Updated 2026-08-15 · CHS.travel Airport Guides
Flying into Charleston International Airport (CHS)? This guide covers everything you need for a smooth trip to Charleston & the Lowcountry — parking, getting to your destination, where to stay, what to do, and answers to the questions travelers ask most.
Charleston International Airport is operated by the Charleston County Aviation Authority and serves as the main gateway to Charleston & the Lowcountry. Top Southern Destination with 5M+ Passengers, CHS has become an increasingly convenient way to reach this stretch of Florida's Gulf Coast and the South Carolina Lowcountry without connecting through a larger, more congested hub.
Charleston has the widest spread between cheapest and most expensive parking of any airport in this network — $3.95/day at a nearby hotel lot against $21/day for valet. The economy lots are the sweet spot. CHS does take online reservations.
Compare and reserve CHS parking in advance →
Here's how far the most popular destinations are from the airport:
On the other end, Savannah, GA is the longest drive on this list at 107 miles (~1 hr 45 min) — worth knowing if you're planning a day trip. A rental car is the easiest way to cover this ground; see current rates below.
Compare rental car rates at CHS →
Depending on what you're after, here's how the areas near CHS break down:
Once you've landed, here are the highest-rated experiences in Charleston & the Lowcountry:
See all top-rated activities near CHS →
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.
The hourly garage at CHS is $1 per 20 minutes, capping at $15/day. Economy Lots A and B are $10/day with a shuttle to the terminal, and valet is $21/day. The cheapest option by a wide margin is the Embassy Suites lot at $3.95/day — but its shuttle only runs 5:30am to 10pm, so check that against your flight times. CHS does take online reservations, often below drive-up rates.
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.