Getting Here & Around

Getting Here & Around

You don't need a car to explore the historic sistrict, where few of the hotels and B&Bs offer free parking, but you'll need a car if you want to explore the area.

Top Reasons to Go

Dining out: Charleston has become a culinary destination, with talented chefs who offer innovative twists on the city's traditional cuisine. Bob Waggoner at the Charleston Grill is one outstanding example.

Seeing art: The city is home to more than 100 galleries, so you'll never run out of places to see world-class art. The Charleston Museum and dozens of others add to the mix.

Spoleto Festival USA: If you're lucky enough to visit in late May and early June, you'll find a city under siege: Spoleto's flood of indoor and outdoor performances (opera, music, dance, and theater) is impossible to miss and almost as difficult not to enjoy.

The Battery: The views from the point—both natural and man-made—are the loveliest in the city. Look west to see the harbor; to the east you'll find elegant Charleston mansions.

Historic homes: Charleston's preserved 19th-century houses, including the Nathaniel Russell House, are highlights; outside the city, plantations like Boone Hall, with its extensive garden and grounds, make scenic excursions.

By Air

Charleston International Airport, about 12 mi west of downtown, is served by American Eagle, Continental, Delta, United Express, Northwest, US Airways, and Air Tran. Wings Air, a commuter airline that flies to and from Atlanta, operates out of the Charleston Executive Airport.

Several cab companies serve the airport, including the Charleston Black Cab Company, which has London-style taxis ($50 for 2 to 5 passengers). Airport Ground Transportation arranges shuttles ($14 per person). Star Limousine Service offers stretch limo service.

By Boat & Ferry

The Charleston Water Taxi is a delightful way to travel between Charleston and Mount Pleasant ($10 round-trip). It departs from the Charleston Maritime Center. The water taxi departs every hour from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

By Bus

The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority, the city's public bus system, takes passengers around the city and to the suburbs. Bus 11, which goes to the airport, is convenient for travelers. CARTA operates DASH, which runs buses that look like vintage trolleys along three downtown routes; a single ride is $1.25 (exact change only), and a daylong pass is $4.

By Taxi

Fares within the city average about $5 to $10 per trip. Companies include Charleston Black Cab Company, Safety Cab, and Yellow Cab; the latter two are available 24 hours a day.

Pedicabs can take you anywhere in the historic district for $4.50 per person per 10 minutes, and they can be called. Three can squeeze into the one seat.

By Train

The Amtrak station is somewhat isolated, but a visible police presence means there are few reports of crime in the area. Taxis meet every train; a ride to downtown averages $25.

Visitor Information

The Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau runs the Charleston Visitor Center, which has information about the city as well as Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Edisto Island, Summerville, and the Isle of Palms. The Historic Charleston Foundation and the Preservation Society of Charleston have information on house tours.

Essentials

Airport Contacts

Charleston Executive Airport (2700 Fort Trenholm Rd., John's Island. 877/754-7285). Charleston International Airport (5500 International Blvd., North Charleston. 843/767-1100). Mt. Pleasant Regional Airport (700 Airport Rd., Mount Pleasant. 843/884-8837).

Airport Transfers

Airport Ground Transportation (843/767-1100). A Star Limousine (843/745-6279). Charleston Black Cab Company (843/216-2627 or 843/216-1206).

Boat & Ferry Contacts

Charleston Water Taxi (Charleston Maritime Center, 10 Wharfside St., Upper King. 843/330-2989).

Bus Contacts

CARTA (3664 Leeds Ave., North Charleston. 843/747-0922. www.ridecarta.com). Charleston Bus Station (3610 Dorcester Rd., North Charleston. 843/744-4247).

Taxi Contacts

Charleston Bike Taxi (843/532-8663). Charleston Black Cab Company (843/216-2627 or 843/216-1206). Charleston Ped-Cab (843/577-7088). Charleston Rickshaw Company (843/723-5685). Safety Cab (843/722-4066). Yellow Cab (843/577-6565).

Train Contacts

Amtrak (4565 Gaynor Ave., North Charleston. 843/744-8264).

Visitor Information Contacts

Charleston Visitor Center (375 Meeting St., Upper King, 423 King St., 29403. 843/853-8000 or 800/868-8118. www.charlestoncvb.com). Historic Charleston Foundation (843/723-1623. www.historiccharleston.org). Preservation Society of Charleston (843/722-4630. www.preservationsociety.org).