City guides
United States of America
South Carolina
Getting Around
Charleston is fairly compact and it's easy to explore many attractions on foot or on a rented bicycle. To visit plantations and other attractions outside the city, hiring a car is the best option. A comprehensive and efficient bus service covers most areas in the city, operated by the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA).
The most useful public transport for visitors is the tram system (DASH), offering free transport in the historic downtown area every day of the week. It's possible to reach many of the city's top attractions on the system. Taxis are available but must be called for; Lyft and Uber are available.
Airports
Charleston International Airport
The airport is situated 12 miles (20km) northwest of downtown Charleston.
Charleston International Airport (CHS)
Location
The airport is situated 12 miles (20km) northwest of downtown Charleston.Getting to the city
CARTA offers services to and from the airport on the NASH Express between about 8am and 9pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and 12pm and 6pm on Sundays. Bus tickets cost $3.50 per person per trip. Once in town, passengers can access the free DASH shuttle service that travels to numerous destinations.
There is a shuttle bus that makes multiple stops and is shared among multiple passengers. Adult shuttle fare to downtown Charleston is $15, departing every 15 minutes. Taxis and rental cars are also available. There are also ride-hailing apps available such as Uber.
Time
GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).Car rental
Avis, Alamo, Budget, Hertz, National, and Enterprise are represented at the airport. Dollar and Thrifty sites are located off the premises.
Airport Taxis
Taxis operate at the airport. The taxi fare to downtown Charleston is roughly $30.
Facilities
Airport facilities include pay phones, ATMs, bookstores, restaurants, and shops.
Parking
In the surface lot, parking costs $1 per 20 minutes and up to a daily maximum of $10. On the parking deck, hourly rates are the same but the daily maximum is $15. Valet parking is $21.