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Charlotte, NC, USA to Charleston, SC, USA from $22: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Charlotte, United States
to
Charleston, United States

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

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$22 by trainBest price
287.3 kmDistance
3h 33m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Charlotte 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.

Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
9h  21m
Estimated price
$22-219
Recommended
route map
Distance: 287.3 km
Duration: 3h 33m

See more options

Company
Greyhound / Amtrak
Bus
Train
Average Duration
9h  33m
Estimated price
$26-156
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  33m
Estimated price
$35-55
Company
Greyhound
Bus
Average Duration
10h  19m
Estimated price
$42-121
Company
American Airlines
Plane
Average Duration
3h  58m
Estimated price
$74-355
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
4h  33m
Estimated price
$94-347
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
5h 
Estimated price
$320-629
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Traveling From Charlotte to Charleston

The journey from Charlotte to Charleston takes you from a bustling urban atmosphere filled with modern attractions to a charming coastal city rich in history and southern hospitality.

Best Neighbourhoods in Charleston

Charleston boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm.

Historic Downtown
• Home to iconic Rainbow Row buildings.
• Vibrant dining and shopping scene.
The Battery
• Stunning waterfront views and historic homes.
• Perfect for leisurely strolls and photography.
West Ashley
• Offers a mix of suburban local shops.
• Known for beautiful parks and green spaces.

Best Times To Visit Charleston's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your Charleston experience.

Historic District
Early mornings or weekdays offer quieter streets and easier exploration.
Fort Sumter National Monument
Visit during mid-morning for smaller ferry crowds and clearer views.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Spring mornings showcase blooming flowers with fewer visitors around.

Charleston Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Charleston boasts a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers; spring and fall are ideal times to visit for comfortable temperatures. Keep in mind that weather can impact outdoor activities and events, so packing appropriately ensures a pleasant travel experience.

Dining Recommendation

A visit to Charleston wouldn’t be complete without trying the classic shrimp and grits at Husk, where local ingredients shine through in every bite. This dish, with its rich flavors and soulful preparation, reflects the Lowcountry's culinary heritage, offering a delightful contrast to the more modern, eclectic food scene in Charlotte.

Charlotte - Charleston operators

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

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Charlotte Amtrak Station to Selma

Average Duration
4h 1m
Estimated price
$8-110

Train from Selma to Charleston Amtrak Station

Average Duration
4h 8m
Estimated price
$9-110

Train from Fayetteville Amtrak Station to Charleston Amtrak Station

Average Duration
3h 14m
Estimated price
$7-100
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Charlotte Bus Station to Fayetteville Bus Station

Average Duration
3h 30m
Estimated price
$14-50

Bus from Fayetteville Bus Station to Charleston Bus Station

Average Duration
4h
Estimated price
$23-65

Bus from Charlotte Bus Station to Charleston Bus Station

Average Duration
10h 19m
Estimated price
$42-121
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.aa.com/

Plane from Charlotte (CLT) to Charleston (CHS)

Average Duration
1h 8m
Estimated price
$230-650

Plane from Charlotte (CLT) to Hilton Head (HHH)

Average Duration
1h 18m
Estimated price
$380-600

Plane from Charlotte (CLT) to Myrtle Beach (MYR)

Average Duration
1h 4m
Estimated price
$230-470

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

Traveling between Charlotte 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 Charlotte to Charleston, covering a distance of 336.4 km. 💸 Experience budget-friendly travel options with prices ranging from $35 to $55 for the journey by car. ⏱️ Relish the freedom and flexibility of a 3 hour and 33 minute drive from Charlotte to Charleston.
Average price
$35 - $55
🚆 Experience a scenic journey from Charlotte to Charleston by train, taking approximately 9 hours and 21 minutes to reach your destination. 💸 Ticket prices for the train between Charlotte and Charleston range from $22 to $219, offering budget-friendly options for travelers.
🛫 Experience a swift journey from Charlotte to Charleston with the quickest direct flight taking just 1 hour and 1 minute. American Airlines provides convenient flights between Charlotte Airport and Charleston Airport. ✈️ Enjoy a smooth and efficient travel experience as you cover the 3-hour and 58-minute flight duration between Charlotte and Charleston. 💸 The prices for flights between Charleston and Charlotte are budget-friendly, ranging from $74 to $355.
Departure Point
Charlotte Airport
Arrival Point
Charleston Airport
While there isn't a direct route, you can expect a journey of approximately 10 hours and 19 minutes with transfers along the way. 💰 Bus ticket prices for this route typically range from $42 to $121.
Departure Point
Charlotte Bus Station
Arrival Point
Charleston Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Consider booking your trip with multiple operators such as Greyhound and Megabus to compare prices and schedules, as services may vary depending on the time of day. You can check Greyhound's schedule at greyhound.com and Megabus at megabus.com
• During your layover at Fayetteville Bus Station, take a moment to explore nearby dining options such as Sheetz or the Café of the Carolinas, which are within walking distance, to recharge before continuing your journey.
• Upon arriving at the Charleston Bus Station, be prepared for a busy transit area; the local buses run frequently and you can use the CARTA bus system to reach downtown Charleston or other parts of the city. Check schedules and routes at ridecarta.com

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Charlotte to Charleston.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Charlotte and Charleston is approximately 286 km by air. By car, the road distance is slightly longer at 337 km. To travel from Charlotte to Charleston, it typically takes around 3 hours and 12 minutes by plane, 3 hours and 33 minutes by car, and 4 hours and 57 minutes by flying to Hilton Head and then driving. If you prefer the scenic route, you can also take a train, which takes approximately 10 hours and 46 minutes, or a bus, which takes around 10 hours and 12 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Charlotte to Charleston is to drive, with an estimated cost of $35-$55. This mode of transportation also takes around 3 hours and 33 minutes. If time efficiency is a priority, flying is the quickest option, taking around 3 hours and 12 minutes. However, the cost for a flight can range from $85 to $340.
The train tickets from Charlotte to Charleston range from $21 to $219 depending on the class of service and whether you book in advance or last minute. Bus tickets for this route range from $42 to $121.
To travel from Charlotte to Charleston without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 336 km which takes approximately 3 hours and 33 minutes. The driving route provides the flexibility to explore the scenic views along the way. The cost of the trip by car varies from $35 to $55, depending on fuel prices and tolls.
The best way to travel from Charlotte to Charleston without a car is by taking a combination of bus and train. This option takes 9 hours and 16 minutes and costs between $25 and $160. Another option is to fly directly from Charlotte to Charleston, which takes 3 hours and 12 minutes and costs between $85 and $340. If you prefer a longer journey, you can take a bus, which takes 10 hours and 12 minutes and costs between $40 and $130, or a train, which takes 10 hours and 46 minutes and costs between $21 and $220.
Yes, there is a direct link between Charlotte and Charleston but it is not available for all modes of transportation. There are direct flights that take approximately 3 hours and 12 minutes. However, for bus and train travel, there are no direct routes, and transfers are required, resulting in longer travel times. By bus, the journey takes about 10 hours and 12 minutes, while by train, it takes approximately 10 hours and 46 minutes including transfers.
The flight between Charlotte and Charleston typically takes 1 hour and 2 minutes. The prices for flights between the two cities can range from $87 to $337, depending on various factors such as the airline, time of travel, and booking in advance.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Charleston with over 890 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels start at $50 per night, offering a range of choices to suit different budgets. Some popular areas to stay in Charleston include the Historic District, Mount Pleasant, and West Ashley, each offering unique experiences and close proximity to the city's attractions.