Origin
Charleston, SC
Morning in Charleston on Tuesday
Local time
6:24 AM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Charleston, SC to Union, SC
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 27m
Distance
172.2 mi
277 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 15m
★
6 AM
3h 28m
8 AM
3h 52m
10 AM
3h 36m
12 PM
3h 34m
3 PM
3h 37m
5 PM
3h 51m
8 PM
3h 20m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Union, SC
Sebastián Casimiro
Trip Overview
Charleston, SC to Union, SC is 172.2 miles and takes about 3h 27m via I 26 and I 95, with a fuel budget near $27 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within South Carolina, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. Expect a mix of highway driving and surface roads as you head inland. With only one recommended stop and a short duration, this route is quite manageable for a single day of travel.
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
86.1 miles from Charleston, SC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 39m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 26 | 51.4 mi | 58m |
| I 95 | 35.4 mi | 37m |
| Kershaw Highway | 14.4 mi | 16m |
| US 521 | 12.4 mi | 14m |
| Kershaw Camden Highway | 8.9 mi | 10m |
| Sumter Highway | 8.4 mi | 9m |
| Camden Highway | 8.2 mi | 9m |
| Rocky River Road | 7.7 mi | 13m |
Longest stretch:
I 26
— 51.4 mi, about 58m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Charleston, SC and Union, SC.
1
Start on Broad Street
40 ft
·
5 sec
·
Broad Street
2
Turn right onto S-10-107
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Meeting Street
Use the straight lane.
3
Turn left onto Calhoun Street
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
Calhoun Street
4
Turn right onto S-10-104
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
King Street
5
Turn left onto Spring Street
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
Spring Street
6
Turn right onto Coming Street
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
Coming Street
7
Turn right onto US 17
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Septima Clark Expressway
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 26
51 mi
·
58 min
·
I 26
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 169B
Toward I 95 North: Florence
10
Merge onto I 95
35 mi
·
37 min
·
I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward US 521: Alcolu, Sumter
12
Keep slight left at fork
289 ft
·
7 sec
Toward US 521 North: Alcolu, Sumter
13
Turn left onto US 521
12 mi
·
14 min
·
US 521
Use the left lane.
14
Turn left onto US 521
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
South Guignard Parkway
Use the left lane.
15
Continue on US 521
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
South Guignard Drive
16
Continue on US 521
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Bultman Drive
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Turn left onto US 521; US 76 Business
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Broad Street
Use the left lane.
18
Turn slight right onto US 521
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Camden Highway
19
Continue on US 521
7.6 mi
·
8 min
·
Thomas Sumter Highway
20
Continue on US 521
6.2 mi
·
7 min
·
Camden Highway
21
Continue on US 521
8.4 mi
·
9 min
·
Sumter Highway
22
Continue on US 521
4.2 mi
·
8 min
·
Broad Street
23
Continue on US 521; US 601
14 mi
·
16 min
·
Kershaw Highway
24
Continue on US 521; US 601
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Kershaw Camden Highway
25
Continue on US 521; US 601
0.7 mi
·
48 sec
·
South Hampton Street
26
Turn left onto US 521; US 601
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Matson Street
27
At end of road, turn left onto US 521 Business
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Kershaw Camden Highway
28
Continue on US 521
0.8 mi
·
55 sec
·
Spring Street
29
Turn right onto US 521
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
30
Continue on US 521; SC 522
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Kershaw Camden Highway
31
Turn slight right onto SC 522
7.7 mi
·
13 min
·
Rocky River Road
32
Enter roundabout
196 ft
·
3 sec
33
Continue
26 ft
·
0 sec
34
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given this trip is only 172.2 miles and takes around 3 hours and 27 minutes, you have a lot of flexibility. Consider leaving mid-morning to avoid peak Charleston traffic and arrive in Union with plenty of daylight. The fuel cost is estimated at $27, so ensure you have enough before departing. While there's only one recommended stop, you can easily add more breaks as needed due to the drive's short length.
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 86.1 miles from Charleston, SC, or about 1h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 51.4 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 38 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 86.1 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 47m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Union, SC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Charleston, 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 Charleston, SC
This is one driving day of about 172.2 miles and 3h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Charleston, 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 51.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
86 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 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 86.1 miles from Charleston, SC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 175 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 90.3 — 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
|
S-10-107 / Meeting Street
Turn right onto S-10-107 / Meeting Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
1.6 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
Coming Street
Turn right onto Coming Street
Navigation decision point
6
2.4 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
I 26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 26
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
53.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 3m in
Take the exit toward I 95 North: Florence
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 169B
Toward I 95 North: Florence
6
90.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 43m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 521 North: Alcolu, Sumter
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 521 North: Alcolu, Sumter
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.93 one way
$53.86 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
60 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $29.44 | $58.89 |
| premium | $4.70 | $31.87 | $63.74 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $38.02 | $76.04 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 60.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 51.7 | 0 | $18.08 | $8.27 |
| Efficient EV | 43.1 | 0 | $15.07 | $6.89 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 68.9 | 0 | $24.11 | $11.02 |
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 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
Union, SC
Morning in Union on Tuesday
Local time
6:24 AM
EDT
Current temp
58°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
24 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 27m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 59% of this 172.2-mile drive on highways, with the longest continuous stretch on I 26 covering 51.4 miles. The route transitions from highway to surface roads at some point, offering a change of pace. Expect some urban merging as you navigate out of the Charleston area and potentially more rural cruising as you approach your destination.
59% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 51.4 mi on I 26.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near S-10-107 / Meeting Street.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 172.2 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: near the start (S-10-107 / Meeting Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.6 miles (Coming Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.4 miles (I 26): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Charleston, SC to Union, SC, road signs begin pointing toward Sumter along the way.
Sumter
90 mi in
|
~1h 43m
About the Cities
Starting in Charleston, SC
Full guide →Charleston is the largest and oldest city in the state of South Carolina in the United States of America. Its historic downtown is on a peninsula formed by two rivers, the Ashley and the Cooper, flowing into the Atlantic, and protected from the open ocean by surrounding islands. Charleston was captured in the American Civil War without much property damage, so the historic part of town has buildings that are hundreds of years old. The current downtown skyline, with practically no tall buildings due to the city's height restriction ordinance, is dominated by church steeples and the stunning Arthur Ravenel cable-stay bridge over the Cooper River. The city is a major port on the eastern seaboard of the U.S. and a popular destination for domestic and international tourists.
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 27m. Total distance: 172.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 51.4 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 Union, 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: near the start (S-10-107 / Meeting Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.6 miles (Coming Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.4 miles (I 26): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Union, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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