- 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
$473
Average price
$473
Fastest journey
3 d 2 h 10 m
Average duration
3 d 2 h 10 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
3538 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles, CA to Charleston, SC will cost around $473 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $473.
Of the 1 buses that leave Los Angeles, CA for Charleston, SC on Mon, Jun 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct buses cover the 3538 km distance in an average of 3 d 2 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 d 2 h 10 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest buses will take 3 d 2 h 10 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 Los Angeles, CA to Charleston, SC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $156. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 9h 32m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 1.1 - 3.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $156, and a train costs an average of $429.
Distance: 2198 miles (3538 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$385 Average price Cheapest | $1032 Average price | $467 Average price | $493 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
72h 35m Average total duration 72h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 70h 47m Average total duration 70h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 32m Average total duration Fastest 9h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 36h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
3.5 - 8.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 3.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 10.6 - 21.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Los Angeles, CA to Charleston, SC:
A bus is $82 (€67) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Los Angeles, CA to Charleston, SC costing on average $467 (€382).
A bus is $647 (€530) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Los Angeles, CA to Charleston, SC costing on average $1032 (€845).
Other travel options to Charleston, SC take longer:
Train takes on average 70h 17m.
Bus takes on average 72h 5m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 66h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $297 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 64h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $346 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:35PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 77h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $532 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 74h10 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $427 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 74h10 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $156 |
Compare bus, train, and flight 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 Los Angeles, CA to Charleston, SC run on average 4 times per day, taking around 72h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $156 (€128) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 09:35, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 2198 miles (3538 km) distance in 64h 0m.
Distance 2198 miles (3538 km) |
Average bus duration 72h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $156 (€128) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 64h 0m |
First bus 9:35 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Los Angeles, CA 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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