The public cellular telephone charging station (10) is a publicly accessible charging system for cellular telephones and other portable devices. The charging station (10) includes a housing (12) and a support (14) for supporting the housing (12) on a support surface. At least one receptacle (16) is provided within the housing (12) for receiving at least one cellular telephone (C) to be charged. Circuits (100), which include a timer (106), are disposed within the housing (12). A charging system for charging the at least one cellular telephone is further provided, with the charge time being calculated by the circuits (100) and being measured and controlled by the timer (106). At least one charging port (18, 20, 22) is located within the at least one receptacle (16) for releasable connection to, and charging of, the at least one cellular telephone (C).