Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Charleston travel guide

Charleston Tourism | Charleston Guide

You're Going to Love Charleston

With a population of 51,400, Charleston is the largest city in West Virginia, United States by the number of inhabitants. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Charleston has to offer.

Where to Eat in Charleston

If you’re looking for affordable options, Bricks & Barrels (1214 Smith St) and The French Quarter (1 Greyhound Dr) are great picks.

When to visit Charleston

Charleston in January
Estimated hotel price
$102
1 night at 3-star hotel
Charleston in January
Estimated hotel price
$102
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Charleston in July, when the average temperature is 75.2 °F, and the highest can go up to 86 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 24.8 °F, with an average temperature of 33.8 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in July, when precipitation is around 5.2″. In contrast, October is usually the driest month of the year in Charleston, with an average rainfall of 2.6″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Charleston

Plane

When flying to Charleston, you’ll arrive at Charleston Yeager (CRW), which is located 3 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Charleston include American Airlines, Delta and Aeromexico. The shortest domestic flight to Charleston departs from New York and takes around 1h 46m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Charleston. The train journey from Charleston to Winter Park takes 32h 15m and costs around $241 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Orlando, expect to pay about $241 for a 32h 32m trip. The train station in Charleston is called Charleston, and is located 0.4 miles from the city center.

Car

Another option to get to Charleston is to pick up a car rental from Pittsburgh, which is about 169 miles from Charleston. You’ll find branches of Dollar and Turo, among others, in Pittsburgh.

Bus

The most popular bus station is Charleston Transit Mall, located 0.2 miles from downtown Charleston. Charleston 300 Reynolds St is also a commonly used station, and is 0.6 miles from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Charleston, you’ll arrive at Charleston Yeager (CRW), which is located 3 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Charleston include American Airlines, Delta and Aeromexico. The shortest domestic flight to Charleston departs from New York and takes around 1h 46m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Charleston. The train journey from Charleston to Winter Park takes 32h 15m and costs around $241 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Orlando, expect to pay about $241 for a 32h 32m trip. The train station in Charleston is called Charleston, and is located 0.4 miles from the city center.

Car

Another option to get to Charleston is to pick up a car rental from Pittsburgh, which is about 169 miles from Charleston. You’ll find branches of Dollar and Turo, among others, in Pittsburgh.

Bus

The most popular bus station is Charleston Transit Mall, located 0.2 miles from downtown Charleston. Charleston 300 Reynolds St is also a commonly used station, and is 0.6 miles from the city center.

Airports near Charleston

HTSHuntington Tri State
CRWCharleston Yeager
CKBClarksburg Benedum

Airlines serving Charleston

KLM
Good (1,459 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,213 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,322 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,533 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,522 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,903 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (1,093 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,194 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,574 reviews)
Virgin Atlantic
Good (678 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (11,313 reviews)
Breeze Airways
Excellent (270 reviews)
WestJet
Good (3,268 reviews)
Air New Zealand
Excellent (587 reviews)
Allegiant Air
Good (710 reviews)
Contour
Good (42 reviews)
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Where to stay in Charleston

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Days Inn by Wyndham Charleston WV and Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Charleston.

Where to stay in popular areas of Charleston

Most booked hotels in Charleston

See all
Hampton Inn Charleston-Southridge
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 598 reviews)
$127+
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Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Charleston WV
2 stars
Excellent (8.6, 937 reviews)
$85+
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Holiday Inn Express Charleston-Civic Center
2 stars
Excellent (8.2, 1731 reviews)
$95+
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Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston
3 stars
Excellent (8, 1173 reviews)
$135+
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Holiday Inn & Suites Charleston West By IHG
3 stars
Excellent (8, 546 reviews)
$119+
View
Country Inn and Suites by Radisson Dunbar WV
2 stars
Good (7.5, 53 reviews)
$87+
View

Renting a car in Charleston

Renting a car in Charleston costs $62 per day, on average, or $185 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 20% cheaper than airport locations in Charleston.

Expect to pay $3.26 per gallon in Charleston (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $39.07 and $52.09. Compact (Jeep Renegade or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Charleston, while also 51% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Charleston costs $62 per day, on average, or $185 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 20% cheaper than airport locations in Charleston.

Expect to pay $3.26 per gallon in Charleston (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $39.07 and $52.09. Compact (Jeep Renegade or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Charleston, while also 51% cheaper than other types, on average.

Best car rental deals in Charleston

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$33/day

Supplier choice

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$33/day

Intermediate
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