Chicago, IL, USA to Charleston, SC, USA from $60: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Chicago to Charleston: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$60 by trainBest price

1225 kmDistance

5h 2m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chicago to Charleston with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

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Chicago - Charleston operators

Explore transport companies operating between Chicago and Charleston, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane

Website

southwest.com

Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Charleston (CHS)

Average Duration

5h 2m

Estimated price

$114-408

Website

aa.com

Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Charleston (CHS)

Average Duration

2h 16m

Estimated price

$150-600

Website

united.com

Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Charleston (CHS)

Average Duration

2h 18m

Estimated price

$4081-4082

Website

delta.com

Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Charleston (CHS)

Average Duration

4h 33m

Estimated price

$4083-4084

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Chicago Union Station to Rockville Amtrak

Average Duration

16h 36m

Estimated price

$4085-1142

Train from Washington Union Station to Charleston Amtrak Station

Average Duration

9h 24m

Estimated price

$605-4081

Train from Chicago Union Station to Alexandria

Average Duration

23h 32m

Estimated price

$606-4270

Train from Alexandria to Charleston Amtrak Station

Average Duration

9h 3m

Estimated price

$4273-4081

Drive

Drive from Chicago to Charleston

Average Duration

15h 19m

Estimated price

$1141-1142

Chicago to Charleston: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Chicago and Charleston offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Chicago to Charleston, covering a distance of 915 miles. Experience the changing landscapes as you journey through multiple states. 💰 Prices for this road trip range from $160 to $240, offering budget-friendly options for various travelers. Enjoy the flexibility of a car trip and explore charming towns along the way. ⏱️ Plan for a driving time of approximately 15 hours and 19 minutes, making stops to stretch your legs and savor the local cuisine. Arrive in Charleston refreshed and ready to explore its historic charm.

Average price

$160 - $240

🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from Chicago to Charleston spanning over 27 hours and 56 minutes. Sit back and enjoy the changing landscapes as you make your way to the charming southern city. 🎫 Tickets for the train ride between Chicago and Charleston can range from $60 to $427, offering travelers a variety of options to suit their budget and preferences. Whether you opt for a standard coach seat or indulge in a luxurious sleeper car, there's a choice for every type of traveler.

🛫 Experience a quick and convenient journey from Chicago to Charleston with a direct flight lasting just 2 hours. Choose Southwest Airlines for a seamless travel experience between Chicago Midway Airport and Charleston Airport. 🏝️ Explore the charming city of Charleston after a flight duration of 5 hours and 2 minutes from Chicago. Enjoy the southern hospitality and rich history that Charleston has to offer. 💸 Flight prices between Charleston and Chicago range from $114 to $408, providing options to suit various budgets for your trip to this picturesque destination on the East Coast.

Departure Point

Chicago Midway Airport

Arrival Point

Charleston Airport

🚌 Embark on a scenic bus journey from Chicago to Charleston spanning 1,060 miles and 4 transfers, taking approximately 1 day and 8 hours to reach the charming destination in South Carolina.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Chicago to Charleston.

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The distance between Chicago and Charleston is approximately 1224.7 km by air and 1472.4 km by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. It takes around 4 hours and 14 minutes to reach Charleston from Chicago by plane, 29 hours and 21 minutes by train, 30 hours and 36 minutes by taking a bus and then a train, and 15 hours and 19 minutes by car.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Chicago to Charleston is by train, with fares ranging from $55 to $430. However, this mode of transportation takes approximately 29 hours and 21 minutes. If time is a priority, the fastest option is to fly, which takes around 4 hours and 14 minutes. Flight costs range from $90 to $300.

The prices for traveling between Chicago and Charleston vary depending on the mode of transportation. Train tickets range from $57 to $425, while bus tickets range from $244 to $297.

To get from Chicago to Charleston without using public transportation, you can drive yourself. The distance between the two cities is approximately 1472.5 km, and it takes around 15 hours and 19 minutes to drive. The cost of the trip will vary depending on factors such as gas prices and vehicle efficiency, but it can range from $160 to $240.

To travel from Chicago to Charleston without a car, your best options are by train or by plane. The train journey takes approximately 29 hours and 21 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $55 to $430. Alternatively, you can opt to fly, which takes about 4 hours and 14 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $90 to $300. Another option is to take a bus, which takes approximately 31 hours and 10 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $240 to $300.

There is no direct link between Chicago and Charleston. The most convenient way to travel between the two cities is by plane, which takes around 4 hours and 14 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train from Chicago to Charleston, which takes approximately 29 hours and 21 minutes. If you prefer a combination of bus and train, the travel time is around 30 hours and 36 minutes. The road distance between the two cities is 1472.4 km, and driving from Charleston to Chicago takes about 15 hours and 19 minutes.

The flight between Chicago and Charleston typically takes about 2 hours. However, the duration may vary depending on factors such as the specific airports, airline, and any layovers. As for the cost, ticket prices for this route usually range from $92 to $300, but this is also subject to change based on factors such as the time of booking and availability.

There are plenty of accommodation options near Charleston with over 890 hotels to choose from. Prices start at $50 per night, providing a range of options to suit different budgets.