Transfer to/from - Charleston airport (CHS)

 
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Public transportation services, licensed taxis and rideshare, private transfer companies and car rental services in Charleston airport (CHS)

 

 Transportation

 

Charleston International Airport connects to downtown Charleston and surrounding communities through several ground transportation options:

CARTA Public Buses

The CARTA (Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority) public bus network offers two routes departing from the sheltered stop outside baggage claim:

  • CARTA Airport Express: Provides express service linking the airport with the Tanger Outlets and the Downtown Charleston Visitor Center. Fares are USD 3.50 one-way (USD 7.00 round trip), with discounted rates for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
  • Route 11: Regular local bus service with a base fare of USD 2.00 each way.

Upon reaching downtown, travelers can connect to complimentary Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) routes serving The Citadel, the South Carolina Aquarium, and hotel/university districts.

Ride-sharing (Uber & Lyft)

App-based rides from Uber, Lyft, and KreweCar pick up passengers at the designated covered pickup area (Zones 1, 2, and 3) located across the roadway on the outer curb to the right of the baggage claim building.

  Rent a Car

 

Taxis

Taxis are readily available from the center median directly outside the baggage claim doors, staffed by an on-site starter. The minimum airport meter drop rate is USD 17.00, and standard trips to downtown Charleston typically range from USD 25.00 to USD 35.00, taking 20 to 30 minutes under regular traffic conditions.

Hotel Courtesy Shuttles

Numerous area lodging establishments offer complimentary shuttle van service picking up from the designated curb outside arrivals.

More Ground Transportation Information

 
 

Latest updates: October 7, 2026

Transportation Tips to/from the airport

Some of these tips may seem obvious, but they are worth keeping in mind when traveling to or from the airport, especially if you are using public transportation.
 
 1 - To the airport: leave a little earlier than usually recommended. If you take a taxi or a private car service, allow for rush hour traffic, demonstrations, strikes or events that could delay your trip. It always helps to check the local news before you leave.
 
If you book a shared shuttle, keep the company's contact number handy in case the pickup is late. These services usually confirm a scheduled pickup time in advance.
 
If you use public transportation (bus or train), check the schedules (weekends and holidays usually have less frequent service), whether you need to transfer, and how to pay the fare (a transit card, or cash to the driver). These details seem obvious, but knowing them ahead of time can save you from a delay that could cause problems.
 
If you drive a rental car to the airport, check where to return it. Many airports have a dedicated rental car return area.
 
 2 - From the airport: this part is less stressful, since there is no risk of missing a flight. At worst, you will reach your hotel or meeting point a little later than planned.
 
Once you leave the plane, collect your baggage and complete any required arrival procedures. Then follow the signs for ground transportation or ask airport staff.
 
Check bus and train schedules in advance if you arrive late at night, since not all services run 24 hours. The same applies to taxis. If you plan to use a ride-hailing app such as Uber, have it ready on your phone to contact the driver.
 
If you booked a private transfer, a driver will usually be waiting for you with a sign. If you are renting a car, booking in advance gives you more peace of mind. Rental counters are usually located in the arrivals hall.

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