Charleston International Airport (CHS) is approximately 12 miles from downtown Charleston. The exact road distance varies by destination and route, and the trip generally takes around 20 to 30 minutes by car, with traffic affecting the actual time.
The airport sits at 5500 International Boulevard in North Charleston.
Here is how far it actually is, how long it takes, and what your options are for getting into town.
How far is Charleston airport from downtown Charleston?
Charleston International Airport is approximately 12 miles from downtown Charleston. The exact road distance varies by your destination on the peninsula and the route used.
This is why you will see slightly different distances quoted in different places. Different figures can result from different downtown endpoints, route calculations, and definitions of city center.
How long does it take to get from the airport to downtown?
Plan on roughly 20 to 30 minutes by car for a typical downtown trip, with traffic and your exact destination affecting the actual journey time.
A common driving route uses International Boulevard, I-526 and I-26 toward downtown Charleston, although navigation may choose a different route depending on your destination and current traffic.
If you are heading to the airport rather than from it, build in more margin than the drive time suggests. Traffic on the approach to downtown can add time, and rental-car returns require additional time before your flight.
How do you get from Charleston airport to downtown?
Your main options are Uber or Lyft, taxi, CARTA Route 11, rental car, or a hotel shuttle where available. The best choice depends on your budget, luggage, destination, and whether you need a car during your stay.
| Option | Roughly what it costs | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Uber or Lyft | Convenient door-to-door option. Prices vary with demand. | travelers who want a direct airport-to-accommodation ride |
| Taxi | Metered, with a $17 minimum from the airport | Anyone who would rather not use an app |
| CARTA Route 11 bus | $2 one way for the regular fixed-route fare | Solo travelers with light luggage and time |
| Rental car | Varies | Trips that include the beaches or day trips out of town |
| Hotel shuttle | Cost and availability vary by hotel | Guests staying at hotels that offer airport shuttle service |
Rideshare and taxi
Uber and Lyft both operate at Charleston International. Follow the rideshare signs after baggage claim to the designated covered shelter.
Taxis wait in the center median outside baggage claim. The airport states a $17 minimum charge for taxi journeys departing the airport, with the final fare depending on the destination and metered trip. Taxis at the airport accept major credit cards. Full details are on the CHS ground transportation information page.
The CARTA bus
CARTA Route 11, Dorchester/Airport, serves Charleston International Airport and travels into downtown Charleston. The airport bus stop is a covered, well-lit shelter just outside baggage claim, near the passenger pickup area and the rental car lot. See CARTA fares and Route 11 information for current fares and schedules before you travel.
The regular fixed-route fare is currently $2 one way. The route makes multiple stops, so the trip takes longer than a direct car ride, and it is not ideal with several suitcases.
Rental cars
Rental car desks are at the end of the terminal past baggage claim. Returns are on Level 1 of the parking deck, with covered walkways to and from the terminal.
Whether you need one at all is a separate question. If your plans are concentrated on the Charleston peninsula, you may not need a rental car for the entire stay. Our guide on whether you need a car in Charleston goes through when a car earns its keep, and the downtown Charleston parking guide covers what parking costs if you bring one.
Should you rent a car at Charleston airport?
If you are staying downtown and most of your plans are on the peninsula, you may not need a rental car for the entire trip. A rental car can be more useful if your itinerary includes beach trips, plantations, or destinations outside the peninsula. For a downtown-focused itinerary, consider whether you need the car for the entire stay.
For some travelers, the distance question is also part of deciding whether to rent a car.
For a downtown-focused trip, one option is to use rideshare or taxi from the airport and rely on walking for much of your sightseeing. A rental car can make more sense if your itinerary includes beaches or destinations outside the peninsula.
Where should you stay in relation to the airport?
For travelers whose plans are centered on the historic peninsula, downtown Charleston is often the more convenient choice. If sightseeing in the historic peninsula is your priority, staying downtown puts you closer to the city's main attractions and makes it easier to explore on foot.
Our vacation rentals in downtown Charleston are on the peninsula. Downtown properties are generally within a relatively short drive of the airport, although the exact time depends on the property location and traffic.
Browse by size: Charleston vacation rentals that sleep 2, Charleston vacation rentals that sleep 4, or Charleston rentals with 30-night minimums for a longer stay. Not sure what fits your dates? Contact CHC Vacation Rentals.
Frequently asked questions
Charleston International Airport (CHS) is approximately 12 miles from downtown Charleston. Depending on the exact downtown destination, the road distance can vary somewhat. The airport is at 5500 International Boulevard in North Charleston.
Plan on roughly 20 to 30 minutes by car for a typical downtown trip. Traffic, your exact destination, and the route can make the trip shorter or longer. Give yourself extra margin on the return trip to catch a flight.
The airport currently lists a $17 minimum taxi charge for trips departing CHS. The final fare depends on the destination and metered trip. Taxis at the airport accept major credit cards.
Yes. CARTA Route 11 connects Charleston International Airport with the downtown area. The regular fixed-route fare is currently $2 one way. Because the bus makes stops along the route, allow more time than you would for a direct taxi or rideshare.
If you are staying primarily on the Charleston peninsula, you may not need a rental car for the whole trip. Rideshare, taxi, walking, and public transportation can cover many downtown-focused itineraries. A rental becomes more useful for beaches, plantations, and trips outside the city.
At a designated covered shelter. Follow the airport's signs to the designated rideshare pickup area after baggage claim. Both services operate at Charleston International.