How far is Union, SC from Charleston, SC?
The driving distance from Union, SC to Charleston, SC is about 181.1 miles (291.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 165.5 miles (266.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 00m 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 03h 00m.
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 Lexington County, South Carolina, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Union and Charleston.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Union and Charleston.
-
1
Start on North Pinckney Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · North Pinckney Street
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2
Continue on Whitmire Highway
15.2 mi · 17 min · Whitmire Highway
-
3
Turn slight left onto Watson Street
7.4 mi · 11 min · Watson Street
-
4
Keep slight right to continue on State Highway 121
6.1 mi · 9 min · State Highway 121
-
5
Take the ramp slight right
1191 ft · 29 sec
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6
Merge slight left
36.2 mi · 40 min
-
7
Keep slight right to continue on Charleston
112.5 mi · 2 hr 6 min
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8
Take the exit slight left toward Meeting Street, Visitor Center, Downtown
1994 ft · 53 sec
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9
Turn right onto Meeting Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Meeting Street
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10
Turn left onto Broad Street
12 m · 1 sec · Broad Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Broad Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Union 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.
State Highway 121
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.
Sunny leaving Union 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 Union to Charleston?
The road trip is about 181.1 miles (291.5 km) and usually takes 03h 00m 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?
Swansea is a useful midpoint, sitting about 90.5 miles from Union and 90.7 miles from Charleston.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 165.5 miles (266.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.6 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 12:30 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.31 one way or $50.62 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Union and Mostly Sunny near Charleston.
Stop Ideas Near Swansea
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 Swansea.
Columbia
Denmark
Camden
Kingstree
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Union and Charleston. Straight-line distance: 165.53 mi (266.4 km).
#1 Union
Township of Union County, New Jersey
| Population | 8,045 |
| Coordinates | 34.7154100, -81.6237100 |
| Altitude | 196 |
| 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: 292 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 31m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 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 | $25.31 | $50.62 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $28.30 | $56.60 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $30.53 | $61.06 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $35.94 | $71.87 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.