Beaufort, SC to Simpsonville, SC is 222.1 miles and takes about 4h 9m via I-95 and I-26, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within South Carolina, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. With 97% highway driving, expect a straightforward trip focused on covering ground efficiently. This is a solid option if you're looking for a direct drive without much fuss, suitable for a single-day excursion.
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
111.1 miles from Beaufort, SC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 6m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 26
116.6 mi
2h 6m
I 95
52.4 mi
56m
I 385
26.8 mi
29m
Trask Parkway
12 mi
14m
US 21
6.9 mi
8m
Boundary Street
3 mi
4m
Kings Highway
1.4 mi
1m
Southeast Main Street
1.1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 26
— 116.6 mi, about 2h 6m
Traffic on I-26
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 43 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~2,073 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,675
Quietest
2 AM
~200 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Beaufort, SC and Simpsonville, SC.
1
Start on Port Republic Street
39 ft·3 sec·Port Republic Street
2
Turn right onto US 21 Business
0.5 mi·48 sec·Carteret Street
3
Continue on US 21 Business
3.0 mi·4 min·Boundary Street
4
Continue on US 21
12 mi·14 min·Trask Parkway
5
Enter roundabout onto US 21
221 ft·3 sec·US 21
6
Continue on US 21
6.8 mi·8 min·US 21
7
Continue on US 17
1.4 mi·1 min·Kings Highway
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward I 95 North: Florence
9
Merge onto I 95
52 mi·56 min·I 95
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward I 26 West: Columbia
11
Merge onto I 26
117 mi·2 hr 6 min·I 26
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 385
27 mi·29 min·I 385
Exit 51Toward I 385 North: Laurens, GreenvilleUse the slight left / straight lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi·58 sec
Exit 27Toward Simpsonville, Fairview RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Turn right onto Fairview Road
0.1 mi·23 sec·Fairview Road
15
Turn left onto SC 14
1.1 mi·2 min·Southeast Main Street
Use the left lane.
16
Turn right onto SC 417
374 ft·10 sec·East Curtis Street
17
Turn right onto Hedge Street
146 ft·6 sec·Hedge Street
18
Turn right
175 ft·18 sec
19
Turn left
107 ft·7 sec
20
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Beaufort to avoid potential traffic delays. Since it's a single-day trip, you have flexibility with stops; plan one break around the halfway point for fuel and to stretch your legs. Watch for the transition off I-95 onto I-26, as this is where the longest continuous stretch of highway driving begins. The estimated fuel cost of $34 should help you budget accordingly for gas stops along I-95 and I-26.
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 111.1 miles from Beaufort, SC, or about 2h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 116.6 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 49 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.1 miles or 2h 6m 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 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Simpsonville, SC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Beaufort, 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 Beaufort, SC
This is one driving day of about 222.1 miles and 4h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Beaufort, 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 116.6 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 76.9 and 222 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
76.9 mi into trip|~1h 29m in|I 26
Merge onto I 26
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
193.5 mi into trip|~3h 36m in|I 385
Keep slight left at fork onto I 385 toward I 385 North: Laurens, Greenville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 51
Toward I 385 North: Laurens, Greenville
8
220.3 mi into trip|~4h 5m in
Take the exit toward Simpsonville, Fairview 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 27
Toward Simpsonville, Fairview Road
6
220.9 mi into trip|~4h 6m in|SC 14 / Southeast Main Street
Turn left onto SC 14 / Southeast Main Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
222 mi into trip|~4h 9m in|Hedge Street
Turn right onto Hedge Street
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.79 one way
$65.58 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$36.03
$72.07
premium
$4.49
$39.28
$78.56
diesel
$4.80
$41.94
$83.87
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 77.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
66.6
0
$23.32
$10.66
Efficient EV
55.5
0
$19.43
$8.88
EV Truck/SUV
88.8
1
$31.09
$14.21
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Beaufort, SC
Morning
in Beaufort on Sunday
Local time
6:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
94°F
Sunny
S 12 mph9% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:56PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Columbia SC
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:52PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wilmington NC
Destination
Simpsonville, SC
Morning
in Simpsonville on Sunday
Local time
6:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
92°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
WSW 9 mph23% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:56PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Columbia SC
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:52PM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wilmington NC
86°F
Forest Acres, SC
111 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
4h 9m 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.
Reconstruction Era National Historical Park
National Historical Park
The Reconstruction era,1861-1900 the historic period in which the United States grappled with the question of how to integrate millions of newly freed African Americans into social, political, economi...
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 114.9
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, with 97% of the 222.1 miles on interstates. You'll experience a long stretch of 116.6 miles on I-26, suggesting consistent cruising. The main roads include I-95 and I-385, indicating you'll navigate some significant interstate junctions. Expect a high volume of exits and merging traffic as you traverse these major corridors.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 116.6 mi on I 26.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 26 and I 95. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 76.9 miles in near I 26.
Driving Effort6/10
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 222.1 miles you will encounter 14 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 76.9 miles (I 26): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 193.5 miles (I 385): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 220.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
866 ft7 ft
Total Climb
1,053 ft
Total Descent
194 ft
Highest Point
866 ft
~222.1 mi in
Elevation Range
860 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 Beaufort, SC to Simpsonville, SC, road signs begin pointing toward Greenville along the way.
Simpsonville is a suburban city in the Upcountry of South Carolina southeast of the major city of Greenville. Simpsonville has experienced steady growth since 2008, and as a result, many restaurants and stores have been introduced to the area. Simpsonville has around 20,000 residents.
Top landmarks
•First Baptist Simpsonville — church building in Simpsonville, South Carolina, U.S.A.
•Burdette Building — building in Simpsonville, South Carolina, U.S.A.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 9m. Total distance: 222.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 116.6 miles on I 26. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 25 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 Simpsonville, 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 25 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 76.9 miles (I 26): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 193.5 miles (I 385): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 220.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Reconstruction Era National Historical Park and Congaree National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Simpsonville, SC, but most travelers stay overnight.
