Plan Your Trip

Visitors

Welcome to Charleston

Charleston is a city rich in history, tradition, and Southern charm, welcoming over 6 million visitors each year. With CARTA, you can explore top attractions, world-class restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment venues—all without the hassle of driving.

CARTA offers regular routes that service major destinations, along with the free Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) throughout the peninsula.

Visitors can also track buses in real-time using the TRANSIT app, available on Apple and Android devices.

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Exploring the Charleston area? Use CARTA’s Fixed-Route Bus Service

The Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) offers a quick and easy way to travel around Charleston’s historic district—for free!

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Traveling throughout the Charleston Area? Use our Fixed Route Bus Service

CARTA provides over 4 million rides each year across Charleston and surrounding communities. Leave your car behind and enjoy the ride. CARTA connects you to restaurants, shopping, hotels, entertainment venues, and historic sites.

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Need a Ride to the Airport?

CARTA Route 11 Dorchester/Airport provides direct service to Charleston International Airport, as well as stops at North Charleston hotels, Tanger Outlets, and the North Charleston Coliseum/PAC. The airport bus stop is conveniently located near passenger pickup and the rental car lot.

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Accessibility & Services for Visitors with Disabilities

Visitors with disabilities can ride CARTA at a discounted rate with a Medicare Card or a Disabled ID Card from their home transit system. Those certified for paratransit services elsewhere may also use CARTA’s Tel-A-Ride service while in Charleston.

All CARTA buses are fully accessible, featuring:

  • Wheelchair lifts and mobility devices accommodations
  • Kneeling buses for easier boarding
  • Priority seating for riders with disabilities
  • Service animal-friendly policies

Other Transit Options

  • Trains: CARTA Route 10 serves the Charleston Amtrak Station, connecting riders to downtown and Charleston Southern University. Visit Amtrak.com for schedules.
  • Greyhound: CARTA Route 11 stops directly in front of the Greyhound bus station, with service to downtown and key North Charleston locations. Visit Greyhound.com for details.
  • Real-Time Bus Tracking: Download the TRANSIT app on Apple or Android to track CARTA buses in real-time.

For questions, call (843) 724-7420 or email askcarta@ridecarta.com

Let CARTA make your Charleston visit stress-free and convenient!

Airport

Charleston International Airport is located at 5500 International Blvd and offers over 128 daily flights to more than 15 destinations.

CARTA Route 11 serves the airport, with a stop conveniently located near passenger pickup and rental car areas.

Learn more: chs-airport.com

Train Service (Amtrak)

The Charleston Amtrak station is located at 4565 Gaynor Avenue. CARTA Route 10 (Rivers Ave) serves the station and connects to downtown and Charleston Southern University.

Learn more: amtrak.com

Bus Service (Greyhound)

The Greyhound station is located at 4565 Gaynor Avenue, North Charleston, SC. CARTA Route 10 provides direct service with a stop in front of the station.

Learn more: greyhound.com

Accessibility on CARTA Buses

All CARTA buses are equipped to support riders with disabilities. Features include:

  • Lifts for wheelchairs and mobility devices
  • Kneeling buses for easier boarding
  • Priority seating at the front of the bus
  • Operator assistance securing mobility devices
  • Service animals welcome

Reduced fare is available for eligible riders with proper identification.

If you are unable to use fixed-route service, CARTA offers Tel-A-Ride paratransit service for origin-to-destination transportation.

Other Resources

Airport

The Charleston International Airport is located at 5500 International Blvd. and has over 128 flights daily going to over 15 destinations. CARTA Route 11 Dorchester/Airport serves the airport and also travels directly into the downtown area. This route also serves many of the new hotels in North Charleston as well as Tanger Outlet and the North Charleston Coliseum/PAC. The bus stop at the airport is conveniently located near the passenger pick up area and the rental car pick up lot. For more info regarding maps, and times for this route please click here. Go to www.chs-airport.com for airport info regarding carriers and flights.

Trains

The Charleston Amtrak station is currently located at 4565 Gaynor Avenue. CARTA Route 10 Rivers Ave. currently serves the Amtrak station and travels directly into the downtown area or in the opposite direction to Charleston Southern University. Find the route times to the nearest bus stop to the train station and more. For more information regarding Amtrak’s schedule and rates, please visit www.amtrak.com.

Greyhound

Charleston’s Greyhound bus station is currently located at 4565 Gaynor Avenue, North Charleston, SC. CARTA Route 10 Rivers Ave. services the Greyhound bus station. This route has a convenient bus stop located directly in front of the Greyhound bus station. For more information regarding greyhound bus routes and scheduling please visit www.greyhound.com.