Car Hire South Carolina

Guide

Set on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in the southeast of the country, the state of South Carolina has a history of immigrant settlement going back 300 years. Charleston is its best-known city and Columbia is its capital, with the 60 miles of glorious beaches, resorts and historic landmarks at Myrtle Beach drawing over 14 million holidaymakers every year. Wherever you’re based, you’ll find the best way to see it all is by car rental in South Carolina.

Hiring a Vehicle

Car hire in South Carolina is easily accessed at the airports and in Charleston, Columbia and other city centres through trusted international companies such as Budget, Hertz, National, Avis, and Enterprise, with UK drivers needing only their British driver’s license to drive in the USA. Prospective visitors should compare car hire before their departure date in order to benefit from the cheapest rates.

Transport Options

Charleston International Airport is the busiest of the seven regional aviation hubs here, and Myrtle Beach has its own, smaller airport. Both facilities offer flights to international air hubs in major US cities, operated by leading US airlines and giving European holidaymakers easy access to the state and its attractions. Road travel is fast and efficient due to 10 Interstate highways crossing the region from all points of the compass.

Car Hire Driving Tips in South Carolina

Thanks to the Interstate highways, getting around is not a problem for visiting drivers with a degree of competence, and there are many designated scenic drives to enjoy. A UK driver’s license is required, and speed limits are clearly marked on all roads in this popular vacation state. Drink driving is taken seriously here, with jail time and US $400 fines the inevitable result.

Not to be Missed!

With car hire in South Carolina, the spectacular scenery, history and culture of the state are open to self-drive visitors through routes from Charleston to the Blue Ridge Mountains, to heritage towns in the mountains and to unspoilt nature and Native American heritage along the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. Other attractions include Myrtle Beach’s theme and water parks and Charleston’s Old Slave Mart Museum, set in the city’s historic centre.

Weather & Tourist Seasons

With South Carolina’s humid sub-tropical climate only varying slightly between coastal, inland and mountainous regions, visiting at most times of the year will ensure heat, humidity and sunshine. Summer highs veer between 30 and 34˚C and winter lows, although less uniform, average 16˚C. However, in Columbia and the upstate areas, overnight January lows can hit freezing. Due to the state’s location, thunderstorms, hurricanes and even tornadoes occur between August and October in the coastal areas.