The city of Charleston, South Carolina, is served by Charleston International Airport. The airport lies 19 kilometres north-west of historic Downtown Charleston. Its proximity to the city centre makes it easy to explore all attractions and landmarks. Take a ferry boat to Fort Sumter, the site of the beginning of the American Civil War. Alternatively, enjoy discovering historic architecture, museums, beaches and delicious cuisine of this fascinating southern gem of a city.
Undoubtedly, the best attractions in Charleston are located outside the airport terminal building. Lucky visitors to the city will discover the past hidden in the present. Well-preserved colonial homes, churches, tree-lined streets and gas lit lamps offer insight into the history of this incredible city. Historic downtown can easily be explored on foot. Fine galleries sit side by side with independent boutiques and aromatic southern food restaurants. Visitors can opt to spend a day on one of Charleston’s many beaches. Glorious Folly Beach is home to one of the east coast’s iconic surf spots and is on the whale watching migratory trail. Folly Beach promenade is lined with laid-back diners, shops and bars, and is the ideal place to relax with a cocktail and reminisce about the day. Alternatively, military history lovers should head to Sullivan’s Island or Fort Sumter with their fascinating American Civil War stories, fortresses and museums.
Charleston International Airport is accessible by car, bus, taxi and Uber from Downtown Charleston. Buses take approximately one hour and 15 minutes to reach the airport from the city. If arriving into Charleston Railway Station via Amtrak, there are regular bus services to and from the airport. Taxi and Uber services are in operation.
Charleston Airport Corporation was founded in 1928. The land was purchased from a mining company, and construction work on the runways and terminal buildings progressed rapidly. During World War II and the Korean War, the airfield was utilised by military personnel. In recent years, Boeing constructed a major plant as an assembly site for its 787 Dreamliner. The first aircraft was completed in 2012. Today, Charleston International Airport is South Carolina’s busiest and largest airport serving over 3.7 million passengers a year.