Origin
Barnwell, SC
Afternoon in Barnwell on Sunday
Local time
4:23 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Barnwell, SC to Spartanburg, SC
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 8m
Distance
153.4 mi
247 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 57m
★
6 AM
3h 9m
8 AM
3h 32m
10 AM
3h 17m
12 PM
3h 14m
3 PM
3h 18m
5 PM
3h 31m
8 PM
3h 2m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Barnwell, SC
Wikimedia Commons
Spartanburg, SC
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Barnwell, SC to Spartanburg, SC is 153.4 miles and takes about 3h 8m via I 26, with a fuel budget near $24 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, connecting two points in South Carolina. It's a straightforward, highway-focused drive that's easily manageable in a single day. Expect a drive that's mostly on interstates, making it a practical choice when you need to get from point A to point B efficiently. With a duration under four hours, it's a good option for a quick transit or the start of a longer 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
76.7 miles from Barnwell, SC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 39m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 26 | 86.2 mi | 1h 34m |
| Savannah Highway | 23.7 mi | 26m |
| South Church Street | 7.3 mi | 13m |
| Denmark Road | 6.7 mi | 11m |
| SC 70 | 5.1 mi | 8m |
| Carolina Highway | 5 mi | 5m |
| Highway 321 | 4.9 mi | 5m |
| Southbound Road | 4.1 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
I 26
— 86.2 mi, about 1h 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Barnwell, SC and Spartanburg, SC.
1
Start on this road
220 ft
·
21 sec
·
this road
2
At end of road, turn left
69 ft
·
7 sec
3
Turn right onto SC 3
246 ft
·
9 sec
·
Marlboro Avenue
4
Turn right onto SC 70
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Allen Street
5
At end of road, turn left onto SC 70
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
6
Continue on SC 70
5.1 mi
·
8 min
·
SC 70
7
Continue on SC 70
6.7 mi
·
11 min
·
Denmark Road
8
Continue on SC 70
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
Hagood Street
9
Turn left onto US 321; SC 70
5.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Carolina Highway
10
Continue on US 321
24 mi
·
26 min
·
Savannah Highway
11
Continue on US 321
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
South Church Street
12
Continue on US 321
4.1 mi
·
5 min
·
Southbound Road
13
Continue on US 321
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
South Main Street
14
Continue on US 321
4.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Highway 321
15
Continue on US 21; US 176; US 321
3.0 mi
·
3 min
·
Charleston Highway
16
Continue on US 21; US 176; US 321
349 ft
·
11 sec
·
Charleston Highway
17
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
47 sec
Toward I 26 West: Spartanburg
18
Merge onto I 26
63 mi
·
1 hr 8 min
·
I 26
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 26
24 mi
·
25 min
·
I 26
Toward Spartanburg
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 28
Toward US 221: Spartanburg-South, Moore
Use the slight right lane.
21
Turn straight onto US 221
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Highway 221
22
Continue on US 221
6.0 mi
·
10 min
·
South Church Street
23
Arrive at destination
US 221; SC 56
Trip Plan
Given the drive's duration of just over 3 hours, it's perfectly suited for a same-day trip. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and take advantage of potentially lighter traffic. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $24, you won't need extensive planning for breaks or budgeting. The longest stretch on I 26 is substantial, so ensure you have sufficient fuel before entering that segment to avoid unnecessary stops. This route offers flexibility, allowing you to depart at your convenience.
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 76.7 miles from Barnwell, SC, or about 1h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86.2 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 34 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 76.7 miles or 1h 39m 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 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Spartanburg, SC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Barnwell, 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 Barnwell, SC
This is one driving day of about 153.4 miles and 3h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Barnwell, 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 86.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
77 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 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 76.7 miles from Barnwell, SC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 26 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 86.2 miles.
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 95 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 144.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
At end of road, turn left
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
SC 3 / Marlboro Avenue
Turn right onto SC 3 / Marlboro Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
58.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 19m in
|
I 26
Merge onto I 26
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
121.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 28m in
|
I 26
Keep slight right at fork onto I 26 toward Spartanburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Spartanburg
8
144.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 53m in
Take the exit toward US 221: Spartanburg-South, Moore
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 28
Toward US 221: Spartanburg-South, Moore
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.99 one way
$47.98 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
54 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $26.23 | $52.46 |
| premium | $4.70 | $28.39 | $56.78 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $33.87 | $67.74 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 53.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 46 | 0 | $16.11 | $7.36 |
| Efficient EV | 38.4 | 0 | $13.42 | $6.14 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 61.4 | 0 | $21.48 | $9.82 |
Gas CO2
54 kg
EV CO2
18 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.
Destination
Spartanburg, SC
Afternoon in Spartanburg on Sunday
Local time
4:23 PM
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
37 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 8m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Cowpens National Battlefield
National Battlefield
A pasturing area at the time of the battle, this Revolutionary War site commemorates the place where Daniel Morgan and his army turned the flanks of Banastre Tarleton's British army. This classic mili...
14 mi from route
~36 min detour
Free
near mile 150.2
Caution: Hazardous Conditions on Trails
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...
20 mi from route
~49 min detour
Free
near mile 51.8
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 64% of the journey utilizing major roadways like I 26. You'll experience a significant continuous stretch of 86.2 miles on I 26, offering a consistent pace. While the majority is on the interstate, the initial and final segments might involve local roads like Savannah Highway and South Church Street, offering a slight shift in scenery and speed. The overall character is one of efficient travel, prioritizing directness over winding backroads.
64% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 86.2 mi on I 26.
How Hard Is This Drive?
4/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 26 and Savannah Highway. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive.
Driving Effort
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 3h 8m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.1 miles (SC 3 / Marlboro Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 58.6 miles (I 26): 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 Barnwell, SC to Spartanburg, SC, road signs begin pointing toward Moore along the way.
Moore
144.8 mi in
|
~2h 53m
About the Cities
Arriving in Spartanburg, SC
Full guide →Spartanburg is both a county and city in Upcountry South Carolina.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 8m. Total distance: 153.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 8m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (64%). Straightforward navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 86.2 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.
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: near the start: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.1 miles (SC 3 / Marlboro Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 58.6 miles (I 26): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Cowpens National Battlefield and Congaree National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Spartanburg, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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