The Cost of Driving from Atlanta, Georgia to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Planning a road trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina? It's always a good idea to estimate your travel costs beforehand, including gas prices and toll fees. In this post, we'll break down the cost of driving from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach on different routes.

Route 1: I-85 S and I-20 E

This is the most direct route, covering a distance of approximately 344 miles with an estimated driving time of about 5 hours and 20 minutes. You'll encounter tolls along the way, but the good news is that there's no toll cost along this route. However, keep in mind that toll prices can vary from one state to another.

The average gas price in Georgia as of August 2021 is $2.92 per gallon, while the average gas price in South Carolina is $2.77 per gallon. Based on these rates, a car with a 14-gallon tank will use about 4.4 tanks of gas, with a total estimated cost of around $183.34.

Route 2: I-85 S, GA-316 E, US-29 S, I-85 S, and US-74 E

This is a longer route than the first one, but it's an alternative for travelers who prefer scenic drives. This route covers approximately 393 miles and takes about 6 hours and 20 minutes. You'll drive through small towns and pass some tourist attractions.

Toll prices for this route include a $1.00 charge for using the express toll lanes along GA-316 and a $3.00 charge for crossing the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, totaling $4.00. With an average of 4.4 tanks of gas at the same gas prices listed above, the estimated total cost is around $202.54.

Route 3: I-85 S and US-76 E

This is a much longer route and more scenic route that will take you through the beautiful mountain ranges of North Carolina. The total distance is roughly 469 miles and the driving time is about 7 hours and 30 minutes. You'll drive through small towns, along the banks of Lake Hartwell, and into the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

This route doesn't have any tolls, so the estimated cost only comes from gas expenses. Based on the gas prices listed above, a car would use approximately 6.6 tanks of gas, for a total estimated cost of around $278.12.

Conclusion

When planning your road trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, consider the routes mentioned above and the costs associated with them. Route 1 is the most direct and cheapest route, while Route 3 is the longest but offers lovely scenic views. Take these factors into consideration to make the best decision for your trip. Happy travels!