Charleston, SC, USA to Louisville, KY, USA from $60: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$60 - PlaneBest price

810 kmDistance

4h 17m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

Journeying from Charleston to Louisville offers a remarkable contrast between Charleston's coastal charm and rich history and Louisville's vibrant urban culture and renowned culinary scene.

Best Neighbourhoods in Louisville

Louisville features diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for travelers.

NuLu

• Home to quirky boutiques and art galleries.

• Enjoy farm-to-table dining at local eateries.

Old Louisville

• Notable for Victorian architecture and tree-lined streets.

• Hosts one of the largest historic districts in the U.S.

Bardstown Road

• Vibrant nightlife with diverse bars and restaurants.

• Regularly hosts festivals and community events.

Best Times To Visit Louisville's Attractions

Timing your visit can significantly enhance your experience in Louisville's attractions.

Louisville Mega Cavern

Plan early mornings on weekdays to enjoy less crowded tours.

Churchill Downs

Visit during weekday races, which attract fewer visitors than weekends.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Explore in the spring or fall for mild weather and fewer tourists.

Louisville Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Louisville experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters that can influence travel plans. The best times to visit are spring and fall, as the pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery enhance your overall travel experience.

Louisville Dining Experience

Try the Hot Brown at the historic Brown Hotel, a delicious open-faced sandwich featuring turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce, which showcases Louisville's rich culinary heritage. This dish contrasts with Charleston's seafood focus, offering you a taste of local ingredients and flavors that celebrate the city’s unique comfort food culture.

Charleston - Louisville operators

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

Plane Show flights

Website

flybreeze.com

Plane from Charleston (CHS) to Louisville (SDF)

Average Duration

1h 49m

Estimated price

$1035-1034

Plane from Charleston (CHS) to Covington (CVG)

Average Duration

1h 48m

Estimated price

$602-601

Website

aa.com

Plane from Charleston (CHS) to Louisville (SDF)

Average Duration

3h 49m

Estimated price

$1766-650

Plane from Charleston (CHS) to Covington (CVG)

Average Duration

4h 2m

Estimated price

$1768-1769

Plane from Charleston (CHS) to Lexington (LEX)

Average Duration

4h 39m

Estimated price

$1766-650

Website

delta.com

Plane from Charleston (CHS) to Louisville (SDF)

Average Duration

3h 46m

Estimated price

$1039-1760

Plane from Charleston (CHS) to Lexington (LEX)

Average Duration

3h 54m

Estimated price

$1039-1760

Train Show train routes

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Charleston Amtrak Station to Alexandria

Average Duration

9h 16m

Estimated price

$604-1036

Train from Alexandria to Indianapolis

Average Duration

17h 56m

Estimated price

$3500-3501

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

greyhound.com

Bus from Charleston Bus Station to Savannah Bus Station

Average Duration

Estimated price

$3505-1764

Bus from Savannah Bus Station to Atlanta Bus Station

Average Duration

4h 10m

Estimated price

$3506-605

Bus from Atlanta Bus Station to Nashville Bus Station

Average Duration

4h 50m

Estimated price

$3506-605

Bus from Nashville to Louisville, KY

Average Duration

3h 25m

Estimated price

$3508-3509

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Bus from Indianapolis Amtrak Station to Louisville, KY

Average Duration

1h 55m

Estimated price

$1040-608

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

Traveling between Charleston and Louisville 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 an exciting road trip from charming Charleston to lively Louisville covering a distance of 621 miles in approximately 10 hours and 25 minutes. Enjoy the scenic drive through picturesque towns and lush landscapes along the way. 💸 Prices for a drive from Charleston to Louisville range from $110 to $170, offering budget-friendly options for travelers wanting to explore two distinct American cities in one seamless journey. Take advantage of affordable gas stations and roadside eateries to enhance your road trip experience.

Average price

$110 - $170

🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from Charleston to Louisville spanning over 18 hours and 798 miles with two transfers along the way. The adventure kicks off with a short bus ride to Trident Medical Center before boarding a bus to Atlanta, GA, and then continuing on to Chicago Bus Station.

🛫 Experience a quick and convenient journey from Charleston to Louisville by taking a direct flight that lasts only 1 hour and 49 minutes. Airlines such as Breeze Airways, American Airlines, and Delta provide options for your trip. ✈️ Travel approximately 4 hours and 17 minutes from Charleston Airport to Louisville Airport for a seamless transition to your destination. Enjoy a comfortable flight with amenities and services offered by the airlines. 💸 Prices for flights between Charleston and Louisville range from $103 to $176, offering affordable options for travelers looking to explore the vibrant city of Louisville from the charming city of Charleston.

Departure Point

Charleston Airport

Arrival Point

Louisville Airport

🛣️ The total travel time is approximately 19 hours and 53 minutes, covering a distance of 810 miles. From Charleston Bus Station, you'll hop on buses operated by Greyhound USA and Amtrak Thruway, making stops in cities like Savannah, Atlanta, and Nashville before reaching your final destination in Louisville. 💰 Prices for the bus tickets between Charleston and Louisville range from $83 to $321, offering budget-friendly travel options for your journey. Choose from different routes with various transfer points, each providing a unique experience as you make your way to the vibrant city of Louisville.

Departure Point

Charleston Bus Station

Arrival Point

Louisville, KY station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Charleston to Louisville.

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The distance between Charleston and Louisville is 503 miles. The road distance is slightly longer at 621 miles. By plane, it takes approximately 4 hours and 17 minutes to travel between the two cities. If driving, it typically takes around 10 hours and 25 minutes to reach Charleston from Louisville. Taking a bus would require about 20 hours and 12 minutes of travel time.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Charleston to Louisville is to fly. Taking a flight will cost between $50 and $270 and will have a travel time of approximately 4 hours and 17 minutes. This is the fastest option available and allows travelers to reach their destination quickly and conveniently.

The prices for traveling from Charleston to Louisville by bus can range from $83 to $321. The cost of a bus ticket will depend on various factors such as the time of travel, the type of bus service, and any discounts or promotions available. It is recommended to check with different bus companies and compare prices to find the best deal for your journey.

To travel from Charleston to Louisville without using public transportation, the most convenient option is to drive. The road distance between the two cities is 621 miles, and it usually takes about 10 hours and 25 minutes to complete the journey by car. The cost of the trip can vary, with prices ranging from $110 to $170. Driving allows flexibility and the opportunity to enjoy scenic routes along the way.

There are a few options to travel from Charleston to Louisville without a car. The most convenient one is to take a bus, which typically takes around 20 hours and costs between $80 to $330. Another option is to fly, which takes approximately 4 hours and 17 minutes. However, keep in mind that flying may be more expensive. If time is not a constraint, you could also consider taking a combination of driving and flying, which would involve driving to Hilton Head first and then flying to Louisville.

No, there is no direct link between Charleston and Louisville by bus. However, there are bus services available with transfers that take approximately 20h 12m. These services operate through various stations including N. Charleston SuperStop, Charleston Bus Station, Savannah Bus Station, Atlanta Bus Station, and Nashville. The services are operated by Greyhound USA and Amtrak Thruway.

The flight between Charleston and Louisville typically takes around 1 hour and 49 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and travel dates. On average, prices for a flight between the two cities range from $53 to $266. It is recommended to compare prices from different airlines and book in advance to secure the best deals.

There are plenty of options for accommodation near Louisville. With over 410 hotels, visitors can find a range of choices to suit their needs. Prices start as low as $47, offering budget-friendly options for travelers. From luxury hotels to budget accommodations, there are various choices available to ensure a comfortable stay near Louisville.

Charleston, SC, USA to Louisville, KY, USA from $60: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Traveling From Charleston to Louisville

Best Neighbourhoods in Louisville

Best Times To Visit Louisville's Attractions

Louisville Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Louisville Dining Experience

Charleston - Louisville operators

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

Frequently asked questions

Trips from Charleston

Trips to Louisville

Popular routes