The Charleston Commute Guide: Steep streets and river crossings
Commutes, congestion, transit, and parking: what getting around Charleston really takes.
Hannah, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Hannah is a born and raised West Virginian who briefly tested life across state lines before realizing the pull of the hills is undefeated. She has lived in both northern and south central West Virginia, moved more times than she can count during college, and knows Charleston well enough to give directions using landmarks instead of street names. She writes fiction, spins yarn into sweaters, drinks Charleston coffee like its a personality trait, and somehow keeps four pets fed. Editing West Virginia guides comes naturally when you know the people shine... even when the sun does not.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
How Do You Get Around Charleston?
Commutes, congestion, transit, and parking: the daily logistics nobody puts on the listing.
The time I spend getting to/from work every day is
One Tudor’s biscuit, a 10-15 minute drive down MacCorkle Ave, and a couple of stoplights
Traffic congestion areas to avoid
I-64 in the early morning and during rush hour, Corridor G (especially around the holidays)
Ability to get around without a car
Possible if you befriend the KRT bus schedules and own stout shoes, but not likely if you live in a suburb and work downtown
Locals dream of driving around in a
Lifted F-150 with mud tires, still spotless in the Tudor’s Biscuit World drive-thru line
The reality is that most locals drive
Well-used SUVs or sedans, salt crusted from Corridor G winter drives and taking a bit of wear and tear from potholes
Quirky local driving habit
Avoiding potholes and road dips like it's your job
The likelihood of finding parking
Downtown meters are usually open and aren't too pricey, except during summer festivals (and make sure to watch out for the parking authority)
#1 driving tip
Watch for deer on Corridor G after dusk
Where I Go for a Quiet Escape
I especially like visiting Mea Cuppa Coffee in Elk City when I want a great coffee with even better vibes. The staff is so friendly, and I feel like I can relax when I go there.
— Hannah Wyatt
West Virginia Local Expert
Ready to See If Charleston Fits You?
Compare neighborhoods, check the routes, or head back to the full Charleston guide for the bigger picture.