1map logoGo to main page

Chapel Hill, NC, USA to Charleston, SC, USA from $15: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Chapel Hill, United States of America
to
Charleston, United States of America

How to Get from Chapel Hill 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.

$15 by trainBest price
360 kmDistance
5h 9m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chapel Hill 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
various
Train
Average Duration
9h  16m
Estimated price
$15-182
Recommended
route map
Distance: 360 km
Duration: 5h 9m

See more options

Company
Greyhound
Bus
Average Duration
10h  13m
Estimated price
$36-89
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
5h  9m
Estimated price
$50-75
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
7h  23m
Estimated price
$62-256
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
8h  27m
Estimated price
$118-150
Company
various
Bus
Train
Plane
Average Duration
8h  43m
Estimated price
$151-152
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Chapel Hill to Charleston

Traveling from Chapel Hill to Charleston offers a delightful contrast, with Chapel Hill's college-town charm and vibrant arts scene giving way to Charleston's historic coastal allure and rich culinary landscape.

Best Neighbourhoods in Charleston

Charleston boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

French Quarter
• Home to iconic historic architecture
• Vibrant art galleries and cultural events
The Battery
• Scenic waterfront views and historic mansions
• Ideal for leisurely strolls and photography
Mount Pleasant
• Family-friendly atmosphere with parks
• Close proximity to Sullivan's Island beaches

Best Times To Visit Charleston's Attractions

Maximizing your experience in Charleston involves timing your visits to attractions carefully.

Historic Downtown
Explore early mornings, especially on weekdays, for fewer crowds.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Visit in spring for blooming flowers and fewer visitors.
Fort Sumter National Monument
Take the afternoon ferry for a quieter experience and scenic views.

Charleston Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Charleston experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, making spring and fall the ideal times for visitors. Weather can greatly influence your plans, with summer's heat prompting earlier activities and winter's mild temperatures providing comfortable exploration.

Dining Recommendation in Charleston

Indulge in the Lowcountry classic, Shrimp and Grits, at Poogan's Porch, where the blend of fresh local shrimp and creamy stone-ground grits creates a flavor profile distinct from Chapel Hill's Southern cuisine. The restaurant’s historic setting and warm hospitality enhance the dining experience, showcasing Charleston's rich culinary heritage in a way that feels both intimate and celebratory.

Chapel Hill - Charleston operators

Explore transport companies operating between Chapel Hill 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 Cary to Selma

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$15-153

Train from Selma to Charleston Amtrak Station

Average Duration
4h 8m
Estimated price
$36-182
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 919-485-7433
Website
http://gotriangle.org

Bus from N Columbia St at W Franklin St to GoRaleigh Station

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
$3-10
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Raleigh Bus Station to Charleston Bus Station

Average Duration
5h 45m
Estimated price
$36-89
Contact phone
+1 336-662-0002
Website
http://partnc.org

Bus from Columbia & Rosemary to Coble Transportation Center

Average Duration
1h 50m
Estimated price
$3-10

Bus from Columbia & Rosemary to Greensboro Depot

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$3-10
Plane Show flights
Website
http://aa.com

Plane from Raleigh/Durham Airport (RDU) to Charleston Airport (CHS)

Average Duration
3h 29m
Estimated price
$62-256
Website
http://delta.com

Plane from Raleigh/Durham Airport (RDU) to Charleston Airport (CHS)

Average Duration
4h 37m
Estimated price
$150-825
Website
http://southwest.com

Plane from Raleigh/Durham Airport (RDU) to Charleston Airport (CHS)

Average Duration
4h 13m
Estimated price
$62-256
Website
http://united.com

Plane from Raleigh/Durham Airport (RDU) to Charleston Airport (CHS)

Average Duration
4h 13m
Estimated price
$150-750

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

Traveling between Chapel Hill 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.

🚗 Heading from Chapel Hill to Charleston by car is a scenic journey spanning 285 miles. 🌳 Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of North Carolina and South Carolina as you make your way south. 💰 Prices for the trip from Chapel Hill to Charleston by car typically range from $50 to $75, making it an affordable and convenient travel option. 🛣️ Take advantage of the flexibility and freedom that driving provides along the route. ⏱️ With an estimated driving time of 5 hours and 9 minutes, the road trip between Chapel Hill and Charleston offers the perfect opportunity for a weekend getaway or a leisurely exploration of the charming coastal city. 🌊 Soak in the Southern hospitality and vibrant culture awaiting you in Charleston.
Average price
$50 - $75
🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from Chapel Hill to Charleston spanning a travel time of 9 hours and 16 minutes. Enjoy the comfort of the train as you watch the landscapes change along the route. 💰 Ticket prices for this train trip range from $15 to $182, offering travelers a range of options to suit their budget. Whether you opt for a budget-friendly seat or a more luxurious accommodation, the train ride promises a memorable experience.
While there are no direct flights from Raleigh/Durham Airport to Charleston Airport, major carriers like United, Southwest, Delta, and American Airlines offer connecting flights for a total journey time of around 3 hours and 29 minutes. 🌴 Once you've landed in Charleston, get ready to immerse yourself in Southern charm and history. The flight from Chapel Hill will take approximately 7 hours and 23 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore the city's rich culture, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. 💸 When it comes to booking your flight, expect prices to vary between $62 to $256 depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors. Keep an eye out for deals and promotions to make the most of your travel budget. ✈️
Departure Point
Raleigh/Durham Airport
Arrival Point
Charleston Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h 29m and has one stopover
🌉 The bus journey from Chapel Hill to Charleston takes approximately 10 hours and 13 minutes, offering a scenic ride through North Carolina and South Carolina. Passengers will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the views throughout the trip. 💰 Ticket prices for the bus between Charleston and Chapel Hill range from $36 to $89, providing an affordable transportation option for those looking to explore the charming streets of Charleston starting from the vibrant town of Chapel Hill.
Departure Point
N Columbia St at W Franklin St station
Arrival Point
Charleston Bus Station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Chapel Hill to Charleston.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Chapel Hill and Charleston is 224 miles. By taxi and train, it takes approximately 6 hours and 52 minutes to travel from Chapel Hill to Charleston. By plane, the travel time is approximately 6 hours and 14 minutes. If you prefer to drive, it takes about 5 hours and 9 minutes, while taking a bus would take around 11 hours and 11 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Chapel Hill to Charleston is by bus, with ticket prices ranging from $35 to $90. However, this mode of transportation takes the longest, with a travel time of approximately 11 hours and 11 minutes. On the other hand, driving is the quickest option, taking around 5 hours and 9 minutes, but it comes at a slightly higher cost of $50 to $75 for fuel. Depending on your budget and time constraints, you can choose between these two options accordingly.
When traveling from Chapel Hill to Charleston the prices for a bus ticket range from $36 to $89. This price variation may be due to factors such as time of travel, bus company, and seat class. It's recommended to compare prices from different bus operators and book in advance to secure the best fare for your journey.
To get from Chapel Hill to Charleston without public transportation, you can drive the 285 miles, which takes approximately 5 hours and 9 minutes. The driving distance may vary depending on the route you choose, but it is generally a straightforward journey. The cost of driving from Chapel Hill to Charleston can range from $50 to $75, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.
To travel from Chapel Hill to Charleston without a car, the best option is to take a taxi and then a train. This journey takes approximately 6 hours and 52 minutes and costs between $150 and $280. Another alternative is to take a plane, which takes about 6 hours and 14 minutes. Taking a bus is also possible, but it would take significantly longer, with a travel time of around 11 hours and 11 minutes.
There is no direct bus link between Chapel Hill and Charleston. However, there are bus services available with transfers. The journey typically takes about 11 hours and 11 minutes, including transfers at GoRaleigh Station, Raleigh Bus Station, North Charleston Transit Center, and Rivers Ave / Cosgrove Ave. The bus services are operated by Go Triangle and Greyhound USA. Please note that the travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions and other factors.
The flight duration between Chapel Hill and Charleston can vary depending on the number of stopovers. The quickest flight with one stopover takes approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes. However, there are no direct flights available, so passengers typically have to make a connecting flight. The cost of a flight between Charleston and Chapel Hill typically ranges from $65 to $268, depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors.
There are numerous options for accommodations near Charleston with over 890 hotels available. Prices for these hotels start at $50 per night. Whether you are looking for luxury resorts, boutique hotels, or budget-friendly options, there is a wide range of choices to suit different preferences and budgets. It is advisable to explore online booking platforms or consult with a travel agent to find the best hotel that meets your requirements.

Trips to Charleston