The Charleston area is located on the coast of South Carolina, midway between Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island.

1.      Airport Transportation
The Charleston Historic District is located approximately 12 miles from the Charleston International Airport. There are shuttles and cabs available at the airport, but availability may be limited depending on your arrival time. We urge you to make an advance reservation to avoid a long waiting time at the airport.  The following is a selection of services providing transportation from the Charleston International Airport to the Francis Marion Hotel conference headquarters and other Charleston Historic District locations.   

Absolutely Charleston                                  Shuttle Service
800-747-0689
843-747-4448 Direct
843-747-4454 Fax
Advance reservation required.  Please make certain to identify yourself as attending CIES.  Reservations can be made online. To make reservation click “Reserve on-line” and then enter CIES in the box toward the bottom of the screen labeled “Group, Corporate or Frequent Rider ID.” A special rate of $32 per person (one way) is being extended for the conference.

Mitch’s Transportation                                Shuttle Service
843-270-6902 Direct
843-559-6889 Fax
Advance reservation required.  Please identify yourself as attending the CIES conference to receive this special rate.  One person $30 plus gratuity, two or more persons $15/person plus gratuity.   Email Mitch’s Transportation at Emitch1217@aol.com. 

A Limo Bus Transportation                         Shuttle Service and Luxury Transportation
843-821-5211
843-821-5311 Fax
Advance reservation required.  Fee varies based on number of people and type of vehicle assigned.

Black Cab                                                      Upscale Taxi Service
843-216-2627 Direct
843-216-2650 Fax
Advance reservation required.  Flat rate of $50 plus gratuity from airport to Historic District for one to five persons.

Yellow Cab                                                    Taxi Service
843-577-6565
Advance reservations are not accepted.  Please call from airport for service.  Approximate fee to Historic District would be $30 plus gratuity.

2.       Driving Directions (car)
For those using one of the online mapping services, the Francis Marion Hotel is located at 387 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403. Valet parking is available for $17.00 plus tax per day, charged automatically to your room. Self-parking is available in the City Garage located next door to the hotel. The charge is $12.00 per 24-hour period and is payable to the garage attendant in cash. You may pull up to the front door on King Street for unloading and check-in. Bell staff will be available assist you with your luggage.

From Interstate 26 West – (Charleston International Airport)
Follow I-26 heading east taking the Meeting Street Exit (please make sure not to take the    North Meeting Street Exit).
Proceed on Meeting Street, heading towards downtown
Turn right onto John Street
Proceed up John Street to King Street
Turn left onto King Street
The Francis Marion Hotel will be on the right, just passed St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church.

From Hwy. 17 South – (Kiawah/Seabrook/Savannah)
Follow Hwy. 17 heading north crossing the Ashley River Bridge (The “round” Holiday Inn will be on the left)
Staying in the left lane and crossing over the overpass, proceed and bear right onto Cannon Street, which ends at King Street
Turn right onto King Street
Follow King Street to just passed the Lutheran Church. The Francis Marion will be on the right.

From Hwy. 17 North – (Mt. Pleasant/Wild Dunes)
Follow Hwy. 17 heading south crossing the Cooper River Bridge.
Before the first stoplight, bear left and take the King Street Exit
At the Stop sign, turn right onto King Street
Follow King Street just passed the Lutheran Church. The Francis Marion will be on the right.

3.       Airlines

Charleston International Airport Consolidated Airline Schedules provides a list of air carriers serving Charleston International Airport. We recommend that you make your reservation early as Charleston is a popular vacation destination, especially in in March.