Charleston is about 95 miles (153 km) from Myrtle Beach, roughly a 1 hour 45 minute to 2 hour drive via the US-17. The two South Carolina coastal cities make an easy pairing for a single trip, with the drive running straight down the Atlantic coastline. Here is everything you need to know about travelling between them.
How Far Is Charleston From Myrtle Beach?
The driving distance from Charleston, South Carolina to Myrtle Beach is approximately 95 miles (153 km). By car, the journey takes between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours 15 minutes depending on traffic, with the fastest route following US-17 North/South directly along the coast. There are no tolls on the main route.
As the crow flies, the distance is shorter — around 75 miles (120 km) — but the coastal road network means driving takes a little longer than the straight-line distance suggests. The route is straightforward and well signposted, passing through the Francis Marion National Forest and several small coastal towns. It is one of the most popular day-trip pairings on the South Carolina coast, and the drive itself is pleasantly scenic rather than a motorway slog.
Best Ways to Travel Between Charleston and Myrtle Beach
Driving yourself is by far the most practical option. Car hire is widely available at Charleston International Airport from around $40–$60 (£32–£48) per day, and having a car gives you freedom to stop at beaches and towns along the way. Parking is easy in both cities, though historic downtown Charleston’s narrow streets reward an early arrival.
Public transport between the two is limited — there is no direct train, and intercity bus services are infrequent, typically requiring connections that stretch the journey to 3–4 hours. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in both cities but a 95-mile trip will cost $120–$160 (£95–£130), making it poor value compared to hiring a car. For UK visitors, remember you can drive in the US on your UK licence for up to 3 months, but check whether your travel insurance covers car hire excess.
Making a Day Trip: What to See in Each City
If you are based in Myrtle Beach and day-tripping to Charleston, arrive by 10am to make the most of it. Head straight for the Historic District: Rainbow Row’s pastel houses, the Battery promenade with its harbour views, and a walk through the old market. Allow 5–6 hours minimum — Charleston rewards wandering, and its food scene (shrimp and grits, she-crab soup) deserves a proper lunch stop.
Going the other way, Myrtle Beach offers 60 miles of sandy shoreline, the lively Boardwalk, and family attractions like mini-golf capitals and amusement piers. It is a very different vibe from Charleston’s historic elegance — brash, fun and unapologetically touristy. Many visitors split a week between the two: 3–4 days in Charleston for culture and food, 3–4 days in Myrtle Beach for the sand. Before travelling, check the US State Department or gov.uk’s USA travel advice for entry requirements, including ESTA authorisation for UK passport holders.
Charleston to Myrtle Beach: Practical Tips
- Time it right: avoid driving on summer Saturday changeover days when beach traffic peaks; weekday mornings are fastest.
- Stop halfway: the historic town of Georgetown, roughly midway, is worth a 30-minute leg-stretch and coffee.
- Fuel up: petrol stations thin out through the national forest stretch — fill up before leaving either city.
- Hurricane season: June to November brings occasional storms; check forecasts and have flexible bookings.
- Combine with more: Savannah, Georgia is 2 hours south of Charleston, making a three-city coastal road trip very doable.
Charleston vs Myrtle Beach: Where to Base Yourself
Choosing a base depends on your travel style. Charleston suits couples and food lovers: boutique hotels in the Historic District run $150–$300 (£120–£240) per night, restaurants are excellent, and everything walkable is postcard-pretty. Myrtle Beach suits families and budget travellers: oceanfront hotels from $80–$150 (£65–£120) per night, endless casual dining, and attractions aimed squarely at kids. If you can only pick one base but want to see both, Charleston makes the better base — the day trip to Myrtle Beach is easy, while Charleston’s evening dining scene is wasted on a flying visit. Either way, book accommodation early for summer months, when both cities fill up fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Charleston to Myrtle Beach?
The drive is about 95 miles and takes 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes via US-17, depending on traffic. There are no tolls on the direct route.
Is there a train from Charleston to Myrtle Beach?
No — there is no direct train service between the two cities. Driving or hiring a car is the practical option; bus connections exist but take 3–4 hours.
Can you do Charleston as a day trip from Myrtle Beach?
Yes, it is one of the most popular day trips on the South Carolina coast. Leave by 8am, arrive by 10am, and you will have a full day for the Historic District, lunch and the waterfront before driving back.
Which is better, Charleston or Myrtle Beach?
They suit different tastes: Charleston for history, architecture and food; Myrtle Beach for long sandy beaches and family attractions. Many visitors enjoy both by splitting their trip between the two.
The Bottom Line
Charleston sits roughly 95 miles — under two hours’ drive — from Myrtle Beach along the scenic US-17 coastal highway. Close enough for an easy day trip, different enough to justify staying in both, the pair makes one of the best two-stop itineraries on the American South’s Atlantic coast.
