North Myrtle Beach, SC to Anderson, SC is 273 miles and takes about 5h 32m via J Strom Thurmond Freeway, I 26, and Veterans Highway, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within South Carolina, connecting the Southeast coast to the western part of the state. It's primarily a highway-focused drive, making it a straightforward option if you're looking to get from point A to point B efficiently. With a recommended single day of travel, you can expect a consistent pace for most of the journey. This route is a good choice for a quick transition between these two regions of the Palmetto State.
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
136.5 miles from North Myrtle Beach, SC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 46m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 32m. Total distance: 273 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 80% of the route utilizing major interstates and freeways. You'll spend a good portion of your time on the J Strom Thurmond Freeway, which forms the longest uninterrupted stretch at 76.4 miles. Expect a consistent, relatively fast pace for most of this 5.5-hour journey, as you navigate through South Carolina. While the profile is largely highway, the transition onto I 26 and Veterans Highway will offer some variation in the road's character as you progress westward.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 36 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
J Strom Thurmond Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 76.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on J Strom Thurmond Freeway and I 26. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.9 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 273 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.9 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
2.9 mi into trip|~5m in
Turn left toward SC 31 South: US 501, Myrtle Beach
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward SC 31 South: US 501, Myrtle Beach
5
7.7 mi into trip|~11m in
Take the exit toward SC 22: Myrtle Beach, Conway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward SC 22: Myrtle Beach, Conway
5
8.1 mi into trip|~12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward SC 22 West: Conway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward SC 22 West: Conway
6
34.7 mi into trip|~44m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 501 North: Aynor, Marion
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 501 North: Aynor, Marion
9
216.5 mi into trip|~4h 16m in|I 385
Keep slight left at fork onto I 385 toward I 385 North: Laurens, Greenville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 51
Toward I 385 North: Laurens, Greenville
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between North Myrtle Beach, SC and Anderson, SC, road signs point toward Marion, Greenville and Pelzer.
Step-by-step road directions between North Myrtle Beach, SC and Anderson, SC.
1
Start on S-26-358
0.7 mi·1 min·6th Avenue South
2
Turn right onto US 17
0.3 mi·40 sec·US Highway 17 South
3
Turn left onto Robert Edge Parkway
1.9 mi·3 min·Robert Edge Parkway
Use the left lane.
4
Turn left
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward SC 31 South: US 501, Myrtle Beach
5
Merge onto SC 31
4.4 mi·5 min·Carolina Bays Parkway
6
Take the exit
0.4 mi·56 sec
Toward SC 22: Myrtle Beach, Conway
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward SC 22 West: Conway
8
Merge onto SC 22
26 mi·30 min·Veterans Highway
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward US 501 North: Aynor, Marion
10
Merge onto US 501
21 mi·24 min·US 501
11
Turn straight onto SC 576
3.2 mi·3 min·SC 576
12
Continue on US 76
6.7 mi·7 min·US 76
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 76; US 301
12 mi·16 min·US 76; US 301
Use the straight lane.
14
Turn slight right onto East Cheves Street
1.7 mi·3 min·East Cheves Street
15
Turn right onto Warley Street
0.1 mi·18 sec·Warley Street
16
Turn left onto S-21-31
2.4 mi·4 min·West Evans Street
17
Turn right onto I 20 Bus
1.5 mi·2 min·West David H McLeod Boulevard
18
Continue on I 20 Bus
76 mi·1 hr 25 min·J Strom Thurmond Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
1.7 mi·3 min
Exit 64BToward I 26 West
20
Merge onto I 26; US 76
55 mi·1 hr·I 26; US 76
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 385
23 mi·24 min·I 385
Exit 51Toward I 385 North: Laurens, GreenvilleUse the slight left / straight lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·37 sec
Toward SC 418: Fountain Inn, Pelzer
23
Turn left onto SC 418
0.4 mi·42 sec·McCarter Road
24
Continue on SC 418
1.3 mi·2 min·Milacron Drive
25
Continue on SC 418
9.9 mi·14 min·Highway 418
26
Turn left onto US 25
0.1 mi·11 sec·Augusta Road
27
Turn right onto SC 247
5.6 mi·8 min·Cooley Bridge Road
28
Continue on SC 247
3.6 mi·4 min·Highway 247
29
Continue on SC 247
1.3 mi·2 min·River Street
30
Turn left onto SC 20
374 ft·12 sec·North Main Street
31
Turn right onto US 76; US 178; SC 20
2.3 mi·3 min·Anderson Street
32
Continue on US 76; US 178
4.7 mi·6 min·Belton Highway
33
Continue on US 76; US 178
3.6 mi·5 min·East River Street
34
Turn right onto South Fant Street
0.2 mi·35 sec·South Fant Street
35
Turn left onto East Whitner Street
0.3 mi·50 sec·East Whitner Street
36
Arrive at destination
East Whitner Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour 32-minute duration, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow ample time for any unexpected delays. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 76.4-mile stretch on the J Strom Thurmond Freeway, as services might be less frequent. The $43 fuel cost is a good estimate for this 273-mile drive, so budget accordingly before you set off.
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 136.5 miles from North Myrtle Beach, SC, or about 2h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 76.4 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 60 miles or 1h 13m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 136.5 miles or 2h 46m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Anderson, SC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving North Myrtle Beach, 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 North Myrtle Beach, SC
This is one driving day of about 273 miles and 5h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from North Myrtle Beach, 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 J Strom Thurmond Freeway for about 76.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 136.5 mi from North Myrtle Beach, SC
· 2h 46m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Congaree National Park
National Park
Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Waters from the Congaree and...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 150.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.69 one way
$85.38 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg96 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$46.68
$93.36
premium
$4.70
$50.53
$101.05
diesel
$5.61
$60.27
$120.55
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$43
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 95.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
8 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: good
Blink Charging Station
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Blink
1 DCFC
Circle K Charging Station
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Other
1 DCFC
Tesla Supercharger
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Tesla
1 DCFC
Tesla Destination Charger
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Tesla Destination
1 DCFC
Tesla Destination Charger
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Tesla Destination
1 DCFC
EV Connect Charging Station
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
EV Connect
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
FLO Charging Station
Longs, South Carolina
FLO
1 DCFC
Tesla Destination: 2
Blink: 1
Other: 1
Tesla: 1
EV Connect: 1
ChargePoint: 1
FLO: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
81.9
1
$28.66
$13.10
Efficient EV
68.3
0
$23.89
$10.92
EV Truck/SUV
109.2
1
$38.22
$17.47
Gas CO2
96 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
North Myrtle Beach, SC
Late night
in North Myrtle Beach on Saturday
Local time
5:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Anderson, SC
Late night
in Anderson on Saturday
Local time
5:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°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
30 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
5h 32m 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 North Myrtle Beach, SC to Anderson, SC covers 273 miles and takes about 5h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are J Strom Thurmond Freeway, I 26, Veterans Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 136.5 miles from North Myrtle Beach, SC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $42.69 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 is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 273 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.9 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Between North Myrtle Beach, SC and Anderson, SC, road signs point toward Marion, Greenville and Pelzer.
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, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
