Anderson County Airport, SC to Hartsville, SC is 189.3 miles and takes about 3h 54m via I 26 and I 20, with a fuel budget near $29 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within South Carolina, moving from the Upstate region towards the Pee Dee. Given its mostly highway profile and manageable duration, it's a straightforward drive. You'll find it's a practical route for a single-day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times.
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
94.6 miles from Anderson County Airport, SC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 59m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 26
55.2 mi
1h
I 20
51.9 mi
58m
Golden Strip Freeway
22.9 mi
24m
Highway 418
9.9 mi
14m
Hartsville Highway
6.4 mi
9m
Cooley Bridge Road
5.6 mi
8m
South 5th Street
5.4 mi
9m
Belton Highway
4.7 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 26
— 55.2 mi, about 1h
Traffic on I-20
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 52 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,664 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,135
Quietest
2 AM
~199 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
13.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 104 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Anderson County Airport, SC and Hartsville, 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
55 mi·1 hr·I 26
Use the slight right lane.
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 107BToward I 20 East: FlorenceUse the right lane.
24
Merge onto I 20
52 mi·58 min·I 20
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward US 15: Sumter, Bishopville
26
Turn right onto US 15
1.8 mi·3 min·Sumter Highway
27
Continue on US 15
2.1 mi·3 min·South Main Street
28
Continue on US 15; SC 34
6.4 mi·9 min·Hartsville Highway
29
Continue on US 15; SC 34
3.6 mi·5 min·West Lydia Highway
30
Turn left onto US 15
0.2 mi·16 sec·Oates Highway
31
Continue on US 15
5.4 mi·9 min·South 5th Street
32
Arrive at destination
US 15 Business
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 1-day trip, consider leaving Anderson County Airport in the morning to take advantage of daylight driving. With a total duration of under 4 hours, you likely won't need to split the drive, but planning one stop around the halfway point for fuel or a break is wise. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $29, and it's always good to have a buffer. The longest stretch without a major exit is over 55 miles on I 26, so ensure you're comfortable with that duration before needing to pull 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 94.6 miles from Anderson County Airport, SC, or about 1h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55.2 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 42 miles or 1h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 94.6 miles or 1h 59m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hartsville, 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 189.3 miles and 3h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 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 I 26 for about 55.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 39.3 and 169.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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.
7
117.3 mi into trip|~2h 24m in
Take the exit toward I 20 East: Florence
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 107B
Toward I 20 East: Florence
5
117.7 mi into trip|~2h 24m in|I 20
Merge onto I 20
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
169.6 mi into trip|~3h 23m in
Take the exit toward US 15: Sumter, Bishopville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 15: Sumter, Bishopville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.07 one way
$60.14 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg66 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$32.79
$65.58
premium
$4.78
$35.62
$71.25
diesel
$6.18
$46.05
$92.10
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 66.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
56.8
0
$19.88
$9.09
Efficient EV
47.3
0
$16.56
$7.57
EV Truck/SUV
75.7
0
$26.50
$12.12
Gas CO2
66 kg
EV CO2
22 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.
Forecast as of Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Anderson County Airport, SC
Morning
in Anderson County Airport on Tuesday
Local time
8:55 AM
EDT
Current temp
70°F
Sunny
NE 7 to 12 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued October 19 at 2:20AM EDT until October 19 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wilmington NC
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:15AM EDT until October 19 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Destination
Hartsville, SC
Morning
in Hartsville on Tuesday
Local time
8:55 AM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Sunny
N 7 to 12 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued October 19 at 2:20AM EDT until October 19 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wilmington NC
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:15AM EDT until October 19 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
70°F
Clinton, SC
95 mi in
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
2 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
3h 54m on the road
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.
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...
21 mi from route
~54 min detour
Free
near mile 130.5
Caution: Being Prepared for Excessive Heat & Humidity
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly on highways, with 77% of the route utilizing major roadways. You'll encounter a stretch of 55.2 miles on I 26, which is the longest continuous segment of highway driving. The profile is mostly highway, so expect a consistent cruising speed for much of the 189.3 miles. Surface roads will become more prevalent as you approach your destination.
77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 55.2 mi on I 26.
How Hard Is This Drive?
4/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 26 and I 20. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 39.3 miles in near I 385 / Golden Strip Freeway.
Driving Effort4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 3h 54m drive. You will face about 15 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 39.3 miles (I 385 / Golden Strip Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 62.2 miles (I 26): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 117.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
881 ft162 ft
Total Climb
495 ft
Total Descent
1,035 ft
Highest Point
881 ft
~27 mi in
Elevation Range
719 ft
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 Hartsville, SC, road signs begin pointing toward Bishopville along the way.
Hartsville is in the Pee Dee Country of South Carolina, comprising the largest town of Darlington County. It holds honoree status as an All-America City and Arbor Day Foundation Tree City. Its early days were full of some headstrong entrepreneurs, which lent the town a fair share of industry, and today it's the headquarters of Sonoco and Coker University, which has a nice botanical garden.
Top landmarks
•East Home Avenue Historic District — historic district in South Carolina, United States
•Hartsville Armory — armory in Hartsville, United States of America
•Hartsville Community Center-Hartsville Community Market — historic community center in Hartsville, South Carolina
The longest stretch is about 55.2 miles on I 26. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 15 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 39.3 miles (I 385 / Golden Strip Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 62.2 miles (I 26): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 117.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Congaree National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Hartsville, SC, but most travelers stay overnight.
