No shuttles, no off-site hassle. We’ll ensure you get detailed instructions for your specific company once you reserve (like which counter to go to, etc.).
The West Virginia Turnpike (I-77/I-64 between Charleston and Beckley) does have toll booths, as we covered in driving tips. As a renter, you have a few options: pay cash at each toll plaza (bring some small bills; each toll for a car is around $4.50), use your own E-ZPass if you have one (just make sure it’s properly mounted in the rental), or inquire if your rental company offers a toll transponder service. Some companies will offer a device or program that lets you use toll lanes and then charges your credit card later. Be cautious: those services often come with a daily fee (e.g. $3-5 per day plus the actual tolls) if you’re only hitting a couple of toll booths once or twice, it might be cheaper to just pay cash. On the Turnpike, cash lanes are always open, so it’s no hassle to pay manually. If you accidentally go through an electronic toll lane without paying (say you get in the wrong lane), don’t panic; the license plate will be photographed. The rental company will receive the toll notice and will charge your card on file, usually with a small admin fee. It’s best to avoid that by just paying at the booth. One more tip: if you plan to use E-ZPass frequently in a rental, some companies allow you to temporarily add the rental car’s license plate to your personal E-ZPass account (check with your toll pass provider’s rules). Given that Yeager is at one end of the Turnpike, many renters will at least use the toll road heading south or east. The simplest thing: have some cash ready and roll through the toll booths the old-fashioned way. It’s part of the WV road trip experience, in a way! And of course, any tolls outside WV (like Pennsylvania or Ohio) you’d handle similarly.
Yes, after-hours drop-off is available at CRW. Each rental company at Yeager Airport has a procedure for this (and it’s pretty straightforward). If you need to return the car when the rental counters are closed (say, you have a 5:30 AM flight before staff arrive, or a very late return), you’ll do the following: When you drive into the rental car lot at the airport, park the vehicle in the returns area or an empty spot within your rental agency’s section. Make sure the car is locked, and take note of your final mileage and fuel level in case you need that info. Then, locate the key drop box. This is typically a slot or box near the rental counters (since the counters are just inside the terminal by baggage claim). It will usually have the company’s name on it. Drop your car key (and the rental contract jacket if you have it) into the slot. That’s it you’re done. The rental team will process your return when they start work next and email you a receipt. Important: if you return after hours, you’re responsible for the car until the rental company checks it in once they arrive. So it’s a good idea to park it in a safe, correct spot (the rental lot is patrolled and safe, generally). We also recommend taking a quick walk-around photo of the car in the lot (timestamped) in case any question arises (rare, but good practice) and a photo of the dashboard showing fuel level and mileage. This way, you have proof you returned full and on time. But honestly, at a small airport like CRW, the after-hours drop is routine and easy. The airport is accessible 24/7, so you won’t have any trouble getting in or out. Plan a few extra minutes to park and drop keys (maybe 10 minutes buffer). If you have any doubts about where to drop keys, the signs in the rental area will guide you, or ask an airport security guard they’re around 24/7 and can point you to the drop box. So, yes, feel free to return your car at whatever early or late hour you need Charleston’s rental agencies have you covered.