Traveling from Anderson County Airport to the coast at Isle of Palms covers 240.1 miles of South Carolina scenery. You should plan on approximately 4 hours and 46 minutes of drive time, making this a very manageable single-day trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $38, it is an affordable journey that transitions you from the Upstate region to the coast. The route relies heavily on major thoroughfares, including the Golden Strip Freeway, I-26, and the Mark Clark Expressway. While it is certainly possible to complete this in one go, you might consider one planned stop to break up the drive. Overall, this is a straightforward, highway-focused route that connects two distinct parts of the state efficiently.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
120.1 miles from Anderson County Airport, SC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 27m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 26
158.6 mi
2h 54m
Golden Strip Freeway
22.9 mi
24m
Mark Clark Expressway
10.8 mi
13m
Highway 418
9.9 mi
14m
Cooley Bridge Road
5.6 mi
8m
Belton Highway
4.7 mi
6m
Isle of Palms Connector
3.6 mi
5m
Highway 247
3.6 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 26
— 158.6 mi, about 2h 54m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Anderson County Airport, SC and Isle of Palms, 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
56 mi·1 hr 1 min·I 26
Use the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto I 26
103 mi·1 hr 53 min·I 26
Toward CharlestonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 211A-BToward Aviation Avenue, Remount RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward Remount Road, Hanahan
26
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 211BToward Remount Road, HanahanUse the slight right lane.
27
Turn left onto Remount Road
0.4 mi·44 sec·Remount Road
28
Turn right onto US 52; US 78
0.8 mi·1 min·Rivers Avenue
29
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·48 sec
Use the left lane.
30
Merge onto I 526
11 mi·13 min·Mark Clark Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 29Toward US 17 North: GeorgetownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·52 sec
Toward Hungryneck
33
Continue on Hungry Neck Boulevard
1.4 mi·2 min·Hungry Neck Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
34
Turn right onto SC 517
3.6 mi·5 min·Isle of Palms Connector
Use the right lane.
35
Turn right onto Palm Boulevard
0.4 mi·51 sec·Palm Boulevard
36
Arrive at destination
SC 703
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 240.1-mile trek, aim to depart early in the morning to avoid peak traffic congestion near major interchanges. Since the longest segment of the trip is the 158.6-mile stretch on I-26, plan your single recommended stop somewhere in the middle to stretch your legs and refuel. Keeping a budget of $38 for gas is a solid baseline, though keeping a little extra for fluctuating prices is always wise. Pay close attention to signage when merging onto the Mark Clark Expressway, as this final leg brings you into the coastal traffic patterns of Isle of Palms. Since this is a one-day trip, the primary advantage is your flexibility, so don't hesitate to pull over if you need a breather.
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 120.1 miles from Anderson County Airport, SC, or about 2h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 158.6 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 53 miles or 1h 13m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 120.1 miles or 2h 27m 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 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Isle of Palms, 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 240.1 miles and 4h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 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 158.6 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 117.9 and 233.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
117.9 mi into trip|~2h 24m in|I 26
Keep slight right at fork onto I 26 toward Charleston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Charleston
8
220.8 mi into trip|~4h 18m in
Take the exit toward Aviation Avenue, Remount Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 211A-B
Toward Aviation Avenue, Remount Road
6
221 mi into trip|~4h 18m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Remount Road, Hanahan
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Remount Road, Hanahan
9
221.4 mi into trip|~4h 19m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Remount Road, Hanahan
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 211B
Toward Remount Road, Hanahan
7
233.8 mi into trip|~4h 35m in
Take the exit toward US 17 North: Georgetown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 29
Toward US 17 North: Georgetown
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.55 one way
$75.09 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg84 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$41.05
$82.11
premium
$4.70
$44.44
$88.87
diesel
$5.61
$53.01
$106.02
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
72
0
$25.21
$11.52
Efficient EV
60
0
$21.01
$9.60
EV Truck/SUV
96
1
$33.61
$15.37
Gas CO2
84 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Anderson County Airport, SC
Night
in Anderson County Airport on Saturday
Local time
9:31 PM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Isle of Palms, SC
Night
in Isle of Palms on Saturday
Local time
9:31 PM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
75°F
Rock Hill, SC
120 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
6 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
4h 46m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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.
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Two forts stand at the entrance of Charleston Harbor. Patriots inside a palmetto log fort, later named Fort Moultrie, defeated the Royal Navy in 1776. As Charleston blazed a path towards secession to...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
$10
near mile 240.1
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...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 140.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a high-speed, interstate-heavy experience, as 87% of this trip takes place on highways. The road's personality is defined by its efficiency, anchored by a long, uninterrupted 158.6-mile stretch on I-26. You will transition from the inland landscape of Anderson County onto the high-speed corridors that bypass urban congestion. The drive shifts from regional freeways to the Mark Clark Expressway as you approach the coastal destination. Because the vast majority of your time is spent on controlled-access roads, you can anticipate consistent speeds and a relatively predictable driving rhythm throughout the nearly 5-hour journey.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 158.6 mi on I 26.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 26 and Golden Strip Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 117.9 miles in near I 26.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 240.1 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 117.9 miles (I 26): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 220.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 221 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Anderson County Airport, SC and Isle of Palms, SC, road signs point toward Charleston and Hanahan.
Isle of Palms is a city of 4,347 (2020) in South Carolina, near Charleston. Over the years Isle of Palms has become a very popular vacation spot for families. Warm weather, an abundance of palm trees, and beautiful beaches make Isle of Palms the perfect location for any traveler.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 46m. Total distance: 240.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 158.6 miles on I 26. 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 Isle of Palms, 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 117.9 miles (I 26): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 220.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 221 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park and Congaree National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Isle of Palms, SC, but most travelers stay overnight.
