Avis Car Rental at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), SC

Avis Car Rental Introduce

For residents of South Carolina's midlands, or those flying into the heart of the Palmetto State, reliable transportation is key to navigating the region, from the bustling capital of Columbia to the scenic surrounding areas. Avis Car Rental, situated conveniently at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), serves as a crucial hub for your mobility needs, offering both car rental and van rental options right where you land or near your travel center. This professional agency strives to provide a smooth, dependable rental experience, catering to various travel purposes—whether it’s a quick business trip, a family vacation through South Carolina, or an extended local project requiring a temporary vehicle.

As a well-established presence in the car rental industry, Avis at the CAE airport offers a range of vehicles and services designed to get you on the road quickly and comfortably. Their inventory typically includes everything from economical compact cars for city driving and fuel efficiency to spacious SUVs and passenger vans perfect for group travel or hauling luggage for a longer stay. While many customers appreciate the ease of their booking process and the variety of vehicles, it is always recommended to book your preferred vehicle class well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability.

The agency aims to streamline the rental process, especially for members of their Avis Preferred loyalty program, which is designed to help frequent renters save time by skipping the standard counter line. This emphasis on efficiency is particularly valued by travelers arriving at the airport and needing immediate transportation to their final destination in the West Columbia or Greater Columbia area.

Location and Accessibility

The Avis Car Rental location is ideally positioned within the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), making it the primary choice for air travelers arriving in the area. The physical address is 3010 Aviation Way, West Columbia, SC 29170, USA. This placement inside the airport terminal area means minimal transfer time from your flight to your rental car. The rental counter is typically located inside the terminal building, often near the baggage claim area, for easy access upon arrival.

For customers returning their vehicle before a departing flight, the drop-off process is conveniently located at the same airport address. Vehicles are generally parked directly outside the terminal, simplifying both the pick-up and return steps. Importantly, the location prides itself on accessibility features, recognizing the need to serve all members of the South Carolina community and beyond.

Accessibility accommodations at this specific location are designed to ensure ease of use for everyone. These include:

Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

These features demonstrate a commitment to serving all travelers visiting or residing in the South Carolina region.

Services Offered

Avis Car Rental at CAE functions as a comprehensive mobility solution for a variety of customers, including business travelers, vacationers, and local residents needing a temporary vehicle. The core services provided at this location, in line with their general business model, typically encompass:

**Car Rental Agency Services:** Offering daily, weekly, and monthly rentals of a diverse fleet, including small to full-size sedans, SUVs (intermediate to premium), and specialty cars like convertibles and luxury models.
**Van Rental Agency Services:** Providing options like passenger vans (e.g., 12-passenger) and minivans, suitable for larger groups or families touring South Carolina attractions like the Congaree National Park or heading to the coast.
**Avis Preferred Service:** A loyalty program designed for faster service, allowing members to potentially skip the counter and go straight to their vehicle upon arrival.
**Long-Term/Monthly Car Rental Plans (Avis Flex):** Options available for those needing a vehicle for an extended period, which can be an alternative to a short-term auto lease.
**One-Way Airport Car Rental:** Facilitating travel flexibility by allowing renters to pick up a vehicle at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport and drop it off at another approved Avis location.
**Onsite Services:** The convenience of having the rental counter and vehicles located right at the airport terminal.
**After-Hours Returns:** Providing flexibility for late-night flights with a process for securely dropping off keys and contracts after business hours.

Features / Highlights

Key features of the Avis Car Rental experience at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport location include a variety of customer conveniences, vehicle options, and special programs designed to enhance the rental experience for the local South Carolina market.

**Active Military Discounts:** A notable highlight is the availability of discounts for active military members, veterans, and their families, often facilitated through partnerships like WeSalute, showing appreciation for those who serve.
**Diverse Vehicle Fleet:** Access to a broad range of vehicles, including standard economy cars, full-size sedans like the Toyota Camry, various SUV sizes (from intermediate to premium/full-size like the Chevrolet Suburban), minivans, and specialized vehicles like electric cars, luxury cars, and pickup trucks.
**Convenient Payment Options:** Offering flexibility in transaction methods, accepting major Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.
**Best Rate Guarantee:** Avis often provides a commitment to offering competitive pricing, ensuring customers receive value.
**Add-On Products:** Availability of optional items to enhance the trip, such as GPS navigation systems, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, and Extended Roadside Assistance coverage.

What is Worth Choosing Avis Car Rental at CAE?

Choosing Avis Car Rental at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport location offers a blend of convenience, vehicle variety, and specialized benefits that can be particularly appealing to those traveling through or living in the South Carolina midlands. The sheer convenience of an airport location means you can transition from air travel to road travel with minimal fuss, a crucial factor when managing travel itineraries. The hours of operation are typically aligned with flight schedules, running late into the evening (e.g., Sun 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM; Mon - Fri 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM; Sat 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM), providing coverage for most arrivals and departures.

The commitment to military and veteran discounts is a significant draw for the many military families and veterans in South Carolina. Furthermore, the option to enroll in the Avis Preferred program can drastically cut down on wait times, an especially valuable feature when you are rushing to a local event, a professional engagement in Columbia, or simply eager to start your road trip. While customer reviews sometimes highlight potential issues with lines, vehicle availability, or service speed—as is common with high-volume airport services—the company consistently offers mechanisms like the Preferred program to mitigate these issues and improve efficiency for repeat customers. The availability of diverse vehicle types, from fuel-efficient compacts to large SUVs and passenger vans, ensures that nearly every kind of traveler, from solo drivers to large groups, can find a rental car that meets their specific needs for exploring everything South Carolina has to offer.

Contact Information

For your car or van rental needs at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport:

Avis Car Rental (CAE)
Address: 3010 Aviation Way, West Columbia, SC 29170, USA
Phone: (803) 822-5100
Mobile Phone: +1 803-822-5100

Avis Car Rental Details

Service options
Onsite services

Highlights
Active military discounts

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Avis Car Rental Photos

Avis Car Rental Location

Avis Car Rental

South Carolina Lexington County West Columbia Aviation Way

3010 Aviation Way, West Columbia, SC 29170, USA

Avis Car Rental Reviews

An average rating of ★3.4 from 88 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I will never use this company again, i urge anyone reading this not to. I prepaid and booked a car leaving Charlotte airport. I walked to the desk and presented my reservation. I was told i had to go to the downstairs line since i wasn’t a preferred member. They were the only rental company with a line, and this line took up almost the entire terminal. They also happened to be the only company with a single employee operating the desk. After some time, my wait time estimate was going to be at least 90 minutes. I had a wedding i needed to be in 2 hours away (I gave myself about an hour of wiggle room). So i signed up for Avis preferred. And as the lady had the full details of my car rental already pulled up, she refused to help me get the car even though I was the only one in THAT line waiting for the car. I explained I scheduled (and paid for) my pick up for an hour prior, and that i had to be at a wedding. They would not accommodate me even tho they have at this point been billing me for my car rental over the last hour. Again was told i had to get in the line that would have caused me to miss the wedding. I then had to uber to an enterprise, and rent ANOTHER car. I explained this to their customer service and they told me i should’ve waited in line. But hey at least they reluctantly said I’d get a refund in 7-10 business days. Screw this company
July 12 · Connor Salley
Needs process for luggage,when returning car at airport. My wife are few years past 70 years old. Didn't see a cart in parking lot for our luggage or any help 🤔. Over all the rental process was easy and reasonable prices. Service was good 👍
July 29 · Bigdzl L.
A bit pricey but good service. My interactions at Avis are always positive. At this CAE airport location everything was simple and easy to find. All car rental places are just outside the airport separated by a crosswalk. Very convenient.
December 05 · Christine G
Despite the fact that my last rental w Avis turned into a shit circus pretty quickly, and actually escalated to the point I was I aware of, until my last reservation attempt. As it turns out, Avis has barred me, (along w anyone that may know me) from renting thru them, or any of their partner companies, which I was only made aware of when I went to pick up a vehicle I had reserved, w no problems, or indication I was not allowed to rent w them any longer.My previous rental was roughly a year ago, and despite the stress, and the attitude I got any time I spoke w one of the 3-4 ladies that worked the counter, and having an issue w my payment method, causing delayed payment for my reservation, I was unaware of issues that would ultimately put me on their do not rent list. As a matter of fact, not only was I grossly overcharged for the final amount I had to wait more than a week b4 I was able to pay. However, by that point, there was no possibility of having the amount checked, as the staff's attitude, and willingness to do anything at all about the couple questions I had regarding payment total. Nor would the management bother speaking to myself or my husband about the issue we had finalizing the payment, or whether we would be able to get my husband's meds out of the rental, which was being held w our belongings, until I paid in full. In fact, my husband was just released from the hospital, and dealing w an infection in his blood when the car was picked up w/o notice, and was full of our belongings we had moved . The management originally refused to allow him access to the car, to get his meds, but eventually allowed it, after charging us a fee for access. The fee was part of my total due, but we were refused access to his meds unless we agreed to pay so much that day. We were not Allowed to take anything else from the vehicle, and they held it just as it was when towed, for the entire time I was waiting for my paycheck to come in. The first thing I did when I was paid was went to the airport to pay my balance, so that nitemate could finally be over. Unfortunately, I was overcharged a good but, and there was nothing I could do about it. I also found out the payment I made to access the meds in the car that day, the one I was told had to be paid in cash, had disappeared between the day I paid it, and the time I paid the remaining balance. It was $125, roughly, and I know w/o any doubt, that it was something done by the ladies working the counter, as they had taken my cash, wrapped it in a printed receipt, all signed and dated it. Then they secured the money inside the folded receipt. I was speechless when I saw the same signed receipt pulled from the drawer at the counter, but w/o any money in it. I made comments a couple times, but was ignored. At that point, I assumed it was moved to a safe, or something, and I didn't question whether or not I was credited for it. It was only when I saw all my final papers, and receipt, that I saw I was charged an additional $125, that was never accounted for. I chose not to contact anyone, bc that location is independent, and it has only a few employees, which are all well acquainted. On top of that, management had refused to have any contact w me at all while I was going thru that payment issue, and I realized, they would never do anything to discipline the employees who essentially stole my partial payment, bc they had made it clear I was a problem customer, and they just wanted me to finish my payment and be on my way.
June 23 · Ashleigh Hunt
I’m genuinely surprised with how horrible this facility treated my parents. They rented my parents a van that was an absolute mess to begin with and my parents traveled thousands of miles to come see me at my duty station after not seeing me for months. Once they returned the van that they rented they received a strange charge of 250$ for a CLEANING FEE because there was dirt on the ground. Mind you, it had rained and there was some dirt on the floor but the van was already a mess when they received it. The passenger door didn’t work, the radio was a mess, dried soda in the cup holders, and stains all over the seats. It looked like the van got returned and immediately rented out to my parents and then they had to pay the price for someone else’s mess. The lack of responsibility, integrity, and accountability from this establishment is beyond me.
May 13 · Chloe Ruffner