Driving Time between Beaufort, South Carolina and Chattanooga, Tennessee

A picture depicting driving

The Ultimate Guide to Driving from Beaufort, South Carolina to Chattanooga, Tennessee

Are you planning a road trip from Beaufort, South Carolina, to Chattanooga, Tennessee? These two charming southern cities are connected by a smooth network of highways and country roads that will take you through scenic landscapes and historical landmarks. But how long does it really take to drive from Beaufort to Chattanooga? Let's find out!

The Fastest Route: I-26 W and I-75 N

If you're in a hurry to reach Chattanooga and want to take the fastest route, you should follow these directions:

  • From Beaufort, take US-21 S and merge onto I-95 N.
  • Keep left to take I-26 W towards Columbia.
  • Stay on I-26 W for about 197 miles until it merges onto I-75 N towards Knoxville.
  • Continue on I-75 N for about 20 miles until you reach Chattanooga.

According to Google Maps, this route is about 370 miles long, and it takes approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes to drive under normal traffic conditions. However, keep in mind that this is a popular route, and traffic can become heavy, especially near major cities or during rush hour. If you drive during peak traffic times, your travel time could increase by up to 40 minutes or more.

The Scenic Route: US-17 N and I-24 W

If you prefer to take your time and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the low country and the mountains, you can take this route instead:

  • From Beaufort, take US-21 N and turn left onto US-17 N towards Charleston.
  • Follow US-17 N for about 270 miles until it merges onto I-26 W towards Columbia.
  • Keep on I-26 W for about 60 miles until it merges onto I-24 W towards Nashville.
  • Follow I-24 W for about 100 miles until you reach Chattanooga.

This route is about 455 miles long, and it takes approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes to drive under normal traffic conditions. However, it offers stunning views of the Atlantic coast, the historic city of Charleston, the rolling hills of South Carolina and Tennessee, and the Cumberland Plateau. Keep in mind that some sections of US-17 N are not divided highways and may slow down your travel time. Also, some parts of I-24 W near Nashville may have heavy traffic during rush hour.

The Most Scenic Route: US-21 and US-64

If you want to experience the ultimate road trip adventure and don't mind taking some detours, you should try this route:

  • From Beaufort, take US-21 N towards Orangeburg and Columbia.
  • Follow US-21 N for about 127 miles until you reach Wytheville, Virginia.
  • Turn right onto US-52 N towards Big Walker Lookout.
  • Follow US-52 N for about 22 miles until it merges onto VA-16 S.
  • Keep on VA-16 S for about 47 miles until it merges onto US-221 S.
  • Follow US-221 S for about 48 miles until it merges onto US-321 N/US-421 N.
  • Keep on US-321 N for about 16 miles until it merges onto US-421 N.
  • Follow US-421 N for about 43 miles until it merges onto US-64 W towards Murphy.
  • Keep on US-64 W for about 34 miles until it merges onto US-74 W.
  • Follow US-74 W for about 20 miles until you reach Chattanooga.

This route is about 596 miles long, and it takes approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes to drive under normal traffic conditions. However, it takes you through some of the most beautiful and remote areas of Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, including the Blue Ridge Mountains, the New River Gorge, and the Cherokee National Forest. Be prepared for winding roads, steep inclines, and occasional traffic jams, especially during peak tourism season.

No matter which route you choose, remember to pack enough snacks, drinks, and entertainment options to keep you and your travel companions happy and relaxed. Also, make sure to check the weather and road conditions before you hit the road, especially during winter months or hurricane season. With a little planning and flexibility, you can turn this drive from Beaufort to Chattanooga into a memorable and delightful journey!