Charleston International Airport (CHS) is a small airport located a few miles north of the city’s historic district. As of October 2025, CHS primarily offers U.S. domestic routes, with the only international trips being to Toronto and Bermuda. The airport is served by the three major legacy carriers, plus several low-cost airlines. CHS is also the central hub for Breeze Airways, an airline that was founded in 2021.
For my January 2025 trip to Charleston, I flew into CHS and then spent 4 days exploring the city on foot, by ride-share, and by public transportation. This guide will share my experience at CHS,along with my thoughts and tips on the various ways travelers can navigate the city.
Guide to Charleston International Airport
CHS is different from many other international airports in that it is very compact. Arrivals and departures share the same floor, and there are only 18 gates between the two concourses. The compact layout means short walking distances and no need for trains or trams to get around.
My flight via American Airlines arrived in Concourse B, and I quickly realized how small CHS was when I made it to the airport exit in under 10 minutes. I wish navigating every airport were that easy! Once outside, travelers will find clear signage directing them to taxis, public transportation, and ride-share pickup areas. If you are using a ride-share service, the app will assign you to one of three zones, each providing a covered shelter and benches. Similar to my previous experience with Denver International Airport, I really appreciate airports that make ride-share pickups so seamless.
At CHS, Concourse A is primarily used by Delta Air Lines, while Concourse B houses most other airlines. International flights at CHS depart and arrive in Concourse B.
A shared shuttle service to the downtown area is available at a rate of $15.00 per passenger, offering a convenient and budget-friendly alternative to taxis or ride-shares.
My return flight from CHS was late on a Monday evening, and there was minimal traffic and crowds at the airport. Unfortunately, by that time, the TSA Pre-Check line was closed, so I had to use the standard checkpoint, which had a wait time of about 15 minutes. Once through security, it was a short walk to my gate in Concourse B.
Since I spent very little time at CHS, I didn’t get the chance to explore the airport’s shops, restaurants, or other amenities. However, I did get to use its excellent water refilling stations. I usually travel with a reusable water bottle, and most airports I’ve been to have slow, low-flow dispensers, but not here. The CHS faucets filled the bottle quickly and efficiently. Sometimes, it’s the little conveniences like this that make travel days so much easier!
Getting Around Charleston
When planning a trip to Charleston, your ideal mode of transportation will depend on your itinerary and budget. For those solely planning to explore the historic sites within the peninsula, one can easily get around by walking or using public transportation and ride-share services. Most attractions – museums, historic homes, and churches – are within walking distance of each other, so there is no need to rent a car. On the other hand, travelers looking to venture outside the peninsula to visit other historic sites, as well as the city’s many beaches, parks, and famous tea garden, will need to rent a vehicle.
Travelers renting a vehicle while visiting the downtown historic area will need to factor into their budget the fees for the parking garages and lots.
Note that parking in the downtown area may be limited during peak travel seasons, such as summertime.
For my trip to Charleston, most of the sites on my itinerary were located within the historic district in the downtown area, so I planned to use Uber and the Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) to get around. I was interested in visiting the tea garden and one or two sites outside the peninsula, but soon learned that public transit was not a viable option, and using Uber would be costly. As such, for my 2025 trip, I decided to focus on the historic district and then, in a return trip, will likely rent a vehicle to explore the rest of the city.
Compared to my Denver trip, where I relied heavily on Uber, I only used the service five times while in Charleston. Overall, the service was reliable, and I never had to wait to be assigned to a driver. Also, as CHS is relatively close to downtown Charleston, the rides to and from the airport were approximately $30 each, before tip.
When traveling, I am always on the lookout for ways to save money, which is why I was thrilled to discover that Charleston offers DASH, a free transit service right in the heart of downtown. DASH has three routes, each stopping near many of the city’s must-see attractions and best restaurants. The shuttle service is provided using standard city buses. Of the three routes, I used Route 210 (Orange Line) once and Route 211 (Green Line) five times.
In my experience with DASH, I found the greatest advantages to be the cost savings, ease of trip planning via the app, and the convenient location of the stops. And for the most part, the buses were clean and well-maintained. The only downside was that the buses were not always on time; the 211 was late twice, once by 15 minutes. Since I was never in any rush, the delays did not impact my plans. Altogether, I saved roughly $60 using DASH instead of Uber.
Travelers using DASH can download the Transit App, available on the App Store and Google Play, to plan routes, check real-time bus arrivals, and track their stop while on board.
Note that DASH is a service that caters to all, not just tourists. As with all public transportation, be mindful of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.
My recommendation for getting around Charleston is to choose the option that best fits your travel style and budget. If convenience is your priority, renting a vehicle will be the best option, keeping in mind the additional costs like parking and fuel. Travelers seeking more budget-friendly transit, using a combination of Uber and DASH works well for getting around the city. And don’t forget about walking – it not only saves you money but helps you burn off those calories from all that delicious Charleston cuisine!
Resources
Explore Charleston, the official tourism website for the city, has a transportation page that lists more options for ground transportation.
Leave a Comment