10 Tips for Getting Around Charleston

Charleston is a large city that spans over 150 square miles. The good news is that despite its size, getting around Charleston is relatively easy.

Getting in and out of the city is pretty easy too — thanks to taxis, car rentals, and rideshare apps.

Here are all the best ways to get into Charleston from the airports, train station, and bus station, plus the best ways of getting around the city once you’re here.

10 Tips for Getting Around Charleston

Getting around Charleston is easy on foot as well as by car, bike, bus, and boat.

Here are some tips for getting in and out of Charleston, as well as getting to activities once you’re in Downtown.

1. Try Not to Drive Downtown

Downtown Charleston can be very congested, making it difficult to park; sitting in traffic is also inevitable.

Instead of driving, consider walking. Or, use rideshare apps to get to your destination if you don’t want to deal with parking.

If you want to relax and enjoy the sites, you could always hire a horse and carriage, rent a bike, or use the water taxi.

If you have mobility issues and don’t want to splurge on taxis or rideshares, you could always take the bus.

2. Rent a Car for Longer Trips

Getting to and around the outer edges of Charleston, including Mount Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, Shem Creek, and the Charleston-area plantations, isn’t easy if you don’t have a car (or aren’t planning to hire a driver).

If you’re planning to visit these areas, you’ll want to rent a car. 

3. Take a Walking Tour to Get Your Bearings

Downtown Charleston isn’t large, but it’s connected by a maze of streets, thoroughfares, passages, and alleyways.

If you want to visit areas of the city you might miss on your own, take one of our public walking tours.

We offer a walking tour of Charleston that will take you past some of the city’s most noteworthy sites and a tour of Charleston’s hidden alleys and passageways. 

Once you have an idea of where the most famous sites are located, you’ll be able to find your way back much more easily on your own.

4. Explore Charleston Neighborhoods by Bike

Rent a bike if you want to enjoy a leisurely ride across the Ravenel Bridge or visit Mount Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, Shem Creek, and Folly Beach without renting a car or taking a rideshare or taxi.

5. Hire a Horse and Carriage

If you want to get around Charleston in leisure (and in style), you could always take a horse and carriage ride through Downtown.

Our partner, the Carolina Polo & Carriage Co. offers public and private horse and carriage rides past some of Charleston’s most famous sites.

6. Check for Parking in Advance

Street parking is limited in Downtown Charleston, so always check for parking options before you set out for the day.

There are parking garages all over the city. They charge a fee, but the cost is worth the time you’ll save searching for parking!

7. Download a Rideshare App

One of the most convenient ways to get around Downtown is by booking shorter drivers with a ride-sharing app.

Uber and Lyft operate in Charleston and are usually more affordable than taxis.

8. Use the Water Taxi

If you want to enjoy views of the Charleston Harbor and Cooper River, consider taking the Charleston Water Taxi. 

There are stops at the Aquarium Wharf, Patriots Point, Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, and Waterfront Park.

You’ll be able to sit down and enjoy the views while getting around Downtown or heading across the river to Patriots Point.

9. Check the Weather Before You Leave

Depending on which season you visit Charleston, the weather can be a bit unpredictable.

Since the easiest way to get around Downtown Charleston is by foot, you’ll want to check the weather before you leave your hotel for the day.

You may want to bring an umbrella or a raincoat, a bottle of water, or a heavier coat, depending on the season and the weather.

10. Hire a Tour Guide

If you want to see as much of Charleston as possible without getting lost, you might want to hire a tour guide.

Our private tour guides can create customized itineraries based on your personal interests and preferences.

We can also arrange private transportation for your group and your guide, making getting around the city as seamless as possible.

How to Get Around Charleston on Foot or by Bike, Car, Bus, or Ferry

If you’re just planning on spending time in Charleston’s downtown area, you might not even need to rent a car. Charleston transportation is readily available to help you get around.

Getting Around Charleston on Foot

Of course, our favorite form of Charleston transportation is our own two feet. 

Downtown is very walkable, and there’s plenty to see and do. If you opt out of renting a car, you can always take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft into the city center.  

And there is always the option of having Captain Bob, our licensed private driving guide, take you anywhere you want to go including to the many plantations that are located 20 to 30 minutes from Charleston.

Getting Around Charleston by Bus

Charleston also has a public bus system (CARTA) that makes getting around Downtown very easy — click here for a map of routes and stops in the downtown area.

Getting Around Charleston by Bike 

Another popular form of Charleston transportation (when the weather is nice) is to rent a bike. You can rent a bike from a bike-share company, like Holy Spokes, or a bike tour company.

Getting Around Charleston by Car 

If you’re planning on spending much time outside of the city center, you’ll possibly want to rent a car. Getting to and from both Mount Pleasant and James Island is easier with a vehicle.

Getting Around Charleston by Boat

Getting around Charleston by boat is easy and offers scenic views of Charleston Harbor!

The Charleston Water Taxi departs from four points in the city, so it’s easy to get around Downtown along Charleston’s waterways.

It also goes to Patriots Point, making it easier to get to this popular tourist destination. 

Getting In and Out of Charleston

Getting to Charleston is super easy. You can get here by plane, train, bus or car.

Here are all the ways to get into Charleston so you can get your vacation started hassle free.

By Airplane

Charleston is served by the Charleston International airport in North Charleston. It’s operated by the county aviation authority and the military. It’s only a 20-minute drive from Downtown Charleston. 

Taxis to the city proper cost between $30 and $50 each way. Uber and Lyft charge between $20 and $35 each way.

By Train

If you’re heading to Charleston by train, you’ll find it’s just as easy to get to the city center from the local Amtrak station. Located in North Charleston (not far from the airport), you can easily catch a taxi or schedule an Uber or Lyft to get downtown. The taxi and rideshare cost is slightly lower than if you were coming in from the airport.

By Bus

The Charleston bus station is also located in North Charleston — but slightly closer to the city center than both the airport and Amtrak station.

By Car

The easiest way to get to Charleston by car is by I-26 (from all points north), I-526, and Route 17 (points west and east). 

Most hotels offer parking. You’ll find more street parking in Mount Pleasant and on James Island than you will in Downtown Charleston.