Charleston International Airport (CHS)

Charleston International Airport (IATA: CHS, ICAO: KCHS, FAA LID: CHS) is approximately 19 kilometers northwest of downtown Charleston, South Carolina.

Widely considered the State’s busiest airport, it served nearly 5 million passengers in 2019.

The airport serves as a focus city for Breeze Airways. It is also home to the assembly line for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The history of this airfield spans almost a hundred years, when in 1928, the Charleston Airport Corporation was founded and purchased 280 hectares of land previously belonging to a mining company.

The acquisition made way for the establishment of the airport in the said location within the next 10 years.

There were significant improvements to the site over time, including three paved runways and outfitted with lighting for nighttime operations.

When World War II broke out in the 1940s, control of the airfield was relinquished to the US Army, although limited civilian service was allowed to continue at the airfield.

After the war, the airfield reverted momentarily to civilian use, and in 1949, a new passenger terminal was built.

There are four general areas at Charleston International Airport, namely:

• Military area to the west,
• Airline terminal to the south,
• General aviation area to the east, and
• Boeing assembly area further to the south.

When combined, the total area of Charleston International Airport and Charleston Air Force Base is 830 hectares.

The facility features two runways: 15/33, 9,001 ft × 200 ft (2,744 m × 61 m) and 03/21, 7,000 ft × 150 ft (2,134 m × 46 m).

Joint Base Charleston owns and operates the runways at the airport and has an agreement with the Charleston County Aviation Authority to allow for civilian use of the airfield.

General aviation services are operated by the Charleston County Aviation Authority. Boeing South Carolina operates an assembly line in the area.

In 2016, CHS completed a three-year, $200 million redevelopment project that added five gates and overhauled the interior of the old, 1987, terminal building.

At CHS, the Departures and Arrivals are located on the same floor. Departures are processed to the east end of the terminal while the Arrivals to the west end of the same building.

Flights depart from two concourses: Concourse A towards the east and Concourse B towards the west. Concourse A has five gates currently serviced by Delta Air Lines and Delta Connection, Concourse B contains ten gates, and it also has an international arrivals facility.

A consolidated TSA security checkpoint for both concourses since 2015.

The airport is equipped with technology to safely handle international flights. However, its current operation is purely domestic only.

Ground transportation at Charleston International Airport is efficient. For example, you can go downtown by public bus, rental cars, rideshares, shuttles, and taxis.

Airport taxis cost less than $40.00 going downtown, while CARTA bus Route 4 and 11 cost about $2.00 per ride only.

The airport is near the interchange of Interstate 26 and Interstate 526 and is accessible from both interstates using International Boulevard and Montague Avenue exits.

When requiring a safe place to park, CHS parking might be an ideal choice for you. Its facilities offer short-term and long-term parking for up to 30 days. A cell phone parking lot for passenger pickups for free.

One of the advantages of renting a car at Charleston International Airport is that passengers can travel comfortably and have enough luggage space.

The CHS Car Rental Center is at the Rental Car Pavilion, near the Baggage Claim area.

The busiest domestic routes at Charleston International Airport in 2021 are Atlanta, Georgia, Charlotte, North Carolina, Baltimore, Maryland, New York, New York, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, Chicago–O'Hare, Illinois, Newark, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Denver, Colorado, and Boston, Massachusetts.

Rental Car Services at Charleston International Airport

You can pick up your Rental Car in the Rental Car Pavilion at the end of the terminal near the Baggage Claim area.

Upon arrival, please proceed to the counter to obtain your rental agreement. Present identification and receive your rental agreement.

Once your rental agreement is complete, the counter representative will give the customer the keys & directions to their car. (There is a short walk to the Rental Car Facility in the parking garage.)

When ready to return your vehicle to the car rental center, remove all personal items before turning over the rented vehicle to the designated facility.

Rental Car Drop-off is located on Level 1 of the new five-tier parking deck and offers customer-covered walkways to and from the terminal.

Allow plenty of time for your drive when returning the vehicle. If you are uncertain of the direction, give the rental company a call. See and compare all rental car companies at Charleston International Airport.

For item(s) lost and found inside the vehicle, please contact the rental car company directly.

Ride Shares at Charleston International Airport

Most rideshare services can get you to the city center in about 15-25 minutes, making it one of the fastest transfer services in Charleston.

All you have to do is download the rideshare app onto your smartphone and use it to request/schedule a pickup at the Charleston International Airport.

Once requested, exit from the Baggage Claim area and follow the signs leading to the covered shelter for the ide.

Wait for your car at the designated location in the waiting area.

Taxis at Charleston International Airport

Get your taxi to the Ground Transportation Center in front of the airport terminal building outside the Baggage Claim area.

A taxi ride to Charleston city center takes 20 to 25 minutes. Generally, expect to pay approximately $40.00 for a taxi to downtown Charleston.

Keep a record of the cab company, vehicle number, and driver's name when traveling to and from the airport, just in case you leave something behind.

If you need to travel outside the city area, please consult your driver for rates. It is customary to give the driver a tip (15-20% of the fare) for good service. See more information about taxis at Charleston International Airport.

Trains at Charleston International Airport

The Amtrak train station is available near downtown. The most convenient way to get to the train station at 4565 Gaynor Avenue, North Charleston Transit Center, North Charleston is to taxi for approximately $15.00. More information about train services near Charleston International Airport.

Buses at Charleston International Airport

The bus stop is at the Ground Transportation Center. Direct route buses to Downtown Charleston include CARTA Express Route 4 and CARTA Route 11. A one-way ticket costs $2.00. Discounts apply to qualified passengers. More information about buses to and from Charleston International Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Charleston International Airport

Many hotels in downtown Charleston city provide shuttle services. Passengers may confirm with their local hotel if this service is available at their place of accommodation. The pickup and drop location is the Ground Transportation Center in front of the airport.

Parking at Charleston International Airport

There are plenty of safe and comfortable parking spaces available at the facility. Reserved parking is available at the facility. These parking facilities are open 24/7. Cash and credit card payments are accepted.

See more information about short and long term parking at Charleston International Airport.

Hotels

Whether you are visiting the city for business or pleasure, our North Charleston, South Carolina hotel and accommodation listings include all the information you need to book the ideal room for your trip. Book your stay at one of our hotels today and save time and money.

Attractions

Because looking for things to do in a new city is time-consuming and frustrating, this page provides the best attractions and activities in North Charleston.

It also includes exciting activities for you and your family members. And those who prefer a more urban environment can also enjoy the city's many restaurants, shops, and nightlife. See a selection of tourist attractions in and around North Charleston, South Carolina.