Lowcountry Valet: Parking and Ground Transportation at Charleston Airport
What Lowcountry Valet offers at Charleston Airport
Lowcountry Valet is a parking and ground transportation service operating at Charleston International Airport (CHS). The service handles both short-term and long-term parking, with valet attendants who park your car while you travel and retrieve it when you return. You can also use Lowcountry Valet as an alternative to driving yourself to the airport—they offer a pick-up service from your home or hotel, drop you at the terminal, and return to collect you on your arrival.
The service operates from a dedicated lot near the terminal. When you arrive for your flight, you pull into the valet area, hand over your keys to an attendant, and walk directly into the airport. There's no need to navigate parking decks or shuttle buses. On return, you call or text the valet company from baggage claim, and your car is brought to the pickup area within a few minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Lowcountry Valet parks your car at a dedicated lot near Charleston Airport's terminal, eliminating the need to find a parking space yourself.
- The service includes both valet parking for travelers and pick-up/drop-off transportation from your home or hotel to the airport.
- Rates vary by length of stay and service type, so you should contact the company directly or check their website for current pricing before your trip.
- You can reserve in advance online or by phone, which is recommended during peak travel times.
How valet parking works at CHS
When you choose valet parking, you drive directly to the Lowcountry Valet entrance near the terminal. An attendant meets you, takes your keys, and parks your vehicle in their secure lot. You keep your claim ticket and proceed to check-in. The entire handoff takes just a few minutes.
Upon return, you retrieve your claim ticket and contact Lowcountry Valet from baggage claim or the ground transportation area. Text or call the number on your ticket, and an attendant retrieves your car from the lot and brings it to the pickup zone. Wait times are typically short, though they may be longer during peak arrival times when many travelers are collecting vehicles simultaneously.
Airport pick-up and drop-off service
If you prefer not to drive to the airport at all, Lowcountry Valet offers pick-up from your home, hotel, or another location in the Charleston area. You schedule a time, and a driver arrives to collect you and your luggage, then transports you to the terminal. This eliminates parking fees and the stress of navigating airport traffic.
The same service works in reverse: when you land, you contact the company, and a driver meets you at the ground transportation area to take you home or to your destination. This option works well if you're traveling with luggage or prefer door-to-door service, though the cost is typically higher than standard valet parking.
Rates and how to reserve
Lowcountry Valet's pricing depends on how long your car stays in their lot and which service you choose. Valet parking rates are generally lower than pick-up/drop-off transportation. The company offers discounts for longer stays and may have promotional rates during certain seasons. Because rates change and vary by date, you should contact them directly or visit their website for a quote before booking.
You can reserve through their website or by calling ahead. Advance reservations are recommended, especially during holidays and peak summer travel. If you book online, you'll receive a confirmation with your reservation details and instructions for drop-off. Walk-up valet service may be available depending on lot capacity, but advance booking guarantees your spot.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring your driver's license and a valid payment method—Lowcountry Valet accepts credit cards and may accept other forms of payment depending on how you booked. When you hand over your keys, the attendant will note any existing damage to your vehicle and provide you with a claim ticket. Keep this ticket safe; you'll need it to retrieve your car.
Your vehicle is stored in a secured lot with surveillance. Lowcountry Valet carries insurance, though you should verify the coverage details when you book. If you have questions about your reservation, rates, or the service, contact them directly—their staff can answer questions about vehicle safety, what happens if your flight is delayed, and other specifics about how the service operates.
Comparing valet parking to other airport parking options
Charleston Airport offers several parking choices beyond Lowcountry Valet. The airport's own parking deck is self-service and typically costs less per day than valet, but you handle your own vehicle and navigate the structure yourself. Off-airport lots near CHS offer another budget option, though they usually require a shuttle to the terminal. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available but can be expensive for longer trips, especially during surge pricing.
Valet parking sits in the middle: more expensive than self-service airport parking but more convenient, and often comparable to or cheaper than ride-sharing for a full week of travel. The choice depends on your budget, how much luggage you have, and whether you value the convenience of not driving or parking yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
Contact Lowcountry Valet to let them know your situation. Most valet services charge by the day or by the hour, so if your trip extends, you'll owe additional fees. It's best to call them as soon as you know your flight status so they can adjust your reservation and give you an updated total.
Can I leave valuables in my car?
It's not recommended to leave valuables, cash, or electronics visible in your vehicle. While the lot is secured and monitored, valet attendants and other staff have access to the lot. Treat it as you would any parking facility and remove or hide anything you're concerned about.
How far in advance should I book?
Booking a few days ahead is fine for most travel dates. During major holidays or peak summer weeks, book at least a week in advance to ensure availability. You can usually modify or cancel your reservation if your plans change, though you should check their cancellation policy when you book.
What if I need to extend my parking after I've already booked?
Contact Lowcountry Valet directly as soon as you know you need extra time. They'll adjust your reservation and calculate the additional charges. It's easier to extend before you return than to negotiate rates at pickup, so call them from your destination if your plans change.
Do I need to provide my car keys when I book online?
No. When you book online, you'll receive a confirmation with instructions for drop-off. You hand over your keys only when you arrive at the valet entrance on the day of your trip. The attendant will match your reservation to your vehicle at that time.