Minibus & Driving Tours Of Charleston
The City of Charleston doesn’t allow sightseeing trolley tours downtown, but several narrated minibus tours are offered as an alternative way to get an overview of Charleston’s history and major sights.
These tours are a popular activity with visitors to Charleston, and there will usually be dozens of departures daily, available at a time to suit you. Many tours begin right at the Visitors Center, with tickets available for purchase whenever you wish to take your tour.
A minibus tour is best taken at the beginning of your stay. Once you have acquired a better sense of the city and its history, you can explore by yourself, or take a more detailed tour of some other aspect of Charleston’s past, such as its African-American history, ghost and pirate history, or the city’s architecture.
Introductory History Tours
Charleston Bus Tour, 1hr30 With Charms of Charleston Tours. Available Monday-Saturday, morning or afternoon. Adults $20, children (12 and under) $12. Call 843-614-7167 for reservations. More details
– Also available in combination with admission to the Aiken-Rhett House. Adults $29, children (12 and under) $16.
– Also available in combination with admission to the Charleston Museum and the Aiken-Rhett House. Adults $38, children (12 and under) $24.
Historical City Tour, 1hr30 With Southern Accent Tours. Two tour departures daily, free hotel pickup available. Adults $28, children (4-12) $18. Call 843-509-9613 for reservations. More details
“See it All” City Tour (25 max) 1hr30 With Adventure Sightseeing. Multiple departures daily. Adults $23, children (4-11) $14, young children (0-3) free – included admission to the Powder Magazine. Call 843-762-0088 for reservations or book online. More details
– Also available in combination with a Charleston Belle boat tour, offered through Charleston Harbor Tours. Adults $40, children (4-11) $30, young children (0-3) free.
– Also available in combination with admission to the Joseph Manigault House. Adults $31, children (4-11) $18, young children (0-3) free.
Historic City Tour, 1hr30 With Gray Line of Charleston. Daily tours departing every 30 minutes. Adults $23, children (4-11) $14. Hotel pick-up available. Call 843-722-4444 for reservations or book online. More details
– Also available in the following combinations: with a Fort Sumter tour; a narrated harbor cruise (provided by Spirit Line Cruises); a downtown historic house museum or the Charleston Museum; or with a visit to the South Carolina Aquarium, Magnolia Plantation or Boone Hall Plantation.
Daily Bus Tour, 1hr30 With Pineapple Tour Group. Tours available daily, morning or afternoon. Adults $30, seniors (65+)/veterans $25, children (12 and under) $18. Call 877-553-1670 for reservations or book online. More details
Historic Charleston Driving Tour, 2hrs With Crafted Charleston Tours. $85 per person, advance reservations required. Call 843-804-9933 for reservations or book online. More details
Other Driving Tours
(Seasonal) Festival of Lights Tour, 3hrs With Adventure Sightseeing. Evening bus tour of the annual Festival of Lights on James Island. Available mid November through December, daily. Adults $24, children (4-11) $14, young children (0-3) free. Call 843-762-0088 for reservations or book online. More details