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Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Portland to Charleston. Traveling by bus from Portland to Charleston usually takes around 37 hours and 7 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 29 hours and 15 minutes.
| Distance | 916 mi (1474 km) |
| Shortest duration | 29h 15m |
| Cheapest price | $99.00 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Portland to Charleston?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Portland to Charleston. Greyhound is the only company that has bus schedules available to search and book at the moment. It only makes the trip once a day on most days.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 1 | 1d 13h 7m | $115.32 |
Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 1 bus trips from Portland to Charleston every day, with the average journey taking around 37 hours and 7 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Charleston usually start from $71.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 37 hours and 7 minutes to cover the 916 miles from Portland to Charleston. However, the fastest bus only takes 29 hours and 15 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
There is usually only one bus per day from Portland to Charleston. It leaves the station in Portland at 2:00pm each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.
City Information
Portland
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Portland is Maine's largest city and, because of that, the main transportation hub in the state. From Portland, travelers can easily reach destinations such as Boston, Albany, and even Gainesville, Texas, by a combination of buses, trains, and ferries. And there’s plenty to do in the city, even if you’re traveling solo.
Since its foundation in 1786, Portland has recovered from no less than four major fires, creating a fascinating blend of old and new. The dedicated Arts District around upper Congress Street has a smattering of important museum collections, including the Portland Museum of Art, the state's oldest public art institution.
The West End hosts the majority of Portland's historic buildings, creating an olde worlde feel. However, the presence of several well-regarded schools and colleges ensures Portland remains one of the most vibrant small cities in the U.S.
After several years of hardship, the Old Port district has once again become the center of the action. Its attractive cobblestone streets and 19th-century red-brick warehouses now contain a selection of on-trend cafes, bars, and boutique stores. At the same time, it's still possible to watch the time-honored tradition of fishermen unloading their lobster pots onto the foreshore.
East of the downtown area, you'll find Munjoy Hill. It's a district with strong Irish and Italian roots, making it one of the best places in Portland to enjoy the authentic cuisine of Italy. It’s no wonder we named Portland one of our top vacation destinations in Maine.
Charleston
An idyllic city with quaint moss-covered and time-washed buildings, Charleston offers plenty of scenic sights and culturally significant destinations to explore. The highlights of this amazing city are its cobblestone streets and hauntingly beautiful mansions (some are even rumored to be actually haunted). The best way to enjoy these timeless relics is to take a walking tour around town, with or without a local guide. As you enjoy your walking tour, don’t miss out on the chance to explore The Battery, which features some of the most photogenic spots in the entire city. This quarter used to be the center of all maritime activities in the city, but it is now a famous tourist area. The nearby White Point Garden, which houses interesting Civil War-era relics, is also a great destination.
Charleston is a top foodie destination, being quite famous for its Southern staples. The best places to indulge in these Southern delicacies are Husk and Magnolias. If you crave some seafood, Hyman’s Seafood is a local favorite. Plus, Charleston's nightlife makes it a great destination for bachelorette parties.
The main bus station in the city is located on Rivers Ave. The city’s main airport is the Charleston International Airport, 12 miles northwest of downtown.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Portland?
Main departure station: Park & Ride - 274 Marginal Way
Greyhound and FlixBus routes to Portland arrive at a Park & Ride lot off I-295 in the East Bayside area of the city. The Park & Ride lot has 200 free parking spaces but no station building. So make sure to use the restroom before heading to the bus stop, and pack any snacks you'll want on the ride. Luckily, there are a handful of coffee shops and bars in the area around the Park & Ride, so you can enjoy a beverage of your choice if you are waiting a while for your bus.
All bus stations in Portland:
Park & Ride - 274 Marginal Way
Where does the bus arrive in Charleston?
Main arrival station: Greyhound Station - 3610 Dorchester Rd
All buses from Portland arrive at one main station in Charleston.
All bus stations in Charleston:
Greyhound Station - 3610 Dorchester Rd
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