How Far Is Atlanta from Charleston? A Local’s Guide to the Drive, Distance, and Best Ways to Go

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a getaway to the South Carolina coast, Charleston is one of the most popular options. Whether you’re planning a road trip, a long weekend, or comparing driving vs. flying, it helps to know exactly how far Atlanta is from Charleston—and what the trip really feels like.

The Basic Answer: Distance and Travel Time

Straight-line distance (as the crow flies):

• About 260 miles (roughly 420 km) from downtown Atlanta to downtown Charleston.

Driving distance:

• Typically 300–320 miles, depending on your route and starting point in Atlanta.

Typical driving time:

• About 4.5 to 5.5 hours in normal conditions.

So for most people leaving from the Atlanta metro area, Charleston is essentially a half‑day drive away.

Driving from Atlanta to Charleston

For most Atlanta residents and visitors, driving is the default way to get to Charleston. It offers the best balance of cost, flexibility, and convenience—especially for weekend trips.

Main Driving Routes

From central Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead), the most common routes are:

1. I‑20 East → Augusta → I‑26 East to Charleston

   • Distance: roughly 300–310 miles
   • Time: around 4.5–5 hours, depending on traffic
   • General path:
     • Take I‑20 East from Atlanta toward Augusta
     • Near Augusta, connect to I‑520 or side highways
     • Pick up I‑26 East toward Charleston

2. I‑75/I‑16 route (less common)

   • Some drivers take I‑75 South from Atlanta, then I‑16 East toward Savannah, then cut north on state highways.
   • This is usually longer and slower, and most travelers from Atlanta prefer the Augusta / I‑26 option unless they’re combining Savannah and Charleston in one trip.

Approximate Drive Time by Atlanta Area

Times assume normal, light‑to‑moderate traffic and minimal stops.

What the Drive Feels Like

Leaving Atlanta, you’ll spend a chunk of the trip on I‑20 East, passing through or near:

• Conyers and Covington in Georgia
• Augusta (the Georgia–South Carolina border area)
• Then continuing across South Carolina on I‑26 East through more rural areas before reaching the Charleston region.

The route is mostly interstate highway, with:

• Plenty of gas stations and fast‑food stops
• Long stretches of rural and small‑town scenery
• Relatively straightforward navigation, with Atlanta and Charleston clearly signed

When Traffic Can Add Time

From an Atlanta perspective, the biggest slowdowns can be:

• Leaving Atlanta:

  • Rush hours on I‑20, I‑75/85, and the Downtown Connector
  • Typical busy times: weekday mornings (6:30–9:00 a.m.) and evenings (4:00–7:00 p.m.)

• Near Charleston:

  • I‑26 East can back up heading into Charleston, especially on Friday afternoons, holiday weekends, or during beach season.

To avoid delays:

• 🚗 Try leaving after the morning rush or midday from Atlanta.
• Aim to reach Charleston before late afternoon on Fridays and holidays if possible.

Flying from Atlanta to Charleston

If you’re short on time, you can fly from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Charleston International Airport (CHS).

Flight Distance and Time

• Flight distance: roughly 260 miles
• Nonstop flight time (in the air): about 1 hour

However, from an Atlanta traveler’s perspective, you also need to factor in:

• Time to get to ATL
• Security lines
• Boarding and deplaning
• Transit from CHS to downtown Charleston (about 20–25 minutes by car or rideshare, depending on traffic)

Door‑to‑door, many Atlanta travelers find that flying usually takes around 3–4 hours total, which is only modestly faster than driving, especially if you live far from the airport.

Key Atlanta Airport Details

Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Managed by: City of Atlanta Department of Aviation
• Ground access: MARTA rail, airport shuttles, rideshare, taxis, on‑site parking

From central Atlanta, MARTA can be one of the most reliable ways to reach ATL without worrying about parking, especially for short trips like a Charleston weekend.

Bus and Other Ground Options

While driving and flying are the main choices, some people in Atlanta look for bus travel or shared shuttles.

Bus from Atlanta to Charleston

Intercity buses may offer service between Atlanta and Charleston, typically with one or more transfers (often via Columbia or Savannah), though schedules and routes change over time.

Key points for Atlanta riders:

• Total travel time is often 7–9 hours or more, depending on connections.
• Departures in Atlanta commonly use major bus terminals or shared facilities near Downtown or close to the airport area.
• This option can make sense if you don’t drive or want to avoid renting a car, but it’s usually slower than driving yourself.

Because bus carriers, stop locations, and schedules change, it’s best to:

• Check current routes and times before planning
• Compare bus timing vs. flight or car rental from Atlanta

Atlanta-to-Charleston: How to Choose the Best Option

From an Atlanta standpoint, think about:

1. Time vs. Convenience

• Driving (4.5–5.5 hours)
  • Best if you value flexibility and want a car in Charleston to explore beaches and nearby islands.
• Flying (about 1 hour in the air, ~3–4 hours door-to-door)
  • Best if you hate long drives or if you’re connecting from Atlanta after another flight.

2. Where You Live or Stay in Atlanta

• If you’re close to I‑20, driving is especially convenient.
• If you’re staying near ATL or already at the airport (for a connection), flying to Charleston can be very efficient.
• If you’re in intown neighborhoods (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia‑Highland) and dislike driving interstates, MARTA to ATL plus a short flight may feel easier than several hours on I‑20 and I‑26.

3. Budget

• Driving:

  • You’ll pay for gas, possible tolls (depending on your exact route), and parking in Charleston.
  • Car costs often make more sense for 2+ travelers.

• Flying:

  • You pay for airfare, airport transport, and possibly checked bags.
  • It can make sense if you find a reasonably priced nonstop and don’t need a car in Charleston.

How Long Should You Plan for an Atlanta–Charleston Trip?

Because Charleston is about a half‑day drive from Atlanta, many locals use it for:

• Weekend trips:

  • Leave Atlanta Friday midday or afternoon, arrive by early evening.
  • Return Sunday afternoon or Monday morning.

• Long weekends (3–4 days):

  • Gives you extra time to explore Charleston’s Historic District, plantations, Mount Pleasant, Folly Beach, or Isle of Palms.

If you’re visiting Atlanta from another city and adding Charleston to your itinerary, you can:

• Fly into ATL, spend a few days exploring Atlanta, then
• Drive or fly to Charleston for coastal time before returning home.

Quick Reference: Atlanta to Charleston at a Glance

Distance from Atlanta to Charleston:

• Straight-line: ~260 miles
• Driving: ~300–320 miles

Typical travel times from the Atlanta area:

• Driving: 4.5–5.5 hours
• Nonstop flight (air time): ~1 hour
• Door-to-door by plane (ATL to CHS): often 3–4 hours total

Best for Atlanta locals and visitors who:

• Want flexibility and a car: choose driving
• Prefer short flights and are near Hartsfield‑Jackson: consider flying
• Don’t drive or prefer low-cost travel: look into bus options, accepting longer travel time

From an Atlanta perspective, Charleston is close enough for a weekend, but far enough to feel like a true change of scenery—roughly five hours away by road and about an hour away by air.