Landing at CHS? Everything you need — from the terminal to the waterfront. Hotels, activities, car rentals, and local tips for Charleston, Kiawah Island, Folly Beach, and the Lowcountry.
From beachfront resorts to boutique stays — find the perfect accommodation for your Charleston & the Lowcountry trip.
Book the best-rated activities in Charleston & the Lowcountry.
A rental car is essential in Charleston & the Lowcountry. Compare rates from all major agencies.
Charleston International offers several convenient parking options. Book ahead during peak travel periods — spring and summer fill fast.
Plan your drive time from Charleston International Airport to popular destinations.
Charleston International Airport (CHS) is the primary airport serving Charleston, SC. It's located about 12 miles northwest of historic downtown Charleston, roughly a 20-minute drive via I-26.
CHS is approximately 12 miles from the historic district and King Street, about 20 minutes by car. Rideshares are widely available, or you can rent a car at the terminal for exploring the beaches and islands.
CHS is served by American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Frontier, Allegiant, and Avelo. The airport has been expanding rapidly with 40+ nonstop routes to cities including New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, and seasonal international flights.
CHS short-term garage parking costs about $4/hr. Long-term surface lots run $12/day with free shuttles to the terminal. Offsite lots booked via SpotHero can be found from $7/day. The airport also offers an express lot for easier access.
Depends on your itinerary. Downtown Charleston is very walkable and has pedicabs and a free DASH trolley. However, you'll need a car to reach the barrier islands (Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island) and Lowcountry destinations. CHS has all major rental agencies on-site.
Spring (March–May) offers the best weather and is peak azalea and wedding season — beautiful but busy. Fall (September–November) is excellent with cooler temps and fewer crowds. Summer is hot and humid with occasional hurricanes but has the most beach activity. Winter is mild and crowd-free for a more affordable visit.