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Airport Transportation

Charleston International Airport

Also known as: Charleston Airport, CHS Airport, Charleston SC Airport.

CHS · KCHS · Charleston

Airport facts

Name
Charleston International Airport
IATA code
CHS
ICAO code
KCHS
City
Charleston
Country
United States of America
Address
5500 International Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29418, United States
Coordinates
32.8986, -80.0406
Time zone
America/New_York
Terminals
One terminal with two concourses: Concourse A (east) and Concourse B (west), behind a single security checkpoint

About Charleston International Airport

Charleston International Airport (CHS) is the main airport for Charleston, South Carolina, in the United States, and for the Lowcountry around it. It stands in North Charleston, about 12 miles (19 km) northwest of downtown Charleston, near the junction of I-26 and I-526.

Most flights are domestic. American, Delta, United, Southwest and JetBlue link Charleston with their hubs and with cities such as New York, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Charlotte and Denver, while Breeze Airways, which has a focus city here, flies to more than two dozen cities, mostly in the Northeast and Florida. Air Canada flies to Toronto, and Allegiant, Alaska, Avelo, Frontier and Sun Country add more routes. The airport handled about 6.3 million passengers in 2025.

All flights use one terminal, with a single security checkpoint leading to Concourse A at the east end and Concourse B at the west end. The runways are shared with Joint Base Charleston.

From the airport, most travelers head to the historic district of downtown Charleston, across the Cooper River to Mount Pleasant, or out to the beaches at Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island and Folly Beach. Others continue to Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island and Summerville.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Charleston Regional Aviation Authority

Passengers per year

About 6.3 million in 2025

Runways

Two: 15/33, 9,001 ft (2,744 m), and 03/21, 7,000 ft (2,134 m), shared with Joint Base Charleston

Terminal

One terminal with Concourses A and B and a single security checkpoint

Arrival tips for Charleston International Airport

Most flights into Charleston are domestic, so you walk off the plane and straight toward Baggage Claim. Flights from Toronto clear US border checks before departure in Canada. If you arrive on an international flight without preclearance, such as a seasonal flight from Cancún, you go through US Customs and Border Protection in the international arrivals facility in Concourse B before you reach the public area.

Charleston has one terminal. From Concourse A or Concourse B, follow the signs to Baggage Claim at the west end of the terminal, past the central hall. Baggage carts are near Carousel 1, and the Guest Services Desk across from the Central Hall can help with questions.

Every way out starts outside Baggage Claim. Taxis wait in the center median with a starter, hotel shuttles and the CARTA bus stop at the curb, and rideshare pickups are in Zones 1, 2 and 3 at the covered shelter across both roadways. Rental car desks are at the end of the terminal past Baggage Claim. Pre-booked drivers usually meet you in Baggage Claim.

Charleston is on Eastern Time.

Ground transportation

A taxi or pre-booked car is the easiest way to reach downtown and the islands; the bus suits light travelers headed downtown.

  • Taxi from Charleston airport

    Taxis wait in the center median outside Baggage Claim, where a starter gives you the rate for your destination. The ride downtown usually takes 20 to 30 minutes outside rush hour.

  • Uber and Lyft

    Rideshare pickups, including the local KreweCar app, are in Zones 1, 2 and 3 at the covered shelter across both roadways from Baggage Claim. Waits can grow when several flights land together.

  • CARTA bus Route 11

    The CARTA stop is a covered shelter just outside Baggage Claim. Route 11 runs seven days a week to downtown Charleston by way of North Charleston, taking about 50 to 55 minutes, so it is slow with luggage.

  • Hotel shuttles

    Several North Charleston airport hotels run shuttles from the curb outside Baggage Claim; call your hotel when you have your bags.

  • Rental cars

    Rental desks are at the end of the terminal past Baggage Claim, and cars are returned on Level 1 of the parking garage, reached by covered walkways.

  • Private transfer

    A pre-booked car meets you in Baggage Claim, useful for families, groups, late arrivals and trips to Kiawah Island or the beaches.

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Terminals

Concourse A

The east concourse, with eight gates, used mainly by Delta and Delta Connection flights.

Concourse B

The west concourse, with ten gates (B1 to B10), used by the other airlines. It also houses the international arrivals facility.

Airlines and destinations

Air Canada

Toronto Pearson

Alaska Airlines

Seattle/Tacoma

Allegiant Air

Cincinnati, Columbus Rickenbacker (seasonal), Indianapolis (seasonal), Louisville (seasonal)

American Airlines

Charlotte, Chicago O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, New York LaGuardia, Philadelphia, Washington National

Avelo Airlines

New Haven (seasonal)

Breeze Airways

Akron/Canton, Albany, Cancún (seasonal), Cincinnati, Columbus, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Hartford, Los Angeles (seasonal), New Haven, New Orleans, Orlando, Pittsburgh, Providence, Tampa and more

Delta Air Lines Concourse A

Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York JFK, New York LaGuardia

Frontier Airlines

Dallas/Fort Worth, Philadelphia (seasonal)

JetBlue

Boston, Fort Lauderdale, New York JFK

Southwest Airlines

Austin (seasonal), Baltimore, Chicago Midway, Dallas Love Field, Denver, Houston Hobby (seasonal), Kansas City (seasonal), Nashville, St. Louis (seasonal)

Sun Country Airlines

Minneapolis/St. Paul (seasonal)

United Airlines

Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Houston Intercontinental, Newark, Washington Dulles

Facilities

  • Wi-Fi

    Free Wi-Fi on the CHSFREEWIFI network.

  • Restaurants and shops

    The Central Marketplace past security has restaurants, coffee and shops, with more in Concourses A and B and a few outlets in the Central Hall before security.

  • Guest Services Desk

    Information and paging at the Guest Services Desk near the Central Hall.

  • Charging points

    About 2,000 power outlets and USB ports around the terminal.

  • Nursing suites

    Two nursing suites: one in Baggage Claim between Carousels 2 and 3 before security, and one in Concourse B after security.

  • Service animal relief areas

    Two outdoor relief areas, one at each end of the terminal, and one after security in Concourse A near Gate A2.

  • Baggage carts

    Carts are in Baggage Claim near Carousel 1 and on the ground floor of the parking garage.

  • Curbside check-in

    CHS Check n' Go lets you check bags at the curb for Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and United.

  • Lost and found

    The airport's lost and found, run with its partner Boomerang, covers the terminal, the security checkpoint and the parking lots.

Airport lounges

  • The Club CHS

    A 4,400 sq ft lounge on the main concourse for departing passengers, not run by an airline, open daily from 4:10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Priority Pass members enter with eligible cards, and day passes are sold at the door.

Accessibility and passenger assistance

  • Requesting assistance

    Arrange a wheelchair and escort through your airline before you travel, or ask the skycaps at the front curb. For help at security, call TSA Cares 72 hours before your flight.

  • Reduced mobility

    Passenger boarding bridges and a passenger access lift help with boarding, all restrooms are accessible, and elevators serve the terminal and the parking garage.

  • Service animals

    Three service animal relief areas: one outside each end of the terminal and one after security in Concourse A near Gate A2.

  • Hidden disabilities

    Free Hidden Disabilities Sunflower bracelets and lanyards are available at the Guest Services Desk across from the Central Hall.

  • Accessible parking

    Qualified drivers with a valid placard and matching license park free for the first 48 hours; valet parking does not offer this.

Parking

Hourly Parking Garage

Covered parking a short walk from the terminal, for stays of up to 30 days; accessible spaces are on the second floor.

Daily Parking Garage

A multi-level garage beside the terminal, with an open-air top level.

Economy Lot

A surface lot across from the Daily Parking Garage, with a shuttle about every 5 minutes, 24 hours a day.

Overflow Lot

Opens when the Economy Lot is full, as at holidays, with its own shuttle to the terminal.

Valet Parking

Drop your car at the curb in front of the terminal and collect it at the valet desk at the end of Baggage Claim.

Cell Phone Waiting Area

Free waiting spaces on the right side of International Boulevard before the terminal, for drivers who stay with their vehicle.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Charleston airport from downtown Charleston?

Charleston International Airport is in North Charleston, about 12 miles (19 km) northwest of downtown Charleston, near the junction of I-26 and I-526. The drive to the historic district usually takes 20 to 30 minutes outside rush hour. CARTA Route 11 takes about 50 to 55 minutes, and taxis and rideshares leave from outside Baggage Claim.

How many terminals does Charleston airport have?

Charleston International Airport has one terminal with two concourses behind a single security checkpoint. Concourse A, at the east end, is used mainly by Delta, and Concourse B, at the west end, by the other airlines and international arrivals. All arriving passengers collect their bags in the same Baggage Claim at the west end of the terminal.

Is CHS the airport for Charleston, South Carolina?

Yes. CHS is Charleston International Airport, the main airport for Charleston, South Carolina, and the Lowcountry. Charleston, West Virginia, has its own airport, West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW), hundreds of miles away. Check the three-letter code on your ticket before you book flights or ground transportation, because the two cities are easy to mix up.

Which airlines fly to Charleston airport?

American, Delta, United, Southwest and JetBlue fly to their hubs and to cities such as New York, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Charlotte and Denver. Breeze Airways has a focus city here with flights to more than two dozen cities. Air Canada flies to Toronto, and Alaska, Allegiant, Avelo, Frontier and Sun Country add more routes, several of them seasonal.

Does Charleston airport have international flights?

Yes, a few. Air Canada flies to Toronto, where passengers clear US border checks before departure, so they arrive in Charleston as domestic travelers. Other international arrivals, such as Breeze Airways' seasonal flights from Cancún, go through US Customs and Border Protection in the international arrivals facility in Concourse B. Most flights at Charleston are domestic.

Where do I get a taxi at Charleston airport?

Taxis wait in the center median outside Baggage Claim at the west end of the terminal. Go to the ground transportation booth, where a starter gives you a rate based on your destination before you set off. A taxi goes door to door downtown, to Mount Pleasant and to the beaches, which is easiest when you are carrying luggage.

Where is the Uber and Lyft pickup at Charleston airport?

Rideshare pickups at Charleston International Airport are in Zones 1, 2 and 3. Request your ride in the app, leave Baggage Claim and follow the signs to the covered pickup shelter across both roadways, to the right of the last sidewalk. Uber, Lyft and the local KreweCar app all use these zones.

Is there a bus from Charleston airport to downtown?

Yes. CARTA Route 11 runs seven days a week between the airport and downtown Charleston, with stops along Dorchester Road and Meeting Street in North Charleston. The stop is a covered shelter just outside Baggage Claim, and the trip usually takes 50 to 55 minutes. It also serves the Tanger Outlet Center on the way.

Is there a lounge at Charleston airport?

Yes. The Club CHS is on the main concourse for departing passengers and is not run by an airline. It opens daily from 4:10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Priority Pass members can enter with eligible premium cards, and other travelers can buy a day pass. It seats about 100 people in six zones.

Where can I park at Charleston airport?

Charleston International Airport has an Hourly Parking Garage and a Daily Parking Garage beside the terminal, an Economy Lot with a shuttle every 5 minutes, an Overflow Lot that opens when Economy is full, and valet parking at the curb. A free Cell Phone Waiting Area on International Boulevard is for drivers picking someone up.

Where are the rental cars at Charleston airport?

Rental car desks are at the end of the terminal, past Baggage Claim, so you can pick up your car without taking a shuttle. Returns are on Level 1 of the parking garage, which is connected to the terminal by covered walkways. Follow the rental car return signs as you approach the airport on International Boulevard.

What time zone is Charleston airport in?

Charleston International Airport is on Eastern Time, the same as New York and Atlanta. That is UTC-5 in winter and UTC-4 during daylight saving time, from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. Set your phone to update automatically, and check pickup times against local time.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

Book a transfer from CHS