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Car Rental - Columbia, SC
Hertz car rental in Columbia
Rent a car in Columbia to explore sunny South Carolina. Known as the Soda City, this lively state capital is filled with cultural quirks – from historic houses frozen in time, to the world’s largest fire hydrant.
Experience the life and soul of Columbia at Main Street’s Soda City Market, featuring more than 100 independent food and craft stalls. Be inspired by Colombia Museum of Art’s internationally renowned collections and embark on an outdoor adventure in Congaree National Park.
Collect your rental car from any of our Hertz pick up locations, including at Columbia Metropolitan Airport and in the city’s Downtown area. Discover more of South Carolina with a trip to nearby Charleston, or venture across state borders to Atlanta or Charlotte.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly SUV for fun days out or a luxury sedan for stylish city driving, we have the perfect Columbia rental car for you when you reserve online.
Driving in and around Columbia
Parking in Columbia
- Lady Street Garage (29201) offers more than 900 spaces within walking distance of Main Street, State House Park and Columbia Museum of Art.
- 821 Park St Garage (29201) is open 24/7, with around 1,300 available parking spaces, close to the University of South Carolina and Downtown.
- On-street parking is available across the city. Find a metered spot on Assembly Street to be close to Main Street, or park along Devine Street for unique boutiques and independent cafes.
Key roads in Columbia
- Interstate 26 (I-26)runs along the edge of the state capital, offering access toGreenvillein the west and Charleston in the east.
- Interstate 77 (I-77)begins in Columbia at an interchange with I-26 and forms a beltway around the city. Head north to reach Charlotte,North Carolina.
- Interstate 20 (I-20)passes east to west through the southern United States, connecting Columbia to other major cities, including Atlanta,GeorgiaandBirmingham,Alabama.
How to get from Columbia to Charleston
Spend the day exploring South Carolina’s port city. It takes around two hours to drive the 120-mile journey from Columbia to Charleston.
- Leave Downtown via I-126 W/US-76 W.
- Take the exit onto I-26 E towards Charleston.
- Keep right to stay on this route for around 116 miles.
- Use the left two lanes to take Exit 221B for Downtown.
- Take the right two lanes to turn right onto Meeting Street.
- Continue on to reach Downtown Charleston.
How to get from Columbia Metropolitan Airport to Downtown
Downtown Columbia is around a 15-minute drive from the airport. Just head west along the SC-602 and follow the US-1 North across Gervais Street Bridge until you reach the inner city.
A quick guide to Columbia
Best hotels in Columbia
Marriott Columbia
1200 Hampton Street, SC 29201
With a choice of cozy rooms and spacious suites, this Downtown hotel exudes comfort and promises a great location. Plush beds, flat-screen TVs and modern furnishings await, while some rooms include private balconies overlooking the city. Relax and unwind in the indoor pool or indulge in contemporary southern delights at the onsite restaurant.
Hilton Columbia Center
924 Senate St, SC 29201
In the Congaree Vista neighborhood, this stylish hotel is conveniently placed for exploring Columbia’s top attractions, including South Carolina State Museum. Choose a room overlooking the outdoor pool or treat yourself to a deluxe suite. The onsite restaurant serves prime steaks and fresh seafood, in its upscale dining room.
Hotel Trundle
1224 Taylor Street, SC 29201
Immerse yourself in Columbia’s history and creativity, without leaving your hotel. Admire locally produced furnishings and contemporary artwork, alongside exposed brick walls and wooden beams from the original Main Street buildings, dating back to the early 1900s. This boutique hotel includes little luxuries like bath amenities and coffee machines in every room.
Best restaurants in Columbia
Saluda’s Restaurant
751 Saluda Avenue, SC 29205
What was once the officers club for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, this grand hall beautifully blends old and new with its Victorian mahogany bar and lively atmosphere. Make a reservation to experience global flavors, with a Southern twist – think buffalo fried oysters and chipotle glazed pork chops.
Motor Supply Co. Bistro
920 Gervais Street, SC 29201
With a daily-changing menu of the freshest local produce, each visit to Motor Supply Co. is unique. Expect mouthwatering creations, including farm-to-fork salads, crispy pork belly and a fusion of classic dishes, like South Carolina shrimp with Congaree grits.
Cola’s Restaurant
1215 Assembly Street, SC 29201
The laidback atmosphere of this restored 1930’s RC Cola bottling plant is the perfect spot for a steak or seafood dinner. Settle into a leather booth and sample the signature crispy flounder, drizzled in sweet apricot shallot sauce. Save room for cinnamon bread pudding when you’ve devoured the main course.
Best attractions in Columbia
Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden
500 Wildlife Parkway, SC 29210
Home to more than 2,000 animals from across the globe, Riverbanks Zoo is the ultimate family day out. Meet koalas and kangaroos, feed giraffes, and watch lions prowl across the zoo’s savanna. Discover more than 4,200 species of plants in the Botanical Garden and make a splash in Waterfall Junction.
Soda City Market
1300-1600 Main Street, SC 29201
Stop by Main Street’s Soda City Market on Saturdays where you’ll find 150 local artists, artisans and food vendors. Tuck into international cuisine and browse the stalls for gifts and souvenirs, including handmade soap, leather goods and beautiful ceramics.
Congaree National Park
100 National Park Road, SC 29061
Explore more than 25 miles of hiking trails through giant hardwood trees and towering pines when you drive south east out of the city to Congaree National Park. Stroll around the boardwalk or try your hand at canoeing in Cedar Creek. Visit during May or June to witness the breathtaking display of fireflies lighting up the woods.
