How far is North Charleston, SC from Clinton, SC?
The driving distance from North Charleston, SC to Clinton, SC is about 165.7 miles (266.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 05m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 156.5 miles (251.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 10m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 05m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Cloudy
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between North Charleston and Clinton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North Charleston and Clinton.
-
1
Start on Rivers Avenue
1501 ft · 38 sec · Rivers Avenue
-
2
Turn left onto Dorchester Road
1 km · 1 min · Dorchester Road
-
3
Take the ramp right toward I 26 West: Columbia
1130 ft · 28 sec
-
4
Merge slight left
161.4 mi · 2 hr 57 min
-
5
Take the exit slight right toward SC 72: Clinton
1317 ft · 39 sec
-
6
Turn left
1.4 mi · 2 min
-
7
Turn straight onto North Adair Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · North Adair Street
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8
At the end of the road, turn right onto East Carolina Avenue
2076 ft · 35 sec · East Carolina Avenue
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Carolina Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between North Charleston and Clinton.
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 26 West
Merge slight left
161 mi · 02h 57m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Cloudy leaving North Charleston and Mostly Sunny near Clinton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from North Charleston to Clinton?
The road trip is about 165.7 miles (266.7 km) and usually takes 03h 05m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Saint Matthews is a useful midpoint, sitting about 82.9 miles from North Charleston and 82.8 miles from Clinton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 156.5 miles (251.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.2 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:50 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.17 one way or $46.34 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around North Charleston and Mostly Sunny near Clinton.
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 North Charleston and Clinton. Straight-line distance: 156.55 mi (251.94 km).
#1 North Charleston
The second most populous city in Charleston County, South Carolina.
| Population | 118,752 |
| Coordinates | 32.8546200, -79.9748100 |
| Altitude | 6 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Clinton
City in Laurens County, South Carolina, United States
| Population | 8,304 |
| Coordinates | 34.4726300, -81.8806600 |
| Altitude | 206 |
| Country | United States |
End: Clinton (-81.88066, 34.47263)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 267 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $23.17 | $46.34 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $25.91 | $51.82 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $27.95 | $55.90 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $32.90 | $65.80 |
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.