Simpsonville, SC to North Myrtle Beach, SC is 246 miles and takes about 4h 49m via I 20 and I 26, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within South Carolina, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast. It's a straightforward, mostly highway trip perfect for a single day. You'll spend a good portion of your time on major interstates, making for efficient travel. Plan for a relatively quick transit with minimal complexity.
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
123 miles from Simpsonville, SC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 18m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 20
79.4 mi
1h 29m
I 26
55.2 mi
1h
Golden Strip Freeway
27.2 mi
29m
Veterans Highway
26.3 mi
30m
West Palmetto Street
22.6 mi
32m
US 501 Business
21 mi
24m
Carolina Bays Parkway
5.1 mi
5m
SC 576
3.1 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 20
— 79.4 mi, about 1h 29m
Traffic on I-20
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 34 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,146 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,576
Quietest
2 AM
~168 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.8×
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 Simpsonville, SC and North Myrtle Beach, SC.
1
Start on this road
107 ft·9 sec·this road
2
Turn right
175 ft·17 sec
3
Turn left onto Hedge Street
146 ft·11 sec·Hedge Street
4
Turn left onto SC 417
374 ft·13 sec·East Curtis Street
5
Turn left onto SC 14
1.1 mi·2 min·Southeast Main Street
6
Turn right onto Fairview Road
0.3 mi·36 sec·Fairview Road
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
8
Merge onto I 385
27 mi·29 min·Golden Strip Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 26
55 mi·1 hr·I 26
Use the slight right lane.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 107BToward I 20 East: FlorenceUse the right lane.
11
Merge onto I 20
79 mi·1 hr 29 min·I 20
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Turn left onto US 76
23 mi·32 min·West Palmetto Street
13
Continue on SC 576
3.1 mi·3 min·SC 576
14
Continue on US 501 Business; SC 41 Alternate
21 mi·24 min·US 501 Business; SC 41 Alternate
15
Take the exit
1.0 mi·2 min
Toward SC 22 East: North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle BeachUse the right lane.
16
Continue on SC 22
26 mi·30 min·Veterans Highway
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward SC 31 North: Little River, Wilmington
18
Merge onto SC 31
5.1 mi·5 min·Carolina Bays Parkway
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward Robert Edge Pkwy: North Myrtle Beach
20
Turn right onto Robert Edge Parkway
1.7 mi·2 min·Robert Edge Parkway
21
Turn right onto US 17
0.3 mi·43 sec·US Highway 17 South
22
Turn left onto S-26-358
0.7 mi·1 min·6th Avenue South
Use the left lane.
23
Arrive at destination
S-26-358
Trip Plan
For this 4h 49m drive, starting early in the morning is your best bet to avoid any potential traffic and maximize daylight. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to break. The longest stretch without an exit is nearly 80 miles on I 20, so ensure you have sufficient fuel before entering that segment. Keep an eye on the increasing number of exits as you get closer to North Myrtle Beach, as this indicates a transition from highway to more populated areas.
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 123 miles from Simpsonville, SC, or about 2h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 79.4 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 54 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 123 miles or 2h 18m 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 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near North Myrtle Beach, SC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Simpsonville, 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 Simpsonville, SC
This is one driving day of about 246 miles and 4h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Simpsonville, 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 20 for about 79.4 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 210.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in
Turn right
Navigation decision point
5
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|SC 417 / East Curtis Street
Turn left onto SC 417 / East Curtis Street
Navigation decision point
5
1.7 mi into trip|~4m in|I 385 / Golden Strip Freeway
Merge onto I 385 / Golden Strip Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
84.1 mi into trip|~1h 34m in
Take the exit toward I 20 East: Florence
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 107B
Toward I 20 East: Florence
7
210.5 mi into trip|~4h 5m in
Take the exit toward SC 22 East: North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward SC 22 East: North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle B...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.32 one way
$72.64 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg86 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$39.91
$79.82
premium
$4.49
$43.51
$87.01
diesel
$4.80
$46.45
$92.90
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73.8
0
$25.83
$11.81
Efficient EV
61.5
0
$21.53
$9.84
EV Truck/SUV
98.4
1
$34.44
$15.74
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% 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
Simpsonville, SC
Night
in Simpsonville on Saturday
Local time
9:27 PM
EDT
Current temp
92°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 2 to 9 mph26% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 2:41AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wilmington NC
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:19AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wilmington NC
Destination
North Myrtle Beach, SC
Night
in North Myrtle Beach on Saturday
Local time
9:27 PM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Sunny
S 6 to 16 mph4% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 2:41AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wilmington NC
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:19AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wilmington NC
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
1 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 49m 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.
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...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 101.8
Caution: Being Prepared for Excessive Heat & Humidity
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is primarily highway, with 78% of the travel on interstates. You'll encounter a long stretch of 79.4 miles on I 20 without needing to exit. The remaining 22% of the drive will be on surface roads, likely involving more local traffic and frequent exits as you approach your destination. Expect a consistent cruising speed for most of the trip.
78% 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: 79.4 mi on I 20.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 20 and I 26. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive.
Driving Effort7/10
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 246 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: Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (SC 417 / East Curtis Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.7 miles (I 385 / Golden Strip Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
866 ft7 ft
Total Climb
61 ft
Total Descent
921 ft
Highest Point
866 ft
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 Simpsonville, SC to North Myrtle Beach, SC, road signs begin pointing toward Myrtle Beach 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.
North Myrtle Beach is a small town in South Carolina with approximately 15,000 residents. North Myrtle Beach proudly has two claims to fame. It is the birthplace of South Carolina's state dance, the shag. It is also the hometown of Vanna White of "Wheel of Fortune" fame.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 49m. Total distance: 246 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 79.4 miles on I 20. 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 North Myrtle Beach, 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: Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (SC 417 / East Curtis Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.7 miles (I 385 / Golden Strip Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — 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 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at North Myrtle Beach, SC, but most travelers stay overnight.
