lorilovestravel

My daughter and i will be flying into Charleston late at night and waiting for my daughters friend to fly in at 11:05 PM. My concern is getting to our VRBO rental in the Historical District so late at night. Would it be better to rent a car, or take a taxi? I did look into the bus service from the airport to downtown and it looks like the latest route leaves the airport at 11 PM. This is our first time visiting Charleston. I don't plan on wondering too far from downtown since we will be there for only 3 days for YALLfest and all the activities will all be near the Blue Bicycle book store. Also I am wondering about being safe later at night. Thanks for any help with this issue!

DebitNM

For 3 people at that hour, take a taxi -

https://www.chs-airport.com/Ground-T...-Shuttles.aspx

I wouldn't bother renting a car just to get to and from airport.

suewoo

It's perfectly safe and will likely be very quiet. Just walk out from the baggage claim. You'll see the taxi stand. Most of them are vans.

doug_stallings

You should not rent a car unless you are planning a regional trip. It's very difficult (and expensive) to park in the historic district. Likely the cost of a one-day car rental and parking will greatly exceed the round-trip cost of a taxi.

Kchesler47

As a retired employee of a downtown Charleston hotel, please let me tell you that Charleston is a very safe city but one should always be mindful of their surroundings especially in these current times. My recommendation is to take a taxi from the airport (located right outside of baggage claim) and unless you have another destination in mind that requires an automobile, your rental will sit in a parking garage and rack up daily rates which can far exceed the cost of a cab.

Enjoy your time in our safe and "very friendly" city!!!

Kchesler47

PS...I should have mentioned that the last thing 3 women would or should do is take a bus at 11 pm at night....in my opinion, anywhere!

JanetKMR

I agree with the others.....take a cab and be aware of your surroundings, but there is no particular reason to feel unsafe in Downtown Charleston.

lorilovestravel

Thanks so much for your feedback. A taxi it is! Do you all think I should call to reserve a taxi or will there most likely be some waiting that late at night?

I really appreciate all the advice!

suewoo

There will be some at the airport. Have a great time!

lorilovestravel

Thanks suewoo! I heard it's a beautiful city. Only wish I had more time to explore. I may just have to leave the girls to do their book thing while I go off on my own.

JanetKMR

You are going to love it!

suewoo

You ARE going to love it, and you will start planning your next trip while you're there!

Gretchen

The idea of leaving the girls is REALLY good. You won't have any problem making that decision, once you are there!! Where did you end up staying? The Blue Bicycle IS really neat, however.

Dickie_Gr

"You should not rent a car unless you are planning a regional trip. It's very difficult (and expensive) to park in the historic district. "

No it isn't.

We always stay on one of the sea islands and drive into Charleston, there are hundreds of parking places on the South Battery, right on the river. The spaces have a good turnover and don't seem to be dominated by workers in the centre. We have never struggled to quickly find a place and they are free.

Charleston is one of the easiest cities to visit that I have encountered.