Road Trip to North Myrtle Beach: How Long Will It Take?

Are you planning a road trip from Ashland, Ohio to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and wondering how long it will take you? Well, it depends on the route you take, traffic patterns, and your driving speed. In this blog post, I will provide you with the estimated driving time on the fastest and slowest routes, during rush hour and low traffic times.

The Fastest Route: I-77 S

The fastest route from Ashland to North Myrtle Beach is via I-77 S. This route covers a distance of about 570 miles and will take you around 9 hours and 30 minutes to drive, assuming normal traffic conditions and an average speed of 60 mph.

However, keep in mind that you may encounter heavy traffic on this route, especially during peak travel times, such as holidays and weekends. If you hit traffic, the drive time can go up to 11 hours or more.

The Scenic Route: US-29 S and I-85 S

If you are in no hurry and want to enjoy scenic views along the way, you can take the US-29 S and I-85 S route, which covers a distance of around 610 miles. This route passes through picturesque towns and cities in Virginia and North Carolina, including Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Greensboro.

However, keep in mind that this route is slower than I-77 S and will take you about 11-12 hours to drive, assuming normal traffic conditions and an average speed of 55 mph.

Traffic Patterns

Traffic congestion is a common problem on highways, especially during peak hours and holidays. Here's what you can expect on these routes:

I-77 S - Expect heavy traffic during peak travel hours (7:00-10:00 am and 4:00-7:00 pm) and on weekends. Off-peak hours, the traffic is usually moderate.

US-29 S and I-85 S - Expect light to moderate traffic most of the time, except during peak holiday travel times. Rush hour traffic is only a concern in major cities, such as Charlotte and Greensboro.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the driving time from Ashland, Ohio, to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, will depend on the route you take and traffic patterns. The fastest route is I-77 S, which takes about 9.5 hours, assuming normal traffic. The scenic route via US-29 S and I-85 S will take you around 11-12 hours, but you get to enjoy picturesque views along the way. Be prepared for traffic congestion, especially on I-77 S during peak travel times. Safe travels!