1-800-436-8719

Why Rent a Bus in Charleston?

Charleston's French Quarter in the evening

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

Shofur

CARTA

Taxi

Rideshare

Private

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x

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Personal, professional driver

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x

Curbside drop-off

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On-board climate controls

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On-board entertainment

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Nationwide access

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x

x

Tailored to your schedule

x

x

x

One vehicle for your entire group

x

x

1-800-436-8719 Call Us Today to Charter a Coachbus, Minibus, or Shuttle

Field Trips and Historical Tours of Charleston

Kids playing in seated circle

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.

The spire of St. Michael's church

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.

Bride and groom on boat covered by blowing veil

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 main academic building

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

Rainbow Row 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.

1-800-436-8719 Call Us Today to Rent a Charter Bus - Available 24/7

Prices for Charter Buses and Minibuses in Charleston

Vehicles Passengers Luggage Hourly Min Hrs
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CHARTER BUS

57 55
$110 - $170
5
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MINI BUS

25 7
$105 - $160
5
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Prices displayed here are estimates and may not reflect the price of your bus rental. The only way to get an accurate quote is to call our 24-hour team at 1-800-436-8719.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answer is: it depends. When you call one of our 24/7 reservation specialists with your trip details, they will build a quote for you based on a few factors, including how far you'll be traveling, which bus you rent, how many hours or days you will need the rental, and where and when you will be picked up. Depending on your trip itinerary, your rental cost will be broken down by hour, day, or mile.

You can learn more on our charter bus pricing page, and your reservation specialist will be happy to break down pricing further when you call.

Our network offers full-size charter buses, minibus rentals, and sprinter vans. Full-size charter bus rentals are great for larger groups or longer distance trips and can accommodate up to 56 passengers, while minibus rentals work well for medium-sized groups of 12 to 25 passengers. Groups even smaller than that can rent a sprinter van, which comfortably accommodates up to 12 people.

Visit our buses page to learn more about the charter bus options available in Shofur's network.

Every bus model in our network comes with their own special amenities and capabilities, including but not limited to:

  • WiFi and/or power outlets
  • A/C and heating
  • TV monitors and a DVD player
  • Onboard restrooms
  • AM/FM radio
  • Overhead storage bins
  • Luggage bays
  • ADA accessible features

If you have a specific amenity request, be sure to let your reservation specialist know and they will be happy to work with you to find the best bus for your group.

When you call to get a free, no-obligation quote, you will get a number that is transparent and all-inclusive. Below is a list of components your quote covers:

  • The bus itself
  • A professional charter bus driver
  • The bus's mileage and fuel
  • Insurance
  • Tolls
  • Processing fees

Remember that your quote will not include certain aspects that are out of Shofur's control or at your own discretion, such as:

  • Gratuity for your driver (at your discretion, typically 5-10% of the total cost of the rental)
  • Parking fees
  • Lodging for your driver (required for multi-day trips)

No. Your professional, trained, and highly experienced charter bus driver will take care of all the driving so you can sit back and relax during your journey. Each charter bus driver has undergone numerous background checks and driving tests to ensure their safety and expertise.

Yes. A fee of 10% of the total cost of the trip is due at the time of your booking.

Your rental will need to be paid in full 7 days before your trip date.

Most charter bus providers will allow you to drink on your bus. However, be sure to let your reservation specialist know so that they can determine for sure. Also, be mindful about not leaving a mess behind, or you may be subject to a cleaning fee that is usually $250.