Origin
Hampton, SC
Late night in Hampton on Friday
Local time
2:55 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hampton, SC to Spartanburg, SC
Compiled by the Trip.ovh editorial team · Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026 · Methodology
Drive Time
3h 30m
Distance
174.7 mi
281 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 18m
★
6 AM
3h 30m
8 AM
3h 55m
10 AM
3h 39m
12 PM
3h 37m
3 PM
3h 40m
5 PM
3h 54m
8 PM
3h 23m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hampton, SC
Colon Freld
Spartanburg, SC
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 174.7-mile drive from Hampton, SC to Spartanburg, SC will take approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. It's a manageable one-day trip, so you won't need to worry about an overnight stay. The majority of the journey utilizes major highways, making it a straightforward drive through the Southeast region. Expect to spend around $27 on fuel for this route. With a mixed drive profile, it offers a blend of experiences as you travel north.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
87.3 miles from Hampton, SC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 49m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 30m. Total distance: 174.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (53%). Straightforward navigation.
Drive Character
This route features a 53% highway share, meaning you'll spend a good portion of your time on faster roads like I 26. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 86.2 miles on I 26, so be prepared for extended periods of steady driving. Savannah Highway and Carolina Highway also play a role, likely offering a change of pace from the interstate. Overall, expect a mixed drive that transitions between efficient highway travel and potentially more local road segments.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 23 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 26 is the longest continuous segment at about 86.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near US 278 / Elm Street West.
Driving Effort
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 3h 30m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (US 278 / Elm Street West): Navigation decision point; at 20.5 miles (US 321 / Carolina Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 79.9 miles (I 26): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 7 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0.3 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
US 278 / Elm Street West
At end of road, turn left onto US 278 / Elm Street West
Navigation decision point
4
20.5 mi into trip
|
~30m in
|
US 321 / Carolina Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 321 / Carolina Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
79.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 41m in
|
I 26
Merge onto I 26
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
142.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 50m in
|
I 26
Keep slight right at fork onto I 26 toward Spartanburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Spartanburg
8
166.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 15m in
Take the exit toward US 221: Spartanburg-South, Moore
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 28
Toward US 221: Spartanburg-South, Moore
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 26 | 86.2 mi | 1h 34m |
| Savannah Highway | 23.7 mi | 26m |
| Carolina Highway | 19.7 mi | 22m |
| Bufords Bridge Highway | 10.9 mi | 15m |
| South Church Street | 7.3 mi | 13m |
| Augusta Highway | 5.5 mi | 7m |
| Highway 321 | 4.9 mi | 5m |
| Southbound Road | 4.1 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
I 26
— 86.2 mi, about 1h 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hampton, SC and Spartanburg, SC.
1
Start on Helen Street
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Helen Street
2
At end of road, turn left onto US 278
0.4 mi
·
31 sec
·
Elm Street West
3
Continue on US 278
3.7 mi
·
5 min
·
Augusta Highway
4
Continue on US 278
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Railroad Avenue Southeast
5
Continue on US 278
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Augusta Highway
6
Continue on US 278
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Allendale-Hampton Highway
7
Turn right onto US 321
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Hampton Avenue
8
Continue on US 321
11 mi
·
15 min
·
Bufords Bridge Highway
9
Keep slight left at fork onto US 321
20 mi
·
22 min
·
Carolina Highway
10
Continue on US 321
24 mi
·
26 min
·
Savannah Highway
11
Continue on US 321
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
South Church Street
12
Continue on US 321
4.1 mi
·
5 min
·
Southbound Road
13
Continue on US 321
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
South Main Street
14
Continue on US 321
4.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Highway 321
15
Continue on US 21; US 176; US 321
3.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Charleston Highway
16
Continue on US 21; US 176; US 321
349 ft
·
11 sec
·
Charleston Highway
17
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
47 sec
Toward I 26 West: Spartanburg
18
Merge onto I 26
63 mi
·
1 hr 8 min
·
I 26
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 26
24 mi
·
25 min
·
I 26
Toward Spartanburg
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 28
Toward US 221: Spartanburg-South, Moore
Use the slight right lane.
21
Turn straight onto US 221
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Highway 221
22
Continue on US 221
6.0 mi
·
10 min
·
South Church Street
23
Arrive at destination
US 221; SC 56
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour and 30-minute duration, departing in the morning is ideal to allow for flexibility. You'll encounter one recommended stop along the way, which should be ample for a break on this shorter trip. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $27, and plan your refueling accordingly. Since this is a single-day drive, you have the advantage of not needing to rush. A good tip is to take advantage of the 86.2-mile stretch on I 26 to settle into a rhythm, but be ready to adjust your speed when you transition to Savannah Highway or Carolina Highway.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 87.3 miles from Hampton, SC, or about 1h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86.2 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 38 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 87.3 miles or 1h 49m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Spartanburg, SC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hampton, 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 Hampton, SC
This is one driving day of about 174.7 miles and 3h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Hampton, SC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 26 for about 86.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 87.3 mi from Hampton, SC · 1h 49m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
87 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.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 87.3 miles from Hampton, SC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 26 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 86.2 miles.
Arriving in Spartanburg, SC
The final approach into Spartanburg, 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 Spartanburg, SC.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.32 one way
$54.64 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
61 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $29.87 | $59.74 |
| premium | $4.70 | $32.33 | $64.67 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $38.57 | $77.14 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 61.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 52.4 | 0 | $18.34 | $8.39 |
| Efficient EV | 43.7 | 0 | $15.29 | $6.99 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 69.9 | 0 | $24.46 | $11.18 |
Gas CO2
61 kg
EV CO2
20 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.
Destination
Spartanburg, SC
Late night in Spartanburg on Friday
Local time
2:55 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°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
1 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 30m 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 Hampton, SC to Spartanburg, SC covers 174.7 miles and takes about 3h 30m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 26, Savannah Highway, Carolina Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 87.3 miles from Hampton, SC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $27.32 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a straightforward 3h 30m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (US 278 / Elm Street West): Navigation decision point; at 20.5 miles (US 321 / Carolina Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 79.9 miles (I 26): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Hampton, SC to Spartanburg, SC does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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