Charleston is a quaint city located in South Carolina. You can spend your mornings walking along the beautiful Battery promenade, which overlooks Charleston Harbor, and then explore the elegant French Quarter, with its boutique shops and cobblestone streets.
When it comes to travelling from Charleston SC airport to downtown, you have two different transport options, taking a taxi or the public bus. Taking a Charleston Airport taxi is the quickest option as it takes 20 minutes and costs around $42 (€38). Taking one of the public buses will cost you between $2 (€1.80) and $3.50 (€3.20) per passenger, depending on the bus service you use, but they take around 40 to 60 minutes to reach downtown Charleston.
2 options to go from Charleston Airport to city center
PRICE FOR 
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bus | €3.60 | 60min | 06:49–20:10 | Convenience | Read more | |
| If you're travelling with lots of luggage or a group, I suggest taking a taxi instead of the bus as you will be able to store your belongings and can split the cost of the fare. | ||||||
Taxi | €38 | 20min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Charleston taxis can take up to 4 passengers, so splitting the cost of a ride between a group will make the fare much cheaper per person. | ||||||
Taking a bus from Charleston airport to downtown Charleston is a great transfer option if you’re on a budget. There are two different bus lines that run from the airport to downtown; Route 11 and XP4. Route 11 runs more frequently and is cheaper, but takes 20 minutes longer to reach the city than the XP4 bus. The XP4 is an express service that makes fewer stops, so it can get to the city in 40 minutes.
How much is the bus from Charleston SC Airport to Downtown?
The cost of a one-way ticket on the Route 11 bus costs $2 (€1.80), whereas, the cost of a journey on the XP4 express bus is a little more expensive at $3.50 (€3.20). In both cases, children under the age of 6 travel for free.
The Route 11 bus runs from 06:49 to 20:10 during the week and 10:08 to 19:08 on Sundays. The XP4 bus runs from 08:00 to 19:40 during the week and 12:00 to 17:50 on a Sunday.
Where do I get the bus from?
All buses depart from in front of the Terminal Building, just outside of the baggage claim area. Simply look for the bus stop with the correct number and wait there for the bus to arrive.
Convenience
Although taking the bus is a cheap transfer option, it’s not as convenient as taking a private car. You will have a long wait for the bus to arrive, especially on the weekends, and in the evening, the buses stop running altogether. Plus, the buses make quite a few stops, so this way of travelling can be slow and frustrating.
Timetables
Route 11
XP4
Useful Tips
The quickest and only direct transfer option from Charleston airport to downtown is to take a taxi. The local Charleston Airport taxis charge around $42 (€38) to get to the city and the journey time is just 20 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
Cost of a taxi shuttle from Charleston Airport to Downtown
Unfortunately, the local taxi drivers at Charleston SC airport don’t offer flat-rate fares. They will calculate the cost of your journey using a taximeter based on the distance travelled. Having said that, the average cost of a private shuttle from Charleston airport to downtown Charleston is $42 (€38).
Where do I take a taxi from?
As soon as you exit baggage claim and walk through the terminal exit doors, you will see the official taxi rank just in front of you. Simply walk to the first car and tell the driver where you want to go.
Convenience
Taking a taxi from Charleston airport to downtown is quick, easy and the only direct transfer option available. You won’t have to wait hours for public transport or carry your luggage around bus stations. Instead, you can make your way to your hotel in just 20 minutes.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreFrequently asked questions
What is the distance from Charleston SC airport to downtown Charleston?
The distance from Charleston SC airport to downtown is around 18.3 km. Taking a Charleston Airport taxi will take around 20 minutes to get to downtown, while the public buses will take between 40 and 60 minutes.
What is the best way to get from Charleston airport to downtown?
The fastest way to get from Charleston Airport to downtown is by taking a Charleston Airport taxi. They are available 24.7, the total journey is just 20 minutes and they cost around $42 (€38).
How much does a taxi cost from Charleston airport to downtown Charleston?
The cost of a local Charleston Airport taxi is around $42 (€38). However, this rate can change depending on the exact distance you’re travelling, the time of day and the level of traffic. If you’d prefer the peace of mind of a set-rate fare, we suggest pre-booking your Charleston Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.
Fern Coll
Fern is originally from England, but her love of travel led her to lay roots in Mexico. She’s a business owner and published author with a passion for storytelling. Fern specialises in travel content, helping brands connect with audiences through engaging writing.
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