Getting Around Charleston. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation Options

CARTA (Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority) operates the main bus services across the Charleston metropolitan area. Its routes connect downtown with various neighborhoods and suburban areas.

The DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle) is an useful, free shuttle service. It operates specifically within the historic downtown area. DASH connects major attractions, public parking garages, and hotels, making it a simple way to explore the city's core without a car. Three routes exist: 210, 211, and 213.

Ticketing & Fares

DASH: Free for all riders, a cost-effective way to move within the historic district.
CARTA One-Way Fare: $2.00; Day Pass: $7.00; Seven-Day Pass: $28.00.
Payment: Exact cash fare on board, or purchase passes via the "Ride CARTA" mobile app or central office.
Accessibility: All CARTA buses are wheelchair accessible with ramps or lifts.

Route Maps & Hubs

DASH maps are at stops and on the CARTA website. Main CARTA transfer points include Citadel Mall and North Charleston SuperStop.

Hours & Frequency

DASH generally operates daily (reduced weekends); shuttles every 10-20 min. CARTA hours vary by route, early morning to late evening.

Efficient Navigation

Use the CARTA website and Google Maps for real-time bus tracking and route planning to minimize waiting times.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxis

Identification: Marked with company names, taxi lights (Yellow Cab, Charleston Green Taxi).
Hailing: Sometimes possible on busy streets, more reliable by call or at airport/hotel stands.
Fares: Metered; most accept credit cards, confirm before starting journey.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Services: Uber and Lyft are widely available and popular.
Cost: Often present more economical fares than traditional taxis for standard rides.
Safety: Verify driver's name, vehicle, and license plate match app info before entering.

Specialty Vehicle Options

Horse-drawn Carriages

Guided tours of the historic district; a relaxed sightseeing method.

Rickshaws/Pedicabs

Bicycle-powered taxis for short, convenient rides in the downtown core.

No Cable Cars/Funiculars

Charleston's flat topography renders such systems unnecessary.

Water Taxi

Connects waterfront attractions for scenic travel.

Rental Options

A car is recommended mainly if planning significant day trips outside the city. For exploring the historic core, walking or public transport is often more efficient.

Car Rental

Requirements: Valid driver's license (IDP needed for non-U.S. Licenses), age 21+ (surcharge under 25), major credit card.
Companies: All major car rental companies operate at CHS and some downtown.
Parking: Limited and expensive downtown; numerous parking garages exist with fees.
Driving Laws: Standard U.S. Laws apply (drive on right, seatbelts, hands-free phone suggested).

Bicycle & Scooter Rental

Bike Share: Holy Spokes public bike share with downtown stations; rates based on duration.
Bike Rental Shops: Numerous independent shops (Charleston Bicycle Company, Affordabike) offer daily/weekly rentals.
Motorcycle/Scooter: Available but limited; check local independent shops. These options offer a different way to explore but demand experience riding in traffic.
Safety: Wear a helmet when cycling (highly recommended). Use lights if riding at night.

Walking & Cycling Zones

Historic District: Highly walkable, flat terrain, easy to navigate on foot.
Pedestrian-Friendly Areas: The Battery, Waterfront Park, Rainbow Row, Market Street.
Walking surfaces: Be aware of uneven cobblestones in some streets, requiring comfortable shoes.

Bicycle Infrastructure: Limited dedicated bike lanes in the historic core, increasing in outer areas.
Safety: Cyclists should exercise caution due to vehicle traffic and pedestrians. Always follow traffic laws.
No-Go Areas: Avoid major highways (I-26, I-526) for walking or cycling.

Guided Tour Options

Walking Tours

Numerous guided tours focus on history, ghost stories, culinary experiences, or architecture.

Tour Buses & Trolleys

Hop-on-hop-off services (Old South Carriage Company, Gray Line) and narrated bus tours for an overview.

Boat Tours

Harbor cruises offer scenic views of the skyline and historic sites, often with dolphin sightings.

Specialized Water Transport

River transportation in Charleston is limited to recreational and tour boats on the Cooper and Ashley Rivers. These are for scenic tours and do not serve as a main mode of intercity transport for travelers.

Fort Sumter Ferry

Operates from Liberty Square (downtown) and Patriots Point (Mount Pleasant).
Transports visitors to Fort Sumter National Monument.
Offers historical context and scenic views during the ride.
A popular attraction for history enthusiasts.

Charleston Water Taxi

Connects attractions along the waterfront.
Includes Patriots Point and the South Carolina Aquarium.
Has a scenic and simple way to travel between these points.
Enjoy harbor cruises or specific tours navigating the waterways.

Accessibility Information

Public Transport

CARTA buses are accessible for individuals with mobility needs, including those using wheelchairs.

Wheelchair accessible buses.

Hotels

Many newer hotels comply with accessibility standards, offering amenities for travelers with mobility needs.

Modern hotels are compliant.

Historic Buildings

Older historic buildings, due to preservation requirements, may have limited accessibility. Verify with attractions beforehand.

Check before visiting.

Walking & Cycling Tips

Pedestrian Experience

Charleston's historic district is highly walkable due to its flat terrain and grid-like street plan.
Explore scenic areas like The Battery, Waterfront Park, and Rainbow Row on foot.
Be aware of uneven cobblestones on some streets; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Cycling Experience

Cycling on historic district streets is a common way to travel.
Exercise caution due to vehicle traffic and pedestrians.
Always wear a helmet and use lights if riding at night.

Safety Considerations

For taxis or rideshares, use official services.
Confirm driver and vehicle details match the app for rideshares.
Do not attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters.
Avoid walking or cycling on major highways like I-26 or I-526.

Always follow traffic laws when cycling.
Exercise caution in less-trafficked industrial or residential areas at night.
Pay close attention to parking signs and restrictions downtown.
Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies.

Final Transportation Insight

Charleston's charming, compact historic district is best explored on foot or via the free DASH shuttle.

Consider a car rental only for day trips outside the city due to downtown parking challenges.

Getting Around Charleston