Charleston Airport Transfers

Arriving in a new city can be very stressful, so there is nothing better than knowing the different ways to get to your destination to be able to choose.

Nicolas Reffray

Nicolas Reffray

6 min read

Charleston Airport Transfers

Charleston | ©Brad Accarino

If you are planning your trip to Charleston, South Carolina, the first thing you should know is how to get from the airport to your hotel, that's why I have selected for you the best ways to make this journey, which although it is short, can be a headache if you don't know the way.

You will see that there is a lot to see and do in Charleston, it is a city full of attractions, with a great history and a great atmosphere. Once your plane is on the ground and you have cleared immigration and customs, you will have to choose how to get to downtown Charleston. Currently you can choose between several options, such as a cab ride, a shared van or minibus, a bus or renting your own car.

Transfer from the airport to downtown Charleston in a shared vehicle, comfort at a reasonable price

Shared Transfer| ©Darwin Vegher
Shared Transfer| ©Darwin Vegher

Ridesharing is always the best option. Let the company take care of everything, you can relax and enjoy the ride. Your bags will go perfectly while you start planning your first day in the amazing city of Charleston.

Keep in mind that although the trip is really very short, the van or minibus may take a little while, since they must be full to begin their journey.

If you don't mind waiting a bit, this is the most comfortable and practical way to take this tour.

This option is ideal if you are traveling to Charlestone with children or with a large family group. In no time at all you will be in the center of one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in the southern United States.

Details of interest

  • Duration of the trip: about 1 hour
  • Price: from 45 Euros
  • Advantages of using this method: you can relax while the driver arranges your luggage.
  • How to book this transportation: Below is the link to book your transfer to downtown Charleston.
  • Recommended if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with a large family group.

Book your transfer from the airport to downtown Charleston now

Transfer from the airport to downtown Charleston by bus, the most economical option

Charleston Bus Charter| ©charlee955
Charleston Bus Charter| ©charlee955

Another good way to get to downtown Charleston from the airport is by bus. For this there is a service called CARTA, which stands for Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority. For 2 Euros you can ride a shared bus, which will take you to Downtown in only 40 to 50 minutes approximately.

Among the variants that I recommend here, this one has many points in its favor, starting because it is really cheap, and the time it takes to travel to the city of Charleston is relatively short. That is why this is a very good option, especially if you do not travel with many suitcases, since you will have to arrange them yourself on the bus and then maneuver with them through the streets of the city from where the bus leaves you to your hotel.

Another detail to keep in mind is that these buses only accept cash. You pay the ticket when you get on the bus.

You should not confuse it with the Charleston tourist bus, or with the DASH buses. While the one presented here is a public service widely used by travelers and locals to get to and from the airport, the other two allow you to tour the main attractions of the city.

Once in the city, be sure to hire one of the incredible guided tours of Charleston, you will see that this is one of the most interesting destinations in the United States.

Details of interest

  • Duration of the tour: 40 or 50 minutes approximately
  • Price: from 2 Euros (cash only)
  • Advantages of using this method: It is one of the cheapest you can find to travel between Charleston and its airport.
  • How to book this transportation: you can't make a reservation, CARTA buses have a good frequency, so you just board it at the airport gates.
  • Recommended if you are not traveling with a lot of luggage or if your family group is not too big.

Book your guided tour of Charleston now

Transfer from the airport to downtown Charleston by cab

Cab in Charleston| ©Chris Bence
Cab in Charleston| ©Chris Bence

The cab is another classic option to get out of this or any other airport. For only about 10 Euros you can travel comfortably in a private vehicle entirely at your disposal. The trip will take about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

You can always choose one at the gates of the airport, although for greater security I recommend that you book in advance one of the many cabs in Charleston directly on their website.

This is a very good way to make this trip, especially if you are not traveling with too many suitcases or with a large family group, since if you are, you will probably need a larger vehicle.

Once in Charleston I recommend that you hire a carriage tour, you can book a private carriage just for you, the kids will love it.

Details of interest

  • Duration of the trip: about 20 minutes
  • Price: from 10 Euros
  • Advantages of using this method: It is fast and private.
  • How to book this transportation: through some of the many Charleston cab companies' websites, or at the airport exit.
  • Recommended if you do not have too many suitcases and are not traveling with a large family group.

Book your carriage ride in Charleston now!

Transfer from the airport to downtown Charleston in a rental car

Rental Cars| ©Obi
Rental Cars| ©Obi

Renting your own car is a very good way to make the trip between the airport and the city of Charleston, with the addition that you will be able to have mobility to travel around the city, its famous plantations and nearby towns, such as Savannah.

Of course, this is the most expensive option of all, but of course it is not just a transfer from the airport to the city.

You can inquire about the different day packages offered, but renting a car in Charleston will always be a good idea.

Keep in mind that if you choose this option you will need to have an international driver's license and a GPS, in case you don't know the way from the airport to the city of Charleston.

Details of interest

  • Duration of the trip: approximately 20 minutes
  • Price: from 60 Euros per day
  • Advantages of using this method: you gain a lot of independence by being able to count on the car to travel around the city and its surroundings.
  • How to book this transportation: through one of the many websites that car rental companies have on the internet, or at the counters in the hall of the airport.
  • Recommended if you enjoy driving and want to visit the outskirts of Charleston.

Transfer from the airport to downtown Charleston in an Uber or Lyft

Ordering Uber| ©freestocks.org
Ordering Uber| ©freestocks.org

Ordering an Uber or Lyft is another of the most economical ways to make this journey between the Charleston airport and the Holy City. For users of these apps there is no better way to travel, you can choose the vehicle, the driver and even the most convenient route for you. This is why they have become so famous all over the world and one of the best ways to move around cities.

With both Uber and Lyft you can relax and enjoy your trip in a private vehicle at your disposal, and for a very reasonable price. In about 15 to 20 minutes you can be at the doorstep of your hotel, it's that easy.

The average price for this type of trip between the airport and the city of Charleston is about 10 Euros approximately.

Details of interest

  • Duration of the trip: 15 to 20 minutes approximately
  • Price: around 10 Euros
  • Advantages of using this method: you can choose which type of car you prefer and manage your schedule for a really cheap price.
  • How to book this transport: through the apps of these companies, directly from your smartphone.
  • Recommended if you usually use this type of apps and do not travel with too many suitcases or in excessively large groups.

Below is a table comparing all the options

  • shared transfer
  • duration: 1 hour
  • price: 45 Euros
  • for: comfortable and practical
  • against: long waiting time
  • transfer by bus
  • duration: 40 0 50 minutes
  • price: 2 Euros
  • for: it is very economical
  • against: not so comfortable
  • transfer by cab
  • duration: 20 minutes
  • price 10 Euros
  • for: it is fast
  • against: not suitable for many suitcases
  • transfer by rented car
  • duration: 20 minutes
  • price: 60 Euros per day
  • for: independence
  • against: more expensive option
  • transfer by Uber or Lyft
  • duration: 20 minutes
  • price: 10 Euros
  • pro: practical
  • cons: not suitable for many suitcases