Car hire at Columbia Metropolitan Airport

Car hire at Columbia Metropolitan Airport

Search hundreds of travel sites at once for car hire deals at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)

Columbia, SC, United States - Metropolitan
May 28 — Jun 4
Same drop-off
Columbia, SC, United States - Metropolitan
Sat 28/5
Noon
Sat 4/6
Noon
Driver's age:

Search hundreds of travel sites at once for car hire deals at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)

Columbia Metropolitan Airport car hire reviews and directory

Rated no. 1
Alamo
Best rated
8.8 Excellent (94 reviews)
1 location in Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Alamo
Locations in Columbia Metropolitan Airport
3000 Aviation Way+1 844 806 3358
Monday08:00 - 23:59
Tuesday08:00 - 23:59
Wednesday08:00 - 23:59
Thursday08:00 - 23:59
Friday08:00 - 23:59
Saturday08:00 - 23:59
Sunday08:00 - 23:59
  • 8.9
  • 8.9
  • 8.9
  • 8.9
  • 8.5
Recent reviews
10.0 ExcellentMay 8 2022
Pick up and drop off was great. Staff was super friendly and courteous.
10.0 ExcellentMay 7 2022
We wanted a midsized SUV and Alamo in Columbia, South Carolina had lots to choose from. We ended up getting a Ford Edge with only 4 miles on it. Could not have been more satisfied!
8.0 ExcellentApr 9 2022
Price of rental was high due to Masters week, otherwise, everything else was very good.
10.0 ExcellentSep 26 2021
All of the Alamo staff was friendly, caring, and efficient. The choice of cars in the category I rented from was outstanding. I highly recommend Alamo at CAE!
7.6 GoodNov 17 2020
Staff was effective, friendly, helpful and attentive to our needs. Car was great!Interior and exterior could have been cleaner.
9.6 ExcellentAug 9 2020
Smooth pick up and drop offAutomatic back hitch didn’t work so convenience was loss, but overall good car.
8.0 ExcellentJul 23 2020
Staff was friendly and very helpful.Selection of cars could have been better, but I ended up with a good car that performed well, no problems.
10.0 ExcellentJun 21 2020
Slow process to pick up car but after that, everything went smoothly.Processing pickup
7.2 GoodJun 14 2020
Staff was very helpful and prompt.The vehicle didn't seem like it was cleaned very well.
10.0 ExcellentFeb 29 2020
I believe Rodger was the man at the counter in the airport? Whoever he was, he was great. Ryan was in the parking garage and walked us to the car. He’s a young man who was professional, interesting, and made me proud to see a young student working for such a great rental company.Absolutely nothing, they gave me a free upgrade because my car was unavailable. Our car is gorgeous.
Rated no. 2
Dollar
6.8 Good (43 reviews)
1 location in Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Dollar
Locations in Columbia Metropolitan Airport
3018 Aviation Way+1 803 822 2300
Monday08:00 - 23:59
Tuesday08:00 - 23:59
Wednesday08:00 - 23:59
Thursday08:00 - 23:59
Friday08:00 - 23:59
Saturday08:00 - 23:59
Sunday08:00 - 23:59
  • 7.6
  • 7.3
  • 6.3
  • 6.4
  • 6.6
Recent reviews
2.0 MediocreOct 30 2021
The customer service at pick up time. It was like I was bothering them and they had something else to do. Not very helpful.
7.9 GoodJul 16 2021
Communication was great. Only had very large pick up trucks left. Would have liked a smaller car but overall experience was very good.
8.0 ExcellentOct 20 2020
The cleanliness of the car and the make and model!
2.0 MediocreJul 27 2020
Absolutely nothing about this experience was good.When reserving a specific class of vehicle, try having that type of vehicle available. Completely ruined a trip that I planned a month in advance. I needed a pick up truck, reserved a pick up truck. After calling 10-15 times, to verify the availability, I was able to get someone on the phone. Unfortunately they were not at all helpful, but they did mention that a truck would be due back in on Tuesday.
2.0 MediocreJun 9 2020
We made the reservation online through kayak. Decided to drive well out of our way to pick up from dollar bc the price was much less. Once we arrived, they racked on $95 bc it was a one way trip! This should have been calculated when making our reservation for what was clearly a one way reservation. Explained this to Dollar rep and they could care less. We were so upset... wasted lots of time and money. Will never rent from dollar or use kayak again.
10.0 ExcellentMay 20 2020
Friendly staff, clean car, easy access - no wait.
10.0 ExcellentFeb 10 2020
The staff worked with me to make sure I was getting the best price and was super nice!Nothing, It was an overall great experience!
7.6 GoodJan 27 2020
The car itself was great--didn't have any problems with it at all. PIck up and drop off were quick and easy.I had reserved the care under my name but my spouse tends to do the driving in a rental car. When we went to pick it up, the company wouldn't let him be the primary driver so we had to pay $12 a day to add him as a driver which was frustrating because we were only going to have one driver. So if you rent with them and only have one person driving, make sure you make the reservation in that person's name.
8.0 ExcellentAug 6 2019
Pick up was OK, and drop off easy.Pick up service. You must sign damage inspection prior to seeing vehicle
8.4 ExcellentJul 24 2019
April went out of her way to help me out with our payment and insurance issues. She was patient and helpful the whole time. The experience would have been a total disaster without her.Not being able to rent a car with a Visa debit caused all of the problems we faced. I had to swap out of the truck I had reserved into a Scion, buy additional insurance (on top of the insurance I had already purchased) and pay twice what my initial rental was.
Rated no. 3
Thrifty
6.8 Good (35 reviews)
1 location in Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Thrifty
Locations in Columbia Metropolitan Airport
3018 Aviation Way+1 803 822 2300
Monday08:00 - 23:59
Tuesday08:00 - 23:59
Wednesday08:00 - 23:59
Thursday08:00 - 23:59
Friday08:00 - 23:59
Saturday08:00 - 23:59
Sunday08:00 - 23:59
  • 7.4
  • 7.3
  • 6.5
  • 6.4
  • 6.5
Recent reviews
2.0 MediocreNov 5 2021
Vehicle type I had reserved wasn’t available and I wasn’t told about it during our front desk transaction. Front desk employee as unprofessional.
10.0 ExcellentOct 30 2021
It was quick and the representative that helped me was so helpful and made the process great.
10.0 ExcellentJul 9 2020
Pickup and drop off was very easy.
7.6 GoodJan 4 2020
Thrifty car representative told me the insurance I bought through your website was not worth the paper it was printed on and tried to sell me another policy
7.6 GoodDec 31 2019
Kayak quote me $96 and on the counter they changed me $109
3.6 MediocreOct 26 2019
I paid for an SUV and ended up with a Nissan Sentra. The associate didn't even bother to ask me which car I would prefer. And when she asked her co worker over the phone to bring the car, she didn't even tell her what car to bring up. So they both just picked whatever they wanted. When I asked her for a larger car since that's what I paid for, she just quickly said she didn't have anything else and went back to talking on the phone. When they brought the car to me, I asked if they were going to do the walk around inspection with me and she just said, "No, it's fine. I didnt see anything." And then just walked away. There were a few dents on the car but obviously it didn't matter to her. I went to go see my husband's military graduation and I had just landed in SC after 18 hours of flying. The last thing I needed to deal with was their attitude and poor customer service. Definitely will not be going back.
4.4 OkaySep 23 2019
The “premium” vehicle was Dodge Ram. I guess that’s premium in South Carolina... when in Rome...The “premium” vehicle was Dodge Ram.
2.0 MediocreJul 12 2019
NOT AT ALL! I couldnt even get my rental car after waiting in line to be helped for an hour!everything. ill be more detailed directly with you, but i will NEVER use Thrifty again
10.0 ExcellentMay 15 2019
Car was great. Price too!
2.0 MediocreApr 13 2019
YesTHey could have had a car available or at least negotiated with Avis/Budget to give me a car for the same rate that I had with THrifty.
Rated no. 4
Hertz
6.8 Good (60 reviews)
1 location in Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Hertz
Locations in Columbia Metropolitan Airport
3000 Aviation Way+1 803 851 4270
Monday07:30 - 23:59
Tuesday07:30 - 23:59
Wednesday07:30 - 23:59
Thursday07:30 - 23:59
Friday07:30 - 23:59
Saturday07:30 - 23:59
Sunday07:30 - 23:59
  • 7.3
  • 7.2
  • 6.6
  • 6.6
  • 6.4
Recent reviews
10.0 ExcellentNov 5 2021
Price could have been better.
2.0 MediocreNov 4 2021
Customer service was terrible. I’m still getting calls saying the vehicle wasn’t returned, when it was returned almost 2 weeks ago.
6.0 GoodOct 22 2021
Everyone is strapped for cars these days. Luckily Hertz had a car for me (had a reservation via Kayak). Others coming to the counter late at night were not so lucky. The lot was thin. I reserved a sedan, e.g. Chevy Malibu but received a GMC Acadia. Way too much car, but can't be to picky these days. No agent in the return lot, had to take keys to counter, but it was quick.
1.9 HorribleSep 27 2021
Hertz employee named Victoria was extremely rude
7.9 GoodAug 6 2021
the computer was not available for receipt when car returned at 0800....wish the maint. would be left for after hours
1.9 HorribleAug 4 2021
Overbooked and did not receive my rental when I got there. They told me to get a refund from where I booked.
1.9 HorribleJul 24 2021
Waited for 15 minutes and then couldn’t get my car despite having a reservation.
10.0 ExcellentMay 17 2021
Ease of driving away in a carNothing other than lower cost. Great experience
2.0 MediocreMay 3 2021
I
2.0 MediocreJul 27 2020
I usually select the managers special which was $560 where they choose the car. They had options available but elected to give me a compact for the $560 for 9 days. Really? A compact for 9 days at $560? I cancelled my reservation at that point I usually get good options of a mid size or better, and most of the time a full size truck, hence why I go with the manager special. I explained to them I was carrying 4 people around for a week and they didn't seem to care. I had doubled booked with Enterprise to cover myself. Glad I did. At Enterprise I got a luxury SUV for the same price. I guess Hertz didn't need my $600?
Rated no. 5
National
10 Excellent (1 review)
1 location in Columbia Metropolitan Airport
National
Locations in Columbia Metropolitan Airport
3260 Airport Blvd Ste 8+1 844 806 3357
Monday08:00 - 23:59
Tuesday08:00 - 23:59
Wednesday08:00 - 23:59
Thursday08:00 - 23:59
Friday08:00 - 23:59
Saturday08:00 - 23:59
Sunday08:00 - 23:59
  • 10
  • 10
  • 10
  • 10
  • 10
Recent reviews
10.0 ExcellentDec 7 2016
Super easyVan was clean and ran smoothly – made transporting all of our equipment super easy. Getting the van was great - right outside of the airport and hassle free.
Rated no. 6
Enterprise
9 Excellent (21 reviews)
1 location in Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Enterprise
Locations in Columbia Metropolitan Airport
3000 Aviation Way+1 833 969 2399
Monday08:00 - 23:59
Tuesday08:00 - 23:59
Wednesday08:00 - 23:59
Thursday08:00 - 23:59
Friday08:00 - 23:59
Saturday08:00 - 23:59
Sunday08:00 - 23:59
  • 9.1
  • 9.3
  • 8.9
  • 9.3
  • 8.5
Recent reviews
10.0 ExcellentNov 27 2021
Everything was perfect. I had a great experience overall!
8.8 ExcellentAug 19 2019
Disappointed that the location was closed. Just a drop off to a key suppository. Ho hum.Open location during daytime.
8.0 ExcellentDec 19 2018
Much Better This TimeOn line reservation easy, price was OK. The overall staff were very friendly and helpful. The car was clean and what I had reserved.I had to drive to the airport to pick up the car instead of a oneway rental as I have done in the past. This time they were charging a $75 drop off fee which was something new. Rental went from forty something dollars to over one hundred and twenty plus!!!
9.6 ExcellentDec 11 2018
Seamless pickup/drop offThe process was simple and they even accommodated a last minute change in drop off location.The price using Kayak was several hundred dollars less which was great, but it bothers me that some people would have paid the Enterprise going rate. Why such a difference?
8.0 ExcellentNov 12 2018
Great serviceEveryone was polite, and especially the attendant in the garage. Very positive experience.They didn't have the car ready I had reserved, but the substitute was fine.
10.0 ExcellentOct 17 2018
the dropoff was extremely easy, the lady was right there in the parking garage, I was done in literally one minute. She was very courteous and friendly. Excellent customer service.
9.6 ExcellentAug 27 2018
I liked the ease of the pick up and drop off process. I had a good rate for my rental, but there are always a lot of fees. The vehicle was very comfortable and it had all of the "bells and whistles". We all enjoyed the ride.The only thing was that the 2nd row flooded had been smeared with ketchup and we had to clean it up, before we could get on the road.
8.4 ExcellentApr 3 2018
Would rent from here again but would hope for better priceAvailability of vehicle we wanted Good customer service at desk and in car rental pickup areaPrice was a bit high for what we got
10.0 ExcellentMar 28 2018
AWESOME EXPERIENCE!!!Simplicity of the entire process!!
10.0 ExcellentNov 14 2017
West Columbia Enterprise Slays ItGreat service at the airport pickup. Friendly, clear, concise. Sense of humor + we got an upgrade. Couldn't have been better.
Rated no. 7
Avis
8.1 Excellent (10 reviews)
1 location in Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Avis
Locations in Columbia Metropolitan Airport
3010 Aviation Way+1 803 822 5100
Monday07:00 - 23:00
Tuesday07:00 - 23:00
Wednesday07:00 - 23:00
Thursday07:00 - 23:00
Friday07:00 - 23:00
Saturday08:00 - 23:59
Sunday08:00 - 23:59
  • 8.1
  • 8.5
  • 7.9
  • 8.9
  • 7.7
Recent reviews
8.0 ExcellentApr 29 2022
The drop off in Charleston was like a treasure hunt. It was inside am old mall with no signs on the outside
1.9 HorribleSep 18 2021
I liked nothing. Everything was terrible. Had Everything set up online. Had the money on hand. But because I didn't have a credit card we were told they wouldn't rent to us and offered no help. They stranded 4 people on the opposite side of the country due to this. Don't allow someone to book something and then back out the day of when it is too late.
3.9 MediocreAug 15 2021
Pickup & drop off at CAE airport was easy & convenient. My rental car smelled like cigarettes. Also, the cost of the vehicle for the week was too high & higher than the original rate I was quoted.
10.0 ExcellentMay 9 2021
Nice car. Attentive staff.
10.0 ExcellentApr 22 2019
it was excellent, the prior page would not allow me to select the rateingsnothing
8.4 ExcellentApr 2 2018
Car was fine the procedure is unusualThe person at the counter was friendly and courteousI do not like dropping my car off in the parking garage without an attendant to inspect it. I am always concerned of being blamed if any damage occurred in the gargae I will be Joel responsible for it
9.6 ExcellentMay 27 2016
The easy access at the airport.It was very difficult finding how to open the gas cover door release. The AVIS rep didn't say anything. I had to Google how to so I could fill up the car. The release mechanism on the Nissan Versa is located under the dash near your knees so you don't see it. As opposed to being on the floor next to the trunk release or like the new models where you just push on the gas cover door and it opens.
Rated no. 8
Budget
7 Good (10 reviews)
1 location in Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Budget
Locations in Columbia Metropolitan Airport
3010 Aviation Way+1 803 822 8346
Monday07:00 - 23:00
Tuesday07:00 - 23:00
Wednesday07:00 - 23:00
Thursday07:00 - 23:00
Friday07:00 - 23:00
Saturday08:00 - 23:59
Sunday08:00 - 23:59
  • 7.4
  • 7
  • 7.2
  • 7
  • 6.8
Recent reviews
5.2 OkayNov 12 2018
Return instructions non-existent: Found garage but inside no kiosk or personnel or clear instruction how to proceed. Ended up having to go to counter in terminal. Then they tried to charge me too much.
2.0 MediocreOct 19 2018
It suckedAbsolutely nothing.I was apparently an hour late and it cost me twice as much as I was quoted. I learned that budget has independent centers. It was horrendous. I will never choose Budget again. Don’t do it people, they are not kind nor helpful. There are lots of other options.
10.0 ExcellentApr 16 2018
Quick check out Very clean car Good handling car Quick check inNothing
8.4 ExcellentSep 30 2017
Expense
8.0 ExcellentSep 6 2016
i think the car needed some transmission work.
8.0 ExcellentApr 11 2016
The first car I was assigned had a low air in the tire light on and I had to go back to the desk to change cars. And two days into the rental, the same thing happened to the car that I was driving. I filled the tire at the gas station, but that should be taken care of before renting the car
Sunnycars
2 locations in Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Sunnycars
Locations in Columbia Metropolitan Airport
3000 Aviation Way
3260 Airport Boulevard Ste 8
Recent reviews
Easirent
1 location in Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Easirent
Locations in Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Recent reviews
274 travellers who hired a car in Columbia Metropolitan Airport gave the car agency they used an average rating of 7,7

Car rental locations at Columbia Metropolitan Airport

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Good to know

Most popular car type

Mini

Top tips for hiring a car at Columbia Metropolitan Airport

  • A car rental at Colombia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is one of the most convenient ways of traveling from the airport to various destinations around the city. Colombia, the capital city of South Carolina, is rich in both history and culture, making it one of the most visited cities in the South. With its beautiful parks, plenty of great outdoor adventures, and world-class museums, there is no shortage of things to do and see in this historic city. And there is no better way of getting the best of the "Soda City," as Colombia is fondly referred to, than with a car rental at Colombia Metropolitan Airport. Nature lovers can drive over to the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden for a refreshing afternoon before cooling off at the EdVenture Children’s Museum for a memorable evening with the little ones.
  • Travelers coming to Colombia for business or leisure can rent a car from Colombia Metropolitan Airport. This is one of South Carolina’s major airports and it serves the cities of Colombia, Lexington, Greenville, and Clemson. The car rental desks are located on the lower level near the baggage claim area. You can find the car rental area next to the terminal building. At Colombia Metropolitan Airport, there are car rentals for pretty much every travel need. Large SUVs are available for families and group travelers. Couples looking for more intimate rides can rent premium sedans and cruise the city at their own pace and pleasure.
  • When you are driving in Colombia for the first time, it is crucial that you plan your route ahead of your trip so you can have a clear idea of where you are going before hitting the road. Planning your route will also help you avoid problematic highways like I-20, I-26, I-85, I-95, and US-17. These highways are ranked among the most dangerous in the country based on the fatalities per mile. Also, depending on the time of year when you will be visiting Colombia, you might want to be aware of the hurricane evacuation routes. After all, the last thing you want to get into while renting a car in Colombia is getting stuck driving in a storm or getting caught up in evacuation traffic.
  • Like with any other city, there are traffic rules to observe when driving your rented car from the airport to the city and beyond. First, the driver as well as all the passengers in the car regardless of age must wear their seat belts. If you have any children under six in the car, be sure to have them in car seats. Always move over to the far lane or slow down when emergency vehicles are approaching. Finally, all overtaking must be to the left.
  • Book your car hire at Columbia Metropolitan Airport at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price

FAQs about hiring a car at Columbia Metropolitan Airport