Shuttle and taxi services operate in the central median just outside of baggage claim at the Charleston International Airport. Hotel shuttles, ride share transportation, and off-site rental car transport shuttles are also located in front of the Charleston International Airport terminal. Ground transportation begins in the early morning hours (typically around 5:00 am) and runs until shortly after the last flight of the day arrives (usually around 12:30 am).
Downtown Shuttle
** Shuttle services have been temporarily paused due to social distancing recommendations. Taxi options and ride share such as Uber or Lyft continue to be options for airport transport. **
A shuttle service is available from CHS to most any central location in downtown Charleston for a flat rate. The shuttle is a shared ride method of transport and may make multiple stops downtown depending on how many passengers are on board. They depart on an ongoing basis within 15 minutes after a passenger has requested the downtown shuttle.
Taxi Service
The meter fare for taxi departure from the airport is $2.52 per mile with no additional fee for the first two passengers. A fee of $14 per person will be charged for fares including three or more passengers.
Taxi services are available to transport passengers to most any location in Charleston or the surrounding area. Meter based fares for one or two passengers to a location downtown typically range from $30 - $35, $25 - $45 for locations in West Ashley, $35 - $50 for James Island / Folly Beach, $35 - $60 for Mt. Pleasant / Isle of Palms, and $70 - $75 for Kiawah and Seabrook. For a detailed list of estimated fares, please click here. Please note, rates and fare estimates may change. Please verify rates with vendor prior to departure.
Payment Options and Rate Estimates for Shuttle and Taxi Service
The Downtown Shuttle and all airport taxi services accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Please note, rates and destination estimates are subject to change. Please be sure to verify rates with the respective shuttle service or taxi service prior to your departure from Charleston International.
Good News and Bad News
The good news is that there are great options for visitors to get from the Charleston International Airport to their Charleston destination. The bad news is that the shuttle service that drops passengers downtown does not run a scheduled transportation service back to the airport for a guest's return trip. It is recommended that guests ask their individual drivers about return options. Most hotels will also be happy to call a car service, taxi, or shuttle for guests' return to the airport. Many hotels also offer their own airport transportation options. If guests are staying in a rental or air bnb, Uber or Lyft are always an option.
source: Charleston International Airport