Flying From Atlanta to Charleston, SC: What You Need to Know

Planning a trip from Atlanta to Charleston, South Carolina is one of the easiest short-haul routes you can take from the city. Whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or just connecting through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), this route is a quick way to get from a major hub to a historic coastal city.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to flights, airlines, timing, prices, and practical tips for this specific route.

How Far Is Charleston From Atlanta by Air?

For most travelers in Atlanta, Charleston is close enough to drive, but flying can save significant time.

• Approximate flight distance: About 260–270 miles
• Typical nonstop flight time: Around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes in the air
• Total door-to-door travel time (realistic):
  • From central Atlanta to ATL: 20–45 minutes in light traffic (often longer at rush hour)
  • Early arrival to clear security: 1.5–2 hours before departure
  • Flight time: about 1 hour
  • From Charleston International Airport (CHS) to downtown Charleston: 15–25 minutes by car

If you value time, especially on a weekend getaway, a nonstop flight from Atlanta to Charleston can often beat driving, which usually takes around 4.5–6 hours depending on traffic and route.

Main Airports: ATL and CHS

Departing From Atlanta: Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)

Most flights from Atlanta to Charleston leave from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, located at:

Key things to know as an Atlanta-based traveler:

• Terminals:

  • Domestic flights generally depart from the Domestic Terminal (North or South) through Concourses T, A, B, C, D, or E.
  • Flights to Charleston are typically domestic, so you will not need the International Terminal unless you are connecting from an overseas flight.

• Getting to ATL from around Atlanta:

  • MARTA Rail:
    • Take the Red or Gold line directly to the Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal.
    • This is often the most predictable way to avoid Atlanta traffic.
  • Driving:
    • Main access roads: I-85, I-75, and Camp Creek Parkway.
    • Long-term and economy parking lots are available, but they can fill up during peak travel times.
  • Rideshare / Taxi:
    • Pick-up zones are located near the Domestic Terminal; signage at the airport is clear.

If you live in places like Midtown, Buckhead, or Decatur, MARTA can be straightforward. From suburban areas like Alpharetta, Marietta, or Peachtree City, driving or rideshare is more common.

Arriving in Charleston: Charleston International Airport (CHS)

Your flight will land at Charleston International Airport (CHS), located at:

Key details for Atlanta travelers:

• Distance to downtown Charleston: About 10–15 miles
• Ground transportation options:
  • Rental cars on-site
  • Taxis and rideshare pick-ups near baggage claim
  • Hotel shuttles for certain properties
• Common reason Atlantans fly this route:
  • Weekend getaways
  • Beach trips (Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island)
  • Weddings, conferences, and historic sightseeing

Airlines and Flight Types Between Atlanta and Charleston

Because Atlanta is a major hub, multiple daily flights typically operate between ATL and CHS, particularly on large national airlines.

Common patterns you may see (always confirm current schedules when booking):

• Nonstop flights:

  • Operated mostly by major U.S. carriers with a strong presence at ATL.
  • Ideal if you want the fastest trip with the fewest hassles.

• One-stop / connecting flights:

  • Sometimes cheaper but usually much slower for such a short distance.
  • May route you through another hub city, which doesn’t make sense for most Atlanta-based travelers unless price is a major factor or you are using points/miles.

For this specific route, travelers based in Atlanta generally prefer nonstop service because of the short flight time and high frequency.

Typical Flight Times and Schedules

Flight schedules between Atlanta and Charleston can vary by season and day of week, but there are some predictable patterns that Atlanta travelers often see.

Common Departure Windows From Atlanta (ATL → CHS)

You may find flights that cluster around:

• Early morning:
  • Good for maximizing your full day in Charleston.
• Midday / early afternoon:
  • Popular for business travelers and flexible schedules.
• Evening:
  • Handy for quick after-work getaways or Sunday returns to Atlanta.

How Early You Should Arrive at ATL

Because ATL is one of the busiest airports in the country, even for a short flight to Charleston you should plan:

• Carry-on only, non-peak times: Aim for arrival at least 1.5 hours before departure.
• Checked bags or peak times (holidays, Monday mornings, Friday afternoons):
  • Aim for 2 hours before departure.
• If you are coming from areas prone to traffic delays (e.g., Gwinnett County, Cobb County, South Fulton), give yourself extra driving time.

Time and Cost Comparison: Fly vs. Drive From Atlanta to Charleston

Many Atlantans debate whether to fly or drive to Charleston, especially for short trips.

Quick Comparison

Factors Atlanta Travelers Commonly Consider

• Traffic Leaving Atlanta:

  • I-20, I-75, and I-85 can be heavily congested around rush hours.
  • If you need to leave on a Friday evening, flying can save time and stress.

• Total Trip Length:

  • For a 2–3 day weekend, flights help maximize time enjoying Charleston rather than driving.
  • For a week or longer, driving may be more economical, especially for families or groups.

• Parking vs. Flights:

  • If you park at ATL for several days, add parking fees into your cost comparison.
  • If you drive your own car all the way to Charleston, you may pay for hotel or street parking there instead.

How Much Do Flights From Atlanta to Charleston Typically Cost?

Fares can vary widely based on:

• How early you book
• Day of the week (midweek often differs from weekends)
• Time of year (spring and fall are popular times for Charleston)
• Holidays and events (festivals, graduations, large conferences)

Patterns Atlanta travelers often see:

• Advance purchase (several weeks out):
  • You may find more reasonable fares and better flight times.
• Last-minute bookings:
  • Prices can be significantly higher, especially for Friday and Sunday flights.
• Early morning or late-evening departures:
  • Sometimes slightly more budget-friendly than prime midday spots, but this is not guaranteed.

If you live in Atlanta and your schedule is flexible, checking fares across multiple days (e.g., Thursday–Sunday vs. Friday–Monday) can help you find better pricing.

Best Times of Year to Fly Atlanta → Charleston

Charleston is a popular coastal and historic destination, and that affects when flights are fuller and sometimes more expensive.

Busier (Often Higher Demand) Periods

• Spring (March–May):
  • Mild weather and blooming season draw many visitors.
• Fall (September–October):
  • Pleasant temperatures and many weddings and events.
• Holiday and long weekends:
  • Extended weekends can fill up faster for quick trips from Atlanta.

Potentially Less Busy Periods

• Mid-winter (excluding holidays):
  • Cooler, less crowded; some travelers find more flight and hotel flexibility.
• Mid-week year-round (Tuesday–Thursday):
  • Often easier to find seats and reasonable prices compared with Fridays and Sundays.

If you’re based in Atlanta and can travel outside of prime weekends or high season, you can sometimes secure more convenient flight times and a more relaxed airport experience.

Tips for Atlanta Travelers Booking Flights to Charleston

1. Choose Nonstop Whenever Possible

Because the flight is short and direct:

• Nonstop flights minimize delays and connection risks.
• Avoiding a layover is especially valuable if you’re flying out of ATL after work or trying to catch a Friday evening flight.

2. Consider Your Home Location in Metro Atlanta

Where you live can shape your travel strategy:

• Inside the Perimeter (ITP):
  • Neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown, or Virginia-Highland are well-positioned to use MARTA or short rideshares.
• North Atlanta / OTP:
  • From Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, or Roswell, allow extra driving time due to potential heavy traffic on GA-400 and the Perimeter (I-285).
• West or South Atlanta:
  • From Marietta, Douglasville, College Park, or East Point, you may have a more direct shot to ATL, but construction and rush hours can still cause delays.

Plan backwards from your flight time to make sure you can arrive at the airport comfortably early.

3. Pack for a Short Flight

On this route, you spend relatively little time in the air:

• A personal item or small carry-on is usually enough for a weekend.
• Traveling light:
  • Reduces your time at baggage claim in Charleston.
  • Speeds up security in Atlanta.
• If you’re heading for beach or wedding events, pack weather-appropriate clothes and consider Charleston’s humidity when selecting outfits.

4. Use ATL’s Amenities Wisely

If you arrive early at Hartsfield-Jackson:

• Each concourse has food courts, restrooms, and seating areas.
• You can move between concourses using the Plane Train; signs are clearly marked.
• Build in a small buffer of time in case you need to switch concourses or get food before boarding.

Navigating ATL and CHS: On-the-Ground Tips

At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Security:
  • Main security checkpoints are in the Domestic Terminal (North and South).
  • During very busy times, security lines can be long; if you travel often, some Atlantans choose options like TSA PreCheck or similar programs to streamline the process.
• Signage:
  • Wayfinding signs are clear in ATL; follow directions for your airline and concourse.

If you’re connecting in Atlanta (for example, arriving from another city, then flying to Charleston), look for monitors listing departure gates for Charleston-bound flights, then take the Plane Train to the appropriate concourse.

At Charleston International Airport (CHS)

When you land:

• Baggage claim:
  • Located on the lower level; follow the overhead signs after you deplane.
• Ground transportation:
  • Ride-hailing services, taxis, and rental car counters are easy to find just outside the terminal.
• Driving distances:
  • Downtown Charleston: roughly 15–25 minutes by car in typical traffic.
  • Beaches and barrier islands: often 30–50 minutes depending on your destination.

Accessibility and Special Travel Needs

Both ATL and CHS generally provide services to assist travelers with mobility, accessibility, or other special needs.

From Atlanta, you can:

• Request wheelchair assistance through your airline when booking.
• Use designated drop-off and pick-up zones near the terminal entrances.
• Ask airline or airport staff for help with navigating security or boarding if needed.

If you have specific needs, contact your airline ahead of time and allow extra time at ATL, which is large and busy.

Practical Next Steps for Atlanta Travelers

If you’re planning a trip from Atlanta to Charleston:

1. Decide whether to fly or drive based on how long you’ll stay and how much you value time vs. cost.
2. Look for nonstop flights from ATL to CHS, focusing on:
   • Departure times that fit your schedule
   • Reasonable layover-free itineraries
3. Plan your route to Hartsfield-Jackson:
   • MARTA from central Atlanta
   • Rideshare or taxi from your neighborhood
   • Driving and parking if you prefer your own car
4. Pack with speed in mind:
   • Carry-on only if possible
   • Essentials easily accessible for security and boarding
5. Account for seasonal demand:
   • Book earlier for high-demand periods like spring, fall, and holiday weekends.

With a bit of planning from your home base in Atlanta, flights from Atlanta to Charleston, SC can be a straightforward, time-saving way to get from Georgia’s busiest city to one of the South’s most popular coastal destinations.