Origin
Ridgeland, SC
Afternoon in Ridgeland on Sunday
Local time
4:16 PM
EDT
Current temp
89°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ridgeland, SC to Summerville, SC
Drive Time
1h 32m
Distance
68.5 mi
110 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$11
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 25m
★
6 AM
1h 32m
8 AM
1h 46m
10 AM
1h 37m
12 PM
1h 36m
3 PM
1h 38m
5 PM
1h 46m
8 PM
1h 28m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ridgeland, SC
Just a Couple Photos
Summerville, SC
Colon Freld
Trip Overview
Traveling from Ridgeland to Summerville is a straightforward 68.5-mile journey across the South Carolina Lowcountry. Expect to spend about 1 hour and 32 minutes behind the wheel, making this a perfect candidate for a single-day trip that requires no overnight stops. Budget roughly $11 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Because both towns are located within the Southeast region, the trip feels like a cohesive local transition rather than a cross-country trek. You will primarily utilize US 17 and US 17 Alt, eventually transitioning onto South Main Street as you near your destination. It is a practical, efficient route that keeps you moving toward your goal without the need for complex detours or multi-day planning.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
34.2 miles from Ridgeland, SC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 39m into the drive .
Drive Character
This highway-focused drive relies on major thoroughfares for 83% of the trip, ensuring a consistent pace throughout your transit. You will spend a significant portion of your time on US 17, which features a longest uninterrupted stretch of 30.7 miles. The road’s personality is defined by these fast, open highway segments that gradually give way to local roads as you approach Summerville. Because you are spending the vast majority of your time on highways, the drive is functional and predictable. Expect to maintain steady speeds, allowing you to settle into a rhythm before transitioning to the final local streets of your journey.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 11 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 17 is the longest continuous segment at about 30.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 17 and US 17 Alt. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 1.7 miles in near US 17.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 1h 32m drive. You will face about 8 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.7 miles (US 17): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 36 miles (SC 63 / Hampton Street): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 8 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
1.7 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
US 17
Take the ramp onto US 17 toward I 95 North, US 17: Florence
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 95 North, US 17: Florence
4
32.4 mi into trip
|
~35m in
Take the exit toward SC 63: Walterboro
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward SC 63: Walterboro
4
36 mi into trip
|
~42m in
|
SC 63 / Hampton Street
Turn right onto SC 63 / Hampton Street
Navigation decision point
3
37.2 mi into trip
|
~44m in
|
SC 64 / Robertson Boulevard
Turn left onto SC 64 / Robertson Boulevard
Navigation decision point
6
64.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 24m in
|
US 17 Alt / South Main Street
Turn left onto US 17 Alt / South Main Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 17 | 30.7 mi | 33m |
| US 17 Alt | 26.2 mi | 38m |
| South Main Street | 4.2 mi | 7m |
| Sniders Highway | 3.2 mi | 6m |
| North Jacob Smart Boulevard | 1.7 mi | 2m |
| Hampton Street | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Robertson Boulevard | 0.8 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
US 17
— 30.7 mi, about 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ridgeland, SC and Summerville, SC.
1
Start on US 17; US 278
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
North Jacob Smart Boulevard
2
Take the ramp onto US 17
31 mi
·
33 min
·
US 17
Toward I 95 North, US 17: Florence
3
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Toward SC 63: Walterboro
4
Turn straight onto SC 63
3.2 mi
·
6 min
·
Sniders Highway
5
Turn right onto SC 63
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Hampton Street
6
Turn left onto SC 64
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Robertson Boulevard
7
Turn right onto US 17 Alt
26 mi
·
38 min
·
US 17 Alt
8
Turn left onto US 17 Alt
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
South Main Street
Use the none lane.
9
Continue on US 17 Alternate
1.2 mi
·
3 min
·
South Main Street
Use the none lane.
10
Turn right
163 ft
·
11 sec
11
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though avoiding peak traffic hours on US 17 is always a smart move. You will not need to plan for any formal stops given the manageable 1 hour and 32-minute duration, but it is always good practice to ensure you have a full tank of gas before heading out. Keep in mind that since 83% of your route is highway-based, your fuel efficiency will likely remain consistent throughout the 68.5-mile trip. As you transition from the highway onto South Main Street, be prepared for a change in speed and road density. Use your travel time to enjoy the ease of a direct, single-day route that gets you from point A to point B without any unnecessary complexity.
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 34.2 miles from Ridgeland, SC, or about 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 30.7 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 68.5 miles or 1h 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 34.2 miles or 39m 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 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Summerville, SC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ridgeland, 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 Ridgeland, SC
This is one driving day of about 68.5 miles and 1h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Ridgeland, SC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on US 17 for about 30.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 34.2 mi from Ridgeland, SC · 39m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
34 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 68.5 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 34.2 miles from Ridgeland, SC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Summerville, SC
The final approach into Summerville, 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 Summerville, 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
$10.96 one way
$21.93 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
24 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $11.94 | $23.89 |
| premium | $4.78 | $12.89 | $25.77 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $15.22 | $30.44 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$11
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$36–$61
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 24 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 20.6 | 0 | $7.19 | $3.29 |
| Efficient EV | 17.1 | 0 | $5.99 | $2.74 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 27.4 | 0 | $9.59 | $4.38 |
Gas CO2
24 kg
EV CO2
8 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
Summerville, SC
Afternoon in Summerville on Sunday
Local time
4:16 PM
EDT
Current temp
62°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
27 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
1h 32m 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 Ridgeland, SC to Summerville, SC covers 68.5 miles and takes about 1h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 17, US 17 Alt, South Main Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 34.2 miles from Ridgeland, SC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $10.96 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 32m drive. You will face about 8 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.7 miles (US 17): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 36 miles (SC 63 / Hampton Street): Navigation decision point.
The route from Ridgeland, SC to Summerville, SC does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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