Traveling from Atlanta to Charleston: Routes, Tips, and What to Expect

Planning a trip from Atlanta to Charleston is a common choice for Atlantans looking for beaches, history, and a slower coastal pace without going too far from home. Whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or are comparing regional trips, this guide walks through how to get from Atlanta, Georgia to Charleston, South Carolina, what each option is like, and how to plan around Atlanta-specific realities like traffic, airport logistics, and parking.

How Far Is It from Atlanta to Charleston?

The Atlanta–Charleston trip is a manageable regional journey:

• By car: About 300–320 miles, typically 4.5 to 5.5 hours depending on traffic and route.
• By plane: Around a 1-hour direct flight time, plus airport time on each end.
• By bus: Usually 7–9 hours, depending on route and stops.

If you’re based in the Atlanta metro area (whether in Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Sandy Springs, or the suburbs), you can realistically turn this into a long weekend getaway or a quick 3–4 day trip.

Driving from Atlanta to Charleston

For many Atlanta residents, driving is the default way to get to Charleston. You control your schedule, can make stops, and have a car on the coast.

Main Driving Route: I-20 and I-26

Most people follow a fairly simple route:

1. Leave Atlanta via I-20 East
   • From Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, connect to I-20 E toward Augusta.
2. Continue on I-20 through Augusta
   • You’ll cross into South Carolina after Augusta.
3. Take I-26 East toward Charleston
   • Near Columbia, SC, you’ll merge onto I-26 E.
4. Follow I-26 into the Charleston area
   • I-26 brings you directly into the greater Charleston region.

Approximate drive time:

• 4.5–5 hours in light traffic
• 5–6+ hours if you hit rush hour leaving Atlanta or approaching Charleston

Best Departure Times from Atlanta

Atlanta traffic can add an hour or more if you leave at the wrong time. To avoid major congestion on Downtown Connector (I-75/85) and I-20:

• 🚗 Best times to leave Atlanta:

  • Mid-morning: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
  • Midday: 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Weekend mornings: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

• ⛔ Times to avoid if possible:

  • Weekday mornings: 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
  • Weekday evenings: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Friday afternoons: can be particularly heavy heading east

If you live in Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, or DeKalb counties, factor in the time it takes just to reach I-20 heading east.

Where to Stop Along the Way

Popular stopping points between Atlanta and Charleston include:

• Madison, GA: Small, historic downtown just off I-20.
• Augusta, GA: About halfway; good for a meal or fuel.
• Columbia, SC: Larger city stop before the final stretch.

Rest areas: Both Georgia DOT and South Carolina DOT maintain rest areas along I-20 and I-26, which are clearly signed.

Parking Your Car in Atlanta Before You Go

If you’re not driving and need to leave your car in Atlanta:

• If you live intown (Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, etc.), many residents use:
  • On-site apartment/condo parking
  • MARTA station long-term lots (e.g., at stations like North Springs, College Park, Doraville) if connecting to transit for flights or buses
• If flying out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) instead of driving:
  • ATL has long-term parking garages and economy lots near the terminals.
  • Nearby off-airport lots also operate shuttles to terminals.

Flying from Atlanta to Charleston

If you prefer speed or want to avoid several hours of driving, flying from ATL to Charleston International Airport (CHS) is a straightforward option.

What to Expect from the Flight

• Airport in Atlanta: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Just south of Downtown Atlanta, accessible via I-75/85 and MARTA’s Red/Gold line.
• Airport in Charleston: Charleston International Airport (CHS)
  • Located in North Charleston; about 20–25 minutes from downtown Charleston in normal traffic.
• Flight duration: Around 1 hour gate-to-gate for a nonstop flight.

Allow time for:

• Check-in and security at ATL (often 60–90 minutes before boarding, more at peak times).
• Baggage claim and ground transportation at CHS.

Door-to-door from central Atlanta to your Charleston hotel, flying usually takes around 3.5–5 hours including transit and wait times—often similar to driving, but it can feel easier if you dislike long drives.

Getting to ATL from Around Atlanta

If you’re staying or living in Atlanta:

• MARTA Train:

  • The Red and Gold lines go directly into the Airport Station, connected to the domestic terminal.
  • Useful if you’re coming from Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, College Park, or near MARTA-accessible suburbs.

• Driving to ATL:

  • From Downtown/Midtown: follow I-75/85 South to the airport exits.
  • From North Atlanta (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta): usually GA-400 to I-85 S, then follow airport signs.
  • From Decatur/East Atlanta:I-20 W to I-75/85 S.

Leave extra time for Atlanta rush hour, especially in the morning and late afternoon.

Getting from CHS into Charleston

Once in Charleston, you can:

• Use taxis, rideshare services, or airport shuttles at CHS.
• Rent a car for flexibility, especially if you plan to visit Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, or Kiawah Island.

Taking a Bus from Atlanta to Charleston

For travelers without a car or those looking for a budget option, bus service between Atlanta and Charleston is possible, though usually slower than driving or flying.

Where Buses Typically Depart in Atlanta

Most intercity buses use central locations in or near Downtown Atlanta, such as:

• Areas near the Five Points or Garnett MARTA stations
• Bus terminals in the Downtown or South Downtown area

Since exact operators and terminals can change over time, many Atlanta riders:

• Check departure and arrival locations in advance.
• Use MARTA or a short rideshare/taxi to get to the bus departure point.

What the Bus Trip Is Like

• Travel time: Frequently 7–9 hours, depending on:
  • Number of stops
  • Route (some transfer in another city)
  • Traffic conditions
• Comfort level: Varies by operator, but longer routes often include:
  • Reclining seats
  • Restroom onboard
  • Limited Wi-Fi or power outlets

For many Atlantans, the bus makes sense if:

• You don’t drive.
• You want to avoid airport security lines.
• You’re comfortable with a slower, lower-cost option.

Train Options: Atlanta to Charleston

Direct train options between Atlanta and Charleston are limited and often not as convenient as driving or flying.

• Atlanta has Amtrak service from the Peachtree Station:
  • Address: 1688 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Located in Midtown/North Atlanta, not far from Buckhead.
• Charleston also has an Amtrak station, but:
  • Routes connecting Atlanta to Charleston may require transfers or detours.
  • Schedules can be limited, and total travel time is usually significantly longer than driving.

If you’re an Atlanta resident interested in rail travel, it’s possible but usually more of a niche option rather than the most efficient way to go.

Comparing Your Options: Car vs. Plane vs. Bus

Here’s a simple comparison to help an Atlanta-based traveler decide:

Planning Your Trip from Within Metro Atlanta

Where you live or stay in the Atlanta area affects how you plan your route and timing.

From Intown Neighborhoods (Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward)

• Driving: You’ll likely join I-20 East from:
  • Downtown Connector (I-75/85)
  • Or via surface streets leading to I-20
• Flying: You’re well-positioned to use MARTA directly to ATL.
• Bus: Downtown departures are usually quick to access by MARTA or short rideshare trips.

From North Atlanta (Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Alpharetta)

• Driving:
  • Connect via GA-400 or I-285 to I-20 East.
  • Consider avoiding peak traffic on GA-400 and I-285.
• Flying:
  • MARTA Red Line is especially convenient from Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, North Springs.
  • From areas farther north like Alpharetta, many drive to a MARTA station, park, then take rail to ATL.

From East & West Suburbs (Decatur, Stone Mountain, Douglasville)

• Decatur/Stone Mountain: You’re close to I-20 East, making the drive to Charleston especially straightforward.
• Douglasville/West Side: You’ll cross Atlanta to pick up I-20 East, so leaving early or late to avoid congestion can make a big difference.

From South Metro (College Park, East Point, Jonesboro, Fayetteville)

• You’re well-situated for ATL airport access if flying.
• To drive, you’ll typically:
  • Use I-285 or I-75/85 to merge onto I-20 East.

Timing Your Trip Around Atlanta and Charleston Conditions

Both Atlanta and Charleston have their own traffic and weather patterns that can affect your trip.

Seasonal Considerations

• Summer (especially June–August):
  • Heavier traffic for beach trips into Charleston.
  • Afternoon storms are common in both regions; allow extra time.
• Spring and Fall:
  • Popular for weekend getaways; hotel prices in Charleston may be higher during big events.
• Winter:
  • Driving is usually straightforward, but rare winter weather in Atlanta (ice or snow) can cause major delays on I-20.

Weekend vs. Weekday Travel

• Leaving Atlanta on Friday afternoons often means heavy eastbound traffic.
• Returning to Atlanta on Sunday evenings can bring slower traffic near the city as weekend travelers drive home.
• Midweek trips (Tuesday–Thursday) often mean smoother travel by both road and air.

Practical Planning Tips for Atlantans

Here are some Atlanta-specific planning tips to make your Atlanta–Charleston trip smoother:

• Plan your route before you hit I-20 East.
  Decide whether you’re taking the Downtown Connector or using I-285 around the city to reach I-20, especially if you live in the suburbs.

• Use MARTA where it makes sense.
  If you’re flying or taking a bus from downtown, using MARTA trains or buses can help you avoid paying for parking and sitting in central-city traffic.

• Account for Atlanta construction.
  Road work on I-285, I-20, or the Downtown Connector can significantly change travel times. Many local drivers check traffic apps just before departure.

• Think about parking logistics on both ends.

  • In Atlanta: decide if you’ll leave your car at home, at MARTA, or in long-term parking near ATL.
  • In Charleston: check hotel or vacation rental parking availability and fees ahead of time.

• Choose your departure window carefully.
  A 7:30 a.m. Saturday drive from Atlanta can feel very different from a 3:30 p.m. Friday departure.

Traveling from Atlanta to Charleston is one of the more straightforward coastal trips for Atlanta residents. By matching your transportation choice (car, plane, bus, or occasionally train) to your budget, timing, and comfort level—and planning around Atlanta’s traffic and transit realities—you can make the journey almost as enjoyable as the destination.