How far is Surfside Beach, SC from North Charleston, SC?
Fastest route
The distance between Surfside Beach, South Carolina, and North Charleston, South Carolina is approximately 91.8 miles (147.8 kilometers). The fastest route currently is via Hwy 17 S, and the estimated travel time is 1 hour and 43 minutes.
Directions
- 🚗 Head northwest on Surfside Dr toward Dogwood Dr N.
- 🛣️ Follow Ocean Hwy, Hwy 17 S, and I-526 W to Mall Dr in North Charleston.
- 🚦 Turn left onto US-17 BUS S.
- 🔄 Keep right to continue on Tadlock Dr.
- 🍕 Pass by Pizza Hut (on the right).
- ↗️ Turn left onto Hwy 17 S/N Fraser St.
- 🔄 Continue to follow Hwy 17 S.
- ➡️ Turn right onto Long Point Rd/State Rd S-10-97.
- 🔄 At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on Long Point Rd/State Rd S-10-97.
- 🚗 Take the ramp to N Charleston/I-526.
- 🚗 Take exit 18A to merge onto US-52 E/US-78 E/Rivers Ave.
- 🛣️ Follow Mall Dr to City Hall Ln.
- ↖️ Turn left onto City Hall Ln.
Tips & Suggestions
- ⛽ It's recommended to ensure your vehicle has enough fuel for the journey.
- 🚧 Check for traffic updates and road closures before starting your trip.
- 🚗 Take breaks during the drive to avoid fatigue and stay alert.
- 📱 Keep your mobile phone charged and have a car charger handy.
- 🥤 Bring snacks and drinks for refreshment on the way.
- 🗺️ Use a GPS or map app to navigate accurately.
- 🏨 If your journey is long, consider booking accommodation in North Charleston in advance.
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 01h 50m.
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 Charleston County, South Carolina, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Surfside Beach and North Charleston.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Surfside Beach and North Charleston.
-
1
Start on Surfside Drive
22 m · 8 sec · Surfside Drive
-
2
Continue on Surfside Drive
1.1 km · 2 min · Surfside Drive
-
3
Turn left onto US 17 Business
7.6 mi · 11 min · US 17 Business
-
4
Continue on Ocean Highway
17.4 mi · 25 min · Ocean Highway
-
5
Continue on L. H. Siau Bridge
1340 ft · 25 sec · L. H. Siau Bridge
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6
Continue on Church Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · Church Street
-
7
Turn left onto North Fraser Street
56 mi · 1 hr 14 min · North Fraser Street
-
8
Continue on North Highway 17
2.6 mi · 4 min · North Highway 17
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward Meeting Street
1902 ft · 49 sec
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10
Turn right onto Meeting Street
2.2 mi · 3 min · Meeting Street
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11
Continue on Meeting Street Road
1065 ft · 18 sec · Meeting Street Road
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12
Continue on Meeting Street Road
3057 ft · 52 sec · Meeting Street Road
-
13
Continue on Carner Avenue
1.3 km · 1 min · Carner Avenue
-
14
Continue on Rivers Avenue
1667 ft · 30 sec · Rivers Avenue
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Rivers Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Surfside Beach and North Charleston.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
North Fraser Street
Turn left onto North Fraser Street
56 mi · 01h 14m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Surfside Beach and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near North Charleston.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Surfside Beach to North Charleston?
The road trip is about 91.2 miles (146.7 km) and usually takes 01h 50m 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?
McClellanville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 45.2 miles from Surfside Beach and 46 miles from North Charleston.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 77.7 miles (125.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.5 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 2:48 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.75 one way or $25.51 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 28.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Surfside Beach and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near North Charleston.
Stop Ideas Near McClellanville
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 McClellanville.
Charleston, South Carolina
Kingstree
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Surfside Beach and North Charleston. Straight-line distance: 77.76 mi (125.14 km).
#1 Surfside Beach
City in Horry County, South Carolina, United States
| Population | 4,580 |
| Coordinates | 33.6060000, -78.9730900 |
| Altitude | 3 |
| Country | United States |
#2 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 |
End: US 52 (-79.97488, 32.854524)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 147 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 18m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $12.75 | $25.51 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $14.26 | $28.52 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $15.39 | $30.77 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $18.11 | $36.22 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.