City in South Carolina, United States
Getting around Charleston
How to get around Charleston
Downtown is walkable and the free DASH shuttles cover the peninsula; beyond it, a car or rideshare is needed. Buses (CARTA) are cheap but infrequent.
Ways to get around Charleston
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| DASH downtown shuttles | Free | Three routes on the peninsula |
| CARTA buses | 2 USD | Regional network; exact fare or app tickets |
| Bicycle | Rental per hour or day | Flat peninsula; bikes popular for the Battery and King Street |
| Water taxi | Varies | Some links to Mount Pleasant and Patriots Point |
Ride-hailing apps in Charleston
A 5 km ride costs about $13–22 ($13–22).
- Taxis exist but apps are cheaper. Pedicabs charge a negotiated fare; agree it first.
Arriving in Charleston
Charleston International (CHS)
Rideshare or taxi to downtown 25–40 USD, about 20–30 min; CARTA bus 2 USD, slower.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Shared e-scooters have been limited; check current rules. Cycling is popular but streets are narrow.
- Driving: on the right. Foreign licences work for visitors in most states; carry an IDP if yours isn't in English. Under-25s pay rental surcharges.
- Onward travel in United States: Distances are long, so domestic flights are usually fastest. Amtrak works well in the Northeast Corridor; buses are cheapest. Outside big cities you often need a car.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Charleston?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, Lyft.
What's the best way to get around Charleston?
Downtown is walkable and the free DASH shuttles cover the peninsula; beyond it, a car or rideshare is needed. Buses (CARTA) are cheap but infrequent.
How do I get from the airport to Charleston?
Rideshare or taxi to downtown 25–40 USD, about 20–30 min; CARTA bus 2 USD, slower.
Is Charleston walkable?
Very walkable.
More about Charleston
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.