How far is Folly Beach, SC from Charleston, SC?
The driving distance from Folly Beach, SC to Charleston, SC is about 11.6 miles (18.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 23m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 8.4 miles (13.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 46m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 23m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
The second most populous city in Charleston County, South Carolina.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Folly Beach and Charleston.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Folly Beach and Charleston.
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1
Start on East Arctic Avenue
65 m · 12 sec · East Arctic Avenue
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2
Turn left
61 m · 20 sec
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3
At the end of the road, turn left onto East Ashley Avenue
83 m · 12 sec · East Ashley Avenue
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4
Turn right onto Center Street
1805 ft · 52 sec · Center Street
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5
Continue on Folly Road
6.6 mi · 13 min · Folly Road
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6
Turn right onto SC 30 East: Downtown
2.9 mi · 4 min
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7
Continue on Calhoun Street
2174 ft · 45 sec · Calhoun Street
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8
Turn slight right onto Rutledge Avenue
3276 ft · 2 min · Rutledge Avenue
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9
Turn left onto Broad Street
2677 ft · 60 sec · Broad Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Broad Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Folly Beach and Charleston.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Folly Road
Continue on Folly Road
6.6 mi · 00h 13m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Sunny leaving Folly Beach and Mostly Sunny near Charleston.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Folly Beach to Charleston?
The road trip is about 11.6 miles (18.6 km) and usually takes 00h 23m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Mount Pleasant is a useful midpoint, sitting about 5.8 miles from Folly Beach and 5.8 miles from Charleston.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 8.4 miles (13.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.2 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:44 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.62 one way or $3.25 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 3.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Folly Beach and Mostly Sunny near Charleston.
Stop Ideas Near Mount Pleasant
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Historic Charleston City Market
City of North Charleston City Hall
North Charleston Police Department
Charleston County Parking Garage
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Mount Pleasant.
Charleston, South Carolina
Yemassee
Kingstree
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Folly Beach and Charleston. Straight-line distance: 8.41 mi (13.53 km).
#1 Folly Beach
City in South Carolina, United States
| Population | 2,682 |
| Coordinates | 32.6551800, -79.9403700 |
| Altitude | 5 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Charleston
The most populous city in South Carolina.
| Population | 139,714 |
| Coordinates | 32.7765700, -79.9309200 |
| Altitude | 6 |
| Country | United States |
End: Broad Street (-79.930909, 32.776494)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 19 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $1.62 | $3.25 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $1.82 | $3.63 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $1.96 | $3.92 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $2.31 | $4.61 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in South Carolina · Apr 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.