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Create accountDrive Time
2h 39m
Distance
138.1 mi
222 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
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station data
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Sumter, SC
Just a Couple Photos
Bluffton, SC
Connor Scott McManus
Traveling from Sumter to Bluffton covers 138.1 miles through the heart of South Carolina, typically taking about 2 hours and 39 minutes. Since this is a straightforward trek, you can easily complete the journey in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to spend roughly $22 on fuel for the trip, making it a budget-friendly option for a weekend getaway. You will primarily navigate via I-95, Manning Road, and Coosaw Scenic Drive. Because this route stays entirely within the Southeast region, the landscape remains consistent as you transition from the Midlands toward the Lowcountry. It is a practical drive for those looking to reach the coast efficiently while maintaining a manageable travel schedule.
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
69.1 miles from Sumter, SC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 17m into the drive .
This trip is a highway-focused drive, with 67% of your travel time spent on major thoroughfares. You will face a significant stretch of 93.1 miles on I-95, which serves as the backbone of your journey. While the interstate portion is designed for speed, the route transitions into more local roads as you approach your destination, providing a shift in pace. You should be prepared for a consistent, high-speed experience for the majority of the trip before settling into the final leg. It is a functional drive that prioritizes directness over winding scenic detours, allowing you to focus on the road ahead.
Mostly flat terrain
Total Climb
138 ft
Total Descent
285 ft
Highest Point
172 ft
Elevation Range
159 ft
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and Manning Road. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near South Main Street.
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 2h 39m 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: near the start (South Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 15 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 15.4 miles (I 95): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Turn left onto South Main Street
Navigation decision point
Take the exit toward I 95 South: Savannah
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Merge onto I 95
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward SC 462: Coosawhatchie
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Enter roundabout onto SC 46 / Bluffton Road
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 95 | 93.1 mi | 1h 39m |
| Manning Road | 13.1 mi | 15m |
| Coosaw Scenic Drive | 9.6 mi | 13m |
| Lowcountry Drive | 7.9 mi | 10m |
| Fording Island Road | 5.8 mi | 6m |
| Okatie Highway | 4.2 mi | 4m |
| Bluffton Road | 1.7 mi | 3m |
| Manning Avenue | 1.6 mi | 2m |
Step-by-step road directions between Sumter, SC and Bluffton, SC.
Start on US 76 Business
Turn left onto South Main Street
Continue on Manning Avenue
Continue on US 521
Take the exit
Merge onto I 95
Take the exit
Turn left onto SC 462
Continue on SC 462
Turn right onto SC 170
Take the exit
Merge onto US 278
Turn right onto SC 46
Enter roundabout onto SC 46
Continue on SC 46
Turn left onto Bruin Road
Arrive at destination
Planning for this 138.1-mile drive is simple given that you only need to account for one planned stop along the way. To make the most of your travel time, consider departing mid-morning to avoid potential commuter traffic on the interstate segments. Since you will be on I-95 for the longest portion of your trip, check traffic reports before leaving Sumter to ensure there are no major delays. Keep your fuel gauge in mind during the 93.1-mile interstate stretch, as options can be spaced out between major exits. Because the total duration is under three hours, you have plenty of flexibility to adjust your departure time based on your personal schedule.
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.
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 80 miles or 1h 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 69.1 miles or 1h 17m 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 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bluffton, SC than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Sumter, 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 Sumter, SC
This is one driving day of about 138.1 miles and 2h 39m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 69.1 mi from Sumter, SC · 1h 17m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
69 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.
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 69.1 miles from Sumter, SC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 93.1 miles.
The final approach into Bluffton, 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 Bluffton, SC.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$22.10 one way
$44.20 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $24.08 | $48.16 |
| premium | $4.78 | $25.98 | $51.96 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $30.68 | $61.36 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 48.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 41.4 | 0 | $14.50 | $6.63 |
| Efficient EV | 34.5 | 0 | $12.08 | $5.52 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 55.2 | 0 | $19.33 | $8.84 |
Gas CO2
48 kg
EV CO2
16 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Evening in Sumter on Sunday
Local time
5:15 PM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Clear
Destination
Evening in Bluffton on Sunday
Local time
5:15 PM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Clear
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
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