Summerville is 95 to 100 miles from Myrtle Beach, depending on which route you take

The straight-line distance between the two towns is about 85 miles, but you cannot drive that way. The actual driving distance is 95 to 100 miles depending on whether you take US-17 North or I-26 East to I-95 North. The drive takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours under normal traffic conditions, though that time stretches during summer weekends and holiday travel when the highways toward Myrtle Beach back up significantly.

Summerville sits inland in Dorchester County, about 25 miles northwest of Charleston. Myrtle Beach is a coastal resort town in Horry County, near South Carolina's border with North Carolina. The two towns serve different purposes — Summerville is a residential and historic community, while Myrtle Beach is a major tourist destination — so traffic patterns between them vary by season and day of week.

Key Takeaways

  • The driving distance is 95 to 100 miles depending on your route, taking 1.5 to 2 hours under normal conditions.
  • US-17 North is the more direct route and passes through smaller towns; I-26 to I-95 North is faster on light-traffic days but more congested during peak travel times.
  • Summer weekends and holidays add 30 minutes to an hour to your travel time as traffic toward Myrtle Beach increases significantly.
  • Fuel cost for the trip is roughly $12 to $18 one-way depending on your vehicle's fuel economy and current gas prices.

The two main driving routes and their differences

US-17 North is the shorter and more scenic route. From Summerville, you head north through Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, and Georgetown before reaching Myrtle Beach. This route covers approximately 95 miles and takes about 1 hour 45 minutes in light traffic. You pass through small towns and see more of the Lowcountry landscape, but you also hit more traffic lights and slower speed limits through town centers.

I-26 East to I-95 North is the faster route on uncongested days. You drive east toward Charleston, pick up I-26, then merge onto I-95 North toward Myrtle Beach. This route is about 100 miles and takes roughly 1 hour 50 minutes in light traffic. The interstate moves faster when traffic is flowing, but during peak travel times — Friday afternoons, Saturday mornings, and holiday weekends — I-95 becomes a bottleneck as thousands of tourists head to the beach.

Most locals prefer US-17 for weekend trips because it is more predictable, even if slightly longer. The interstate route makes sense if you are traveling very early in the morning or late at night when highway traffic is minimal. On a typical Tuesday or Wednesday, either route will get you there in roughly the same time.

When traffic slows down and how much extra time to expect

Summer Fridays from 2 p.m. onward see the heaviest traffic, particularly on I-95 North. A trip that normally takes 1 hour 50 minutes can stretch to 2.5 or even 3 hours. Saturday mornings are similarly congested from 8 a.m. to noon. If you are traveling during these windows, add 45 minutes to an hour to your estimate.

Holiday weekends — Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving — create the worst conditions. I-95 North can become nearly parking-lot-like between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on these days. US-17 also slows significantly but typically moves better than the interstate. If you must travel during a holiday weekend, leave very early (before 7 a.m.) or very late (after 7 p.m.).

Winter and spring travel is generally lighter. Weekday trips outside of summer are usually predictable and close to the baseline 1.5 to 2 hour range. Tuesday through Thursday mornings are typically the least congested times to make this drive.

Fuel cost and vehicle considerations

At current gas prices and assuming average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, a one-way trip between Summerville and Myrtle Beach costs roughly $12 to $18 in fuel. This varies based on your vehicle's efficiency — a hybrid might spend $9 to $12, while a truck or SUV could spend $15 to $22. Gas prices fluctuate, so this is an estimate rather than a fixed number.

Both routes are highway-appropriate for any passenger vehicle. US-17 has more curves and passes through towns, so it is slightly easier on brakes and fuel economy. I-26 and I-95 are straighter and faster but use more fuel at highway speeds. Either route is manageable for older vehicles, though you should check your tire condition and fluid levels before a 100-mile drive.

Tolls and other costs

Neither US-17 nor the I-26/I-95 route has tolls in South Carolina or North Carolina. You will not encounter toll booths or toll roads on either path. This is one advantage of these routes compared to some other interstate corridors in the Southeast.

If you stop for food or drinks along the way, budget an additional $10 to $20 depending on where you eat. Both routes have restaurants and convenience stores, so you have options without adding significant time to your trip.

Alternative transportation options

If you do not want to drive, Greyhound operates bus service between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, with a stop in Summerville. The trip takes 2.5 to 3 hours depending on stops and traffic. Tickets typically cost $20 to $40 one-way. This is slower than driving but removes the stress of navigating traffic yourself.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in both towns, though the cost for a one-way trip is usually $80 to $150 depending on demand. During peak summer weekends, surge pricing can push this higher. These services are practical if you want to avoid driving but do not want to use public transit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which route is faster, US-17 or I-26 to I-95?

On light-traffic days, I-26 to I-95 is slightly faster because the interstate maintains higher speeds. On peak travel days, US-17 often moves better because it avoids the I-95 bottleneck. For summer weekends, US-17 is usually the safer choice.

How much longer does the drive take during summer?

Summer Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings add 45 minutes to an hour compared to off-peak times. Holiday weekends can add 1 to 1.5 hours. Early morning or late evening travel avoids most of this congestion.

Are there rest stops or gas stations on either route?

Both routes have gas stations and rest stops. US-17 passes through Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, and Georgetown, all with fuel and food options. I-95 North has official rest areas and numerous exits with services. You will not run low on fuel or facilities on either path.

Can I take a more scenic route even if it takes longer?

Yes. US-17 itself is more scenic than the interstate, passing through the Lowcountry and small historic towns. If you have extra time, you can detour through Georgetown or stop at state parks along the way. This adds time but makes the trip more of an experience than a commute.