Last recalculated Apr 15, 2026
Drive Time
24m
Distance
18.2 mi
29 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$3
one way
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Gaston, SC
Daniel Sell
Hillside, SC
Huy Phan
The drive from Gaston, SC to Hillside, SC covers 18.2 miles and takes about 24m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on Highway 321, Augusta Road, I 26 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 4.9 miles on Highway 321. At current regular gas prices, budget about $2.85 one way before food or hotel costs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.
Midpoint
9.1 miles from Gaston, SC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 10m into the drive .
The drive from Gaston, SC to Hillside, SC covers 18.2 miles and takes about 24m, using a mix of highways and local roads.
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 8.9 miles in.
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 18.2 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 8.9 miles: Navigation decision point; at 12.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 16.8 miles (Kitti Wake Drive): Navigation decision point.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Take the ramp toward I 26 West: Spartanburg
Navigation decision point
Take the exit toward US 1 South: Lexington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Turn left onto Kitti Wake Drive
Navigation decision point
Enter roundabout onto Laurel Road
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Turn right onto Backman Road
Navigation decision point
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Highway 321 | 4.9 mi | 5m |
| Augusta Road | 3.8 mi | 5m |
| I 26 | 3.4 mi | 3m |
| Charleston Highway | 3.1 mi | 3m |
| South Main Street | 1 mi | 1m |
| Laurel Road | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Two Notch Road | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Backman Road | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Gaston, SC and Hillside, SC.
Start on US 321
Continue on US 321
Continue on US 21; US 176; US 321
Continue on US 21; US 176; US 321
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 26
Take the exit
Merge onto US 1
Turn left onto Kitti Wake Drive
Turn right onto Two Notch Road
Enter roundabout onto Laurel Road
Continue on Laurel Road
Turn right onto Backman Road
Arrive at destination
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.
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 18 miles or 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 9.1 miles or 10m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hillside, SC than in the middle of the route.
Have your navigation ready before leaving Gaston, SC.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Gaston, SC
This is one driving day of about 18.2 miles and 24m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 9.1 mi from Gaston, SC · 10m into the drive
A short stop after about 18 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 9.1 miles from Gaston, SC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Hillside, SC if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$2.85 one way
$5.69 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $3.11 | $6.22 |
| premium | $4.70 | $3.37 | $6.74 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $4.02 | $8.04 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$28–$53
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 6.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 5.5 | 0 | $1.91 | $0.87 |
| Efficient EV | 4.6 | 0 | $1.59 | $0.73 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 7.3 | 0 | $2.55 | $1.16 |
Gas CO2
6 kg
EV CO2
2 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Evening in Gaston on Wednesday
Local time
6:55 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Clear
Destination
Evening in Hillside on Wednesday
Local time
6:55 PM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Clear
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
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