Why Rent a Bus in Charleston?
Like many cities in the Southeast, Charleston doesn’t have extensive or frequently-running public transportation. You can rely on taxis or rideshares if you’re willing to split up your group, or you can spring for a charter bus that keeps everyone together. Here are some advantages and disadvantages to each method of transportation in Charleston:
- CARTA (Charleston Regional Transportation Authority): CARTA’s public buses are affordable, and the city even offers frequently-running DASH shuttles from popular destinations like the aquarium and College of Charleston. If you want to go to less-visited landmarks, though, you’ll quickly find that the buses may not get you there.
- Taxis and rideshares: Charleston has multiple taxi services as well as Uber and Lyft. Taxis or rideshares can quickly get you where you want to go, but you’ll probably have to split your large group into smaller groups and pay for each rideshare individually. This isn’t only expensive—it can also become a problem if you’re traveling with children or teenagers who need supervision.
- Charter buses: A charter bus runs on your schedule, takes you only to the stops on your itinerary, and has space for your entire group. However, charter buses can become expensive, so they’re a better choice for large groups who have funding from an organization or who can split the cost among the passengers.
Comparing Charleston Group Transportation
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Shofur
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CARTA
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Taxi
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Rideshare
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Private
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✓
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x
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x
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x
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Personal, professional driver
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✓
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x
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✓
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x
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Curbside drop-off
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✓
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x
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✓
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✓
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On-board climate controls
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✓
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x
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✓
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✓
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On-board entertainment
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✓
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x
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x
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x
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Nationwide access
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✓
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x
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x
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x
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Tailored to your schedule
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✓
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x
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x
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x
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One vehicle for your entire group
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✓
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✓
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x
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x
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1-800-436-8719 Call Us Today to Charter a Coachbus, Minibus, or Shuttle
Field Trips and Historical Tours of Charleston
Charleston’s rich history is one of its primary attractions. Whether you’re planning a field trip or traveling with a tour group, you won’t want to miss the city’s many colonial buildings. Take your students to the Heyward-Washington House to learn about Thomas Heyward, Jr., one of 4 South Carolina signers of the Declaration of Independence, or about when General George Washington stayed there overnight during the Revolutionary War.
You can expand your lessons on the American Revolution with a trip to the Powder Magazine, which dates back to 1713 and features historical reenactments called “Rebels & Redcoats,” or to St. Michael’s Church. Built in 1752, St. Michael’s Church is the oldest church in Charleston that’s still fully operational, and it sits in the middle of one of Charleston’s historic districts. After you visit the church, you can simply stroll around to see dozens of other historic buildings.
Heyward-Washington House
Address: 87 Church St, Charleston, SC 29403
Charter bus parking: The best options will be street parking on Broad Street near the corner of Church or on Meeting Street near the corner of Tradd.
The Powder Magazine
Address: 79 Cumberland St #3112, Charleston, SC 29401
Charter bus parking: Like many locations in Charleston, The Powder Magazine doesn’t have its own parking. Your bus will probably need to drop you off and park in a public paid lot.
St. Michael's Church
Address: 71 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401
Charter bus parking: You may be able to find street parking on Broad Street near the corner of Church Street.
Weddings in Charleston
Because of its historic buildings and beautiful water views, Charleston has become a popular destination for weddings. If you’re dreaming of a beach wedding, you can book a location like Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, where you can get married on the sand or on a pier overlooking the ocean. Or maybe you want to be on the water instead of near it. In that case, plan your wedding on a riverboat with the help of Charleston Harbor Tours.
Charleston isn’t only about the coast, though. You can also get married in the heart of the city. Book a historic building like the 1881 Cigar Factory or a modern event venue like Cannon Green, and trust Shofur to provide a shuttle for your wedding. We can take your guests safely from their hotel to the ceremony and reception venues so you don’t have to worry about anyone getting lost or needing a DD.
Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina
Address: 20 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Charter bus parking: The resort mainly relies on valet parking, so you’ll want to contact them ahead of time to let them know you’re bringing a charter bus.
Charleston Harbor Tours
Address: 10 Wharfside St, Charleston, SC 29401
Charter bus parking: There are several parking lots close to the pier, though you will need to pay so your bus rental can use them.
Cedar Room in the Cigar Factory
Address: 701 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29403
Charter bus parking: Guests can park in the Cigar Factory parking lot after 5 p.m. Street parking is also available.
Cannon Green
Address: 103 Spring St, Charleston, SC 29403
Charter bus parking: Cannon Green recommends parking in the lots at 216 Rutledge Avenue or 217 Rutledge Avenue.
College Tours in Charleston
Although a city as historic as Charleston can hardly be called “a college town,” Charleston is home to multiple universities and overflows with students. If your high school seniors want to tour the College of Charleston or you need to set up a campus shuttle service, Shofur can help.
When you contact our 24/7 customer service team, we can provide a full-size bus to take your youth group to Charleston Southern University or a minibus to help your sorority get to a charity event. Just let us know when you need transportation, and we’ll provide a comfortable bus operated by a professional driver. Here are some of the universities we can provide transportation to in Charleston:
College of Charleston
Address: 66 George St, Charleston, SC 29424
Charter bus parking: CofC generally asks visitors to park in garages or in metered spaces. If you’re bringing a bus, you should let the college know when you book your visit online.
The Citadel
Address: 171 Moultrie St, Charleston, SC 29409
Charter bus parking: The Citadel has multiple visitor parking lots, but you can let the school know you’re taking a bus and request specific parking information when you book online.
Medical University of South Carolina
Address: 171 Ashley Ave Suite 419, Charleston, SC 29425
Charter bus parking: You can reserve a group tour and parking for your group of pre-med students online.
Charleston Southern University
Address: 9200 University Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29406
Charter bus parking: CSU has visitor parking, but you should let the university know you’re bringing a bus rental when you arrange your group tour by emailing admissions@csuniv.edu.
Corporate Events in Charleston
Charleston hosts many corporate events, from trade shows to training seminars. If you’re planning a conference at the Charleston Area Convention Center or a company cocktail party at the South Carolina Aquarium, Shofur can provide a charter bus with plush seats and WiFi to help your employees get around without worrying about parking or paying for Ubers. Just give us a call before your next event at these Charleston venues.
Charleston Area Convention Center
Address: 5000 Coliseum Dr, North Charleston, SC 29418
Charter bus parking: The convention center shares its parking lots with the North Charleston Coliseum, and your bus can park there for a fee.
South Carolina Aquarium
Address: 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401
Charter bus parking: The Aquarium has signs for motorcoach drop-off and pick-up that your bus rental needs to follow. After they drop you off, your driver will find metered parking along Washington and Concord streets.
Book a Charter Bus to Explore Charleston’s History
A charter bus offers one of the most convenient ways to experience Charleston’s Revolutionary War buildings, colleges, and seaside hotels. Call Shofur at 1-800-436-8719 to book your bus rental for your next trip to South Carolina’s most historic city.
Prices for Charter Buses and Minibuses in Charleston
Vehicles |
Passengers |
Luggage |
Hourly |
Min Hrs |
CHARTER BUS
|
57 |
55 |
$110 - $170
|
5 |
MINI BUS
|
25 |
7 |
$105 - $160
|
5 |