If you’ve got a layover in Charleston, don’t let it go to waste sitting at CHS. The city, in United States, is within easy reach — roughly 100 minutes by CARTA Route 11 (Airport Express Bus). Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Three things to verify before you walk out of CHS:
- Can you legally enter United States? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 100-minute journey each way by CARTA Route 11 (Airport Express Bus), you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARTA Route 11 (Airport Express Bus) | ~100 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~120 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the CARTA Route 11 (Airport Express Bus) is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Bag Storage Near CHS
You can store your luggage at Luggage storage/lockers are generally not available at US airports due to security regulations.. Rates typically depend on bag size and duration.
If the airport lockers are full or inconveniently located, services like Bounce and Stasher list verified storage spots in and around Charleston as well.
Money & Budget Tips
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Charleston might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$9 USD
- A meal: ~$18 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$37 USD
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
What’s Worth Seeing in Charleston
If you head into Charleston, here are two things worth checking out:
Historic Charleston City Market is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit, even if you don’t buy anything.
Waterfront Park & Pineapple Fountain is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Great for a short stroll — bring a coffee and take it easy.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at CHS, check out The Club CHS or Lowcountry Gifts & Souvenirs to keep yourself occupied.
Eating Well on a Charleston Layover
In Charleston
If you make it into town, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Leon’s Oyster Shop.
Inside CHS
If you’re staying in the terminal, Caviar & Bananas is your main option. Charleston Beer Works works too if you want something quick.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at CHS, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Charleston itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Resting at the Airport
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at CHS, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Charleston count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave CHS. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.