Begin at the Charleston Visitor Center

Your trip begins at the Charleston Visitor Center, Explore Charleston’s main downtown visitor center at 375 Meeting Street. Located between Mary and Ann streets, the visitor center is a convenient departure point for travelers staying throughout downtown Charleston. It is close to hotels, restaurants, museums and the shops of Upper King Street. Charleston’s free DASH buses also serve the surrounding area, giving visitors another convenient way to reach the visitor center from elsewhere on the peninsula.

To travel to Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, board an outbound CARTA Route 41 bus at the Mary Street and Meeting Street stop near the visitor center. Route 41 is labeled “Coleman Boulevard” and travels directly from downtown Charleston into Mount Pleasant.

A Direct Ride Across the Cooper River

Once aboard Route 41, you can settle in and enjoy the trip across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Along the way, the route passes near Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park and continues toward Shem Creek.

The scheduled ride from Mary Street and Meeting Street to Coleman Boulevard and Mill Street is approximately 20 minutes. You will not need to change buses along the way.

That makes CARTA a helpful option for visitors who:

• Are staying downtown without a vehicle
• Would rather avoid driving and parking
• Want an affordable way to reach Mount Pleasant
• Prefer to relax and enjoy the view across the Cooper River
• Are looking for a lower-impact transportation option

Get Off at Mill Street in Shem Creek

Your stop is listed on the CARTA schedule as Coleman Boulevard and Mill Street (Shem Creek). If you’re looking for Shem Creek, Mt. Pleasant, SC, from the bus stop, walk down Mill Street toward the creek and our private outpost:

Coastal Expeditions on Shem Creek
514 Mill Street
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Our location sits on a peaceful bend of Shem Creek, away from the busiest restaurant area. Once you arrive, you’ll find our private dock, retail shop, bathrooms and the starting point for a variety of Lowcountry adventures.

Depending on the day and season, your visit might include a guided kayak tour, a kayak or paddleboard rental, a dolphin cruise or another naturalist-led excursion into Charleston Harbor and the surrounding salt marsh.

What Does the Bus Cost?

CARTA currently lists the regular fixed-route fare as $2 each way when paying cash. Fare boxes accept bills and coins, but drivers cannot provide change, so bring the exact amount.

Visitors can also purchase a mobile pass through the Token Transit app. A one-day pass may be useful if you plan to use other CARTA routes during your visit.

Children under six ride regular routes free when accompanied by a paying passenger. Reduced fares may also be available to eligible seniors and passengers with disabilities. All CARTA buses are wheelchair accessible.

Because fares and policies can change, check CARTA’s current fare information before your trip.

Plan Your Trip in Advance

Route 41 currently operates on weekdays and Saturdays, with no Sunday service listed in CARTA’s published timetable. Service is less frequent than visitors from larger cities may expect, so planning around the schedule is important—especially if you have a reserved tour or rental.

A few tips will make your trip easier:

• Review the outbound and return schedules before leaving downtown.
• Plan to reach the bus stop at least five minutes early.
• Confirm that you are boarding outbound Route 41 toward Mount Pleasant.
• Allow extra time for traffic and unexpected delays.
• Use the Transit app or CARTA’s live transit map for current arrival information.
• Save the schedule for your return trip before heading out on the water.
• If you have booked an excursion, choose a bus scheduled to arrive well before your check-in time.

Visit CARTA’s website to view the latest Route 41 timetable and service information.

Make Shem Creek Part of Your Car-Free Charleston Visit

If you’re wondering where is Shem Creek, SC, it is in Mount Pleasant, just across the Cooper River from downtown Charleston. Shem Creek gives you a different look at Lowcountry life. Shrimp boats line the water, dolphins move between the creek and harbor, and salt-marsh wildlife is never far from view.

Board Route 41 outside Explore Charleston’s downtown visitor center, enjoy a direct ride of approximately 20 minutes and step off at Mill Street—right in the heart of Mount Pleasant’s Shem Creek and just a short walk from Coastal Expeditions.

It’s an easy, affordable way to leave the car behind and experience another side of the Lowcountry.

Ready to get out on the water? Explore our Shem Creek tours and rentals and plan your adventure.

Transit routes, fares and schedules are subject to change. Always confirm current information with CARTA before traveling, and allow sufficient time to arrive before your scheduled activity.