Parking Overview
Economy Parking at Charleston International Airport (CHS) includes the Economy Lot and an Overflow Lot. These are the airport’s main budget-friendly on-site options, designed for travelers who don’t need to park right next to the terminal and are comfortable taking a short shuttle ride.
This facility is best for multi-day and week-long trips, cost-conscious travelers, and anyone who wants on-airport convenience without paying garage/valet prices. Expect a straightforward experience: park in an open-air lot, note your location, and ride the shuttle to the terminal.
Pricing
- Daily rate: $13/day (Economy Lot and Overflow Lot)
- Estimated weekly total: about $91/week (7 days x $13)
How it compares at CHS: Economy is typically the best on-airport value for longer stays. If you want to walk to the terminal, the Daily Parking Garage is listed at $17/day, while the closest Hourly Parking Garage is $21/day. For maximum convenience, Valet is listed at $25/day (curbside drop-off).
Discounts: CHS on-site parking information commonly focuses on drive-up parking; if online pre-booking or airport loyalty discounts are offered, they can vary by date and policy. Check the airport’s official parking page before you leave to confirm any current promos or reservation options.
Payment: Most airport parking facilities accept major credit/debit cards, and many accept mobile wallet payments. Carry a backup card in case a specific lane or kiosk has limited acceptance.
Getting to Your Terminal
Economy Parking is not a walk-to-terminal option. Both the Economy Lot and Overflow Lot provide shuttle service with an estimated ~5-minute shuttle ride to the terminal.
- Shuttles: Available for Economy and Overflow lots
- Reliability: Generally dependable, but allow extra time during peak departure banks and holidays
- Weather: Lots are open-air, so plan for rain/heat while loading luggage and waiting curbside
For stress-free timing, arrive earlier than you would for garage parking—especially if you have bags, kids, or an early-morning flight.
Features & Security
- Covered vs. uncovered: Economy and Overflow are uncovered open-air lots
- Lighting/security: Typical airport lots are well-lit and monitored; use common-sense precautions and lock valuables out of sight
- EV charging: Not listed/confirmed for Economy/Overflow
- Car wash/detailing: Not listed for Economy/Overflow
- Accessibility: Shuttle-equipped lots generally support accessible travel; allow a little extra time if you need an accessible pickup
Booking Tips
- Arrive with buffer time: Add 15–25 minutes beyond your “park-and-walk” plan for parking, waiting, and shuttling.
- Peak periods: Holidays, spring break, and summer weekends can push demand into the Overflow Lot. If you’re tight on time, consider the Daily Garage instead.
- Know your alternatives: If Economy feels full or slow, use the Daily Parking Garage ($17/day) for walk-up convenience, or Valet ($25/day) for the fastest terminal access.
- Document your spot: Take a photo of the row/zone and nearby signs to speed up your return.
- Policy checks: If any reservations or cancellations are available through official channels, review terms before purchase (rules can change seasonally).