Getting to Charleston & Getting Around
Facts checked October 18, 2026
Charleston International (CHS) is the airport for the city, and the historic peninsula is compact enough that many visitors never drive once they arrive.
Flying in
| Code | Airport | Distance / link to town (source) |
|---|---|---|
| CHS | Charleston International | CARTA buses run from outside Baggage Claim to Downtown Charleston (airport’s own page) |
We don’t quote fares; they change by the hour. The search buttons open a live flight search to Charleston International (CHS); change the dates and origin there.
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Do you need a car?
On the peninsula: no. CARTA’s Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) is free and has three lines covering the Visitors Center, King Street, Waterfront Park, the City Market, the Aquarium and the Charleston Museum (CARTA).
For plantations and beaches: yes. The plantations (see our plantation tours guide) and the beaches are off the peninsula; drive or book a tour with transport.
Renting a car
If you do rent, compare the airport desks in one search rather than booking the first brand you see, and check what the rate includes (tolls, extra drivers, mileage) before you pay.
Airport transfer
Welcome Pickups has a Charleston page for pre-booked airport rides; the page lists flight monitoring for delays, 24/7 customer support and flexible cancellation (checked October 18, 2026). It’s worth comparing with a taxi or rideshare if you land late, travel with kids, or just want the ride sorted before you fly.
Luggage storage
Honest note: Radical Storage’s Charleston page listed only one location on Oct 18, 2026, in Hampton Park Terrace on the upper peninsula, not in the historic core. Check the map before you book.
Schedules, routes and coverage change; confirm on the official page before you travel.