How Far Is Charleston, SC From Atlanta, GA? Your Complete Travel Distance & Time Guide

If you’re in Atlanta and planning a trip to the South Carolina coast, Charleston is one of the most popular getaways. Whether you’re driving, flying, or considering a bus or train connection, it helps to know exactly how far Charleston, SC is from Atlanta and what travel times you should expect.

Atlanta to Charleston: Distance at a Glance

From Downtown Atlanta (near Five Points) to Downtown Charleston:

• Driving distance: about 305–320 miles (depending on route)
• Typical drive time: about 4.5 to 5.5 hours in normal traffic
• Flying distance (straight line): roughly 260 miles

Here’s a simple breakdown of common options:

Driving From Atlanta to Charleston

For most people in Atlanta, driving is the simplest and most budget-friendly way to get to Charleston.

Main Driving Route

The most direct and commonly used route is:

1. I-20 East from Atlanta toward Augusta
2. Connect to I-520 around Augusta (depending on your GPS directions)
3. Take I-26 East all the way into Charleston

You’ll end up right near Downtown Charleston and the peninsula area.

• Total distance: about 305–320 miles
• Typical time:4.5 to 5.5 hours
  • Closer to 4.5 hours with light traffic and minimal stops
  • Closer to 5.5 hours during heavier traffic or weather delays

When You’re Leaving From Different Parts of Metro Atlanta

Approximate drive times under normal conditions:

• Downtown/Midtown Atlanta: 4.5–5.5 hours
• Atlanta Airport area (Hartsfield-Jackson): 4.5–5 hours
• Marietta / Cobb County: 5–5.5 hours
• Gwinnett (Duluth/Lawrenceville): 5–5.5 hours
• South Fulton / College Park: about 4.5–5 hours

Your specific starting point and traffic around the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) and I-285 often affect your total time more than anything else.

Traffic & Timing Tips 🚗

• Best times to leave Atlanta:
  • Weekdays: early morning (before 7 a.m.) or late morning (after 9:30 a.m.)
  • Weekends: morning departures generally give smoother traffic.
• Areas that can slow you down:
  • The Downtown Connector and I-20 East through DeKalb County during rush hours
  • Around Augusta as you transition from I-20 to I-26
  • Approaching Charleston on I-26, especially near rush hour or peak beach season
• Rest stop planning: There are multiple exits with gas and food on I-20 and I-26. Many Atlanta travelers like to stop around Augusta, GA or Columbia, SC as the halfway stretch-break.

Flying From Atlanta to Charleston

If you want to minimize time on the road, flying from Atlanta to Charleston is an option.

• Departure airport:Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Arrival airport:Charleston International Airport (CHS)

Flight Distance & Time

• Air distance: about 260 miles
• Nonstop flight time: around 1 hour in the air
• Door-to-door total time from central Atlanta: usually 3–4 hours, once you factor in:
  • Getting to ATL
  • Security and boarding time
  • Taxi time on the runway
  • Getting from CHS into Downtown Charleston (about 20–25 minutes by car, depending on traffic)

Flights are particularly appealing if:

• You’re already near ATL (e.g., College Park, East Point, Hapeville)
• You’re tight on time for a weekend or overnight trip
• You prefer not to drive for 5 hours

Keep in mind that for shorter regional trips like Atlanta–Charleston, the total travel time by air vs. driving can end up closer than it looks once you add airport steps—but flying may still feel more relaxing.

Bus and Other Ground Transportation Options

There’s no single direct, high-speed rail link between Atlanta and Charleston, but some Atlanta travelers use buses or a combination of buses and shuttles.

Bus Services

Long-distance bus providers sometimes operate routes between Atlanta and coastal South Carolina, often with:

• Transfers (for example, in Columbia, SC or another hub)
• Travel times in the 6–9+ hour range, depending on the schedule and stops

Common starting points in Atlanta include bus stations near:

• Downtown Atlanta / Garnett MARTA Station area
• Midtown or off I-85, depending on the carrier

If you’re considering a bus:

• Compare schedule length and number of transfers
• Check whether the drop-off point in or near Charleston offers easy local transit, rideshare, or taxi access to your final destination

This option may make sense if you:

• Don’t drive or prefer not to
• Want to avoid parking fees in Charleston
• Are flexible on travel time in exchange for a lower cost

Train Options From Atlanta to Charleston

There is no direct Amtrak line that runs straight from Atlanta to Charleston without changes. Any train-based trip will usually involve:

1. Departing Atlanta Peachtree Station
   • 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
2. Connecting through another city served by Amtrak (often in North or South Carolina)
3. Continuing on to the Charleston Amtrak station (North Charleston)

Because of the indirect routing:

• Total distance traveled is longer than driving directly
• Total travel time can easily exceed 9+ hours when connections and layovers are included

For many Atlanta residents, the train is more of a scenic or leisurely option, not a time-saving one. It can still be appealing if you like rail travel and are in no rush, but most people choose car or plane for this specific city pair.

How Far Is Charleston From Atlanta for a Weekend Trip?

If you’re in Atlanta and wondering whether Charleston works as a weekend or long-weekend destination, the distance and timing make it very doable.

Common Weekend Patterns From Atlanta

By Car:

• Friday afternoon/evening departure from Atlanta
• 4.5–6 hours to Charleston (longer if you hit rush hour leaving the city)
• Stay Friday night through Sunday, then drive back Sunday afternoon

By Flight:

• Friday afternoon or evening flight ATL → CHS
• Spend 2 nights in the Charleston area
• Sunday afternoon/evening flight back to ATL

Because the one-way drive time is generally under 6 hours, a lot of Atlantans treat Charleston like a coastal getaway that’s far enough to feel like a change of scenery but close enough to manage in a weekend.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

Whether you live in Atlanta or are visiting and planning a side trip, here are a few planning points based on the distance from Atlanta to Charleston:

1. Factor in Atlanta’s Local Traffic

The hardest part of the drive is often just getting out of the metro area:

• If you’re staying in Downtown/Midtown, give yourself extra time for the Downtown Connector and getting onto I-20 East.
• If you’re near I-285, consider which side of the Perimeter (north, south, east, west) will be least congested when you’re leaving.

2. Consider Parking in Charleston

Driving from Atlanta gives you flexibility once you arrive, but remember:

• Some hotels and historic areas in Charleston charge nightly parking fees or have limited street parking.
• If you’re staying primarily in Downtown Charleston and plan to walk, bike, or rideshare, compare the cost of parking vs. flying or bus before deciding.

3. Time Zone Consideration

Atlanta (Georgia) and Charleston (South Carolina) are both in the Eastern Time Zone, so:

• No time change to worry about
• You can plan your day using the same clock times in both cities

Quick Reference: How Far Is Charleston, SC From Atlanta?

For anyone in or around Atlanta planning the trip:

• Driving distance: about 305–320 miles
• Driving time: typically 4.5–5.5 hours one way
• Flight distance: about 260 miles
• Flight time: about 1 hour in the air, plus airport time
• Bus/train options: generally longer than driving, often with transfers

If you’re starting from Atlanta, Charleston is close enough to be a manageable road trip or a short flight, but far enough away to feel like a true change of pace on the South Carolina coast.