National Car Rental

- 3260 Airport Blvd Ste 8, West Columbia, SC 29170

For many South Carolina residents and business travelers passing through the Midlands, securing a reliable rental car upon arrival is the first order of business. National Car Rental at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) in West Columbia, SC, offers a familiar brand name for quick and efficient vehicle rentals. This specific location serves as a primary hub for travelers flying into the region, positioning itself as a convenient option for accessing the Columbia metropolitan area and the wider Palmetto State.

The agency offers a wide selection of vehicles, designed to meet the diverse needs of South Carolina drivers—from compact cars for city zipping to larger SUVs for a family trip to the coast or the mountains. While the brand is nationally recognized, this particular location carries a distinction as a women-owned business, adding a unique and local element to its service profile. They also show support for the local military community by offering active military discounts, a valuable feature for service members traveling in or out of nearby bases.

However, potential customers should be aware that, like many high-volume airport locations, the experience can sometimes be inconsistent. While the brand is known for its frequent traveler program, the Emerald Club, recent customer feedback from the CAE location has pointed to significant issues with employee professionalism, accuracy of billing information, and responsiveness from management to address concerns. Customers have reported mix-ups with rental information, problems with vehicle availability for elite members, and a general difficulty in reaching management for resolution. When choosing to rent here, South Carolina users should leverage the benefits of their loyalty programs but also practice due diligence by confirming all details at check-in and ensuring all documentation is correct.

Despite these reported service challenges, the agency provides the structural convenience of an on-airport location, complete with a range of payment options and physical accessibility features designed for a quick transition from plane to car.

National Car Rental is conveniently situated directly at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), making it the primary choice for air travelers arriving in the area. This on-site location provides an immediate and seamless transfer from the flight to the rental vehicle, eliminating the need for off-site shuttles.

The exact address is: 3260 Airport Blvd Ste 8, West Columbia, SC 29170, USA. This address is within the CAE terminal facility, where the rental counter is typically located near the baggage claim and the vehicle pickup area is in the adjacent parking garage.

The facility has taken measures to accommodate all customers, which is a key benefit of its airport-based operations. Physical accessibility features include:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance, allowing for easy navigation into the rental area.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot, providing reserved and convenient spots for those with mobility challenges.

For all renters, the location offers convenient on-site parking for customers during the rental process. This allows for simple pick-up and drop-off without logistical complications. Furthermore, the operational hours typically align with flight schedules, offering service from early morning until late in the evening every day of the week, which is vital for any traveler's itinerary in South Carolina.

National Car Rental provides a comprehensive range of car rental services typical of a major national and international brand, with a strong focus on serving frequent business travelers.

• Comprehensive Vehicle Rentals: Offering a diverse fleet that typically includes Economy, Midsize, Full-Size, and Luxury Sedans, as well as SUVs, Minivans, and specialty vehicles, accommodating all travel types across the Palmetto State.
• Emerald Club Loyalty Program: The flagship service, allowing frequent renters to bypass the counter, choose any vehicle from the Emerald Aisle (Midsize and above at the Midsize rate), and earn credits towards free rental days.
• Flexible Rental Options: Providing both short-term rentals for quick business trips and long-term rentals for extended stays in the region.
• Multiple Payment Methods: Accepting major Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and modern NFC mobile payments for convenience at the counter.
• Refueling Service Options: Customers are typically offered the choice to prepay for fuel, have the agency refuel the vehicle and charge them, or refill the tank themselves before returning.
• Protection Products: Offering various protection products, such as Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP), and Roadside Assistance PLUS for an additional daily charge.
• After-Hours Vehicle Return: For late-night returns, the location offers an after-hours drop-off service where keys can be left in a drop-box at the rental counter, though the vehicle must be parked in a designated rental car space.
• Additional Driver Policy: Typically allows the renter's spouse or domestic partner who meets all requirements to be an authorized driver at no additional charge.

Several distinct features make National Car Rental a notable option for South Carolina travelers, especially those who frequently rent vehicles.

• Designation as a Women-Owned Business: This local distinction highlights the business's contribution to diversity in the regional economy and offers customers an opportunity to support a woman-owned enterprise.
• Active Military Discounts: The agency recognizes the value of military service by offering special discounts to active military members, a significant benefit in a state with a large military presence.
On-Airport Convenience (CAE): Its location within the Columbia Metropolitan Airport terminal eliminates the stress and time involved with remote rental facilities, ensuring a quick start to any trip.
• Digital and Contactless Technology: The Emerald Club and National Car Rental app are designed to offer "speed, choice, and control," allowing members to bypass the counter, choose their vehicle, and utilize the Drop & Go feature upon return.
• Executive Elite and Premium Access: The top tier of the Emerald Club offers highly valued benefits like guaranteed upgrades, access to the Executive Area with a choice of Fullsize and above vehicles for the Midsize rate, and the fastest rate for earning free rental days.
• Modern Payment Flexibility: Accepting NFC mobile payments (such as Apple Pay or Google Pay), alongside traditional credit and debit cards, streamlines the checkout process.
• High-Quality Vehicle Fleet: The company generally offers a fleet of newer model vehicles across a broad range of categories, ensuring customers receive a vehicle that is well-maintained, as noted by some positive customer feedback on car cleanliness.

Customers can reach the National Car Rental location serving the West Columbia and Columbia area through the primary contact information provided below.

Address: 3260 Airport Blvd Ste 8, West Columbia, SC 29170, USA

Phone: (844) 806-3357

Mobile Phone: +1 844-806-3357

As an on-airport provider at CAE, this location is best suited for those traveling by air, though it can also be a convenient option for residents of West Columbia or those near the airport corridor.

For a specific demographic of South Carolina travelers, National Car Rental at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport is a solid choice. It is particularly worthwhile for business or leisure travelers who are already members of the Emerald Club, as the benefits like counter bypass and vehicle selection can save significant time, which is essential when on a tight schedule. The presence of active military discounts is another compelling reason for service members in the region to choose this agency. Furthermore, supporting a women-owned business located at a major transit hub aligns with the desire of many local users to back diverse local enterprises.

However, the worth of choosing this location is heavily dependent on the customer's loyalty status and expectations for service. For travelers seeking a simple, transaction-based rental with the potential for digital efficiency, the company's established systems and on-airport location offer inherent convenience. If you prioritize speed over extensive one-on-one personal interaction and can utilize the mobile app and loyalty program perks, this agency can deliver an effective rental experience. Customers are advised to carefully review all billing and reservation details due to reported inconsistencies, but the underlying product—a wide selection of well-maintained vehicles—remains a strong draw for travelers across South Carolina.

National Car Rental

3260 Airport Blvd Ste 8, West Columbia, SC 29170, USA