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 help you 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, it 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 behind it and a great atmosphere. Once your plane is on the ground and you've cleared immigration and customs, you 'll need to choose how to get to downtown Charleston. Currently you can choose from a number of options, such as a taxi ride, a shared van or minibus, a bus or hiring 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

A shared transfer 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 while the journey is very short indeed, the van or minibus may take a little while, as they need to be full to begin their journey.

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

This option is ideal if you're travelling to Charlestone with children or a large family group. In no time at all you'll be in the centre of one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in the southern United States.

Details of interest

  • Travel time: approx. 1 hour
  • Price: from 45 Euros
  • Advantages of using this method: you can relax while the driver arranges your luggage.
  • How to book this transfer: Below is the link to book your transfer to downtown Charleston.
  • Recommended if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling 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. There is a service called CARTA, which stands for Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority. For 2 Euros you can ride a shared shuttle bus, which will take you to Downtown in about 40-50 minutes.

Among the variants that I recommend here, this one has many points in its favour, starting with the fact that it is really cheap, and the time it takes to travel to the city of Charleston is relatively short. This is why this is a very good option, especially if you are not travelling with a lot of luggage, since you will have to arrange them yourself on the bus and then manoeuvre them through the streets of the city from where the bus drops you off to your hotel.

Another thing to bear in mind is that these buses only accept cash. You pay for your ticket when you get on the bus.

Not to be confused with the Charleston sightseeing bus, or the DASH buses. While the one shown here is a public service used by travellers and locals to get to and from the airport, the other two allow you to tour the city's main attractions.

Once in the city, be sure to book one of the incredible guided tours of Charleston, one of the most interesting destinations in the United States.

Interesting details

  • Duration of the tour: approximately 40 to 50 minutes
  • 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 the airport.
  • How to book this transport: You can't make a reservation, CARTA buses have a good frequency, so you only board at the airport gates.
  • Recommended if you are not travelling 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 taxi

Charleston Taxi| ©Chris Bence
Charleston Taxi| ©Chris Bence

Taxis are another classic option for getting out of this or any other airport. For around 10 Euros you can travel comfortably in a private vehicle entirely at your disposal. The journey will take about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

You can always choose one at the gates of the airport, although for safety's sake I recommend that you book one of Charleston' s many taxis in advance directly on their website.

This is a great way to make the journey, especially if you're not travelling with a lot of luggage or a large family group, as you'll probably need a larger vehicle.

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

Details of interest

  • Duration of the trip: approximately 20 minutes
  • Price: from 10 Euros
  • Advantages of using this method: It's fast and private.
  • How to book this transport: through one of the many Charleston taxi company websites, or at the airport exit.
  • Recommended if you don't have too much luggage and are not travelling with a large family group.

Book your carriage ride through 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 great way to make the journey between the airport and the city of Charleston, with the added bonus of being able 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's not just a transfer from the airport to the city.

You can enquire about the various day packages on offer, but renting a car in Charleston is always a good idea.

Note that if you choose this option you will need to have an international driving licence and a GPS, in case you don't know your way from the airport to the city of Charleston.

Details of interest

  • Journey time: approx. 20 minutes
  • Price: from 60 Euros per day
  • Advantages of using this method: you gain a lot of independence by being able to use the car to travel around the city and its surroundings.
  • How to book this transport: 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 by Uber or Lyft

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

Hailing an Uber or Lyft is another of the cheapest ways to make this journey between 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 popular around the world and one of the best ways to get around cities.

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

The average price for this type of journey between the airport and the city of Charleston is around 10 Euros.

Details of interest

  • Journey time: approximately 15 to 20 minutes
  • Price: around 10 Euros
  • Advantages of using this method: you can choose which type of car you prefer and manage your own 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 these types of apps and do not travel with too many suitcases or in excessively large groups.

Here is a table comparing all options

  • shared transfer
  • duration: 1 hour
  • price: 45 Euros
  • for: comfortable and practical
  • against: long waiting time
  • bus transfer
  • duration: 40 0 50 minutes
  • price: 2 Euros
  • for: very cheap
  • against: not so comfortable
  • transfer by taxi
  • 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
  • for: practical
  • against: not suitable for many suitcases