FAQs (Visitors)

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The best way to get around Charleston is on foot. That said, you'll probably enjoy the use of a car too. You can rent some wheels at Charleston International Airport (CHS) – or bring your own – and leave it parked in one of the garages that pepper the city. Having a car is especially helpful if you're staying in the city outskirts or if you plan on indulging in some beach time. City buses and trolleys are available too, as are taxis. From the airport, which is located about 12 miles northwest of the downtown area, you can take a cab or shuttle bus. There is a $15 minimum charge for taxis departing from the airport. From the airport, there is also a shared shuttle bus that departs every 15 minutes and costs $15 per person. The price is lower than a taxi ride, but the trip will be longer due to the multiple stops the bus makes.

Traffic has increased over the years. While it's more congested than many other Southern Cities, it definitely is less congested than a Northeast Major Metropolitan City. To best determine routes and travel time, leveraging Google Maps ahead of time is highly recommended.

• Block off 2 2-hour windows around the times M-F you’d be going to work. 
• Insert both departure and arrival destinations along with the anticipated time of day you'll be conducting said travel; you can track calculate the average  length of time for travel between locations. 

Charleston is one of those  cities where it isn’t a linear relationship between miles and driving time. Keep that in mind when making travel arrangements.

The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) offers transit service throughout the greater Charleston area. CARTA also operates the Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH), which provides complimentary hop on/ hop off transportation in peninsular Charleston. 

For more information on CARTA, please visit RideCARTA.com

For more information on the various types of transportation, visit here.

Yes, ride-sharing (e.g., Uber, Lyft) are in the Greater Charleston Area. That being said, there isn't as strong of a presence as in other Major Metropolitan Areas. 

Rentable scooters from businesses allowed. However, common scooter companies including, but not limited, to Lime and Spin are very limited throughout the Greater Charleston Area.

Airport car rentals and ride-sharing are the most common practices.

The City of Charleston operates several parking garages, metered lots and non-metered lots located throughout downtown Charleston. For a map of Parking Garages, click here.

Rent: As of January 2025, the average rent in Charleston, South Carolina is $1,756 per month. This is 13% higher than the national average rent of $1,553 per month.

The average car insurance cost in Charleston, South Carolina is $2,059 per year, according to Insure.com data. This is $50 more than the average auto insurance cost in South Carolina and $164 more than the national average.

Charleston is an EXTREMELY pet-friendly city. Most establishments that have outdoor seating / areas are welcome to our furry friends. That being said, ensure to call ahead / check the establishment website prior to arrival for the latest policies.

Isle of Palms

• Dogs are only allowed to be off-leash April 1st through September 14th between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and from September 15th through March 31st between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.Seabrook Island

Sullivan's Island

• Summer hours for dogs on the beach run from May 1st to September 30th. During that time dogs can be off leash from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., on leash from 6:00 p.m. to 5 a.m. No dogs are permitted on the beach between the hours of 10:00 a.m and 6:00 pm. Winter hours for dogs on the beach run from October 1st to April 30th. During that time dogs can be off leash from 5:00 a.m. to noon and on leash from Noon to 5:00 a.m.

Folly Beach

• Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 10 am to 6 pm from May 1st to Sept. 30th. At all other times they must be leashed and under control. Pick up your dog’s waste and remove from the beach. No pets are ever allowed on the pier.

Please find all the guidelines below on the CCCP Website.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

• No pets are allowed due to the sensitive wildlife habitat.

Folly Beach County Park

• Pets must be leashed at all times. No pets are allowed during the hours of 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. from May 1 - September 30.

Folly Beach Pier

• Pets are not allowed on the pier. Pets on the beach must be leashed at all times. No pets are allowed on the beach during the hours of 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. from May 1 - September 30.

Isle of Palms County Park

• Behind the beachfront, pets must be leashed at all times. On the beach, pets may be off-leash April 1 - September 14 from 5 a.m. - 9 a.m.; September 15 - March 31 before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Pets must be leashed at all other times, but are still allowed on the beach.

James Island County Park

• Pets must be leashed unless inside of the designated dog park.

Johns Island County Park

• Dogs must remain on non-retractable leashes at all times.

Kiawah Beachwalker Park

• Pets must be kept on a leash, cleaned up after, and under control at all times. A Town of Kiawah Ordinance identifies specific regulations for the remainder of the island. 

Laurel Hill County Park

• Pets are to be leashed at all times.

Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve

• No pets are allowed due to the sensitive nesting habitat.

McLeod Plantation Historic Site

• Pets are not allowed.

Meggett County Park

• Pets must be kept on a leash, cleaned up after and under control at all times.

Mount Pleasant Pier

• Pets are not allowed on the pier.

North Charleston Wannamaker County Park

• Pets must be leashed unless inside of the designated dog park.

Palmetto Islands County Park

• Pets must be leashed unless inside of the designated dog park.