Enterprise Rent-A-Car

- 3000 Aviation Way, West Columbia, SC 29170

For residents and visitors arriving in or departing from the South Carolina Midlands, the Enterprise Rent-A-Car branch situated right at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) in West Columbia provides a critical, highly convenient service. Located at 3000 Aviation Way, this branch is an essential resource for those seeking immediate, reliable ground transportation upon landing or those needing to drop off a rental before flying out. Operating with the global strength of the Enterprise brand, this location maintains a strong local focus, ensuring a diverse fleet and responsive customer care.

This specific Enterprise location is more than just a counter at the airport; it’s a full-service car and van rental agency designed to meet the immediate, high-demand needs of air travelers and the surrounding West Columbia community. Like its downtown counterpart, this branch proudly identifies as a women-owned business, demonstrating a commitment to local enterprise while delivering a world-class rental experience. The agency offers a complete lineup of rental types, from economic cars ideal for solo business travel to larger vans perfect for family vacations starting in South Carolina.

A key feature for locals with military ties is the availability of active military discounts, a significant benefit in a region with a large military presence. However, customers should always prioritize careful review of their contract details, especially regarding return times and early return policies, as discrepancies between verbal agreements and written contracts have been a point of friction for some past renters. While the vehicle quality is consistently high, the primary focus for a smooth experience at an airport location lies in meticulous attention to the final terms of the rental agreement.

The Enterprise Rent-A-Car facility is strategically located at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), making it the most convenient option for air travel-related rental needs in the Midlands.

• Address: 3000 Aviation Way, West Columbia, SC 29170, USA

As an airport location, the operating hours are significantly extended compared to neighborhood branches, offering extensive availability to accommodate a wide range of flight schedules:

• Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:59 PM

• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

• Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:59 PM

The on-site services within the airport terminal ensure a rapid transition from your flight to your rental vehicle. The location is also highly focused on physical access and modern payment options for customer convenience:

• Physical Accessibility: The facility offers a wheelchair accessible entrance and a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring all travelers can access the rental services comfortably.

• Parking: On-site parking is available, which is particularly beneficial for those conducting business at the airport or coordinating drop-offs and pick-ups.

• Payment Flexibility: They accept all major payment methods, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and modern NFC mobile payments, providing multiple streamlined ways to complete your transaction.

• After-Hours Policy: Note that, while the hours are extensive, after-hours return service may not be available at this location. Customers must confirm the return process and any associated fees for late drop-offs with the rental agent before finalizing the contract.

The CAE Enterprise branch functions as a dual-purpose rental provider, serving both individual car renters and commercial needs for larger vans. Their fleet is comprehensive to address various travel needs across South Carolina.

• Car Rental Agency: A full spectrum of car classes is available, from economy and compact models (like the Mitsubishi Mirage or Nissan Versa, which are frequently the most popular rental type) to intermediate and full-size sedans, and a complete line of SUVs (small, medium, and large) for navigating South Carolina’s diverse terrain.

• Van Rental Agency: Offering specialized vehicles, including minivans (such as the Chrysler Pacifica or similar) and larger passenger vans, ideal for group tours, sports teams, or transporting large families to Myrtle Beach or the Upstate.

• Onsite Services: Being directly located at the airport, the services are designed for seamless integration with air travel, with the rental counter typically found in the baggage claim area and vehicle pick-up a short walk or shuttle ride away, depending on the current logistics at CAE.

• Government and Military Travel Services: Providing special discounted rates for active military, veterans, and government personnel for both official duty travel and personal leisure trips, a vital service for the Columbia area community.

• Deposit and Payment Processing: The agency requires a security deposit, such as the reported $300, which is fully refundable upon the timely return of the vehicle in good condition, subject to all contract terms.

The Enterprise branch at Columbia Metropolitan Airport distinguishes itself through its organizational identity and the value-added services it provides to the South Carolina traveling public.

• Women-Owned Business Status: This designation highlights the local leadership and entrepreneurial focus of the branch, contributing to a unique service environment within the Enterprise network.

• Active Military Discounts: Enterprise, a company founded by a decorated WWII Navy veteran, offers valuable discounts to those in the military community, an essential benefit given the proximity to Fort Jackson and other military facilities.

• Extended Airport Hours: Unlike many neighborhood branches, the CAE location offers extensive operational hours from 8:00 AM until late at night, seven days a week, making it highly flexible for travelers with early departures or late arrivals.

• Wide Vehicle Selection on Site: Travelers have access to a large, varied fleet of vehicles suitable for any trip purpose across South Carolina, from small, economical commuter cars to premium SUVs.

• Convenient On-Airport Location: The on-site service location means a quick transition from the plane to the rental car, saving travelers significant time and eliminating the need for an external shuttle service from the terminal to a remote lot.

For general inquiries, reservations, or to confirm your rental details at the Enterprise Rent-A-Car facility at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), please use the following contact information. Given the nature of airport rentals, it is always advisable to call directly to confirm all contract specifics, particularly regarding pick-up and drop-off times.

• Address: 3000 Aviation Way, West Columbia, SC 29170, USA

• Toll-Free Phone: (833) 969-2399

• Mobile Phone (Direct Line): +1 833-969-2399

The Enterprise Rent-A-Car at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is undeniably the most logical and convenient choice for anyone flying into or out of the Columbia area. The fundamental advantage is the on-site location, which minimizes travel time and complexity immediately upon arrival or departure. This is a critical factor for business travelers or families who require speed and efficiency.

However, the primary takeaway for customers choosing this high-volume location is the absolute necessity of rigorous attention to detail regarding the rental contract. While the staff is present and the vehicles are reliable, the transactional nature of airport rental requires customers to ensure that any verbal assurances, such as total rental charges, due dates, and early return refund possibilities, are explicitly reflected in the final signed contract. The reviews highlight that relying solely on verbal agreements can lead to unexpected charges or confusion over daily rates and return times.

Therefore, the worth of choosing this branch lies in its superior convenience, extensive hours, and the tangible benefits it offers, such as military discounts and a women-owned business identity. To maximize the value and ensure a "smooth" experience, customers should dedicate time to reviewing every line of the final paperwork, confirming the return time and total cost match their expectations before leaving the counter. This due diligence guarantees a seamless rental experience in line with the high quality of the vehicles provided.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

3000 Aviation Way, West Columbia, SC 29170, USA