Driving Time between Bloomington, Illinois and Charleston, South Carolina

A picture depicting driving

Road Trip! Bloomington to Charleston

Are you ready for a road trip? If you're looking to head down south from Bloomington, Illinois to Charleston, South Carolina, there are a few options for routes and travel times. So buckle up, turn up the tunes, and let's hit the road!

Option 1: The Direct Route

The most direct way to get from Bloomington to Charleston is via Interstate 64. This route will take you through Indianapolis and Louisville before crossing the border into West Virginia. From there, you'll pass through the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests before crossing into Virginia and ultimately arriving in Charleston.

The total distance for this route is approximately 704 miles and should take around 11 hours of driving time. However, be sure to factor in time for stops, rest breaks, and any potential traffic delays along the way.

Option 2: The Scenic Route

If you're looking for a more scenic drive, consider taking US Route 50 through southern Illinois and Kentucky before joining up with Interstate 77 in West Virginia. This route will take you through the Shawnee National Forest in Illinois and the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky.

This route is slightly longer at approximately 775 miles and will take around 12.5 hours of driving time. But, it's definitely worth it if you want to take in some beautiful scenery along the way.

Option 3: The Coastal Route

If you're looking for an even more scenic drive, consider taking the coastal route via US Route 52. This route will take you through southern Ohio before joining up with Interstate 77 in West Virginia. Then, you'll head through a portion of the Appalachian Mountains before joining up with US Route 460 and heading towards the coast.

This route will take you through some charming towns and historic sites, including Portsmouth, Virginia and Colonial Williamsburg. The total distance for this route is approximately 890 miles and should take around 14 hours of driving time.

Rest Stop Recommendations

Regardless of which route you choose, there are plenty of great stops along the way to break up the drive and stretch your legs. Here are a few recommendations to consider:

  • Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory in Louisville, KY
  • New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville, WV
  • Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia
  • Williamsburg, VA for colonial history buffs

No matter which route you take or where you stop along the way, a road trip from Bloomington to Charleston is sure to be an adventure. So pack your bags, hit the road, and enjoy the journey!