- Must visit
The Charleston Museum
Often called America's first museum, it covers Charleston and Lowcountry history, decorative arts, natural history, and regional culture.
Cheapest price
$168
Average price
$168
Fastest journey
19 h 5 m
Average duration
19 h 5 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
561 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Lakeland, FL to Charleston, SC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lakeland, FL to Charleston, SC will cost around $168 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $168.
Of the 1 buses that leave Lakeland, FL for Charleston, SC on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 561 km distance in an average of 19 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 19 h 5 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 19 h 5 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lakeland, FL to Charleston, SC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $64. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 9h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $64, and a train costs an average of $75.
Distance: 348 miles (561 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$137 Average price Cheapest | $157 Average price |
9h 40m Average total duration Fastest 9h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 49m Average total duration 9h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Lakeland, FL to Charleston, SC:
A bus is $20 (€17) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lakeland, FL to Charleston, SC costing on average $157 (€129).
Other travel options to Charleston, SC take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 19m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:25AM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 19h05 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $148 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:25AM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 19h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 19h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $81 |
The table below shows live departures for Lakeland, FL to Charleston, SC buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:25 AM Lakeland, FL | 19h05 | 10:30 PM Charleston, SC | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Lakeland, FL to Charleston, SC run on average 2 times per day, taking around 9h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $64 (€52) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:40, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 348 miles (561 km) distance in 19h 5m.
Distance 348 miles (561 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $64 (€52) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 19h 5m |
First bus 3:40 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Charleston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Charleston trip today.
Often called America's first museum, it covers Charleston and Lowcountry history, decorative arts, natural history, and regional culture.
A small but important museum interpreting the domestic slave trade in Charleston through exhibits in a historic market building.
Charleston's leading art museum, known for American art with strong ties to the South, rotating exhibitions, and a distinguished permanent collection.
Charleston's famous waterfront promenade is lined with grand historic homes, harbor views, and classic postcard scenery.
A popular riverfront park known for its pier, lawns, and the photogenic Pineapple Fountain.
Charleston's best-known commercial corridor, mixing historic architecture, shopping, nightlife, and frequent social media visibility.
A Lowcountry classic of sautéed shrimp served over creamy grits, often with bacon or gravy. It is one of Charleston’s signature dishes.
A rich Charleston soup made with crab meat, crab roe, cream, and sherry. It is a historic local specialty associated with the city’s coastal cuisine.
A traditional rice and field pea dish, usually cooked with pork for flavor. It is an iconic Southern and Lowcountry comfort food.
One of Charleston’s most acclaimed restaurants, serving ingredient-driven Southern cuisine with a polished but approachable feel. Reservations are highly sought after.
A popular waterfront restaurant known for Lowcountry seafood, shrimp and grits, and relaxed harbor views. It is a dependable choice for classic Charleston flavors.
A celebrated restaurant focused on refined Southern cooking using seasonal local ingredients. Stylish and upscale, it is one of Charleston’s best-known dining rooms.
Prices are moderate by U.S. standards. Historic district dining and hotels cost more, while casual food and transport stay manageable.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and valet. Tipping is expected for most service roles.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lakeland, FL to Charleston, SC by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Charleston, SC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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