Origin
Anderson County Airport, SC
Late night in Anderson County Airport on Sunday
Local time
12:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Anderson County Airport, SC to Elgin, SC
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 6m
Distance
142.1 mi
229 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 55m
★
6 AM
3h 7m
8 AM
3h 30m
10 AM
3h 15m
12 PM
3h 13m
3 PM
3h 16m
5 PM
3h 29m
8 PM
3h 0m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Anderson County Airport, SC
Jimmy Liao
Elgin, SC
Just a Couple Photos
Trip Overview
Anderson County Airport, SC to Elgin, SC is 142.1 miles and takes about 3h 6m via Lancaster Highway and Highway 72 East, with a fuel budget near $22 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you across South Carolina, staying within the Southeast region. The drive offers a mixed experience, suggesting you'll encounter both faster highway sections and potentially more local roads. With a recommended one-day duration and a modest fuel cost, this route is a practical choice for a single-day journey.
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
71 miles from Anderson County Airport, SC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 34m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster Highway | 23.6 mi | 29m |
| Golden Strip Freeway | 22.9 mi | 24m |
| Highway 72 East | 13.8 mi | 15m |
| West End Road | 13.6 mi | 20m |
| Highway 418 | 9.9 mi | 14m |
| Carlisle Whitmire Highway | 8.7 mi | 12m |
| Lancaster Bypass | 7.5 mi | 8m |
| Cooley Bridge Road | 5.6 mi | 8m |
Longest stretch:
Lancaster Highway
— 23.6 mi, about 29m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Anderson County Airport, SC and Elgin, SC.
1
Start on this road
293 ft
·
21 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto Airport Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Airport Road
3
Turn right onto SC 24
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Highway 24
4
Continue on SC 24
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
West Whitner Street
5
Turn right onto SC 28
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Highway 28 Bypass
6
Continue on SC 28
0.5 mi
·
33 sec
·
Pearman Dairy Road
7
Turn left onto US 29
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
South Murray Avenue
8
Turn right onto US 29
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
West Shockley Ferry Road
9
Turn right onto US 29; US 76; US 178
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
East River Street
10
Continue on US 76; US 178
4.7 mi
·
6 min
·
Belton Highway
11
Continue on US 76; US 178
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Anderson Street
12
Turn left onto SC 20
374 ft
·
14 sec
·
North Main Street
13
Turn right onto SC 247
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
River Street
14
Continue on SC 247
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Highway 247
15
Continue on SC 247
5.6 mi
·
8 min
·
Cooley Bridge Road
16
At end of road, turn left onto US 25
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
Augusta Road
17
Turn right onto SC 418
9.9 mi
·
14 min
·
Highway 418
18
Continue on SC 418
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Milacron Drive
19
Continue on SC 418
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
McCarter Road
20
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
21
Merge onto I 385
23 mi
·
24 min
·
Golden Strip Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
22
Merge onto I 26
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
I 26
Use the slight right lane.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
Toward SC 72: Clinton, Whitmire
24
Turn left onto SC 72
14 mi
·
15 min
·
Highway 72 East
25
Continue on SC 72
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Church Street
26
Turn left onto SC 72
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Union Street
27
Keep slight right at fork onto SC 72; SC 121
8.7 mi
·
12 min
·
Carlisle Whitmire Highway
28
Continue on SC 72; SC 121
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Janie Glymph Goree Boulevard
29
Continue on SC 72; SC 121
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Carlisle Chester Highway
30
Continue on SC 72; SC 121
14 mi
·
20 min
·
West End Road
31
Take the ramp
262 ft
·
7 sec
32
Merge onto US 321; SC 9; SC 121
3.0 mi
·
3 min
·
J A Cochran Bypass
33
Turn right onto SC 9
20 mi
·
24 min
·
Lancaster Highway
34
Keep slight right at fork onto SC 9
3.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Lancaster Highway
35
Continue on SC 9
7.5 mi
·
8 min
·
Lancaster Bypass
36
Continue on US 521
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Kershaw Camden Highway
37
Arrive at destination
US 521
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 6m estimated drive time, you can comfortably complete this trip in a single day. Consider departing in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for any unforeseen delays. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $22, you won't need extensive planning for refueling or lengthy breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before the longest stretch of 23.6 miles on Lancaster Highway, to ensure you have enough to reach your destination or the next available service area.
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 71 miles from Anderson County Airport, SC, or about 1h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 23.6 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 31 miles or 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 71 miles or 1h 34m 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 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Elgin, SC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Anderson County Airport, 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 Anderson County Airport, SC
This is one driving day of about 142.1 miles and 3h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Anderson County Airport, 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 Lancaster Highway for about 23.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
71 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 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 71 miles from Anderson County Airport, SC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 185 decision points cluster between mile 16.8 and 63.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
16.8 mi into trip
|
~25m in
|
SC 20 / North Main Street
Turn left onto SC 20 / North Main Street
Navigation decision point
4
16.9 mi into trip
|
~25m in
|
SC 247 / River Street
Turn right onto SC 247 / River Street
Navigation decision point
5
39.3 mi into trip
|
~59m in
|
I 385 / Golden Strip Freeway
Merge onto I 385 / Golden Strip Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
5
62.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 23m in
|
I 26
Merge onto I 26
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
5
63.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 25m in
Take the exit toward SC 72: Clinton, Whitmire
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward SC 72: Clinton, Whitmire
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.22 one way
$44.44 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
50 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $24.30 | $48.59 |
| premium | $4.70 | $26.30 | $52.60 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $31.37 | $62.75 |
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: 49.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 42.6 | 0 | $14.92 | $6.82 |
| Efficient EV | 35.5 | 0 | $12.43 | $5.68 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 56.8 | 0 | $19.89 | $9.09 |
Gas CO2
50 kg
EV CO2
17 kg (66% 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
Elgin, SC
Late night in Elgin on Sunday
Local time
12:48 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
1 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
3h 6m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed drive on this 142.1-mile route, with 38% of it on highways. You'll experience stretches of highway travel, interspersed with other road types. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 23.6 miles along Lancaster Highway. This suggests periods of more consistent speed, followed by sections that may require more attention due to varying speed limits and road conditions. The overall feel is one of transition, moving from one area to another.
38% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 23.6 mi on Lancaster Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 18 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 16.8 miles in near SC 20 / North Main Street.
Driving Effort
6/10
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 142.1 miles you will encounter 18 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 16.8 miles (SC 20 / North Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 16.9 miles (SC 247 / River Street): Navigation decision point; at 39.3 miles (I 385 / Golden Strip Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Anderson County Airport, SC to Elgin, SC, road signs begin pointing toward Whitmire along the way.
Whitmire
63.6 mi in
|
~1h 25m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 6m. Total distance: 142.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 23.6 miles on Lancaster Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Elgin, SC before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 16.8 miles (SC 20 / North Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 16.9 miles (SC 247 / River Street): Navigation decision point; at 39.3 miles (I 385 / Golden Strip Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Elgin, SC, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner 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.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Explore more options from Anderson County Airport, SC or browse trips ending in Elgin, SC.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse SC road trips.