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Charleston, SC, USA to Chapel Hill, NC, USA from $161: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from Charleston to Chapel Hill: 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.

$161 by trainBest price
460 kmDistance
5h 8m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Charleston to Chapel Hill 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
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
8h  19m
Estimated price
$16-182
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
8h  19m
Estimated price
$161-162
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 460 km
Duration: 5h 8m

See more options

Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
10h  7m
Estimated price
$36-83
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
5h  8m
Estimated price
$50-75
Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
6h 
Estimated price
$62-256
Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
8h  32m
Estimated price
$118-160
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Traveling From Charleston to Chapel Hill

The journey from Charleston to Chapel Hill offers a striking contrast between Charleston's vibrant coastal culture and Chapel Hill's charming college-town ambiance, each providing unique experiences that enrich your travel adventure.

Best Neighbourhoods in Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill boasts diverse neighborhoods that offer charm and character.

Downtown Chapel Hill
• Thriving arts scene with galleries and theaters.
• Numerous restaurants featuring local cuisine.
Southern Village
• Scenic community with picturesque walking paths.
• Unique shops and farmer's market experience.
Gimghoul Neighborhood
• Historic homes with beautiful architectural styles.
• Close to UNC campus and botanical gardens.

Best Times To Visit Chapel Hill's Attractions

Timing your visit can elevate your experience at Chapel Hill's attractions.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Visit during weekdays in the spring for fewer crowds and blooming gardens.
North Carolina Botanical Garden
Early mornings on weekdays offer peaceful strolls without the hustle.
Downtown Franklin Street
Late afternoons on weekdays provide a vibrant, less crowded atmosphere.

Chapel Hill Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Chapel Hill experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons, featuring warm summers and mild winters. Late spring and early fall offer the most pleasant weather, enhancing outdoor experiences and local events.

Dining Recommendation in Chapel Hill

For a unique culinary experience, try the North Carolina barbecue at Allen & Son Barbecue, where hickory-smoked pulled pork is skillfully paired with tangy vinegar-based sauces. This contrasts with Charleston’s seafood-rich cuisine, inviting you to enjoy a hearty, smoky flavor profile rooted in local tradition.

Charleston - Chapel Hill operators

Explore transport companies operating between Charleston and Chapel Hill, 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 Selma

Average Duration
3h 54m
Estimated price
$1827-1823

Train from Selma to Cary

Average Duration
1h 3m
Estimated price
$368-369
Bus
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Charleston Bus Station to Raleigh Bus Station

Average Duration
5h 15m
Estimated price
$833-75

Bus from GoRaleigh Station to N Columbia St at Rosemary St

Average Duration
55m
Estimated price
$834-834
Contact phone
+1 919-485-7433
Website
https://gotriangle.org/

Bus from GoRaleigh Station to N Columbia St at Rosemary St

Average Duration
55m
Estimated price
$834-834

Bus from Coble Transportation Center to N Columbia St at W Franklin St

Average Duration
1h 51m
Estimated price
$835-835
Plane
Website
https://aa.com

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

Average Duration
3h 55m
Estimated price
$167-168
Website
https://delta.com

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

Average Duration
4h 4m
Estimated price
$1820-1821
Website
https://southwest.com

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

Average Duration
4h 53m
Estimated price
$1823-1824
Website
https://united.com

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

Average Duration
3h 54m
Estimated price
$162-750

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

Traveling between Charleston and Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill covering a distance of 285 miles. Enjoy the journey through picturesque landscapes and charming Southern towns. 💰 The cost of driving from Charleston to Chapel Hill ranges between $50 to $75, offering an affordable and convenient travel option. Take advantage of the flexibility and freedom that comes with exploring by car. 🌆 Arrive in Chapel Hill after approximately 5 hours and 8 minutes of driving, ready to experience the vibrant university town known for its academic heritage and lively atmosphere. Explore the local attractions, dine at delicious eateries, and create unforgettable memories on this memorable road trip.
Average price
$50 - $75
🚂 Experience a scenic journey from Charleston to Chapel Hill by train, spanning a duration of 8 hours and 19 minutes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the picturesque views along the way. 💸 Ticket prices for the train ride between Charleston and Chapel Hill range from as low as $16 to a maximum of $182, offering options to suit your budget and preferences. Plan ahead to secure the best fare for your travel dates.
🛫 Traveling from Charleston to Chapel Hill by plane involves a one-stop flight lasting approximately 3 hours. Multiple airlines such as United, American, Delta, and Southwest offer this route from Charleston Airport to Raleigh/Durham Airport. 🌆 After landing at Raleigh/Durham Airport, travelers can expect a total journey time of 6 hours to reach Chapel Hill. The drive from the airport to Chapel Hill usually takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. 💸 Flight prices between Charleston and Chapel Hill can range between $62 to $256, providing travelers with a variety of options to suit their budget and travel preferences. Booking in advance can often lead to finding the best deals for this trip.
Departure Point
Charleston Airport
Arrival Point
Raleigh/Durham Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h and has one stopover
🚌 Starting from Charleston you'll embark on a bus journey to Chapel Hill with a total duration of approximately 10 hours and 7 minutes, including transfers along the way. 💰 Prices for the bus tickets between Chapel Hill and Charleston can range from $36 to $83, offering travelers a budget-friendly transportation option for this route.
Departure Point
Charleston Bus Station
Arrival Point
N Columbia St at Rosemary St station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Charleston and Chapel Hill is approximately 224 miles. By car, it takes about 5 hours and 8 minutes to travel between the two cities. If you prefer public transportation, you can take a train and then a taxi, which will take about 7 hours and 18 minutes. Alternatively, you can fly from Charleston to Chapel Hill, which typically takes around 5 hours and 53 minutes.
For cost-effective travel from Charleston to Chapel Hill, taking a bus is the cheapest option, with ticket prices ranging from $35 to $85. However, this mode of transportation also takes the longest time, typically around 10 hours and 26 minutes. If time-efficiency is a priority, driving is the quickest way to reach Chapel Hill, taking approximately 5 hours and 8 minutes, with costs ranging from $50 to $75 for fuel and tolls.
When traveling from Charleston to Chapel Hill the prices for a bus ticket can vary between $36 and $83. It is recommended to check for available deals and promotions to ensure the best price. Additionally, it is advisable to book tickets in advance, as prices may fluctuate closer to the travel date. Comparing prices and options for transportation can help in finding the most cost-effective way to travel between the two cities.
To travel from Charleston to Chapel Hill without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 285 miles. The drive typically takes around 5 hours and 8 minutes. The cost of this option can vary, with prices ranging from $50 to $75 for the trip.
To travel from Charleston to Chapel Hill without a car, the best option is to take a train and then a taxi. The journey takes approximately 7 hours and 18 minutes, and the cost is typically between $140 and $290. This is a convenient and comfortable way to reach Chapel Hill without dealing with the hassles of driving.
There is no direct bus link between Charleston and Chapel Hill. However, there are bus services available that can get you there with transfers. The journey would typically take around 10 hours and 26 minutes. You would need to take a bus from Charleston Bus Station to N. Charleston SuperStop, then transfer to another bus to Capital Blvd at Crabtree Blvd, and finally board a bus to GoRaleigh Station. From there, you can reach Chapel Hill.
The flight between Charleston and Chapel Hill typically takes around 2 hours and 53 minutes with one stopover. However, there are no direct flights available between Charleston Airport and Raleigh/Durham Airport. The cost of a flight between Chapel Hill and Charleston can vary, ranging from $52 to $256 depending on the airline, travel dates, and booking options. It is recommended to check with different airlines and compare prices to find the best deal for your travel.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Chapel Hill. There are 289+ hotels available with prices starting at $53 per night. Some popular options include The Carolina Inn, The Franklin Hotel, and Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill/Carrboro. Additionally, there are also options for vacation rentals and bed and breakfasts in the area.

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