Cheap Flights from Florida to South Carolina: Your Complete Guide
If you are searching for cheap flights from Florida to South Carolina, you are not alone. Many travelers look for budget-friendly airfare to enjoy a quick getaway, business trip or family visit between these two states. With both regions offering sunshine, beaches, cultural hotspots and historic charm, flying is often the most convenient option.
The good news is that with the right strategies, you can find affordable tickets without sacrificing comfort. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from the best airports and airlines to insider tips on booking, so you can save money and travel stress-free.
Why Fly from Florida to South Carolina?
Florida and South Carolina may be neighbors in the Southeast but the distance between cities can make driving exhausting. For example, driving from Miami to Charleston takes over 10 hours. A flight, on the other hand, can get you there in just 1.5 to 2 hours.
Flying saves time, energy and sometimes even money especially when you consider gas, food stops and overnight stays on the road.
Benefits of flying over driving:
- Time-saving: Most nonstop flights are under 2 hours.
- Convenience: Direct connections between major airports.
- Affordability: Discount airlines often run promotions as low as $49 one-way.
- Flexibility: Multiple departure points across Florida.
Major Airports in Florida Serving South Carolina
Florida has several airports that make it easy to find flights heading north. Depending on your location, you can choose the closest or cheapest option.
Popular departure airports in Florida:
- Miami International Airport (MIA) – best for South Florida residents.
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) – budget-friendly and major hub for Spirit and JetBlue.
- Orlando International Airport (MCO) – large variety of airlines and frequent flights.
- Tampa International Airport (TPA) – convenient for West Florida travelers.
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) – closest to the Georgia border, great for northern Floridians.
Major Airports in South Carolina
- Charleston International Airport (CHS) – gateway to historic Charleston and nearby beaches.
- Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) – perfect for vacationers heading to the Grand Strand.
- Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) – convenient for travelers visiting the Upstate.
- Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) – centrally located in the state capital.
Airlines Offering Cheap Flights from Florida to South Carolina
A wide range of airlines operate this route, including low-cost carriers and full-service airlines.
Budget airlines:
- Spirit Airlines – frequent deals, especially from Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.
- Frontier Airlines – great for ultra-low-cost options if you travel light.
- Allegiant Air – seasonal routes from smaller Florida airports to Myrtle Beach.
Full-service airlines:
- Delta Air Lines – nonstop options with reliability.
- American Airlines – many connections via Charlotte.
- JetBlue – competitive pricing and comfortable seating.
- Southwest Airlines – free checked bags and flexible booking.
How to Find Cheap Flights from Florida to South Carolina
Scoring the lowest fares requires strategy. Here are proven techniques to help you pay less:
1. Be Flexible with Dates
Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) often costs less than weekends. Avoid holidays if possible.
2. Compare Airports
Flying into Myrtle Beach may be cheaper than Charleston, depending on the season. Similarly, leaving from Fort Lauderdale may save you money compared to Miami.
3. Use Flight Comparison Tools
Aggregators like Google Flights, Skyscanner and Kayak make it easy to compare prices.
(Pro tip: You can also Find cheap flights with our tool to instantly check and compare real-time deals across airlines.)
4. Book in Advance
The sweet spot for booking domestic U.S. flights is typically 1–3 months before departure.
5. Watch for Airline Sales
Budget carriers often run flash sales with deeply discounted fares. Signing up for newsletters ensures you don’t miss them.
Average Ticket Prices (Florida to South Carolina)
| Route | Average One-Way Price | Flight Duration | Airlines |
| Orlando → Charleston | $60–$150 | 1h 25m | Delta, JetBlue, Spirit |
| Miami → Columbia | $90–$200 | 1h 45m | American, Delta |
| Fort Lauderdale → Myrtle Beach | $49–$130 | 1h 50m | Spirit, Allegiant |
| Jacksonville → Greenville | $70–$160 | 1h 20m | Delta, American |
| Tampa → Charleston | $80–$170 | 1h 40m | Southwest, Delta |
Best Times to Fly for Savings
- Winter (January–February): Lowest fares due to off-peak travel.
- Spring (March–May): Moderate prices but book early during spring break.
- Summer (June–August): Higher demand due to Myrtle Beach tourism.
- Fall (September–November): Shoulder season offers balance of good weather and affordability.
Travel Tips for Flying from Florida to South Carolina
- Pack light to avoid baggage fees on budget carriers.
- Arrive early at Florida’s busier airports like MIA and MCO.
- Check for direct flights to save both time and money.
- Consider travel insurance if you are booking during hurricane season.
Alternatives to Flying
While flying is the fastest, some travelers consider other options:
Driving
- Miami → Charleston: 10 hours
- Orlando → Myrtle Beach: 7 hours
- Jacksonville → Columbia: 4.5 hours
Bus/Train
- Greyhound runs multiple routes between major cities.
- Amtrak offers overnight trains (Silver Meteor, Silver Star) connecting Florida with South Carolina.
While these alternatives may be cheaper, they take significantly longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is a flight from Florida to South Carolina?
Most direct flights take between 1 hour 15 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the departure and arrival airports.
2. What is the cheapest airport to fly into in South Carolina?
Myrtle Beach International (MYR) often has the lowest fares, especially during off-peak months.
3. Which Florida airport has the most flights to South Carolina?
Orlando International (MCO) offers the widest selection of nonstop and connecting flights.
4. Do budget airlines fly nonstop from Florida to South Carolina?
Yes. Spirit, Allegiant and Frontier all operate nonstop routes seasonally or year-round.
5. How much does a one-way ticket cost on average?
Expect to pay between $60–$150, though flash sales can drop fares below $50.
6. Can I find last-minute cheap flights?
Last-minute deals are rare. Booking 2–6 weeks in advance usually yields better prices.
7. Which airline is best for comfort on this route?
JetBlue and Southwest are popular for extra legroom and customer-friendly policies.
8. Is it cheaper to book round-trip or one-way flights?
Round-trip flights often cost less per segment but check both options before booking.
9. Do I need a passport to fly from Florida to South Carolina?
No, both are U.S. states. A valid government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license) is sufficient.
10. When is the best time of year to visit South Carolina?
Spring and fall are ideal for mild weather and affordable airfare.
Conclusion
Finding cheap flights from Florida to South Carolina doesn’t have to be stressful. By choosing flexible dates, comparing airports and using smart booking tools, you can secure affordable airfare and enjoy a smooth trip. Whether you are planning a weekend in Charleston, a family getaway to Myrtle Beach or a business meeting in Columbia, flying is the most efficient way to travel between these neighboring states.
