Planning a Trip

Getting There

By Plane -- Charleston International Airport is in North Charleston on I-26, about 12 miles west of the city. The fixed rate for a taxi from the airport into the city is $9 per passenger, not to exceed $27 per trip. The airport shuttle service (tel. 843/767-1100; www.chs-airport.com) has a $10 fare. All major car-rental facilities, including Hertz and Avis, are available at the airport. If you're driving, follow the airport-access road to I-26 into the heart of Charleston.

By Car -- The main north-south coastal route, U.S. 17, passes through Charleston; I-26 runs northwest to southeast, ending in Charleston. Charleston is 120 miles southeast of Columbia via I-26 and 98 miles south of Myrtle Beach via U.S. 17.

By Train -- Amtrak (tel. 800/USA-RAIL [872-7245]; www.amtrak.com) trains arrive at 4565 Gaynor Ave., North Charleston.

By Bus -- Greyhound (tel. 800/231-2222; www.greyhound.com) offers regular service to North Charleston, as does Southeastern Stages (tel. 404/591-2750; www.southeasternstages.com). The bus station is at 3610 Dorchester Rd. (tel. 843/744-4247).

Visitor Information

The visitor center for the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CACVB), 375 Meeting St., Charleston, SC 29402 (tel. 800/774-0006 or 843/853-8000; www.charlestoncvb.com), just across from the Charleston Museum, provides maps, brochures, and access to South Carolina Automated Ticketing. The helpful staff can also assist you in finding accommodations. Numerous tours depart hourly from the visitors bureau, and restroom facilities, as well as parking, are available. Be sure to allow time to view the 24-minute multi-image presentation Forever Charleston (admission $2) and pick up a copy of the visitor's guide. The center is open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm (closing at 5pm Nov-Feb; closed Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Thanksgiving Day).

City Layout

Charleston's streets are laid out in an easy-to-follow grid pattern. The main north-south thoroughfares are King, Meeting, and East Bay streets. Tradd, Broad, Queen, and Calhoun streets cross the city from east to west. South of Broad Street, East Bay becomes East Battery.

The CACVB also offers wonderful maps that are downloadable from its website (www.charlestoncvb.com), including an activities map showing the streets of the Historic District as well as surrounding areas. You can also pick up free maps at the Charleston Visitor Center, 375 Meeting St., at John Street (tel. 843/853-8000).

Getting Around

By Bus -- City bus fare is $1.25, and service is available from 5:35am to 10pm (until 1am to North Charleston). Between 9am and 3:30pm and after 6pm, seniors pay 60¢. The fare for persons with disabilities (all day) is 30¢. Exact change is required. For route and schedule information, call tel. 843/724-7420 or visit www.ridecarta.com.

By Trolley -- The Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) is the quickest way to get around the main downtown area daily. The fare is $1.25, and you'll need exact change. A day pass costs $4. For hours and routes, call tel. 843/724-7420.

By Taxi -- Leading taxi companies are Yellow Cab (tel. 843/577-6565) and Safety Cab (tel. 843/722-4066). Each company has its own fare structure. Within the city, however, fares seldom exceed $6 or $12. You must call for a taxi; there are no pickups on the street.

By Car -- If you're staying in the city proper, park your car and save it for day trips to outlying areas. You'll find parking facilities scattered about the city, with some of the most convenient at Hutson Street and Calhoun Street, both of which are near Marion Square; on King Street between Queen and Broad; and on George Street between King and Meeting. If you can't find space on the street to park, the two most centrally located garages are on Wentworth Street (tel. 843/724-7383) and at Concord and Cumberland (tel. 843/724-7387). The fee is $8 all day.

Leading car-rental companies are Avis Rent A Car (tel. 800/331-1212 or 843/767-7030; www.avis.com), Budget Car and Truck Rentals (tel. 800/527-0700, 843/767-7051 at the airport, 760-1410 in North Charleston, or 577-5195 downtown; www.budget.com), and Hertz (tel. 800/654-3131 or 843/767-4554; www.hertz.com).