Home » Layover Guide » Charleston Layover Guide (CHS)

Charleston Layover Guide (CHS)

What are you looking for in CHS?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Charleston Airport (CHS) is an international airport located in North Charleston, South Carolina. It’s situated about 19 km (12 miles) from downtown Charleston. The airport officially opened in 1929. Charleston is a historic coastal city known for its well-preserved architecture and southern charm. It’s considered one of the most beautiful cities in the U.S. and is popular for its rich culture, vibrant culinary scene, and access to stunning beaches and nature.

Can you leave Charleston Airport (CHS) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
International travelers arriving at Charleston International Airport (CHS) must clear U.S. Customs and immigration. If eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, an approved ESTA suffices; otherwise, obtain a C-1 transit visa or applicable entry visa. Once admitted, you may exit the terminal and explore the historic city during your layover. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Historic District Walking Tour Stroll cobblestone streets lined with pastel antebellum homes, architectural art galleries and quaint boutique shops in the Charleston Historic District, immersing yourself in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min; CARTA bus #10 ~45 min)
• Rainbow Row Admire the iconic 19th-century pastel-hued historic homes along East Bay Street, perfect for photos while learning the intriguing stories behind Charleston’s colorful architectural heritage and hear local lore from guides. (Time required: 30 min / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min; CARTA bus #10 ~45 min)
• Charleston City Market Browse stalls offering handcrafted sweetgrass baskets, local art, souvenirs and regional specialties while sampling Lowcountry flavors amid lively vendors and unique finds in this historic open-air marketplace dating to the 1800s. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min; CARTA bus #10 ~45 min)
• Waterfront Park Relax under live oaks at picturesque Waterfront Park, enjoy swinging benches, splashing fountains and panoramic harbor views; savor salty breezes while spotting passing cargo ships and marshlands in this oasis. (Time required: 45 min / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min; CARTA bus #10 ~45 min)
• Fort Sumter National Monument Take a scenic ferry cruise to Fort Sumter National Monument, walking among preserved structures where Civil War history began and exploring informative exhibits within its historic bastions and museum galleries. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min to downtown ferry; ferry round-trip ~1 hour)
• The Battery & White Point Garden Explore the historic seawall promenade at The Battery and tranquil White Point Garden, admiring Confederate-era cannons, majestic live oaks draped in Spanish moss and sweeping river vistas, enjoying golden sunsets. (Time required: 45 min / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min; CARTA bus #10 ~45 min)
• Angel Oak Tree Visit the awe-inspiring Angel Oak on Johns Island, a 400–500-year-old Southern live oak with sprawling branches forming a cathedral-like canopy, a natural wonder cherished by avid photographers and avid nature lovers. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min; ride-share or rental car)
• Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour Climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a narrated tour through Charleston’s Historic District, unveiling charming streets, hidden courtyards and landmarks while guides share captivating tales of local life and lore. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min; CARTA bus #10 ~45 min)

Things to Do in Charleston Airport (CHS)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
The Club CHS lounge spans 4,400 sq ft in the main concourse, seating up to 100 guests. Open to all ticketed passengers three hours before departure, it offers quiet seating, workstations, complimentary snacks, signature cocktails, shower suites, high-speed Wi-Fi and charging outlets—a tranquil sanctuary away from gate crowds. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Although CHS has no on-site hotel, numerous nearby properties offer Park-Stay-Fly packages and free shuttles. Options include Residence Inn Charleston Airport (3 miles), Hampton Inn & Suites (2.7 miles), Hyatt Place (1 mile) and The Charleston Airport Hotel (5 miles). All provide complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness centers, breakfast and round-the-clock shuttle service. view all or book an airport hotel online

.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
CHS operates 24 hours but public areas beyond security close overnight. Travelers can recline on padded benches near baggage claim; power outlets and USB ports are plentiful. No dedicated sleeping pods or quiet zones exist, so for overnight stays it’s safest to find a nearby hotel shuttle rather than sleeping on terminal seating.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Charleston International Airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Simply select “CHSFREEWIFI” or “CHS Free WiFi” in your device’s network settings and follow the on-screen prompt—no password required. More secure, high-speed connections are available inside The Club lounge for eligible patrons.

SIM/eSIM Card: No dedicated SIM kiosks operate inside CHS. Travelers should purchase prepaid SIM or eSIM plans online before arrival or visit local carrier stores (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) and convenience outlets in North Charleston. eSIM profiles can be downloaded instantly upon arrival for seamless connectivity. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis queue curbside in the center median outside baggage claim. A starter at the ground transportation booth will assign your cab and quote fares. Minimum charge is $17 per trip; typical metered rates to downtown Charleston range $30–$40. Ride-share services (Uber, Lyft) also pickup here.

Train: There is no rail station on airport grounds. The nearest Amtrak stop is at North Charleston Intermodal Transportation Center (4565 Gaynor Ave), 5 miles away. Travelers take CARTA Route 11 bus or taxi for the 10 minute transfer. more info

Bus: CARTA Route 11 departs hourly from a covered shelter outside baggage claim, connecting CHS to downtown Charleston and the Tanger Outlet Center. Single-ride fare is $2; full schedules and maps at more info.

Shuttle: Many hotels near CHS offer complimentary round-trip shuttles; pickup is outside baggage claim. Additionally, Park-Stay-Fly packages include secured parking and hotel shuttles for multi-day travelers. No centralized airport shuttle service exists.

Car rentals: Major rental companies (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National) operate from the on-site Rental Car Pavilion, linked to the terminal by a covered walkway. Counters are open daily; free courtesy phones in baggage claim dial “#CAR” for immediate pickup. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: CHS offers an Hourly Garage ($3/hour, $21/day), Daily Deck ($5/hour, $17/day), and Economy Lots A/B/C ($5/hour, $13/day). Valet parking is available at $25/day. A free cell-phone lot lets drivers wait curbside until passengers are ready; all lots accept major cards.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

No public lockers or official storage centers exist inside CHS. Self-service luggage carts ($4 refundable) are available near baggage claim. For longer storage, mobile services like Charleston BagValet pick up and return bags curbside for a daily fee. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Charleston Airport (CHS) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks