Anderson County Airport, SC to Sullivans Island, SC is 238.9 miles and takes about 4h 44m via I 26, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within South Carolina, taking you from the Upstate region southeast towards the coast. With a high highway percentage, expect a relatively straightforward trip focused on covering ground efficiently. It's a solid option for a single-day excursion, perfect if you want to get to your destination without a major overnight commitment.
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
119.4 miles from Anderson County Airport, SC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 26m 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
11.9 mi
14m
Highway 418
9.9 mi
14m
Cooley Bridge Road
5.6 mi
8m
Belton Highway
4.7 mi
6m
Highway 247
3.6 mi
4m
East River Street
2.6 mi
3m
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 Sullivans Island, 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
12 mi·14 min·Mark Clark Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Continue on I 526 Bus
0.8 mi·1 min·Chuck Dawley Boulevard
32
Turn left onto Myrick Road
0.3 mi·50 sec·Myrick Road
Use the left lane.
33
At end of road, turn right onto Rifle Range Road
0.3 mi·37 sec·Rifle Range Road
34
Turn left onto SC 703
2.2 mi·3 min·Ben Sawyer Boulevard
Use the left lane.
35
Continue on SC 703
0.2 mi·18 sec·Station 22 1/2 Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
36
Turn right
58 ft·4 sec
37
Turn right
36 ft·2 sec
38
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Aim to leave Anderson County Airport in the morning, ideally before 9 AM, to make the most of the daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. With a total drive time of under 5 hours, you can comfortably complete this trip in one day. Consider a single, brief stop around the halfway point for fuel and a stretch break, perhaps near Columbia. The longest continuous stretch is 158.6 miles on I 26, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge before embarking on that segment. Budgeting around $37 for fuel is a reasonable estimate for this 238.9-mile drive.
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 119.4 miles from Anderson County Airport, SC, or about 2h 26m 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 119.4 miles or 2h 26m 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 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sullivans Island, 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 238.9 miles and 4h 44m.
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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 117.9 and 236.4 — 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
6
236.4 mi into trip|~4h 40m in|SC 703 / Ben Sawyer Boulevard
Turn left onto SC 703 / Ben Sawyer Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.36 one way
$74.72 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg84 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$40.85
$81.70
premium
$4.70
$44.22
$88.43
diesel
$5.61
$52.75
$105.49
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 83.6 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
71.7
0
$25.08
$11.47
Efficient EV
59.7
0
$20.90
$9.56
EV Truck/SUV
95.6
1
$33.45
$15.29
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
Morning
in Anderson County Airport on Sunday
Local time
10:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Sullivans Island, SC
Morning
in Sullivans Island on Sunday
Local time
10:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
75°F
Rock Hill, SC
119 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
11 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 44m 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...
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
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 88% of the trip on major roads. You'll encounter a considerable stretch of 158.6 miles on I 26, so be prepared for sustained cruising. The transition to surface roads will likely occur around mile 210, offering a change of pace as you approach your destination. Expect a higher density of exits as you get closer to Charleston.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
38 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 24 significant decision points across 238.9 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 Sullivans Island, SC, road signs point toward Charleston and Hanahan.
Charleston
117.9 mi in|~2h 24m|via I 26
Hanahan
221 mi in|~4h 18m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 44m. Total distance: 238.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). 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.
Yes — we found about 22 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.
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 Sullivans Island, 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. There are 22 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Sullivans Island, SC, but most travelers stay overnight.
