Charleston Water Taxi Schedule – Daily Departure Times, Routes & Stops
Stop Guessing. Start Riding. Here Is Exactly When We Run.
Here is what most people do not realize about getting around Charleston by water. The hardest part is not the ride. It is knowing when to show up.
You get to the dock, the boat has already left, and now you’re waiting for the next departure. That ends here.
Charleston Water Taxi operates on a clear daily schedule. Every departure time is listed below so you can plan your trip down to the minute. No surprises. No waiting around. Just check the schedule, show up, and ride.
Multiple Routes. Multiple Stops. One Harbor.
View departure times, boarding locations, and route information before heading to the dock.
Multiple Boarding Locations
Convenient departure points throughout Charleston Harbor.
Daily Departures
Regular service throughout the day across major routes.
Harbor Routes
Travel between Charleston’s most popular waterfront destinations.
Seasonal Updates
Check schedule changes during holidays and special events.
Where To Board & Where To Park
Choose the boarding location most convenient for your trip. Each dock operates on a predictable hourly schedule and offers easy access to Charleston Harbor.
Aquarium Wharf / Maritime Center
Address:
10 Wharfside Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Parking:
South Carolina Aquarium Parking Garage
Departure Pattern:
Every hour at :30
Starting at 9:30 AM
Patriots Point
Address:
40 Patriots Point Road
Mount Pleasant, SC
Parking:
Patriots Point Visitor Parking
Departure Pattern:
Every hour at :45
Starting at 9:45 AM
Harbor Resort & Marina
Address:
24 Patriots Point Rd
Mount Pleasant, SC
Parking:
Resort Parking Available
Departure Pattern:
Every hour on the hour
Starting at 9:00 AM
Waterfront Park
Address:
1 Vendue Range
Charleston, SC 29401
Parking:
Nearby Downtown Parking Garages
Departure Pattern:
Every hour at :15
Starting at 9:15 AM
Winter Operating Schedule
Beginning November 16, Charleston Water Taxi transitions to its winter operating schedule. During the winter season, service operates on Saturdays only. Regular daily service returns during the spring season.
Charleston Water Taxi Timeline
The water taxi follows a repeating hourly loop throughout the day. Once you know the pattern, finding your departure is simple.
Schedule Repeats Every Hour
10:00 • 10:15 • 10:30 • 10:45
11:00 • 11:15 • 11:30 • 11:45
12:00 • 12:15 • 12:30 • 12:45
1:00 • 1:15 • 1:30 • 1:45
and continues throughout operating hours.
Why Planning Around the Water Taxi Schedule Is Worth It
Knowing the schedule does more than help you catch a boat. It can save time, reduce stress, and make it easier to enjoy everything Charleston Harbor has to offer.
Skip The Bridge Traffic Completely
The water taxi crossing typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and avoids the traffic delays often experienced on Charleston’s busiest roads and bridges.
Plan Your Day With Confidence
Know exactly when your next departure leaves so you can coordinate museum visits, dining reservations, shopping, and harbor attractions.
Multiple Departures Throughout The Day
Regular departures throughout the day make it easy to fit a harbor crossing into almost any Charleston itinerary.
Always Up To Date
Check the latest schedule online before heading to the dock, including seasonal schedules, weather updates, and service changes.
Who Uses Charleston Water Taxi And Where Does It Go?
From daily commuters and first-time visitors to families exploring Charleston Harbor, the Charleston Water Taxi connects passengers with some of the area’s most popular waterfront destinations.
Who Uses Charleston Water Taxi?
Popular Routes & Boarding Locations
Waterfront Park
Downtown Charleston’s most scenic boarding location near Rainbow Row, the French Quarter, and waterfront attractions.
View Dock Information →Aquarium Wharf
The primary Fort Sumter departure area located beside the South Carolina Aquarium and Liberty Square.
View Dock Information →Patriots Point
Home of the USS Yorktown and one of Charleston Harbor’s most popular waterfront destinations.
View Dock Information →Charleston Maritime Center
A convenient downtown dock popular with commuters, professionals, and regular harbor riders.
View Dock Information →Harbor Resort & Marina
Perfect for resort guests, marina visitors, waterfront dining, and sunset harbor crossings.
View Dock Information →Daniel Island Connections
Convenient harbor access for Daniel Island visitors and passengers connecting across Charleston Harbor.
View Dock Information →Not Sure Which Boarding Location Is Right For You?
Compare Charleston Water Taxi docks, parking options, nearby attractions, and departure schedules to find the most convenient place to begin your trip.
Explore All Boarding LocationsFrequently Asked Questions – Charleston Water Taxi Schedule
What time does the Charleston Water Taxi start running?
Daily departure times vary by season and boarding location. The hourly route loop begins with departures from Harbor Resort & Marina, followed by Waterfront Park, Aquarium Wharf, and Patriots Point. Check the schedule above for current departure times.
How often does the Charleston Water Taxi run?
Charleston Water Taxi follows a repeating hourly route pattern throughout operating hours. Each dock has a designated departure time within the hourly loop, making it easy to plan your trip in advance.
Does the Charleston Water Taxi schedule change seasonally?
Yes. Charleston Water Taxi operates on seasonal schedules throughout the year. Beginning November 16, service transitions to a winter operating schedule with Saturday-only departures. Always review the latest schedule before traveling.
Where can I board the Charleston Water Taxi?
Passengers can board at Waterfront Park, Aquarium Wharf, Patriots Point, Charleston Maritime Center, and Harbor Resort & Marina. Each location is connected through the Charleston Harbor route network.
Is parking available at Charleston Water Taxi docks?
Parking options vary by location. Aquarium Wharf offers access to the Aquarium Parking Garage, Patriots Point provides visitor parking, and Harbor Resort & Marina offers on-site parking. Downtown locations may require nearby public parking garages.
Can I purchase tickets before arriving at the dock?
Yes. Tickets can be purchased online before your trip, allowing you to review schedules, plan departures, and secure your ride before arriving at the boarding location.
Ready To Explore Charleston Harbor?
Check departure times, choose your boarding location, and enjoy one of the most scenic ways to travel across Charleston Harbor.