How Far Is Concord NC From Myrtle Beach SC?
Discover the distance from Concord, NC to Myrtle Beach, SC with travel tips, routes, and stay options for your trip to the coast.
Planning a trip from Concord, North Carolina to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina? You’re in for a great journey from a charming city near Charlotte to one of the East Coast’s top beach destinations. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, knowing the distance and travel options will help you plan better.
In this guide, I’ll share how far Concord is from Myrtle Beach, the best routes to take, travel times, and tips for stops along the way. I’ll also cover where to stay in Myrtle Beach and what to expect when you arrive. Let’s get started so you can enjoy your trip with confidence.
Distance Between Concord, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC
The driving distance from Concord, North Carolina to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is about 170 miles (274 kilometers). This distance can vary slightly depending on the exact starting point in Concord and your destination in Myrtle Beach.
Most travelers take the fastest route via Interstate highways, which makes the trip straightforward and comfortable. Here’s what you need to know about the distance and travel time:
Driving Distance: Approximately 170 miles
Estimated Driving Time: Around 3 to 3.5 hours without heavy traffic
Routes: Primarily via I-85 South and US-501 South or I-77 South and US-501 South
This distance is perfect for a day trip if you start early, but most people prefer to stay overnight or longer in Myrtle Beach to enjoy the beaches and attractions.
Best Routes to Drive from Concord to Myrtle Beach
There are a couple of main routes you can take to drive from Concord to Myrtle Beach. Each offers a slightly different experience depending on your preferences for speed, scenery, or stops along the way.
Route 1: I-85 South to US-501 South
This is the most common and fastest route. It takes you south on I-85 from Concord toward Charlotte, then you switch to US-501 South near Durham, which leads directly to Myrtle Beach.
Start on I-85 South from Concord
Pass through Charlotte and continue on I-85
Take exit for US-501 South near Durham
Follow US-501 South through towns like Marion and Conway
Arrive in Myrtle Beach
This route is mostly highway driving, making it smooth and efficient. You’ll pass through some small towns where you can stop for food or gas.
Route 2: I-77 South to US-501 South
This route takes you south on I-77 from Concord toward Columbia, South Carolina, then east on US-501 to Myrtle Beach. It’s a bit longer but offers a chance to see different parts of South Carolina.
Take I-77 South from Concord
Drive through Charlotte and continue toward Columbia, SC
Exit onto US-501 East near Marion, SC
Follow US-501 East to Myrtle Beach
This route is good if you want to explore Columbia or other South Carolina towns along the way.
Travel Tips for Driving from Concord to Myrtle Beach
To make your trip smooth and enjoyable, here are some tips for driving from Concord to Myrtle Beach:
Check Traffic: Charlotte traffic can be heavy during rush hours. Try to avoid morning and evening peaks.
Plan Rest Stops: Consider stopping in towns like Rock Hill, SC or Marion, SC for a break or meal.
Fuel Up: Gas stations are plentiful along the route, but it’s good to fill up before leaving Concord.
Weather: Coastal weather can change quickly. Check forecasts especially in hurricane season.
Navigation: Use a GPS or map app for real-time updates and alternate routes if needed.
Public Transportation Options
If you don’t want to drive, there are limited public transportation options between Concord and Myrtle Beach. Here’s what you can consider:
Bus Services: Greyhound and other regional bus lines connect Charlotte to Myrtle Beach. You would need to get from Concord to Charlotte first, usually by local transit or taxi.
Shuttle Services: Some private shuttle companies offer rides between Charlotte and Myrtle Beach, which can be booked in advance.
Rideshare: Apps like Uber or Lyft can take you to Charlotte’s airport or bus station, but a direct ride to Myrtle Beach would be costly due to distance.
Overall, driving remains the most flexible and convenient way to travel between these two cities.
Where to Stay in Myrtle Beach
Once you arrive in Myrtle Beach, you’ll find many hotel options to suit your budget and preferences. Here are some popular areas and hotel types to consider:
Oceanfront Hotels
Staying right on the beach lets you enjoy easy access to the sand and ocean views. Some top oceanfront hotels include:
Marina Inn at Grande Dunes – Luxury resort with pools and golf nearby
Dunes Village Resort – Family-friendly with water park and suites
Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort – Affordable with direct beach access
Downtown Myrtle Beach
This area is great if you want to be close to restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Hotels here include:
Avista Resort – Modern hotel near the boardwalk
Bay View Resort – Budget-friendly with pools and kitchenettes
Budget-Friendly Options
If you want to save money, look for hotels a few blocks from the beach or in nearby neighborhoods:
La Quinta Inn & Suites – Reliable chain with good rates
Comfort Inn & Suites – Comfortable and affordable
Top Attractions to Explore in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is famous for its beaches, but there’s much more to see and do. Here are some must-visit spots:
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk: A lively oceanfront promenade with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Broadway at the Beach: A large shopping and entertainment complex with rides, dining, and nightlife.
Family Kingdom Amusement Park: Classic seaside amusement park with rides and games.
Brookgreen Gardens: Beautiful sculpture gardens and wildlife preserve just south of Myrtle Beach.
Golf Courses: Myrtle Beach is known as a golf destination with over 100 courses nearby.
Planning Your Return Trip
When it’s time to head back to Concord, you can take the same routes or explore a different way for variety. Consider these points:
Leave early to avoid Charlotte traffic.
Stop at places you missed on the way down, like Columbia or Rock Hill.
Check your vehicle’s condition before the trip.
Plan for breaks every 2 hours to stay refreshed.
Conclusion
Traveling from Concord, NC to Myrtle Beach, SC is a popular trip that covers about 170 miles and takes around 3 to 3.5 hours by car. You have two main driving routes to choose from, each with its own highlights. Driving is the easiest way to make the trip, but bus and shuttle options exist if you prefer not to drive.
Once in Myrtle Beach, you’ll find a wide range of hotels, from oceanfront resorts to budget stays. The city offers plenty of attractions, including beaches, boardwalks, gardens, and golf courses. With good planning, your trip can be smooth and full of fun experiences.
FAQs
How long does it take to drive from Concord to Myrtle Beach?
It usually takes about 3 to 3.5 hours to drive the roughly 170 miles between Concord and Myrtle Beach, depending on traffic and your exact start and end points.
What is the best route to drive from Concord to Myrtle Beach?
The fastest route is typically via I-85 South to US-501 South. This highway route is smooth and direct, passing through towns like Marion and Conway before reaching Myrtle Beach.
Are there public transportation options between Concord and Myrtle Beach?
Public transit options are limited. You can take a bus from Charlotte to Myrtle Beach, but you’ll need to get from Concord to Charlotte first. Driving is the most convenient option.
What are good places to stay in Myrtle Beach?
Popular places include oceanfront hotels like Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, downtown hotels near the boardwalk, and budget-friendly chains like La Quinta Inn & Suites.
What attractions should I visit in Myrtle Beach?
Don’t miss the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Broadway at the Beach, Family Kingdom Amusement Park, Brookgreen Gardens, and the many golf courses in the area.
