Savannah or Charleston without a car

Question

Should we visit Savannah and Charleston maybe 3 nights in each

How would we get from Charleston to Savannah without a car ?

Would it be better to visit just one place ?

Answer

Both Savannah and Charleston are beautiful cities, rich in history, culture, and charm. They are very walkable, especially in their historic districts, which makes them great for visitors without a car. You can easily explore much of each city on foot, and there are plenty of transportation options to help you get around.

For getting from Charleston to Savannah without a car, you have a few options:

Bus service: There are several bus services that run between Charleston and Savannah. The most common and affordable is the Greyhound or Southeastern Stages bus, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. You can book tickets online in advance.
Train: Amtrak offers a train route between Charleston and Savannah, which provides a comfortable ride, though it's a little slower (about 2 to 3 hours). It's a relaxing option with scenic views along the way.
Shuttle services: Some private shuttle companies offer direct service between Charleston and Savannah. These shuttles may be more expensive than buses, but they can offer a more convenient or personalized experience. Some hotels may even offer shuttle services for guests, so check with your accommodation.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): If you prefer a more direct, private route, you could use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. This will be much more expensive than the bus or train, but it's an option for a more comfortable, quicker trip (around 2 hours).

As for whether it’s better to visit just one place or both, it depends on your personal preferences and how much time you want to spend traveling. Three nights in each city would give you enough time to explore the highlights, but there is a bit of travel time between the cities, which could eat into your sightseeing time. If you prefer a more relaxed pace and don’t mind missing out on some of the local history, visiting just one city would give you more time to fully immerse yourself in it.

Pros of visiting both cities: You get to experience two of the South’s most iconic cities, with their unique charm, history, and culture. You can compare the architecture, food, and atmosphere of each city.
Cons of visiting both cities: The travel time between the cities can be a bit cumbersome, and you may end up spending less time in each city. If you're not keen on the travel aspect, it could feel rushed.
Pros of visiting just one city: You can take your time exploring the city at a relaxed pace, visiting more museums, parks, and restaurants without the stress of traveling between cities. Both cities are very walkable, so you can easily enjoy all the attractions without a car.
Cons of visiting just one city: You miss out on experiencing both Savannah and Charleston, each with its own unique appeal. You’d have to pick which one speaks to you the most.

Overall, visiting both cities is definitely doable without a car, and it can be a great way to explore the rich culture and history of the Lowcountry. However, if you’re looking for a more leisurely pace, you might want to pick just one city and dive deeper into what it has to offer.