Key Highlights
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Charleston International Airport (CHS) is the main airport for the Charleston, South Carolina area.
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The airport code is CHS. It is just 12 miles away from downtown Charleston.
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Many big airlines have nonstop flights to different cities in the United States and Canada.
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People can enjoy many things at the airport. There are a lot of places to eat and shop.
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Getting a ride is easy with ground transportation choices like on-site rental cars, public buses, and taxi service.
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CHS is the busiest airport in South Carolina. In 2023, over 6 million people used this airport.
Introduction
Welcome to Charleston, South Carolina! If you are here for a business trip or just want to see the city of Charleston, you will most likely fly into the main airport. It is easy to get in and out because the airport is modern and has what you need. This guide gives you the key facts. You will find out how to find your flight and how to get around with ground transportation. This way, your time in Charleston can start and end without a problem.
Charleston International Airport Overview
Charleston International Airport (CHS) is the main airport for the city of Charleston and the areas around South Carolina. It is not far from downtown Charleston, so you can get there with a short drive. This airport has a new terminal that is ready for both people from the U.S. and from around the world.
Some of the big airlines here are Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. They have nonstop flights to lots of different places. You can fly straight to cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. This makes it easy for people living in Charleston and those coming here to get travel plans done fast and with less stress. Charleston International Airport helps everyone travel with ease in and out of Charleston.
Location and Airport Code (CHS)
The official code for Charleston International Airport is CHS. People use this three-letter code when they book flights or look up travel details. You will need it as you plan a trip to the city of Charleston.
The airport is in North Charleston, South Carolina. The spot is good because it is close to major highways. This makes it easy for people to drive in or out of the area. The airport shares its runways with Joint Base Charleston.
This means both regular folks and the military use the same airport. Still, the Charleston County Aviation Authority looks after everything for travelers who fly in and out of CHS. They work hard to give people a good and easy trip through Charleston International Airport.
Distance from Downtown Charleston
Charleston International Airport sits about 12 miles northwest of downtown Charleston. Because it is so close, you can get to the center of charleston pretty fast. This makes it simple for you to start your trip or get to business things without a long drive.
How long it takes to reach downtown charleston by taxi or rideshare depends on traffic, but it usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. This is the easiest way to get to your hotel or first stop. You will find many taxis and other rides at the charleston international airport terminal.
If you want to save some money, you can use a bus. The local CARTA system gives you Route 11, which goes from the airport to downtown charleston. The bus is on the road every day, and the trip usually takes about 50 to 55 minutes, so you get time to see the area on your way in.
Airlines and Flight Options
Booking a flight to Charleston is simple because the airport has many major airlines to choose from. The list includes Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. You will see that all these airlines have good schedules. This means Charleston is easy to reach from many big cities across the country. The big number of airlines means there is strong competition, so you get many choices when you plan your trip.
A lot of these airlines also have direct flights to and from well-known cities. These nonstop trips can save you time and make flying easier. No matter if you travel for work or to have fun, you will find flights that work for you. The next few sections will talk about each airline and which cities they fly to.
Major Airlines and Nonstop Destinations
Charleston International Airport is an important place for travel. It is a hub for big airlines. People can get to many nonstop spots in the United States from here. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines are the top ones. They have direct flights to busy cities like New York City and Atlanta. You can also fly with Southwest Airlines and United Airlines out of Charleston. They go to spots like Denver and Los Angeles. Breeze Airways adds more choices, too. With them, it’s easy to travel or see new places in South Carolina and other states. All of these airlines make sure your trip is smooth, whether you go for fun or work.
Domestic and International Flight Services
Most flights from CHS are domestic flights. These flights connect peopleto all the major US cities from east to west. You can get nonstop service to big airport hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Chicago. From there, it is easy to get to many other places across the country. This strong setup makes Charleston a good place for American travelers.
Even though the big focus is on domestic flights, CHS still has international routes. Air Canada has daily nonstop flights to Toronto in Canada. This makes travel between the US and Canada easy. It is a good pick for Canadians who want to visit the South, or for people in Charleston who want to travel north.
Before, the airport has also offered flights to Europe that run only part of the year, like British Airways to London. Right now, those flights are not running. But the airport can take care of people coming from other countries, so there could be more chances for international adventures in the future.
Airport Amenities and Ground Transportation
Before you leave the terminal, Charleston International Airport gives you plenty of ways to be comfortable. The airport has been made new and now has many places to eat and shop. You can get food or pick up a souvenir at the last minute.
When you want to leave and get to your last spot, you have a few ways to go. You can use a rental car if you want to drive your own way. You can also pick public transit if you want to save money. If you want an easy flight out, you can get a taxi or shuttle. Getting out of Charleston International Airport is easy for everyone.
Terminal Services, Dining, and Shopping
The terminal at Charleston International Airport makes things easy for the traveler. There are two concourses here, A and B. You can get to both after going through one main TSA security checkpoint. This layout helps you go where you need to without any trouble. It can also make your time at the terminal less stressful.
As you wait for your flight at Charleston International Airport, you have a lot to choose from in the terminal. You can eat food from local places or pick something from well-known spots. There is something for everyone. The shops have travel must-haves and also gifts that show what Charleston is all about. You might want to get one as a memory from your trip.
Key amenities found within the Charleston International Airport terminal:
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There are different restaurants, cafes, and bars
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Stores where you can buy souvenirs, books, and travel items you may need
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An area for international arrivals is in Concourse B
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Good waiting spaces that have charging spots for your devices
Shuttle, Public Transit, and Car Rental Options
Getting from Charleston International Airport to where you need to go is easy because there are many ways to travel. If you want to drive, you can pick up a rental car in the building right next to the terminal. Here, you will find big rental car companies that can help you get on the road fast.
If you don’t want a rental car, you can take a taxi or use a rideshare. Both of these are easy ways to go straight to your spot. If you want to save money, public transit is a good way to get around. CARTA is the bus service in the area. It has a route that takes you from the airport to downtown Charleston. This makes it easy for everyone, no matter your budget, to get downtown.
Your options for getting around at CHS are:
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Rental Car: The main companies are right on the property.
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Public Transit: CARTA Route 11 takes you downtown for less money.
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Taxi and Rideshare: You can use these for fast and direct trips.
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Shuttle Services: Some hotels and private groups have their own shuttles you can use.
Conclusion
To sum up, Charleston International Airport is more than just a place to catch a flight. It is your doorway to see the lively culture and beautiful views of Charleston. There are many airlines here that give you both domestic and international options. You will also find useful services and simple ways to get around on the ground, so your trip starts off easy.
If you want to try out local food or think about where to go next, this guide is here to help. It makes sure you have a good time and do not worry much when you travel. So, grab your bag and be ready for a trip you will not forget in Charleston!