This 89.7-mile drive from Hardeeville, SC to North Charleston, SC is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 56 minutes. The route primarily utilizes Savannah Highway and I-95, with a significant portion on Ace Basin Parkway. With an estimated fuel cost of around $14, this highway-focused journey through the Southeast is a straightforward option for getting between these two South Carolina locations. There are no designated overnight stops needed, making it a flexible choice for your travel plans.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
44.9 miles from Hardeeville, SC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 54m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 56m. Total distance: 89.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Expect a highway-focused drive for this 89.7-mile trip, with 61% of the route on interstates. You'll experience a longest uninterrupted stretch of 25.2 miles on Savannah Highway, offering a consistent pace. While much of the drive is on faster roads like I-95, segments on Savannah Highway and Ace Basin Parkway may offer a slightly different feel. The road profile generally favors efficient travel over leisurely sightseeing.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 15 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 25.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Savannah Highway and I 95. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 2 miles in near US 278 / Independence Boulevard.
Driving Effort4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 1h 56m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2 miles (US 278 / Independence Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 2.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 27 miles (US 17): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 9 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
2 mi into trip|~3m in|US 278 / Independence Boulevard
Turn right onto US 278 / Independence Boulevard
Navigation decision point
5
2.4 mi into trip|~3m in
Take the exit toward I 95 North: Florence
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward I 95 North: Florence
5
27 mi into trip|~30m in|US 17
Take the exit onto US 17 toward US 17 North: Charleston, Beaufort
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 17 North: Charleston, Beaufort
4
27.4 mi into trip|~30m in|US 17
Keep slight left at fork onto US 17
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
4
89.6 mi into trip|~1h 56m in|US 52; US 78 / Rivers Avenue
Turn right onto US 52; US 78 / Rivers Avenue
Navigation decision point
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Hardeeville, SC to North Charleston, SC, road signs begin pointing toward Beaufort along the way.
Beaufort
27 mi in|~30m|via US 17
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Savannah Highway
25.2 mi
34m
I 95
24.2 mi
25m
Ace Basin Parkway
17.1 mi
22m
Trask Parkway
12.7 mi
16m
Sam Rittenberg Boulevard
3.9 mi
6m
Whyte Hardee Boulevard
2 mi
2m
Cosgrove Avenue
2 mi
3m
Kings Highway
1.2 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Savannah Highway
— 25.2 mi, about 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hardeeville, SC and North Charleston, SC.
1
Start on SC 46
122 ft·4 sec·Main Street
2
Turn right onto US 17
2.0 mi·2 min·Whyte Hardee Boulevard
3
Turn right onto US 278
0.4 mi·36 sec·Independence Boulevard
4
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward I 95 North: Florence
5
Merge onto I 95
24 mi·25 min·I 95
6
Take the exit onto US 17
0.4 mi·30 sec·US 17
Toward US 17 North: Charleston, Beaufort
7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 17
0.1 mi·12 sec·US 17
8
Merge onto US 17
1.2 mi·1 min·Kings Highway
9
Continue on US 17
13 mi·16 min·Trask Parkway
10
Continue on US 17
17 mi·22 min·Ace Basin Parkway
11
Continue on US 17
25 mi·34 min·Savannah Highway
12
Turn left onto SC 7
3.9 mi·6 min·Sam Rittenberg Boulevard
13
Continue on SC 7
2.0 mi·3 min·Cosgrove Avenue
14
Turn right onto US 52; US 78
0.1 mi·11 sec·Rivers Avenue
15
Arrive at destination
US 52; US 78
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of under two hours, this route offers plenty of flexibility for departure times. You can easily make this a morning or afternoon drive, depending on your schedule. With a fuel cost estimate of $14, it's an economical choice. Pay attention to the 25.2-mile stretch on Savannah Highway, as this can be a significant portion of the drive without a break. Since there are no required overnight stops, you can easily adjust your timing based on traffic or the need for a quick rest.
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 44.9 miles from Hardeeville, SC, or about 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 25.2 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 20 miles or 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 44.9 miles or 54m 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 36m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near North Charleston, SC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hardeeville, SC so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Hardeeville, SC
This is one driving day of about 89.7 miles and 1h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Hardeeville, SC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Savannah Highway for about 25.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 44.9 mi from Hardeeville, SC
· 54m into the drive
The midpoint is around 44.9 miles from Hardeeville, SC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in North Charleston, SC
The final approach into North Charleston, SC usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
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
Prophet Coffee
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
North Charleston, South Carolina
Near the end, short detour
1.5 mi from route
~4 min detour
$1 to $10
mile 89.7
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...
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...
17 mi from route
~42 min detour
Free
near mile 37.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.03 one way
$28.05 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg31 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$15.34
$30.67
premium
$4.70
$16.60
$33.20
diesel
$5.61
$19.80
$39.61
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$14
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 31.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
26.9
0
$9.42
$4.31
Efficient EV
22.4
0
$7.85
$3.59
EV Truck/SUV
35.9
0
$12.56
$5.74
Gas CO2
31 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (68% 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 16, 2026
Origin
Hardeeville, SC
Night
in Hardeeville on Friday
Local time
11:04 PM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
North Charleston, SC
Night
in North Charleston on Friday
Local time
11:04 PM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Sunny
SW 9 to 16 mph0% chanceLive 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
31 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
1h 56m on the road
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Hardeeville, SC to North Charleston, SC covers 89.7 miles and takes about 1h 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Savannah Highway, I 95, Ace Basin Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 44.9 miles from Hardeeville, SC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $14.03 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.
This is a straightforward 1h 56m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 2 miles (US 278 / Independence Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 2.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 27 miles (US 17): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Hardeeville, SC to North Charleston, SC, road signs begin pointing toward Beaufort along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park and Reconstruction Era National Historical Park.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
