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Trip from Judson, SC to Charleston, SC

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 6m

Distance

215.5 mi

347 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$34

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 53m ★
6 AM
4h 6m
8 AM
4h 32m
10 AM
4h 15m
12 PM
4h 13m
3 PM
4h 17m
5 PM
4h 31m
8 PM
3h 59m

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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Downtown Judson, SC, SC

Judson, SC

cottonbro studio

Trip Overview

The drive from Judson, SC to Charleston, SC covers 215.5 miles and takes about 4h 6m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 26, Golden Strip Freeway, I 385 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 168.3 miles on I 26. At current regular gas prices, budget about $33.70 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

107.8 miles from Judson, SC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 3m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 6m. Total distance: 215.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This is a 4h 6m highway drive covering 215.5 miles, with most of the trip on I 26 and Golden Strip Freeway. The longest continuous stretch is about 168.3 miles on I 26.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 14 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 168.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 26 and Golden Strip Freeway. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 13.7 miles in near I 385 / Golden Strip Freeway.

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 215.5 miles you will encounter 9 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 13.7 miles (I 385 / Golden Strip Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 45.2 miles (I 26): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 101 miles (I 26): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 9 key points

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

6
13.7 mi into trip | ~20m in | I 385 / Golden Strip Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 385 / Golden Strip Freeway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
45.2 mi into trip | ~55m in | I 26

Merge onto I 26

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane.
7
101 mi into trip | ~1h 56m in | I 26

Keep slight right at fork onto I 26 toward Charleston

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Charleston
6
213.6 mi into trip | ~4h 2m in

Take the exit toward Meeting Street, Visitor Center, Downtown

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 221B Toward Meeting Street, Visitor Center, Downtown
6
213.9 mi into trip | ~4h 2m in | US 52 / Meeting Street

Turn right onto US 52 / Meeting Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 26 168.3 mi 3h 6m
Golden Strip Freeway 31.6 mi 34m
I 385 10.5 mi 12m
Meeting Street 1.6 mi 3m
South Main Street 1.1 mi 2m
East North Street 0.7 mi 1m
Anderson Street 0.5 mi 1m
Anderson Road 0.5 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 26 — 168.3 mi, about 3h 6m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on 9th Street

0.1 mi · 31 sec · 9th Street
2

Turn slight right onto Honour Street

0.2 mi · 48 sec · Honour Street
3

At end of road, turn left onto SC 81

0.5 mi · 1 min · Anderson Road
4

Continue on SC 81

0.5 mi · 1 min · Anderson Street
5

At end of road, turn right onto SC 124

1.1 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
6

Turn right onto East North Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · East North Street
7

Continue on I 385

10 mi · 12 min · I 385
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight left at fork onto I 385

32 mi · 34 min · Golden Strip Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Merge onto I 26

56 mi · 1 hr 1 min · I 26
Use the slight right lane.
10

Keep slight right at fork onto I 26

113 mi · 2 hr 5 min · I 26
Toward Charleston Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 52 sec
Exit 221B Toward Meeting Street, Visitor Center, Downtown
12

Turn right onto US 52

1.6 mi · 3 min · Meeting Street
Use the right lane.
13

Turn left onto Broad Street

40 ft · 1 sec · Broad Street
14

Arrive at destination

Broad Street

Trip Plan

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 107.8 miles from Judson, SC, or about 2h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 168.3 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 47 miles or 57m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 107.8 miles or 2h 3m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 20m

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 Judson, 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 Judson, SC

This is one driving day of about 215.5 miles and 4h 6m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Judson, 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 168.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 107.8 mi from Judson, SC · 2h 3m into the drive

city in Lexington County, South Carolina, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

West Columbia, SC

108 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

West Columbia, SC to Charleston, SC

113.4 mi · 2h 9m

Pacing Suggestions

Fountain Inn, SC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 47 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

West Columbia, SC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 107.8 miles from Judson, SC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 26 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 168.3 miles.

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.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

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

The Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

North Charleston, South Carolina

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 200.1

Hours: 8:30 am–2 pm

+18433679070

Muddy Waters Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Charleston, South Carolina

2.8 mi

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 215.5

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

The Coffee House

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 200.1

North Charleston, South Carolina

Hours: 8:30 am–2 pm

+18433679070

Muddy Waters Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 215.5

Charleston, South Carolina

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+18433438937

Visit website

Frankie's of Columbia

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 92.4

Columbia, South Carolina

Hours: 12–10 pm

+18037812342

Visit website

Second State Coffee

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour Moderately mile 215.5

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 215.5

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 215.5

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 215.5

Charleston, South Carolina

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

Visit website

The Village Grind

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Greenville, South Carolina

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

Bad Bunnies Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 215.5

Charleston, South Carolina

Hours: 7:30 am–2 pm

+18434147777

Visit website

Sightsee Shop

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 215.5

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 215.5

Charleston, South Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+18436373410

Visit website

Bridge City Coffee @ The Intersection

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Greenville, South Carolina

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18643739150

Visit website

Time Traveler Adventures

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 215.5

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 215.5

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 215.5

Charleston, South Carolina

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+18437637551

Visit website

Liberty Bridge

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Greenville, South Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Adventure Harbour Tours

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 215.5

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 215.5

Mt Pleasant, South Carolina

Hours: 5 am–12 pm

+18438844440

Visit website

Granby Gardens Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 107.8

Cayce, South Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

The Final Door Escape Room Columbia

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 107.8

Cayce, South Carolina

Hours: 11 am–10:30 pm

+18036022433

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$33.70 one way

$67.40 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 75 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $36.85 $73.69
premium $4.70 $39.88 $79.77
diesel $5.61 $47.58 $95.16

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$34

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$59–$84

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 75.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 64.6 0 $22.63 $10.34
Efficient EV 53.9 0 $18.86 $8.62
EV Truck/SUV 86.2 1 $30.17 $13.79

Gas CO2

75 kg

EV CO2

25 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

Judson, SC

Morning in Judson on Friday

Local time

10:43 AM

EDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Charleston, SC

Morning in Charleston on Friday

Local time

10:43 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

16 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

4h 6m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Judson, SC to Charleston, SC covers 215.5 miles and takes about 4h 6m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 26, Golden Strip Freeway, I 385. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 107.8 miles from Judson, SC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $33.70 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 215.5 miles you will encounter 9 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

The main spots that need attention: at 13.7 miles (I 385 / Golden Strip Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 45.2 miles (I 26): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 101 miles (I 26): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

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

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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