Trip from Fairfax, SC to Charleston, SC

Compiled by the Trip.ovh editorial team · Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026 · Methodology

Drive Time

2h 20m

Distance

94.4 mi

152 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$15

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min

4 AM

2h 11m ★

6 AM

2h 20m

8 AM

2h 40m

10 AM

2h 27m

12 PM

2h 25m

3 PM

2h 28m

5 PM

2h 39m

8 PM

2h 15m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Fairfax, SC

Brett Sayles

Trip Overview

This 94.4-mile drive from Fairfax to Charleston, South Carolina, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. You'll primarily be on Savannah Highway, Ace Basin Parkway, and Yemassee Highway, with about 35% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost is around $15, making it an economical choice for a short excursion. This route offers a straightforward connection within the Southeast region, perfect for a quick getaway or as a segment of a larger Southern road trip. Given its relatively short duration, it's ideal for a single-day adventure without needing an overnight stay.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

47.2 miles from Fairfax, SC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 12m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 20m. Total distance: 94.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (35%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Scenic Drive

Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.

Drive Character

The drive from Fairfax to Charleston presents a mixed driving experience, featuring both highway and local road segments. With 35% of the route on highways, you can expect some faster-paced driving, interspersed with stretches on more local routes. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 29.7 miles on Savannah Highway. This means you'll likely experience a changing road environment as you progress, transitioning between quicker travel and potentially more varied scenery or traffic patterns typical of a mixed drive.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.

There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Savannah Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 29.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 8 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near 6th Street West.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 94.4 miles you will encounter 8 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (6th Street West): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (US 321 / Hampton Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (US 278 / Allendale-Hampton Highway): Navigation decision point.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 8 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | 6th Street West

Turn right onto 6th Street West

Navigation decision point

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 321 / Hampton Avenue

Turn right onto US 321 / Hampton Avenue

Navigation decision point

0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 278 / Allendale-Hampton Highway

Turn left onto US 278 / Allendale-Hampton Highway

Navigation decision point

14.1 mi into trip | ~21m in | SC 68 / Yemassee Highway

Keep slight left at fork onto SC 68 / Yemassee Highway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

92.6 mi into trip | ~2h 15m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Savannah Highway	29.7 mi	43m
Ace Basin Parkway	17.1 mi	22m
Yemassee Highway	15.1 mi	26m
Trask Parkway	12.4 mi	16m
Augusta Highway	6.6 mi	9m
US 17 Alt	3.9 mi	5m
Elm Street West	2.7 mi	4m
West Carolina Avenue	2.1 mi	3m

Longest stretch: Savannah Highway — 29.7 mi, about 43m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fairfax, SC and Charleston, SC.

Start on this road

274 ft · 13 sec · this road

Turn right onto 6th Street West

286 ft · 14 sec · 6th Street West

Turn right onto US 321

0.1 mi · 12 sec · Hampton Avenue

Turn left onto US 278

1.1 mi · 1 min · Allendale-Hampton Highway

Continue on US 278

1.8 mi · 2 min · Augusta Highway

Continue on US 278

1.4 mi · 2 min · Railroad Avenue Southwest

Continue on US 278

3.7 mi · 5 min · Augusta Highway

Continue on US 278

2.7 mi · 4 min · Elm Street West

Continue on US 278

2.1 mi · 3 min · West Carolina Avenue

Continue on US 278

1.1 mi · 1 min · Augusta Highway

Keep slight left at fork onto SC 68

15 mi · 26 min · Yemassee Highway

Turn slight right onto SC 68

0.2 mi · 25 sec · Connelly Street

Turn right onto US 17 Alt; US 21

3.9 mi · 5 min · US 17 Alt; US 21

Merge onto US 17; US 21

12 mi · 16 min · Trask Parkway

Continue on US 17

17 mi · 22 min · Ace Basin Parkway

Continue on US 17

30 mi · 43 min · Savannah Highway

Take the exit

441 ft · 12 sec

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 15 sec

Turn straight onto Lockwood Drive

0.9 mi · 2 min · Lockwood Drive

Continue on Broad Street

0.9 mi · 2 min · Broad Street

Use the straight lane.

Arrive at destination

Broad Street

Trip Plan

For this 2-hour and 20-minute drive, departing in the morning will give you ample time to reach Charleston and explore. Since there are no designated stops in the data, plan to take breaks as needed, perhaps during the 29.7-mile stretch on Savannah Highway. The total fuel cost is estimated at $15, so ensure your tank is sufficiently full before leaving Fairfax. This route's flexibility means you can adapt your schedule easily, but keep an eye on local traffic conditions as you approach Charleston, as this is a common area for congestion.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.

The halfway point lands around 47.2 miles from Fairfax, SC, or about 1h 12m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 29.7 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 21 miles or 33m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 47.2 miles or 1h 12m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 53m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Charleston, SC than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Fairfax, SC so your first major turns are already loaded.

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Fairfax, SC

This is one driving day of about 94.4 miles and 2h 20m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Fairfax, SC.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

The longest stretch is on Savannah Highway for about 29.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 47.2 mi from Fairfax, SC · 1h 12m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Walterboro, SC

47 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Popular next leg

Walterboro, SC to Charleston, SC

48.5 mi · 1h 17m

Pacing Suggestions

Yemassee, SC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Walterboro, SC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 47.2 miles from Fairfax, SC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Charleston, SC

The final approach into Charleston, SC usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Charleston, SC.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Muddy Waters Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Charleston, South Carolina

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 94.4

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+18433438937

Visit website

Top Coffee Stop

Bitty and Beau’s Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Charleston, South Carolina

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 94.4

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18436090455

Visit website

The Black Door Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Charleston, South Carolina

0.1 mi

Kudu - Coffee, Craft Beer & Wine

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Charleston, South Carolina

0.8 mi

Muddy Waters Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 94.4

Charleston, South Carolina

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+18433438937

Visit website

Second State Coffee

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour Moderately mile 94.4

Mt Pleasant, South Carolina

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Bitty and Beau’s Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 94.4

Charleston, South Carolina

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18436090455

Visit website

The Black Door Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 94.4

Charleston, South Carolina

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+18435772400

Visit website

Kudu - Coffee, Craft Beer & Wine

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 94.4

Charleston, South Carolina

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

Visit website

Cafe Charlotte

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 87.7

Charleston, South Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

Visit website

Bad Bunnies Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 94.4

Charleston, South Carolina

Hours: 7:30 am–2 pm

+18434147777

Visit website

Second State Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 87.7

Charleston, South Carolina

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Sightsee Shop

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 94.4

Charleston, South Carolina

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+18432126538

Visit website

The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 94.4

Charleston, South Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+18436373410

Visit website

Time Traveler Adventures

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 94.4

Charleston, South Carolina

Hours: 11 am–1 pm

+18435017924

Visit website

Charleston Sole Walking Tours

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 94.4

Charleston, South Carolina

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18433648272

Visit website

Gullah Tours

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 94.4

Charleston, South Carolina

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+18437637551

Visit website

Adventure Harbour Tours

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 94.4

Mt Pleasant, South Carolina

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+18434429455

Visit website

Shem Creek Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 94.4

Mt Pleasant, South Carolina

Hours: 5 am–12 pm

+18438844440

Visit website

On Purpose Adventures

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 94.4

Mt Pleasant, South Carolina

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18548889893

Visit website

James Island County Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 94.4

Charleston, South Carolina

+18434066990

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Two forts stand at the entrance of Charleston Harbor. Patriots inside a palmetto log fort, later named Fort Moultrie, defeated the Royal Navy in 1776. As Charleston blazed a path towards secession to...

4 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 near mile 94.4

View on nps.gov

Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

National Historical Park

The Reconstruction era,1861-1900 the historic period in which the United States grappled with the question of how to integrate millions of newly freed African Americans into social, political, economi...

16 mi from route ~41 min detour Free near mile 39.1

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.76 one way

$29.52 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 33 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$16.14	$32.28
premium	$4.70	$17.47	$34.94
diesel	$5.61	$20.84	$41.68

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$15

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$40–$65

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 33 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	28.3	$9.91	$4.53
Efficient EV	23.6	$8.26	$3.78
EV Truck/SUV	37.8	$13.22	$6.04

Gas CO2

33 kg

EV CO2

11 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Fairfax, SC

Late night in Fairfax on Friday

Local time

1:36 AM

EDT

Current temp

48°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Charleston, SC

Late night in Charleston on Friday

Local time

1:36 AM

EDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

10 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 20m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Fairfax, SC to Charleston, SC covers 94.4 miles and takes about 2h 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Savannah Highway, Ace Basin Parkway, Yemassee Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 47.2 miles from Fairfax, SC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $14.76 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

The route from Fairfax, SC to Charleston, SC does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Yes. Nearby national parks include Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park and Reconstruction Era National Historical Park.

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Explore More

Explore more options from Fairfax, SC or browse trips ending in Charleston, SC.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse SC road trips.

Trip from Fairfax, SC to Charleston, SC

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Who Is This Route For?

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Charleston, SC

Nearby Places

Muddy Waters Coffee Bar

Bitty and Beau’s Coffee

Muddy Waters Coffee Bar

Second State Coffee

Bitty and Beau’s Coffee

The Black Door Cafe

Kudu - Coffee, Craft Beer & Wine

Cafe Charlotte

Bad Bunnies Coffee

Second State Coffee

Sightsee Shop

The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery

Time Traveler Adventures

Charleston Sole Walking Tours

Gullah Tours

Adventure Harbour Tours

Shem Creek Park

On Purpose Adventures

James Island County Park

National Parks Near This Route

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Fairfax, SC

Charleston, SC

Same local time

10 degrees warmer at arrival

2h 20m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

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