Why go
- Capital and most populous city of West Virginia, US.
- 1 curated must-see attraction on record, including Angel Oak.
- Served by Yeager Airport (CRW).
History
Charleston is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of West Virginia. Located at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha rivers, it is the county seat of Kanawha County. The population was 48,864 at the 2020 census, with an estimated population of 46,482 in 2024. The Charleston metropolitan area has approximately 203,000 residents.
Must-see attractions
20 more attractions in the Ultimate edition. See the Ultimate edition →
Where to stay
Restaurants & places to go
83 more places in the Ultimate edition. See the Ultimate edition →
Airports
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 12 airlines, 20 direct destinations
- American Airlines AA (ERJ-145, CRJ, A319, CRJ-700, DH8, ERD…) · 5 routes: Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth*, Miami*, Philadelphia, Washington*
- Delta Air Lines DL (ERJ, A319, 717, MD-88, 737-700, CRJ-900…) · 5 routes: Atlanta, Boston*, Detroit, New York, New York
- United Airlines UA (ERJ, CRJ, CRJ-700) · 5 routes: Chicago*, Cleveland*, Houston*, Newark*, Washington*
- US Airways US (CRJ, ERJ-145, Embraer 175, A319, CRJ-700, ERD…) · 5 routes: Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth*, Miami, Philadelphia*, Washington*
- Southwest Airlines WN (737-700, 73C) · 4 routes: Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, Nashville
- AirTran Airways FL (737-700, 73C) · 3 routes: Baltimore*, Chicago*, Tampa*
- JetBlue Airways B6 (A320, Embraer 190) · 2 routes: Boston, New York
- Air France AF (A319, MD-88, 737-700) · 1 route: Atlanta*
- Alaska Airlines AS (A319, 717, MD-88, 737-700) · 1 route: Atlanta*
- Alitalia AZ (MD-88) · 1 route: Atlanta*
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines KL (A319, 737-700, MD-88) · 1 route: Atlanta*
- Virgin Atlantic Airways VS (A319, 717, 737-700, MD-88) · 1 route: Atlanta*
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 5 airlines, 3 direct destinations
- Delta Air Lines DL (A319, CRJ) · 2 routes: Atlanta, Detroit*
- Air France AF (CRJ) · 1 route: Atlanta*
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines KL (CRJ) · 1 route: Atlanta*
- Pinnacle Airlines 9E (CRJ) · 1 route: Atlanta
- Spirit Airlines NK (A319) · 1 route: Myrtle Beach
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
Where things are
Photographs
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page
When to go
The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.
Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.
Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.
Getting there & around
Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Yeager Airport (CRW); 5 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By air: CHS has direct flights to 20 destinations on 12 airlines (incl. Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago…).
Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Charleston, West Virginia. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.
Trains & rail
Coaches & shuttles
Private aviation
On-demand charter, jet cards and the semi-private scheduled carriers that serve this city.