Charlotte, NC, USA to Charleston, SC, USA from $22: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Charlotte to Charleston: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$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.
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Traveling From Charlotte to Charleston
The journey from Charlotte to Charleston offers a striking contrast between Charlotte's bustling urban vibe and Charleston's charming historic streets.
Best Neighbourhoods in Charleston
Charleston's neighborhoods each provide a distinct slice of Southern charm.
Historic Downtown
• Cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture.
• Vibrant dining and shopping scenes.
West Ashley
• Rich in local parks and green spaces.
• Great access to shopping and restaurants.
Mount Pleasant
• Stunning waterfront views and outdoor activities.
• Family-friendly atmosphere with top-rated schools.
Best Times To Visit Charleston's Attractions
Timing can greatly enhance your experience at Charleston's attractions.
The Battery
Visit early morning for peaceful views and fewer tourists.
Historic Rainbow Row
Late afternoon offers beautiful lighting for photos and fewer crowds.
Fort Sumter National Monument
Weekdays are best to enjoy the site with minimal visitors.
Charleston Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Charleston boasts a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather, while summer heat can impact outdoor activities and gatherings.
Dining Recommendation in Charleston
For a true taste of Charleston, try the shrimp and grits at Husk, where the focus is on locally sourced ingredients and traditional Southern flavors that contrast with the more contemporary cuisine often found in Charlotte. The relaxed, historic atmosphere enhances the dining experience, making it a standout moment during your visit.
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.
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Charlotte Amtrak Station to Selma
Average Duration
4h 1mEstimated price
$8-110Train from Selma to Charleston Amtrak Station
Average Duration
4h 8mEstimated price
$9-110Train from Fayetteville Amtrak Station to Charleston Amtrak Station
Average Duration
3h 14mEstimated price
$7-100Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
https://www.greyhound.com/
Bus from Charlotte Bus Station to Fayetteville Bus Station
Average Duration
3h 30mEstimated price
$14-50Bus from Fayetteville Bus Station to Charleston Bus Station
Average Duration
4hEstimated price
$23-65Bus from Charlotte Bus Station to Charleston Bus Station
Average Duration
10h 19mEstimated price
$42-121Website
https://www.aa.com/
Plane from Charlotte (CLT) to Charleston (CHS)
Average Duration
1h 8mEstimated price
$230-650Plane from Charlotte (CLT) to Hilton Head (HHH)
Average Duration
1h 18mEstimated price
$380-600Plane from Charlotte (CLT) to Myrtle Beach (MYR)
Average Duration
1h 4mEstimated price
$230-470Charlotte 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 picturesque road trip from Charlotte to Charleston spanning a scenic driving distance of 209 miles. Along the way, immerse yourself in the charm of the South and experience the rich history of both cities.
💰 Indulge in the flexibility of pricing options for your journey, with car travel costs ranging from $35 to $55. Take advantage of the budget-friendly nature of this trip while enjoying the freedom to explore at your own pace.
🏞️ Arrive in Charleston after approximately 3 hours and 33 minutes of driving, ready to discover the enchanting beauty of this coastal city. From historic landmarks to stunning beaches, your road trip adventure promises a blend of cultural heritage and natural wonders.
Average price
$35 - $55
🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from Charlotte to Charleston spanning a travel time of approximately 9 hours and 21 minutes. Relax and enjoy the unfolding landscapes as you make your way to the historic city.
💸 The prices for a train ticket between Charlotte and Charleston can vary, offering budget-friendly options starting from $22 to more luxurious fares priced at $219. Choose the ticket that best suits your travel preferences and budget for a comfortable ride.
🛫 Experience a swift journey from Charlotte to Charleston by hopping on a direct flight that takes just 1 hour and 1 minute.
💰 Prices for flights between these charming Southern cities range from $74 to $355, providing flexible options for every budget.
Departure Point
Charlotte Airport
Arrival Point
Charleston Airport
🚌 Although there is no direct bus from Charlotte to Charleston, you can easily make the journey with transfers. The trip will take approximately 10 hours and 19 minutes.
🚌 Prices for the bus ticket between Charleston and Charlotte can vary from $42 to $121, offering an affordable transportation option for those traveling between these two cities.
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.
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The distance between Charlotte and Charleston is approximately 178 miles or 209 miles by road. The travel times by various modes of transportation are as follows: it takes 10 hours and 46 minutes by train, 4 hours and 57 minutes by flying to Hilton Head and then driving, 3 hours and 12 minutes by plane, 3 hours and 33 minutes by car, and 10 hours and 12 minutes by bus. These times may vary based on traffic and other factors.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Charlotte to Charleston is to fly. It takes only 3 hours and 12 minutes to reach Charleston from Charlotte by plane, making it the quickest option. The cost of a flight ranges from $85 to $340, depending on the airline and booking time. If you prefer to drive, it is the cheapest option with a cost of around $35 to $55, but the travel time is longer, taking approximately 3 hours and 33 minutes.
The price range for a train ticket from Charlotte to Charleston is usually between $21 and $219, depending on factors such as the class of service and the time of booking. The price range for a bus ticket from Charleston to Charlotte is typically between $42 and $121. It is advisable to book in advance to secure the best prices for both train and bus travel.
To travel from Charlotte to Charleston without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 209 miles which takes around 3 hours and 33 minutes. The driving route provides flexibility and allows you to enjoy the scenic journey. The approximate cost for a one-way trip by car ranges from $35 to $55, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.
The best way to travel from Charlotte to Charleston without a car is by bus and train. This option takes approximately 9 hours and 16 minutes and costs between $25 and $160. Alternatively, you can fly which is the fastest option, taking 3 hours and 12 minutes, but it costs between $85 and $340. Another option is to take a bus, which takes 10 hours and 12 minutes and costs between $40 and $130. There is also a train option available, which takes 10 hours and 46 minutes and costs between $21 and $220.
No, there is no direct link between Charlotte and Charleston by bus. However, there are bus services available that require transfers, with a total journey time of approximately 10h 12m. These services are operated by Greyhound USA and depart from Charlotte Bus Station, arriving at Charleston Bus Station. Passengers will need to transfer at Fayetteville Bus Station, North Charleston Transit Center, and Rivers Ave / Cosgrove Ave.
The flight from Charlotte to Charleston typically takes 1 hour and 2 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary between $87 and $337, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability. It's important to check for any discounts or promotions to potentially get a lower price for the flight.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Charleston. With over 890 hotels to choose from, you are sure to find something that suits your budget and preferences. Prices for hotels in the area start at $50 per night, offering a range of options for all types of travelers. Whether you are looking for luxury resorts, boutique hotels, or budget-friendly options, Charleston has something for everyone.
Trips from Charlotte
- Charlotte to Philadelphia
- Charlotte to Greensboro
- Charlotte to Spartanburg
- Charlotte to Asheville
- Charlotte to Pittsburgh
- Charlotte to New York City
- Charlotte to Wilmington
- Charlotte to Raleigh
- Charlotte to Fayetteville
- Charlotte to Columbia
- Charlotte to Durham
- Charlotte to Washington
- Charlotte to Greenville
- Charlotte to Hilton Head Island
- Charlotte to Virginia Beach
- Charlotte to Knoxville
- Charlotte to Winston-Salem
- Charlotte to Seattle
- Charlotte to Jacksonville
- Charlotte to Chattanooga
- Charlotte to Savannah
- Charlotte to Indianapolis
- Charlotte to Toronto
- Charlotte to Las Vegas
- Charlotte to Denver
- Charlotte to Newark
- Charlotte to Atlanta
- Charlotte to Los Angeles
- Charlotte to San Francisco
- Charlotte to Rome
- Charlotte to Boone
- Charlotte to Saint Lucia
- Charlotte to BARBADOS
- Charlotte to Paris
- Charlotte to Concord
- Charlotte to Carolina Beach
- Charlotte to Fort Lauderdale
- Charlotte to Madrid
- Charlotte to Barcelona
- Charlotte to TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
Trips to Charleston
- Spartanburg to Charleston
- Raleigh to Charleston
- Orlando to Charleston
- Jacksonville to Charleston
- Myrtle Beach to Charleston
- Bluffton to Charleston
- Hartford to Charleston
- Hilton Head Island to Charleston
- Fort Lauderdale to Charleston
- Boston to Charleston
- Chicago to Charleston
- Houston to Charleston
- Wilmington to Charleston
- Tampa to Charleston
- Louisville to Charleston
- Dallas to Charleston
- Asheville to Charleston
- Newark to Charleston
- Nashville to Charleston
- Phoenix to Charleston
- Providence to Charleston
- San Francisco to Charleston
- Las Vegas to Charleston
- Denver to Charleston
- Syracuse to Charleston
- Salt Lake City to Charleston
- Florence to Charleston
- Isle of Palms to Charleston
- Columbia to Charleston
- Beaufort to Charleston
- Savannah to Charleston
- New York City to Charleston
- Greenville to Charleston
- Portland to Charleston
- Augusta to Charleston
- Summerville to Charleston
- Seabrook Island to Charleston
- Pawleys Island to Charleston
- Kiawah Island to Charleston
- Wilmington to Charleston