How Far Is It from Atlanta to Charleston? Driving, Flying, and Travel Tips

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a getaway to Charleston, South Carolina, the first thing you’ll likely ask is: How far is it from Atlanta to Charleston, and what’s the best way to get there?

Here’s a clear breakdown of distance, drive time, flight options, and practical tips tailored for Atlanta residents and visitors.

How Far Is Atlanta from Charleston?

In simple terms:

• Driving distance: About 300–310 miles (Atlanta city center to downtown Charleston)
• Typical drive time: Around 4.5 to 5.5 hours by car, depending on traffic and route
• Flight distance (“as the crow flies”): Roughly 260 miles
• Typical nonstop flight time: About 1 hour in the air

For most people starting in the Atlanta metro area, this is very doable as a long day trip or, more comfortably, a weekend or long-weekend drive.

Best Driving Routes from Atlanta to Charleston

If you’re driving from Atlanta to Charleston, you have two main options that locals commonly use.

1. I-20 East via Augusta (Most Direct for Many Drivers)

This is often the most straightforward route from much of metro Atlanta.

Basic route:

1. Start on I-20 East from Atlanta (from Downtown, Midtown, or I-285).
2. Continue through Augusta, GA.
3. Connect to US-25 / US-78 / SC highways toward I-26.
4. Take I-26 East into Charleston.

• Approximate distance: 300–310 miles
• Typical drive time: 4.5–5.5 hours

Why Atlanta drivers choose this route:

• Avoids going north toward the mountains
• Often feels more direct from many inside-the-Perimeter neighborhoods
• Easy to navigate: mainly I-20 → I-26 → Charleston

2. I-75 / I-16 via Macon and Savannah (Scenic Coastal Option)

Some Atlanta travelers prefer to swing closer to the coast.

Basic route:

1. Take I-75 South from Atlanta toward Macon.
2. Connect to I-16 East toward Savannah.
3. Near Savannah, head north on US-17 / I-95 and then east on I-26 to Charleston.

• Approximate distance: Often a bit longer than the I-20 route
• Typical drive time: 5–6 hours

Why consider this route:

• You can combine it with a stop in Macon or Savannah
• Good if you’re already on the south side of Atlanta or near Hartsfield-Jackson and heading out from there
• Slightly more scenic in places, especially as you get closer to the coast

When Is the Best Time to Drive from Atlanta?

Leaving Atlanta at the right time can shave off a lot of frustration on I-20 or I-75.

Avoid Peak Atlanta Traffic

From inside the city or near I-285, try to avoid:

• Weekday morning rush: about 7:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
• Weekday evening rush: about 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

👍 Smart departure windows from Atlanta:

• Weekday early start: Leave around 6:00 a.m. and you can be in Charleston by late morning or lunchtime.
• Midday departure: Leave 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. to avoid the heaviest commuter traffic on both ends.
• Friday warning: Friday afternoons can be especially congested heading east or south out of the city.

Fuel, Food, and Rest Stops Along the Way

On either route, you’ll pass through larger Georgia cities like:

• Augusta (on the I-20 route)
• Macon (on the I-75 route)

These are good spots to:

• Refuel and get food
• Take a stretch break
• Switch drivers if you’re sharing the drive

Many Atlanta drivers plan one main stop along the way, which keeps the trip at about 5–6 hours including breaks.

Flying from Atlanta to Charleston

If you’d rather skip the highway, flying is a fast and popular option.

Flight Distance and Time

• Nonstop flight time: Around 1 hour gate to gate
• Total travel time door-to-door from central Atlanta: Often 3–4 hours, including:
  • Getting to and from the airports
  • Security screening and boarding

Airports You’ll Use

From Atlanta, the main airport is:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Major hub with frequent flights to Charleston International Airport (CHS)

In Charleston, you’ll land at:

• Charleston International Airport (CHS)
  • Located in North Charleston, a short drive to downtown Charleston

Is Flying Faster Than Driving for Atlantans?

For many Atlanta travelers:

• Flying is faster if you:

  • Live or stay close to ATL (Downtown, Midtown, College Park, East Point, etc.)
  • Pack light and can move quickly through the airport
  • Catch a nonstop flight with good departure times

• Driving may be just as practical if you:

  • Live farther out in the metro area (e.g., Alpharetta, Marietta, Peachtree City)
  • Have a family, lots of luggage, or want flexibility
  • Plan to stop along the way or explore other parts of the Lowcountry

Quick Comparison: Driving vs. Flying from Atlanta to Charleston

How Far Is Charleston from Different Parts of Metro Atlanta?

Atlanta traffic and geography can change your total travel time.

From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta

• Starting near: Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• To Charleston:
  • Distance: About 305 miles
  • Drive time: Often 4.5–5 hours with light to moderate traffic

You’ll typically hop onto I-20 East from the connector (I-75/85).

From North Atlanta (Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta)

• Starting near: Buckhead, Perimeter, Roswell, Alpharetta
• Expect a little extra time getting to I-20 or I-75/I-85 due to GA-400 and Perimeter traffic.
• Add: 20–40 minutes to reach your main highway, depending on time of day.

From South Atlanta (Hapeville, East Point, College Park, Peachtree City)

• Close to Hartsfield-Jackson and I-75:
  • Good for choosing the I-75 / I-16 route if you prefer that path.
• Travel time to Charleston can be similar to central Atlanta or slightly shorter if you avoid Downtown congestion.

Do You Need a Car in Charleston If You’re Coming from Atlanta?

Atlanta visitors often ask whether to drive their own car or fly and rent once they arrive.

Driving Your Own Car from Atlanta

Pros:

• Full flexibility to explore beaches, nearby islands, and plantations
• No rental desk or pickup lines
• Easy to pack beach gear, strollers, or bikes

Cons:

• Longer travel day
• Need to pay for parking at some hotels and in parts of downtown Charleston

Flying and Renting a Car

If you fly from ATL to CHS:

• You can rent a car at Charleston International Airport for:
  • Beach trips (Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island)
  • Visiting plantations and sites outside the historic core

If you plan to stay mostly in downtown Charleston, some Atlanta travelers skip the car and rely on:

• Walking in the historic district
• Local transit or ride-share services
• Hotel shuttles where available

Budgeting for the Trip from Atlanta to Charleston

For Atlanta consumers planning a trip, it helps to think through the main cost drivers.

Driving Costs

When driving 300+ miles each way (around 600+ miles round trip), typical costs include:

• Gas: Depends on your fuel efficiency; many Atlanta drivers find it reasonable for a weekend trip.
• Wear and tear: Tires, oil, and general maintenance over time.
• Tolls: Between Atlanta and Charleston via I-20 or I-75/I-16, there are typically no major tolls on the main routes.

Flying Costs

When flying from ATL to CHS:

• Airfare: Varies by season, time of booking, and airline.
• Airport parking in Atlanta:
  • Hartsfield-Jackson offers different parking options, from economy to daily and hourly lots.
• Ground transportation in Charleston:
  • Rental car, ride-shares, taxis, or hotel shuttles may be needed depending on where you’re staying.

Timing Your Trip: Seasons and Weather

Because Atlanta and Charleston are both in the Southeast, weather feels somewhat familiar but Charleston is more coastal and humid.

When Many Atlantans Prefer to Go

• Spring (March–May):
  • Often a favorite time: milder temperatures, blooming flowers.
• Fall (September–November):
  • Generally pleasant, with warm days and more comfortable humidity.

Summer trips from Atlanta to Charleston are popular too, especially for beach time, but you can expect:

• Higher humidity and hot temperatures
• More visitors in both cities and along the coast

Check conditions before leaving, especially during hurricane season (late summer into fall) when coastal areas can be affected.

Practical Tips for Atlantans Traveling to Charleston

• Plan your route ahead of time: Use your preferred GPS or map app and check for real-time traffic leaving Atlanta.
• Leave off-peak if driving: Early morning or midday departures from Atlanta usually make the drive smoother.
• Consider your starting point in Atlanta: Living in Alpharetta vs. East Point can change whether driving or flying is more convenient.
• Think about your plans in Charleston:
  • Lots of city walking? Flying and staying downtown may be ideal.
  • Beaches and outskirts? Driving or renting a car gives more freedom.
• Build in rest time: Even though Charleston is “only” 4.5–5.5 hours away by car, adding brief breaks makes the trip more comfortable.

In summary, Charleston is roughly 300 miles and about 5 hours away from Atlanta by car, or about 1 hour by air from Hartsfield-Jackson. For someone in Atlanta, it’s close enough to be an easy long weekend destination, and choosing between driving and flying mainly comes down to your schedule, budget, and how much flexibility you want once you arrive.