How far is Laurens, SC from Charleston, SC?
The driving distance from Laurens, SC to Charleston, SC is about 180.5 miles (290.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 168.9 miles (271.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 45m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 02h 52m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
Town in Calhoun County, South Carolina
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Laurens and Charleston.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Laurens and Charleston.
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1
Start on Courthouse Public Square
13 m · 7 sec · Courthouse Public Square
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2
Turn left onto East Public Square
91 m · 15 sec · East Public Square
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3
Turn right onto East Laurens Street
79 m · 14 sec · East Laurens Street
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4
Turn left onto North Harper Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · North Harper Street
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5
Continue on Lucas Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · Lucas Avenue
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6
Turn right onto Yarborough Mill Road
1.8 mi · 3 min · Yarborough Mill Road
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7
Continue on State Highway 49
1.3 km · 1 min · State Highway 49
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8
Take the ramp right toward I 385 South
1084 ft · 26 sec
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9
Merge slight left
5.1 mi · 5 min
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10
Merge slight left
55.8 mi · 1 hr 1 min
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11
Keep slight right to continue on Charleston
112.5 mi · 2 hr 6 min
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12
Take the exit slight left toward Meeting Street, Visitor Center, Downtown
1994 ft · 53 sec
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13
Turn right onto Meeting Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Meeting Street
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14
Turn left onto Broad Street
12 m · 1 sec · Broad Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Broad Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Laurens and Charleston.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 385 South
Keep slight right to continue on Charleston
113 mi · 02h 06m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny leaving Laurens and Mostly Cloudy near Charleston.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Laurens to Charleston?
The road trip is about 180.5 miles (290.5 km) and usually takes 02h 52m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Saint Matthews is a useful midpoint, sitting about 90.2 miles from Laurens and 90.3 miles from Charleston.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 168.9 miles (271.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.6 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:44 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.23 one way or $50.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Laurens and Mostly Cloudy near Charleston.
Stop Ideas Near Saint Matthews
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Saint Matthews.
Columbia
Denmark
Camden
Kingstree
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Laurens and Charleston. Straight-line distance: 168.88 mi (271.79 km).
#1 Laurens
City in Laurens County, South Carolina, United States of America
| Population | 8,852 |
| Coordinates | 34.4990100, -82.0142600 |
| Altitude | 186 |
| 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: 290 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $25.23 | $50.46 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $28.21 | $56.43 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $30.44 | $60.87 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $35.82 | $71.65 |
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 · May 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.