How Far Is It from Charleston to Atlanta? Your Practical Travel Guide

If you live in Atlanta, are planning a trip from Atlanta to Charleston, or comparing the two cities while visiting, it helps to know not just the distance, but also how long it really takes, the best routes, and what to expect along the way.

The Distance from Charleston to Atlanta at a Glance

The distance from Charleston, South Carolina to Atlanta, Georgia depends on how you travel and exactly where you start and end, but here are the basics:

*Times can vary based on traffic, weather, and exact route.

For most Atlanta residents and visitors, driving or flying are the main ways to get between Charleston and Atlanta.

Driving from Charleston to Atlanta

How far is the drive?

From downtown Charleston to Downtown Atlanta (around Five Points or Peachtree Center), the drive is usually:

• Distance: about 300–320 miles
• Time: around 4.5 to 6 hours in typical conditions

Most routes follow major interstates and state highways, making the drive fairly straightforward.

Common driving routes

There are two main options people use:

1. Via I‑26 and I‑20 (most common)

   • Charleston → I‑26 West toward Columbia, SC
   • Near Columbia → merge onto I‑20 West toward Augusta and Atlanta
   • Continue on I‑20 into Atlanta

   This is usually the fastest and most direct route, especially if you’re heading to areas like Downtown, Midtown, Westside, or the airport.

2. Via I‑95 and I‑16 (more coastal, less common for Atlanta)
   Some travelers coming from coastal areas outside Charleston use I‑95 and I‑16, then connect to I‑75 or I‑285 near Atlanta. This is typically longer and less direct from Charleston itself but can make sense depending on your starting point.

What Atlanta drivers should expect

If you’re leaving Atlanta for Charleston:

• Rush hour in Atlanta:
  Traffic on I‑20, I‑75/85, and I‑285 can add 30–60 minutes if you leave during weekday peaks (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.).
• Timing tip:
  Many locals aim to clear the Perimeter (I‑285) early in the morning or later in the evening, then enjoy a smoother drive through Georgia and South Carolina.
• Road type:
  The route is mainly interstate and divided highway. After leaving the Atlanta metro, it’s generally an easy, steady drive.

Flying from Charleston to Atlanta

If you’re short on time or connecting through Atlanta, flying is often the fastest option door-to-door.

Flight distance and time

• Air distance: about 260 miles
• In‑air time: usually about 1 to 1.5 hours
• Total travel time: often 3–4 hours including:
  • Getting to/from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Check-in, security, boarding, and baggage claim

Airports involved

• In Atlanta:

  • Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
    • Location: ~8 miles south of Downtown Atlanta
    • Connected to the city via MARTA rail (Airport Station on the Red/Gold lines), taxis, rideshare, and shuttles

• In Charleston:

  • Charleston International Airport (CHS)
    • Located in North Charleston, about 10–15 minutes from downtown Charleston (without heavy traffic)

Getting between ATL and the rest of Atlanta

From ATL to central Atlanta:

• MARTA Rail:

  • Airport Station is inside the domestic terminal
  • Runs north through Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and into North Fulton
  • Useful if you’re staying near stations like Peachtree Center, Midtown, Arts Center, or Buckhead

• Driving:

  • Follow signs from I‑85 North or I‑75/85 North into Downtown or Midtown
  • Travel time: usually 15–30 minutes, but can be longer in traffic

If you’re connecting through Atlanta to or from Charleston, you may not leave the airport, but it’s helpful to know how close ATL is to the city if you plan extra time for sightseeing or an overnight stay.

Taking a Bus Between Charleston and Atlanta

There is no one-seat, nonstop public rail service between Charleston and Atlanta, so travelers who don’t drive often look at intercity buses.

Typical bus options:

• Distance: similar to driving, around 300+ miles total
• Time: often 7–9 hours or more, depending on:
  • Number of stops
  • Transfer points (for example, in Columbia, Augusta, or another hub)
  • Route design

From the Atlanta side, most intercity buses use stops relatively close to:

• Downtown Atlanta and/or
• The Atlanta Bus Station near central areas

Always check your departure and arrival addresses, as bus services may use different stops or stations.

Bus travel is usually cheaper but slower than driving or flying. It can work for travelers without cars or those who prefer not to drive long distances.

How the Distance Feels from an Atlanta Perspective

When people in Atlanta talk about Charleston, they often compare it to other regional destinations:

• The drive time (4.5–6 hours) is similar to going from Atlanta to parts of coastal Florida’s panhandle or to Nashville in good conditions.
• It’s long enough to be a full half‑day trip, but still realistic for a weekend getaway.
• Many Atlantans leave Friday afternoon or early Saturday morning, spend one or two nights in Charleston, and drive back Sunday evening.

Because Charleston is on the coast, it offers a different feel from inland Georgia and can be a nice change of scenery without needing a long flight.

Tips for Planning Your Trip From Atlanta to Charleston

Here are practical pointers if you’re starting in Atlanta:

1. Choose your mode by your priorities

• Fastest overall (especially with connections):
  Flying between ATL and CHS
• Most flexible and scenic:
  Driving, so you can stop in places like Augusta or Columbia
• Lower cost if you don’t drive:
  Bus, accepting a longer travel time

2. Time your departure from Atlanta carefully

• Try to avoid:
  • Morning rush: roughly 7–9 a.m.
  • Evening rush: roughly 4–7 p.m.
• If you must leave during peak times, add at least 30–60 minutes to your expected drive just to clear the city and the Perimeter.

3. Plan for returning to Atlanta

Coming back from Charleston:

• If you’re driving in on I‑20 West, expect:
  • Heavier traffic near Conyers, Lithonia, and into DeKalb County
  • Possible slowdowns as you approach I‑285 and then Downtown Connector (I‑75/85)
• If you’re flying:
  • Factor in extra time at ATL for baggage claim and ground transportation, especially if you’re catching MARTA or a pre-booked ride.

Quick Reference: How Far is Charleston from Atlanta?

• By car:
  • Roughly 300–320 miles
  • Around 4.5–6 hours from central Charleston to central Atlanta, depending on traffic and exact route
• By plane:
  • About 260 air miles
  • 1–1.5 hours in the air, often 3–4 hours total including airport time
• By bus:
  • Similar distance to driving
  • Typically 7–9+ hours with stops and possible transfers

For anyone living in Atlanta, visiting the city, or planning a trip between Atlanta and Charleston, the distance is manageable for a weekend, a short business trip, or a quick coastal getaway—as long as you plan your route and timing with Atlanta traffic and airport logistics in mind.