Hertz Car Rental - Columbia Metropolitan Airport Photos










Hertz Car Rental - Columbia Metropolitan Airport Introduce
For those traveling to the Midlands of South Carolina, whether for business, a vacation, or to visit family, the Hertz Car Rental location at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) provides a vital link to mobility. Situated conveniently on Aviation Way in West Columbia, this agency is dedicated to serving air travelers and local residents alike with a large, diverse fleet of vehicles and the quality assurance of a globally recognized brand.
As a dedicated car rental agency, Hertz at this location offers everything from compact, fuel-efficient sedans for zipping around downtown Columbia to spacious SUVs ideal for a family trip to the coast or the mountains. Customers appreciate the ability to find a clean, well-maintained vehicle that meets their specific needs and budget. Furthermore, for frequent travelers, the seamless experience offered by programs like Hertz Gold Plus Rewards can dramatically expedite the pick-up and drop-off process, a significant benefit when time is of the essence.
It is important for local South Carolina customers to note that this location operates as a licensee, which is common for airport branches. While it carries the full branding and general service standards of Hertz, the specific policies regarding vehicle fleet composition, local inventory, and certain operational decisions may differ slightly from corporate-owned locations. Despite this, the core offerings, including military discounts and an emphasis on accessibility, remain a strong highlight of their service in the West Columbia area.
The Hertz Car Rental branch is perfectly positioned at the center of regional travel at 3000 Aviation Way, West Columbia, SC 29170, USA. This address places the rental counter and vehicle lot directly within or immediately adjacent to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) terminal area, ensuring maximum convenience for arriving passengers. Customers can usually find the rental counter within the baggage claim area or a very short, well-marked walk away, making the transition from flight to car seamless.
The location’s proximity to Interstate 26 allows for quick access to downtown Columbia, the University of South Carolina campus, Fort Jackson, and the numerous communities of Lexington and Richland counties. For customers who drive their own vehicle, the availability of on-site parking at the facility or nearby airport garage is an added convenience.
A significant feature of this facility is its commitment to serving all members of the South Carolina community, including those with mobility needs. The location ensures full compliance with accessibility standards:
- Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Ensures smooth and safe entry for all customers into the main office and counter area.
- Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Designated accessible parking spaces are provided on-site for convenient access to the rental vehicles.
- Wheelchair Accessible Seating: Seating within the counter area is designed to accommodate all customers comfortably while finalizing their rental agreement.
As a premier car rental agency, the Hertz location near Columbia Metropolitan Airport offers a comprehensive range of services and vehicle options to facilitate travel across South Carolina:
- Wide Vehicle Fleet: Offering rentals across popular classes, including compact, intermediate, full-size sedans (like the Chevrolet Malibu), minivans, and various sizes of SUVs (such as the Nissan Rogue or GMC Yukon, subject to availability).
- Onsite Services: All primary rental functions, including vehicle check-out, agreement finalization, and key return, are managed directly at the 3000 Aviation Way location, often with dedicated areas for frequent renters.
- Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Program: Facilitates an expedited, counter-skip experience for enrolled members, allowing them to proceed directly to the designated lot to select or find their vehicle, significantly speeding up the rental process.
- Official & Leisure Military Discounts: Provides discounted rates for active military personnel and government employees, covering both official temporary duty assignments (TDY) and personal/leisure travel, a highly valued offering for the surrounding military community.
- Diverse Payment Options: Accepts a variety of convenient payment methods for the rental and any required security deposit, including major Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and modern NFC Mobile Payments.
- Refueling Options: Customers are typically provided with multiple options for handling fuel upon return, such as pre-purchasing a tank, having the agency refill it (for a fee), or refueling the vehicle themselves before drop-off.
- Optional Insurance Products: Offers additional protection packages at the counter, such as Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) and Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS), allowing customers to customize their coverage.
The Hertz Car Rental branch at CAE stands out due to several key features designed to enhance the customer experience in the Midlands region:
- Dedicated Military Support: The highly appreciated active military discounts are a core feature, demonstrating the company’s commitment to the large military presence at nearby Fort Jackson and other bases.
- Premium Loyalty Program: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership is promoted as a way to avoid the counter entirely at major airport locations, offering a significant time-saver for busy travelers.
- Full Accessibility: Going beyond basic requirements, the location ensures a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance, Parking Lot, and Seating, making it a reliable choice for customers with any mobility challenge.
- Airport Convenience: Located on Aviation Way, the branch is physically situated for the fastest possible transition from the baggage claim area to the rental car.
- Clean, Modern Fleet: The local operation is focused on maintaining a clean, smoke-free, and well-performing fleet, aiming to provide a positive driving experience for every renter, as noted in positive customer feedback.
- Instant Payment Technology: Acceptance of NFC mobile payments provides a modern, secure, and fast option for completing transactions at the counter.
For current availability, special rates, or to address any specific questions about your rental, customers in South Carolina can use the following direct contact information:
- Address: 3000 Aviation Way, West Columbia, SC 29170, USA (Serving Columbia Metropolitan Airport - CAE)
- Phone: (803) 851-4270
- Mobile Phone: +1 803-851-4270
Choosing the Hertz Car Rental at Columbia Metropolitan Airport is a strong option for South Carolina travelers seeking a blend of brand reliability, speed, and specific benefits. It is highly recommended for those who value:
- Expedited Airport Service: For members of the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program, the ability to skip the counter and proceed directly to a pre-assigned or designated choice vehicle is an unparalleled convenience at a busy airport location.
- Support for Military Travel: With clearly promoted active military discounts for both leisure and official government travel, this branch offers tangible savings and benefits to the service members and veterans residing in or visiting the Midlands.
- Guaranteed Accessibility: The extensive provisions for wheelchair accessibility, including the entrance, parking, and seating, ensure that the rental process is inclusive and accommodating for all travelers.
- Consistent Fleet Quality: Customer feedback often highlights the cleanliness and newness of the vehicles, making it a desirable choice for those who prioritize a comfortable and problem-free driving experience during their time in South Carolina.
- Prime Location: Being located right at the CAE airport eliminates the need for additional shuttle services off-site, saving valuable time upon arrival and departure.
Hertz Car Rental - Columbia Metropolitan Airport Details
Service options
- Onsite services
Highlights
- Active military discounts
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- On-site parking
Hertz Car Rental - Columbia Metropolitan Airport Location
Hertz Car Rental - Columbia Metropolitan Airport
3000 Aviation Way, West Columbia, SC 29170, USA
Hertz Car Rental - Columbia Metropolitan Airport Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I’ve had smooth business with multiple Hertz locations over the past couple of months and this location was no exception. I had a small issue regarding a Wagoneer from an out of state location and the team here took care of an exchange for me quickly.I can’t really speak on their selection of vehicles as a whole but they had exactly what I needed when I needed it. The vehicle is clean, smell free and drives like new!Keep in mind this a licensee location and not corporate. Both carry the Hertz name yet offer completely different experiences and vehicle selections.
Jul 12, 2025 · BrianHorrifying Experience at Hertz CAE – Never Treated This Way BeforeI‘ve been a loyal customer at the Hertz location in Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) for over 18 months. Until now, I’ve had consistently positive experiences, courteous service, clean vehicles, and a sense of professionalism I appreciated.But today changed that.I was appalled by the behavior of a young male employee, Black, with dreadlocks, who treated me with open disrespect. I don’t know if he’s new, but his conduct was completely out of line.He raised his voice at me unprovoked, spoke in a hostile tone, and acted as though basic courtesy didn’t apply. When I calmly told him, “You can’t speak to people like that,” he became even more aggressive. His tone was dismissive, defiant, and deeply unprofessional, completely unbecoming of someone representing a global brand like Hertz.Even when his colleagues tried to step in, he kept going. He told me he didn’t care. He made it clear he had no regard for customer service or for treating people with respect. It felt like a power play, like he was trying to humiliate me for sport. I don’t know what his issue was, but I have never been treated so poorly at any rental car counter in my life.This young man’s behavior was not just rude, it was deeply inappropriate, unprofessional, and frankly disturbing. I’m a professional woman who had just returned from travel, and to be met with that kind of energy was jarring and unacceptable.Hertz, this employee is a liability to your reputation. I sincerely urge you to review the cameras, speak to your staff, and take action. I will not rent from this location again if he remains on your team.Do better. Your long-term customers deserve better.
Aug 04, 2025 · AEFive-Star Experience with Hertz – Outstanding Customer Service!I recently had a fantastic experience with Hertz and wanted to share how impressed I was with their customer service, especially thanks to Ray at the return location. After dropping off my rental — a sleek, white Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk that was a dream to drive — I realized I’d left my headphones behind. I was in a rush and couldn’t go back to check the vehicle myself, but Ray went above and beyond to help.He personally located my lost headphones and ensured they were safely returned to me. His professionalism, kindness, and attention to detail made what could have been a frustrating situation into a truly positive one.As for the vehicle, the Cherokee Trailhawk was in excellent condition — clean, reliable, and super comfortable. It met all my needs for the trip and handled beautifully throughout.This experience reminded me why I keep choosing Hertz. Great cars, smooth process, and exceptional people like Ray who genuinely care about their customers. Highly recommend!
May 25, 2025 · Michael AaronOur first time visiting SC, The electricity was out due to storm. We had no problem getting our rental. The people were pleasant and friendly. We enjoyed the car . Easy return- totally hassle free
Oct 15, 2024 · Mayra SkinnerFantastic experience at this Hertz location. The customer service team was so friendly, courteous, and helpful. Very professional and the rental process was very smooth.
Aug 28, 2025 · Amy Dawson
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