Cruise port Charleston (SC)
Info for port Charleston (SC) on 4 Oct 2027
Port information & tips for Charleston (SC)
Charleston is the charming jewel of the American South and captivates with its rich history and hospitable elegance. The city welcomes visitors with a unique flair of cobblestone streets, magnificent antebellum mansions, and blooming gardens directly on the Atlantic coast. Highlights in the immediate vicinity include the famous Charleston City Market, the picturesque Waterfront Park with its iconic Pineapple Fountain, and the colorful facades of Rainbow Row. Cruise ships dock at the centrally located Union Pier Terminal, which is situated directly in the historic center thanks to its prime location. From here, the city's most important sights, boutiques, and first-class restaurants can be easily explored on foot in just a few minutes.
The port of Charleston in South Carolina is a popular port of call for cruises on the East Coast of the USA. For guests from the DACH region, travel is usually organized as Fly & Cruise, with a pre-cruise overnight stay recommended due to the overseas flights to ensure a relaxed start to the cruise. The cruise terminal, known as Union Pier Cruise Terminal, is easily accessible.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Charleston International Airport (CHS), which is located approximately 19 to 25 kilometers from the cruise terminal. Although there are no direct flight connections from the DACH region, CHS is well connected via major hubs such as Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), or New York (JFK/EWR). The travel time from the airport to the port is approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Transfer & Shuttle
Various transfer options from Charleston International Airport (CHS) to the Union Pier Cruise Terminal are available to you. Taxis are available directly at the airport, and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft also offer convenient rides. Some cruise lines and local providers also offer shuttle services that take you directly from the airport to the ship. It is recommended to check and book transfer options in advance.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from Europe, an overnight stay in Charleston on the day before embarkation is highly recommended. Numerous hotels in Charleston's historic downtown or near the port offer comfortable accommodations. Many of these hotels are only a short taxi ride from the Union Pier Cruise Terminal and allow for a stress-free start to your vacation. Some hotels also offer special "Park & Cruise" deals if you are traveling with a rental car.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for travel to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination – is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Charleston in South Carolina is a popular port of call for cruises on the East Coast of the USA. For guests from the DACH region, travel is usually organized as Fly & Cruise, with a pre-cruise overnight stay recommended due to the overseas flights to ensure a relaxed start to the cruise. The cruise terminal, known as Union Pier Cruise Terminal, is easily accessible.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Charleston International Airport (CHS), which is located approximately 19 to 25 kilometers from the cruise terminal. Although there are no direct flight connections from the DACH region, CHS is well connected via major hubs such as Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), or New York (JFK/EWR). The travel time from the airport to the port is approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Transfer & Shuttle
Various transfer options from Charleston International Airport (CHS) to the Union Pier Cruise Terminal are available to you. Taxis are available directly at the airport, and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft also offer convenient rides. Some cruise lines and local providers also offer shuttle services that take you directly from the airport to the ship. It is recommended to check and book transfer options in advance.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from Europe, an overnight stay in Charleston on the day before embarkation is highly recommended. Numerous hotels in Charleston's historic downtown or near the port offer comfortable accommodations. Many of these hotels are only a short taxi ride from the Union Pier Cruise Terminal and allow for a stress-free start to your vacation. Some hotels also offer special "Park & Cruise" deals if you are traveling with a rental car.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for travel to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination – is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The Union Pier Terminal is located in the heart of the historic center and provides you with direct access to the charming old town. Thanks to its central location, you can reach many sights and restaurants immediately after leaving the ship.
On Foot
The historic city center with the famous City Market and Waterfront Park is right on your doorstep. A walk to the center takes only 5 to 10 minutes and leads you through picturesque streets with architecture from the colonial era.
Free DASH Trolleys
The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) offers the DASH Shuttle, a free bus service with a retro design. These lines conveniently connect the harbor with more distant destinations such as the Aquarium or the Museum District and are ideal for a city tour.
Taxi and Charleston Water Taxi
Official taxis are available directly at the terminal and will take you quickly to destinations outside the city core. In addition, the Charleston Water Taxi offers a relaxed connection across the harbor, serving locations such as the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.
Returning to the Union Pier Terminal is particularly straightforward thanks to its location directly in the historic center of Charleston and can be flexibly adapted to your daily schedule. Simply plan a small time buffer for the short walk from the main gate on Washington Street to the gangway.
On Foot
From the lively Historic City Market or Waterfront Park, you can take a relaxed stroll back to the port entrance in less than ten minutes. The path through the charming French Quarter is safe and easy to find thanks to the central location of Washington Street, and the flat surroundings also provide pleasant orientation for all guests.
Free DASH Shuttle
The green trolley buses of the Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) bring you comfortably and free of charge from various parts of the old town back to the vicinity of the terminal. In particular, Line 211 connects the popular shopping miles of King Street and Meeting Street directly with the port area, ensuring you reach your ship on time and without additional costs.
Taxi and Water Taxi
Taxis are available at central stands in front of major hotels such as Charleston Place as well as at the Visitor Center and will take you directly to the main entrance of the port. If you have spent the day on the other side of the water at Patriots Point, it is best to use the hourly water taxi for a scenic return trip to Aquarium Wharf, reaching the Union Pier Terminal from there in just a few minutes.
The Battery and Rainbow Row
The historic waterfront promenade “The Battery” and the world-famous row of houses “Rainbow Row” are easily accessible on foot from the cruise terminal in about fifteen minutes and provide a perfect backdrop for Charleston's iconic Southern architecture. Thanks to the magnificent antebellum mansions, majestic oaks draped in Spanish moss, and wide views across the harbor, you can enjoy a unique atmosphere full of elegance and history here. This area is ideally suited for a relaxed stroll, and the adjacent neighborhoods with their charming cafes and small boutiques also invite you to linger. It is best to start your excursion in the early morning to take advantage of the soft morning sun for impressive photos, and plan your return path so that you still have time for a stroll through nearby Market Street in the early afternoon.
Returning to the Long Beach Cruise Terminal is extremely uncomplicated thanks to the excellent infrastructure and proximity to the city center.
Shuttle Buses and Passport Shuttle
The free Passport bus connects central points of Downtown Long Beach and the Aquarium of the Pacific directly with the stop at the Queen Mary. These buses run at regular intervals and allow for a punctual arrival directly at the cruise terminal and the prominent Dome.
AquaLink Water Taxi
The AquaLink offers a particularly pleasant return trip, connecting the city center with the harbor area by sea. The boats depart from the Aquarium and Alamitos Bay and bring you comfortably to the landing stage at the Queen Mary, from where you can reach the terminal and your ship in just a few steps.
Taxi and Rideshare
At busy locations such as the Pike Outlets or in front of major hotels like the Westin and the Renaissance, taxis are available at all times for the short trip to the port. The drivers know the access routes to the terminal exactly and will bring you back to check-in quickly and safely thanks to the efficient traffic management.
In port on 04 Oct 2027
