Welcome to Charleston International Airport (CHS) – Your Gateway to Historic Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry
Located about 12 miles (19 kilometers) northwest of downtown Charleston, Charleston International Airport (CHS) is the busiest airport in South Carolina, serving as a strategic hub for travelers exploring the region’s rich history, charming coastal landscapes, and vibrant Southern culture. In this airport guide, discover all the essential information you need for a smooth journey through Charleston International Airport—from terminal details and transport options to dining, parking, and top travel tips. Bookmark this page on airport.co for up-to-date insights that will help your Charleston adventure.
1. Quick Facts & Overview
- Airport Code: CHS
- Location: North Charleston, roughly 12 miles (19 km) from downtown Charleston
- Passenger Volume: Over 5 million travelers annually (pre-pandemic data)
- Terminal Structure: One main terminal building with Concourses A & B
- Primary Airlines: American, Delta, Southwest, United, JetBlue, Allegiant, Frontier, Silver Airways, plus seasonal/charter flights
- Key Routes: Domestic flights nationwide (Atlanta, New York, Dallas, Denver), limited international charters to tropical destinations
Charleston International Airport shares runways with Joint Base Charleston (a U.S. Air Force installation), reflecting its dual civilian-military operations. Known for its warm, Southern hospitality and proximity to popular attractions like The Battery and nearby beach communities, CHS offers an inviting gateway to Charleston’s historic district and the scenic Lowcountry region.
2. Terminal Layout & Facilities
2.1 Main Terminal
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Check-In & Departures
- Airline ticket counters line the front of the terminal—plan 1–2 hours before domestic flights, 2–3 for potential international routes.
- Self-service kiosks for quick boarding pass printing; verify your airline’s bag-drop cutoffs.
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Security Screening
- A central TSA checkpoint leads to Concourse A (gates A1–A5) and Concourse B (gates B1–B10).
- TSA PreCheck lanes available for enrolled travelers—peak morning/evening times can see bigger crowds.
2.2 Concourse A
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Airlines
- Typically hosts Alaska, American, JetBlue, Silver, with gate assignments subject to change.
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Services
- Seating areas with charging outlets, restrooms, digital flight info boards.
- Limited dining/retail—some coffee stands or snack outlets.
2.3 Concourse B
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Airlines
- Delta, Southwest, United, Allegiant, Frontier—check gate signage or your boarding pass for specifics.
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Amenities
- Additional shops, quick-service eateries, and bar areas.
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Restrooms & Family Spaces
- Family restrooms, water filling stations, and lactation pods (if available).
2.4 General Passenger Services
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Free Wi-Fi
- “CHS Free WiFi”—accept usage terms for basic browsing/streaming.
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ATMs & Limited Currency Exchange
- ATMs near baggage claim and departures; currency exchange services might be limited—plan accordingly if traveling abroad.
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Information Desk
- Staff can assist with directions, lost/found, local attractions, or transport queries.
(Concourse expansions or changes may occur; always verify your airline’s assigned concourse/gate ahead of departure.)
3. Ground Transportation
3.1 Taxis & Ride-Hailing
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Taxi Stand
- Located just outside the baggage claim—fares to downtown Charleston average $25–$35, ~20–25 minutes depending on traffic.
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Ride-Share Services
- Uber, Lyft pickups in designated “Rideshare” zone—follow signage after exiting Arrivals.
3.2 Public Buses & Shuttles
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CARTA (Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority)
- Route 11 (Dorchester/Airport) connects CHS to downtown Charleston, cost ~$2 per ride.
- Journey ~30–40 minutes, frequency ~every 30 minutes depending on peak/off-peak.
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Hotel & Private Shuttles
- Many downtown hotels provide courtesy vans—arrange pre-trip or upon arrival.
- Private vans/limos for group or corporate bookings available with advanced reservations.
3.3 Rental Cars
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Rental Car Pavilion
- Adjacent to baggage claim, featuring national brands (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, etc.).
- Reserve in advance for better rates, especially during high tourist seasons (spring, summer).
3.4 Charleston Airport Shuttle
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Shared Ride Vans
- Multiple operators provide door-to-door service—approx. $14–$20 per person to downtown.
- Book online or at the Ground Transportation desk upon arrival.
4. Parking at Charleston International Airport
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Hourly Deck
- Ideal for short-term stays or quick pickups/drop-offs, located opposite the terminal entrance.
- Higher hourly rates—perfect if waiting for arriving passengers or short business trips.
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Daily Deck
- Multi-level garage with daily rates, a short walk from the terminal.
- Great for mid-length stays.
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Economy Lots
- More budget-friendly daily/weekly rates, connected by a free shuttle (5–7 minutes) to the terminal.
- Ideal for extended vacations or travelers seeking lower parking costs.
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Valet Parking
- Premium curbside drop-off near the terminal.
- Attendants handle parking; fees reflect added convenience.
(Check official CHS website for up-to-date parking promotions, real-time occupancy, or online reservation capabilities.)
5. Lounges & Priority Services
5.1 Club CHS Lounge (Planned/Future)
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Possible Future Lounge
- Keep an eye on Charleston County Aviation Authority news—lounge expansions or airline clubs may become available.
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Airline-Specific Lounges
- Currently none, though frequent flyers might hold memberships for lounge networks at connecting airports.
5.2 TSA PreCheck
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Expedited Screening
- Separate security lane—approved travelers pass with shoes on, liquids/laptop in bag.
- Add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to airline profiles for easy PreCheck on boarding passes.
6. Dining & Shopping
6.1 Food & Beverage
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Local Southern Eats
- Enjoy flavors of Lowcountry cuisine—shrimp & grits, fried chicken, or sweet tea at select concourse cafes.
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National Chains
- Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Moe’s Southwest Grill, or Dunkin’ for quick bites/coffee if short on time.
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Bars & Lounges
- Some gate areas have bar service—unwind with local craft beers or cocktails.
6.2 Retail & Gift Shops
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Newsstands/Convenience
- Hudson, CNBC, or local stands for reading materials, snacks, phone chargers, last-minute accessories.
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Charleston-Themed Souvenirs
- Boutique shops selling Charleston apparel, Gullah-inspired crafts, or local pecan pralines.
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Duty-Free
- Minimal or none at CHS, as mostly domestic flights operate—international travelers connect through larger hubs.
7. Nearby Accommodations
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Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Airport
- ~2 miles from CHS—shuttle service, on-site dining, meeting spaces.
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Aloft Charleston Airport & Convention Center
- Trendy vibe ~5 minutes from terminal, near Tanger Outlets.
- Free shuttle, modern rooms, pet-friendly.
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Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Airport
- Great for families or business travelers—free breakfast/cocktail hours, close to Charleston Area Convention Center.
(Many hotels near North Charleston offer courtesy shuttles—confirm with hotel staff before arrival.)
8. Attractions Near CHS
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Historic Charleston Downtown (~15–20 mins)
- Discover the Historic District, Rainbow Row, King Street shopping, and award-winning Southern cuisine.
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Charleston’s Beaches (Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island) (~30 mins)
- White sands, surf spots, relaxed vibes for day trips or weekend escapes.
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Plantations & Gardens (Magnolia Plantation, Middleton Place) (~30–40 mins)
- Stroll scenic grounds steeped in Lowcountry history—perfect for nature and history lovers.
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Tanger Outlets (~5 mins from CHS)
- Over 80 brand-name stores—ideal for quick shopping between flights or layovers.
9. Travel Tips for Charleston International Airport
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Arrive Early
- 1.5–2 hours before domestic flights, especially if checking bags or traveling during peak tourism (spring/fall).
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Check Baggage Rules
- Some budget carriers strictly enforce overhead bin limits—confirm sizes and fees.
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Warm Weather Pack
- Charleston’s humid subtropical climate can be hot—carry water, dress comfortably if venturing outside.
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Online Check-In
- Skip lines at airline counters; many carriers prefer digital boarding passes.
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Keep Updated
- Follow CHS on social media or check official airline apps for flight changes (especially during hurricane season or local storms).
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How far is Charleston International Airport from downtown Charleston?
A: About 12 miles (19 km)—a 15–20 minute drive via I-26 or local roads, traffic permitting.
Q2: Does CHS have free Wi-Fi?
A: Yes—connect to the “CHSFREEWIFI” network, follow on-screen prompts to browse or stream.
Q3: Which airlines operate out of Charleston International Airport?
A: American, Delta, Southwest, United, JetBlue, Allegiant, Frontier, Silver Airways, plus seasonal charters.
Q4: Are there direct international flights from CHS?
A: Mainly domestic flights, though seasonal or limited international charters may be available—check airline schedules.
Q5: Where can I store luggage at CHS?
A: No official lockers or left-luggage facilities—consult your airline for short-term baggage solutions if needed.
Conclusion
Charleston International Airport (CHS) greets you with Southern charm, modern amenities, and convenient connections to the historic city of Charleston, pristine beaches, and the broader Lowcountry region. By leveraging user-friendly terminals, ample parking options, and an array of dining and shopping choices, CHS ensures a smooth travel experience from touchdown to takeoff. Keep this airport guide on airport.co bookmarked for the latest updates on parking deals, lounge expansions, ground transport, and essential travel tips—helping your Charleston journey begin (or end) on the perfect note.
