How to get to The Francis Marion Hotel from Charleston International Airport (CHS)
From Charleston International Airport (CHS) to The Francis Marion Hotel at 387 King St the fastest option is a taxi or rideshare (roughly 15–25 minutes depending on traffic). A cheaper option is CARTA bus Line 11 to downtown (about 50–60 minutes, fare around $2); the hotel does not list an airport shuttle.
In this guide
Airport overview (CHS)
Charleston International Airport (CHS) is the nearest airport serving downtown Charleston and The Francis Marion Hotel. Multiple ground-transport options connect the airport with King Street and Marion Square.
The Francis Marion Hotel lists the airport as approximately 10–12 miles away; published travel times vary with traffic and routing.
- Hotel address: 387 King St, Charleston, SC 29403-6404
- Nearest airport: Charleston International Airport (CHS)
- Hotel phone (BookResorts agents, 24/7): +1 (888) 605-1350
| From | Approx. distance listed | Typical travel time (published ranges) |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston Int'l Airport (CHS) | 10–12 miles | 15–25 minutes (varies with traffic) / other sources list 20–25 minutes |
Taxi or rideshare — fastest door-to-door
Taxis and rideshares (Uber/Lyft) pick up at CHS and drop off directly at 387 King St, across from Marion Square. This is typically the quickest, most direct option.
Published sources note an approximate 15–25 minute trip depending on traffic. Passenger fares reported in third-party sources vary; check the app or local taxi company when you arrive for current pricing.
- Pickup: follow signs to ground transportation / rideshare pickup at CHS
- Drop-off: hotel entrance on King St at Calhoun Street, across from Marion Square
- No airport shuttle is confirmed from the hotel in available sources
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fastest travel time; direct to hotel entrance | Higher cost than public transit; surge pricing or traffic can raise fare/time |
| Convenient with luggage | Cost varies—check app estimates or taxi meter |
Public transit — CARTA bus Line 11
The cheapest way reported is CARTA Route 11 (Dorchester/Airport) which links CHS with downtown Charleston. Expect roughly a 50–60 minute trip and a small fare (about $1.75–$2 per published sources).
Route 11 runs roughly hourly; once downtown you can use the free DASH trolley routes to reach the Visitor Center or walk to King Street and Marion Square depending on where the bus stops.
- Fare: about $1.75–$2 (check CARTA for current fares and passes)
- Travel time: roughly 56 minutes (published estimate)
- Connections: downtown CARTA/DASH free shuttles and local buses can bring you closer to the hotel stop
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Frequency | About hourly (check CARTA schedules) |
| Total travel time | Around 50–60 minutes to downtown |
| Cost | Low fare (~$2) — cheapest published option |
Rental car or driving — parking notes
If you rent a car at CHS you can drive to the hotel; published sources list driving times around 15–25 minutes. The Francis Marion Hotel offers valet parking and there is a city-owned garage adjacent to the hotel.
Valet and self-parking terms vary by availability and published fees; check current rates at the front desk or on arrival. Vehicles over seven feet tall may be restricted from valet service per hotel parking guidance.
- Valet parking: available (published as valet with nightly surcharge and unlimited in/out privileges)
- Self-parking: adjacent City of Charleston-owned parking garage (published rates and daily maximums apply)
- Oversize vehicles: vehicles taller than 7 feet may need alternate parking locations
| Parking option | Published notes |
|---|---|
| Valet | Nightly surcharge with in/out privileges (check front desk) |
| Self-park garage | City-owned garage next to hotel; meters/garage rates and daily maxs published |
| Oversize vehicle | Use Visitor's Center Parking Garage per hotel guidance if over height limit |
Arriving at The Francis Marion Hotel — check-in and lobby
The hotel has a 24-hour front desk. Standard check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 12:00 PM (noon); early check-in or late check-out can be requested but are subject to availability.
Porter assistance and luggage storage are available if you arrive before check-in. The hotel offers concierge services to help with local directions, restaurant reservations, and tours.
- Bring a photo ID and credit card for check-in — the hotel requires these at arrival
- If you need a pet-friendly room, call ahead to confirm availability (pet rooms published as on 2nd and 3rd floors)
- Complimentary Wi‑Fi is available in guest rooms and public areas
| Guest need | What the hotel provides (published) |
|---|---|
| Early arrival | Complimentary luggage storage; early check-in on request |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible rooms and accessible path of travel |
| Spa/fitness | The Spa of Charleston (reservations required) and 24-hour fitness center |
Getting around downtown from the hotel
The Francis Marion Hotel sits at King and Calhoun Streets directly across Marion Square, within easy walking distance of many downtown attractions. Several CARTA DASH trolley routes serve the downtown area and are free; they stop near the Visitors Center.
Popular nearby sites within a short walk include the College of Charleston, the Charleston Museum, the Charleston City Market, and the Aiken-Rhett House Museum.
- Walkable attractions: Marion Square, College of Charleston, Chestnut St. shops and restaurants
- Public transit downtown: free DASH trolley routes (check CARTA for routes and stops)
- Concierge can help book ferries (Fort Sumter), harbor tours, and plantation day trips
| Attraction | Distance (published/walking) |
|---|---|
| Marion Square | About 1 min walk (across from hotel) |
| College of Charleston | About 1 min walk |
| Charleston City Market | Around 0.6 miles / short walk |
Practical tips for arrival
If you arrive during peak road times (morning or late afternoon), allow extra time—published drive times to the hotel vary with traffic. Confirm taxi or rideshare pickup locations and current fares in the app.
If using public transit, check CARTA schedules in advance since Route 11 runs about hourly. If you have luggage or need speed, choose a taxi/rideshare despite the higher cost.
- No confirmed hotel airport shuttle in available sources—call ahead if you prefer a private transfer
- Have the hotel address and Marion Square landmark handy for drivers: 387 King St at Calhoun
- If you plan to rent a car, verify parking details and vehicle height restrictions with the hotel
| Situation | Recommended option |
|---|---|
| Travel time priority | Taxi / rideshare |
| Budget priority | CARTA Route 11 + DASH/free trolley |
| Renting car | Use hotel valet or adjacent public garage; confirm height/oversize rules |
