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Charleston International Airport (CHS) is a joint civil-military airport in North Charleston, about 12 miles northwest of downtown Charleston, South Carolina. It is the busiest airport in South Carolina and shares runways with Joint Base Charleston. The single-terminal layout and lowcountry-inspired design make it a convenient gateway to the Charleston area and nearby beaches.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors use the free cell phone lot on International Boulevard when picking up arrivals—it avoids circling the congested lower-level pickup lanes and is only a short drive from the terminal.
🚖 Getting There
CHS is about 12 miles from downtown Charleston, so allow 20-30 minutes by car, taxi, or rideshare, and more during rush hour. Rideshare and taxi pickups are outside baggage claim, while rental cars are available on-site or via a short shuttle. Public bus service is limited, so most visitors rely on rideshare, taxi, or a rental car.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far is CHS from downtown Charleston?
A: It is about 12 miles northwest of downtown, typically a 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic.
Q: Which airlines fly to Charleston International Airport?
A: Major and low-cost carriers include American, Delta, Southwest, United, JetBlue, and Breeze Airways, with seasonal service on some routes.
Q: Is Charleston International Airport a military base?
A: Yes, it is a joint civil-military airport sharing facilities with Joint Base Charleston, so you may see military aircraft.
Q: How early should I arrive at CHS for a flight?
A: For domestic flights, arrive at least 2 hours before departure; allow extra time during early morning peaks and holidays.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 27, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash