Flying From Atlanta to Charleston: How to Find the Best Flights

Flying from Atlanta to Charleston is one of the easiest short hops you can take from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Whether you live in Atlanta and want a weekend in Charleston, or you’re visiting Atlanta and adding Charleston to your trip, this guide walks through everything you need to know: airlines, schedules, typical prices, airports, ground transportation, and practical tips.

Key Facts About Flights From Atlanta to Charleston

Route overview (ATL → CHS)

For most Atlanta travelers, this route feels more like a quick regional hop than a full “trip,” but planning smartly can save you time, money, and stress.

Which Airlines Fly From Atlanta to Charleston?

From ATL, you’ll usually see:

• Delta Air Lines
  • Atlanta is Delta’s major hub, so nonstop flights to Charleston are commonly available.
  • Great for frequent flyers in Atlanta using SkyMiles or flying for business.
• Southwest Airlines
  • Often offers one-stop itineraries (sometimes with a short connection).
  • Can be useful if you prefer Southwest’s baggage policy or fare structure.
• Other carriers
  • Depending on the season, airlines like American or United may route you to Charleston with one-stop connections through their hubs (e.g., Charlotte, Washington, or others).

Because schedules change, it’s worth:

• Checking flights directly from airline websites or
• Using a flight search tool to compare nonstop vs. connecting options from Atlanta.

If you’re based in Atlanta, Delta’s nonstop flights are usually the most time-efficient option.

Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights: What Makes Sense in Atlanta?

Nonstop flights (ATL → CHS)

For most people in Atlanta, nonstop is the most practical:

• Time in air: about 1 hour
• Total trip door-to-door: often 3–4 hours including:
  • Getting to ATL
  • Security
  • Boarding
  • Taxiing and deplaning in Charleston

If you’re traveling for:

• A weekend getaway
• A day trip for business
• Visiting friends or family in Charleston

…a nonstop flight minimizes your time in airports and connections.

Connecting flights

You might consider a connecting flight if:

• Nonstops are sold out or very expensive on your dates.
• You’re using or earning miles with a non-Atlanta-based airline.
• You’re combining Charleston with another stop and using an open-jaw or multi-city ticket.

However, for most Atlanta residents or visitors, a connection on such a short route adds complexity without much benefit, unless the fare difference is significant.

Typical Flight Times and Schedules From Atlanta

From Atlanta to Charleston, flights are commonly morning through evening, with multiple departures most days when demand is strong.

Common patterns you may see (subject to change):

• Morning departures
  Good for:

  • Same-day business meetings in Charleston
  • Maximizing your first vacation day

• Midday/afternoon departures
  Helpful for:

  • More relaxed mornings in Atlanta
  • Connecting from another incoming flight at ATL

• Early evening flights
  Useful if:

  • You’re working a full or partial day in Atlanta
  • You want a quick hop to Charleston after work on Friday

Because Hartsfield–Jackson is a major connection hub, schedules are usually robust, but exact times vary by season and airline.

How Much Do Flights From Atlanta to Charleston Cost?

Prices between Atlanta and Charleston can vary based on:

• Day of the week
  • Weekends and Sunday returns may be higher.
• Season
  • Spring and fall can be popular for Charleston tourism.
• Booking window
  • Last-minute business trips can cost more.

From Atlanta, you may see:

• Budget-friendly fares on some weekday or off-peak flights.
• Higher prices around holidays, big events, or peak tourist seasons in Charleston.

To keep costs in check from Atlanta:

• Compare nonstop vs. one-stop options if timing is flexible.
• Look at nearby days; sometimes shifting by a day or two helps.
• Consider flying very early or later in the evening, if your schedule allows.

Getting to Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL) From Around Atlanta

Since this route starts at ATL, your experience often depends on how smoothly you get to the airport and through security.

MARTA (Public Transit)

MARTA’s Red and Gold Lines both stop at the Airport Station, directly connected to the Domestic Terminal.

• Ideal if you’re:
  • Staying Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near MARTA rail.
  • Wanting to avoid parking fees and highway traffic.
• Travel time from Downtown Atlanta to ATL on MARTA: often around 20–25 minutes, depending on waits.

Driving and Parking

ATL is located just south of downtown at:

• 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

Parking options include:

• Daily parking in North and South decks
• Economy lots
• ATL West and Park-Ride lots (often more budget-friendly)
• Various off-airport private lots with shuttles

If you regularly fly from Atlanta, you may want to:

• Compare long-term parking vs. rideshare for your typical trip length.
• Factor in rush hour traffic on I-75/I-85 and the Connector.

Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshares and taxis are widely available across metro Atlanta, serving:

• Rideshare pick-up zones at ATL
• Traditional taxi stands near the terminal

This can be most convenient if:

• You live in or near Intown Atlanta (e.g., Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, West Midtown).
• You don’t want to leave a car at the airport.

What to Expect at ATL for a Short Flight to Charleston

Even though this is a short hop, airport procedures are the same as any other flight.

When to Arrive

For flights from Atlanta to Charleston:

• Many travelers aim for about 1.5–2 hours before departure if:
  • They’re already checked in online.
  • They know their way around ATL.
• If you’re:
  • Traveling at peak times (early Monday morning, holidays)
  • Checking a bag
  • Unfamiliar with ATL

…it’s wise to allow 2 hours or more.

Security and Terminals

• Domestic flights to Charleston usually depart from:
  • Concourse T, A, B, C, or D (varies by airline and gate assignment).
• ATL has multiple security checkpoints:
  • Main North and South checkpoints in the Domestic Terminal.
  • Additional checkpoints may be available depending on time and status.

Because ATL is busy, line times can fluctuate, so build in a buffer.

Arriving in Charleston: What Atlanta Travelers Should Know

Most flights land at Charleston International Airport (CHS):

• Address: 5500 International Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29418
• Located in North Charleston, about:
  • 15–20 minutes to Downtown Charleston in typical traffic.
  • Longer in peak tourist or commute times.

Even though CHS is relatively small compared with ATL, it offers:

• Car rental counters
• Rideshare and taxi pickup areas
• Shuttles and limited public transit options

Getting From CHS to Your Destination

From Atlanta, many travelers continue on to:

• Historic Downtown Charleston
  Best reached by:

  • Rideshare or taxi
  • Rental car if you plan to explore beaches and surrounding areas

• Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, or Sullivan’s Island
  More convenient with a rental car or pre-arranged ride due to distance and limited transit.

If you’re accustomed to Atlanta’s MARTA system, note that Charleston’s public transit is more limited, so ground transportation should be part of your planning.

Is It Better to Fly or Drive From Atlanta to Charleston?

Many people in Atlanta debate whether to fly or drive to Charleston.

Flying

Pros:

• About 1 hour in the air
• Can be more comfortable than sitting in traffic for hours.
• Good if you’re:
  • Short on time
  • Not interested in long drives
  • Connecting from another flight at ATL

Cons:

• Security, boarding, and ground transportation time still add up.
• Airfare plus local transport in Charleston can exceed the cost of gas for a car trip, especially for families.

Driving

The drive from Atlanta to Charleston is often around 5–6 hours, depending on route and traffic.

Driving may make sense if:

• You’re traveling with several people and want to save on airfare.
• You want a car to explore the Lowcountry region, beaches, and nearby towns.
• You prefer leaving on your own schedule.

From an Atlanta perspective, the decision often comes down to:

• Time vs. money
• Whether you like or dislike long highway drives
• If you already need a rental car in Charleston (in which case flying plus renting may balance out).

Tips for Atlanta Travelers Booking Flights to Charleston

Here are some practical pointers tailored to people flying out of Atlanta:

1. Time Your Trip Around Traffic

• Plan your ATL arrival time to avoid heavy rush hour on:
  • I-75/I-85 through downtown
  • The airport exit corridor
• If you live in suburbs north of the city (Alpharetta, Roswell, Marietta), give yourself extra time; weekday afternoon traffic heading south can be unpredictable.

2. Use ATL’s Hub Advantages

Since Atlanta is a hub:

• Take advantage of multiple flight time options to Charleston.
• Look for fare differences between:
  • Early morning
  • Midday
  • Late evening departures

Flexibility often helps find better pricing and smoother connections.

3. Consider Checking Only a Carry-On

For such a short route:

• Flying with carry-on only can:
  • Speed up your time through ATL.
  • Help you exit faster at CHS and reach Charleston sooner.
• Especially useful for weekend trips or short business travel.

4. Build in Weather Flex Time

While the flight is short, storms near Atlanta or the Southeast coast can occasionally cause delays. If:

• You have a time-sensitive event in Charleston
• You’re connecting to a cruise, wedding, or meeting

…consider:

• Booking an earlier flight from Atlanta than absolutely necessary.
• Flying the day before when timing is critical.

Where to Get Help or More Information in Atlanta

If you need in-person or official information on your trip:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

  • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • General airport information desks are inside the terminals and near security checkpoints.

• MARTA Customer Service

  • Headquarters: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  • Useful if you’re planning to use rail or bus service to reach ATL from around the metro area.

• Your Airline’s Ticket Counters at ATL

  • Located in the Domestic Terminal (North and South sides).
  • Can assist with:
    • Day-of-flight changes
    • Rebooking after delays
    • Baggage questions

By understanding how flights from Atlanta to Charleston typically work—airlines, timing, costs, and ground logistics—you can pick the option that matches your schedule and budget, whether you’re an Atlanta local or just passing through on a broader trip.