Discover how to reach South Carolina and explore its beautiful beaches, historic cities, mountain landscapes and popular holiday destinations.
South Carolina is located in the southeastern United States, between North Carolina and Georgia.
The state is accessible by air, road and rail, making it a convenient destination for both domestic and international visitors.
However, its main attractions are spread across a considerable area, so planning your transportation is an important part of organising your holiday.
Flying to South Carolina
South Carolina has several airports serving different parts of the state.
Charleston International Airport (CHS) is convenient for visitors planning to explore Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry.
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) serves the Grand Strand and is particularly useful for beach holidays.
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) provides access to the Upstate region, while Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) serves the state capital and central South Carolina.
International visitors may also consider flying into Charlotte Douglas International Airport in neighbouring North Carolina or Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Travelling by Car
Driving is one of the most convenient ways to explore South Carolina.
Interstate 95 runs through the eastern part of the state, while Interstate 26 connects Charleston with Columbia and the Upstate.
The journey between Charleston and Myrtle Beach generally takes around two hours, depending on traffic and your exact starting point.
Allow approximately three to four hours to drive from Charleston to Greenville.
Getting Around by Public Transport
Public transportation is available in several South Carolina cities, including Charleston, Columbia and Greenville.
Local buses can be useful for reaching selected attractions, although services and coverage vary considerably between destinations.
Amtrak also operates passenger rail services through parts of South Carolina.
However, trains are generally more useful for travelling between selected cities than for exploring the state’s coastal resorts and rural attractions.
Do You Need a Rental Car?
If you are staying in central Charleston or at an oceanfront resort in Myrtle Beach, you may be able to enjoy much of your holiday without a car.
For longer journeys between destinations, a rental car provides greater flexibility.
My tip: If you are planning to explore several parts of South Carolina, rent a car and organise your journey around two or three overnight stops. This allows you to discover the coastline, historic cities and beautiful countryside without spending too much time travelling each day.