How far is West Columbia, SC from Myrtle Beach, SC?
Fastest route
The distance from West Columbia, South Carolina, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is approximately 154 miles (248 kilometers). The fastest route, considering traffic conditions, is via I-20 E. The estimated travel time is 2 hours and 49 minutes.
Directions
- 🚗 Head southwest on Monticello St toward Lexington St.
- 🛣️ Turn left onto SC-12 E/Jarvis Klapman Blvd and continue to follow SC-12 E.
- 🛣️ Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto US-176 W/US-21 N/US-321 N/Huger St and continue to follow US-176 W/US-21 N/US-321 N.
- 🛣️ Keep right at the fork, follow signs for US-21/US-176/US-321/Elmwood Ave and continue onto US-176 W/US-21 N/US-321 N/US-76 E.
- 🛣️ Take I-20 E to SC-327 S in Florence County. Take exit 170 from I-95 N.
- 🛣️ Merge onto SC-327 S and continue to Myrtle Beach.
- 🛣️ Use State Rd S-21-24, US-76 E, S Hwy 501 S, and US-17 BUS N to reach Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚦 Check traffic conditions before starting your journey for the most efficient route.
- 🛣️ Stick to major highways and interstates to ensure a smoother and faster drive.
- 🍽️ Plan for rest stops and meal breaks along the way to keep refreshed.
- ⛽ Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and has enough fuel for the trip.
- 📱 Use a GPS navigation app to stay on track and avoid getting lost.
- 🚘 Share driving responsibilities if possible to reduce fatigue during the long journey.
- 🌇 Enjoy the scenic views during the drive, especially as you approach Myrtle Beach.
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 42m.
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.
City in Florence County, South Carolina, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Columbia and Myrtle Beach.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Columbia and Myrtle Beach.
-
1
Start on the route
83 m · 26 sec
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2
Turn left onto North 12th Street
848 ft · 26 sec · North 12th Street
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3
Turn left onto Jarvis Klapman Boulevard
1.3 mi · 2 min · Jarvis Klapman Boulevard
-
4
Continue on Hampton Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · Hampton Street
-
5
Turn left onto Bull Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · Bull Street
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6
Continue on I. DeQuincey Newman Freeway
4.9 mi · 5 min · I. DeQuincey Newman Freeway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 20 East: Florence
1.3 km · 2 min
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8
Merge slight left
70.3 mi · 1 hr 19 min
-
9
Turn left onto West Palmetto Street
22.6 mi · 33 min · West Palmetto Street
-
10
Continue straight
3.1 mi · 4 min
-
11
Continue straight
41.9 mi · 55 min
-
12
Turn straight
2 mi · 4 min
-
13
Turn slight right onto 8th Avenue North
76 m · 15 sec · 8th Avenue North
-
14
Turn right onto North Kings Highway
1443 ft · 41 sec · North Kings Highway
-
15
Turn left onto 5th Avenue North
61 m · 11 sec · 5th Avenue North
-
16
Turn right
60 m · 14 sec
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Columbia and Myrtle Beach.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
I 20 East
Merge slight left
70.3 mi · 01h 19m
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 West Columbia and Mostly Sunny near Myrtle Beach.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Columbia to Myrtle Beach?
The road trip is about 160.1 miles (257.6 km) and usually takes 02h 42m 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?
Timmonsville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 75.1 miles from West Columbia and 85 miles from Myrtle Beach.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 127.3 miles (204.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 32.8 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 1:04 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.38 one way or $44.76 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around West Columbia and Mostly Sunny near Myrtle Beach.
Stop Ideas Near Timmonsville
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Town Hall
Florence City Manager
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Timmonsville.
Florence
Kingstree
Dillon
Camden
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Columbia and Myrtle Beach. Straight-line distance: 127.27 mi (204.82 km).
#1 West Columbia
City in Lexington County, South Carolina, United States of America
| Population | 18,109 |
| Coordinates | 33.9934900, -81.0739800 |
| Altitude | 87 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Myrtle Beach
Coastal city in South Carolina, United States
| Population | 35,555 |
| Coordinates | 33.6890600, -78.8866900 |
| Altitude | 8 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Kings Highway (-78.887105, 33.689329)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 258 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $22.38 | $44.76 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $25.02 | $50.05 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $27.00 | $53.99 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $31.78 | $63.55 |
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.