Philadelphia, PA, USA to Charleston, SC, USA from $32: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$32 by trainBest price

909 kmDistance

4h 59m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Philadelphia 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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Philadelphia - Charleston operators

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

Plane

Contact phone

+1 800-433-7300

Website

aa.com

Plane from Philadelphia (PHL) to Charleston (CHS)

Average Duration

1h 58m

Estimated price

$1901-5870

Plane from Philadelphia (PHL) to Charleston (CHS) via Charlotte

Average Duration

4h 31m

Estimated price

$1901-5870

Website

flyfrontier.com

Plane from Philadelphia (PHL) to Charleston (CHS)

Average Duration

2h 2m

Estimated price

$588-327

Website

united.com

Plane from Philadelphia (PHL) to Charleston (CHS) via Washington Dulles

Average Duration

4h 6m

Estimated price

$583-1908

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from 30th Street Station to Charleston Amtrak Station

Average Duration

11h 50m

Estimated price

$589-1900

Train from 30th Street Station to BWI Thurgood Marshall

Average Duration

1h 19m

Estimated price

$2141-964

Train from 30th Street Station to Newark Liberty International Airport

Average Duration

1h 2m

Estimated price

$967-326

Train from 30th Street Station to New York Penn Station

Average Duration

1h 32m

Estimated price

$967-964

Drive

Drive from Philadelphia to Charleston

Average Duration

11h 25m

Estimated price

$582-583

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

Traveling between Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Charleston spanning 677 miles of diverse landscapes and charming towns along the way. ⛽️ With an average driving time of around 11 hours and 25 minutes, prepare for a leisurely journey filled with potential pitstops, from historical sites to delicious regional cuisine. 💰 Prices for this road trip range between $120 to $180, offering budget-friendly flexibility to accommodate various travel preferences and schedules.

Average price

$120 - $180

🚆 Hop aboard an Amtrak train for a scenic journey from Philadelphia to Charleston spanning approximately 12 hours and 2 minutes. Enjoy the comfort of the train as you watch the changing landscapes along the East Coast. 💰 Prices for a train ticket from Philadelphia to Charleston range from $32 to $214, offering budget-friendly options for travelers. Choose from different ticket classes to suit your preferences and budget for a relaxing ride.

🛫 Arrive in Charleston from Philadelphia in just under 2 hours with a direct flight from Philadelphia Airport to Charleston Airport. Frontier Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines operate the route. 🌴 Enjoy a smooth and convenient travel experience as you cover the 4 hour 59 minute journey from Philadelphia to Charleston by plane. Sit back, relax, and anticipate the Southern charm awaiting you upon arrival. 💸 Prices for flights between Charleston and Philadelphia typically range from $58 to $190, offering flexibility for travelers with varying budgets.

Departure Point

Philadelphia Airport

Arrival Point

Charleston Airport

🚌 Embark on a scenic 18-hour journey from Philadelphia to Charleston by bus, covering a distance of 759 miles with 4 transfers along the way. Begin with a FlixBus ride towards Richmond, passing through iconic East Coast cities.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Philadelphia to Charleston.

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The distance between Philadelphia and Charleston is approximately 909 km by road. By train, it takes approximately 13 hours and 22 minutes to travel from Philadelphia to Charleston. Another option is to take a train to Baltimore first and then fly, which takes about 4 hours and 50 minutes. The fastest mode of transportation is by plane, which takes about 4 hours and 7 minutes. Driving by car from Charleston to Philadelphia takes around 11 hours and 25 minutes, while taking a bus would take approximately 16 hours and 56 minutes.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Philadelphia to Charleston is by train, with ticket prices ranging from $30 to $220. Although it takes 13 hours and 22 minutes, it is a more economical choice. However, if time is a priority, flying is the quickest option, taking only 4 hours and 7 minutes with ticket prices ranging from $65 to $210.

The prices for a train ticket from Philadelphia to Charleston range from $31 to $214, depending on the class and type of ticket.

To travel from Philadelphia to Charleston without public transportation, you can drive the distance of 1090 km. It would take approximately 11h 25m by car, depending on traffic and stops along the way. The cost of the trip may vary between $120 - $180 for gas and tolls.

To travel from Philadelphia to Charleston without a car, the best option is to take a train. This journey takes approximately 13 hours and 22 minutes and costs between $30 and $220. Alternatively, you can opt for a flight which takes around 4 hours and 7 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $65 to $210. If you don't mind longer travel times, you can also consider taking a bus, which takes about 16 hours and 56 minutes.

There is no direct link between Philadelphia and Charleston by bus. However, you can take a bus from Philadelphia Bus Station to Charleston with a transfer in New York. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 16 hours and 56 minutes. The bus services are operated by Focus and Atlanta Tours Inc.

The flight from Philadelphia to Charleston typically takes about 1 hour and 52 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary from $66 to $202. Once you arrive at Charleston Airport, you can reach Charleston by taking a taxi, rideshare service, or renting a car.

There are plenty of accommodation options near Charleston. With over 890 hotels available, there is something to suit every budget. Prices start at $50 per night, so you can find affordable options as well as more luxurious ones.