Charleston, SC, USA to Wilmington, NC, USA from $30: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$30 by carBest price

274 kmDistance

3h 46m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

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

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Charleston Amtrak Station to Fayetteville Amtrak Station

Average Duration

Estimated price

$1581-1582

Bus

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Fayetteville Bus Station to Wilmington Cape Fear Public Transit

Average Duration

2h 20m

Estimated price

$494-1589

Bus from Charleston Bus Station to Florence Bus Station

Average Duration

2h 10m

Estimated price

$494-1589

Bus from Lumberton to Wilmington Cape Fear Public Transit

Average Duration

1h 35m

Estimated price

$495-491

Plane

Website

aa.com

Plane from Charleston (CHS) to Wilmington (ILM)

Average Duration

3h 51m

Estimated price

$264-265

Website

delta.com

Plane from Charleston (CHS) to Wilmington (ILM)

Average Duration

4h 32m

Estimated price

$263-268

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Other from Jacksonville to Wilmington

Average Duration

1h 12m

Estimated price

$262-269

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

Traveling between Charleston and Wilmington 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 Charleston to Wilmington covering a distance of 171 miles in approximately 3 hours and 46 minutes of driving time. 💵 Enjoy the flexibility of costing between $30 to $45 for the journey by car, providing a budget-friendly option for travelers exploring the charming route from Charleston to Wilmington.

Average price

$30 - $45

✈️ Prepare for a journey with a minimum duration of 3 hours and 11 minutes, including one stopover, as there are no direct flights between the two cities. 🌐 Choose from flights offered by Delta and American Airlines departing from Charleston Airport and arriving at Wilmington Airport. Enjoy a comfortable flight experience that lasts around 4 hours and 42 minutes, providing you ample time to relax or catch up on reading. 💸 The cost of flights between Charleston and Wilmington can range from $156 to $430, offering flexibility in selecting a fare that fits your budget and travel preferences.

Departure Point

Charleston Airport

Arrival Point

Wilmington Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h 11m and has one stopover

🚌 Despite there being no direct bus from Charleston to Wilmington, the journey can be completed in approximately 10 hours and 10 minutes with several transfers along the way. 🛤️ Route 1 involves a total travel time of 21 hours and 59 minutes covering a distance of 521 miles with 3 transfers at designated stations. 💵 Prices for the bus trip between Wilmington and Charleston typically range from $49 to $133, making it a cost-effective mode of transportation for this route.

Departure Point

Charleston Bus Station

Arrival Point

Wilmington Cape Fear Public Transit station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Charleston to Wilmington.

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The distance between Charleston and Wilmington is approximately 246 km by road. It takes around 3 hours and 46 minutes to drive between the two cities. Alternatively, you can take a train and then a bus, which would take around 9 hours and 27 minutes. If you prefer to fly, the flight time from Charleston to Wilmington is about 4 hours and 40 minutes. Taking a bus directly from Charleston to Wilmington would be the longest option, with a travel time of about 10 hours and 2 minutes.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Charleston to Wilmington is to drive. It takes approximately 3 hours and 46 minutes and the cost is around $30-$45. Taking a train and then a bus would take 9 hours and 27 minutes, while flying would take 4 hours and 40 minutes.

The prices of a bus ticket from Charleston to Wilmington can range from $40 to $123.

To get from Charleston to Wilmington without using public transportation, you can drive. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 275 km, and it takes around 3 hours and 46 minutes to drive. Depending on factors such as gas prices and the type of car you have, the cost of driving from Charleston to Wilmington can range from $30 to $45.

To travel from Charleston to Wilmington without a car, the best option is to take a train and then a bus. This journey typically takes around 9 hours and 27 minutes. The cost of this mode of transportation ranges from $25 to $160.

Yes, there is no direct link between Charleston and Wilmington by bus. However, there are bus services available that involve transfers and the total travel time is approximately 10 hours and 2 minutes. The journey includes transfers at N. Charleston SuperStop, Charleston Bus Station, Florence, Lumberton, and Forden Station. The bus services are operated by Greyhound USA and the destination is Wilmington Cape Fear Public Transit station.

The flight between Charleston and Wilmington typically takes about 3 hours and 9 minutes, with a stopover. However, there is no direct flight available between Charleston Airport and Wilmington Airport. The cost of a flight between the two cities can vary, ranging from $156 to $570.

There are plenty of options for accommodation near Wilmington with over 459 hotels to choose from. Prices start at $53, so there are options available for different budgets. Whether you are looking for luxury resorts, comfortable motels, or cozy bed and breakfasts, Wilmington has a variety of accommodations to suit any traveler's needs.