How Far Is Virginia Beach from Myrtle Beach?

Planning a trip between Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach? You might be wondering how far these two popular coastal cities are from each other. Both destinations offer beautiful beaches, great food, and fun activities. Knowing the distance and travel options can help you plan your trip better.

In this guide, I’ll share the exact distance between Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach. I’ll also cover the best ways to travel, what to see along the route, and tips for making the most of your journey. Whether you’re driving, taking a bus, or flying, this article will help you get ready for your trip.

Distance Between Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach

The driving distance from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is about 180 miles (290 kilometers). This distance is based on the most common driving route using major highways.

Here are some key points about the distance:

• The trip usually takes around 3.5 to 4 hours by car, depending on traffic and stops.

• The route mainly follows Interstate 64 West, then Interstate 95 South, and finally U.S. Highway 17 South.

• The distance can vary slightly if you take alternate routes or detours.

Knowing this distance helps you plan your travel time and stops along the way.

Best Driving Routes from Virginia Beach to Myrtle Beach

Driving is the most popular way to travel between these two beach cities. Here are the main routes you can take:

1. Interstate 64 West to Interstate 95 South to U.S. 17 South

This is the fastest and most direct route.

• Start on I-64 West from Virginia Beach.

• Merge onto I-95 South near Richmond, VA.

• Exit onto U.S. Highway 17 South in South Carolina toward Myrtle Beach.

• This route covers about 180 miles and takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours.

2. Coastal Route via U.S. Highway 17

If you want a scenic drive along the coast, you can take U.S. Highway 17 most of the way.

• This route is longer, about 200 miles, and can take 4.5 to 5 hours.

• You’ll pass through charming towns like Elizabeth City, NC, and Georgetown, SC.

• It’s a good choice if you want to explore small coastal communities.

3. Alternate Route Using I-64 and I-85

This route is less common but can be useful if there is heavy traffic on I-95.

• Take I-64 West from Virginia Beach.

• Connect to I-85 South near Petersburg, VA.

• Then take U.S. 501 South into Myrtle Beach.

• This route is about 190 miles and can take around 4 hours.

Travel Tips for Driving Between Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach

Here are some tips to make your drive easier and more enjoyable:

• Check traffic reports before you leave, especially around Richmond and the I-95 corridor.

• Plan stops at rest areas or towns like Emporia, VA, or Florence, SC, for food and gas.

• Bring water and snacks, especially if you take the coastal route with fewer services.

• Consider leaving early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid rush hour traffic.

• Use a GPS or map app to get real-time updates on traffic and road conditions.

Other Travel Options Between Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach

Driving is the easiest way to travel, but you have other options too.

Bus Travel

There are bus services connecting cities in Virginia and South Carolina, but no direct bus runs between Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach.

• You can take a Greyhound or Megabus from Virginia Beach to nearby cities like Norfolk or Richmond.

• From there, you might find connecting buses to Myrtle Beach or nearby towns.

• Bus travel can take longer and may require transfers.

Flying

There are no direct commercial flights between Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach because the cities are close.

• Virginia Beach is served by Norfolk International Airport (ORF).

• Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) serves Myrtle Beach.

• Flying is usually not practical for this short distance due to airport check-in times and travel to and from airports.

Rideshare or Taxi

Using rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft for the full trip is possible but expensive due to the long distance.

• This option might work if you want a private ride without driving yourself.

• Consider splitting the cost with friends or family.

What to See and Do Along the Route

If you have time, there are several interesting stops between Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach.

Virginia Beach Area

• Visit the Virginia Beach Boardwalk for shops and ocean views.

• Explore First Landing State Park for hiking and nature.

Norfolk, VA

• Stop by the Nauticus maritime museum and the Battleship Wisconsin.

• Walk around the revitalized waterfront area.

Elizabeth City, NC

• Known as the "Harbor of Hospitality," it has charming downtown shops and river views.

Georgetown, SC

• Historic district with antebellum homes and waterfront parks.

• Great spot for a meal or a short walk.

Myrtle Beach Area

• Enjoy the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and SkyWheel.

• Visit Broadway at the Beach for shopping and entertainment.

Where to Stay in Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach

Both cities offer a wide range of hotels and resorts for different budgets.

Virginia Beach Hotels

• Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront: A popular beachfront hotel with pools and restaurants.

• Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach North Beach: Family-friendly with easy beach access.

• Residence Inn by Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront: Suites with kitchens, great for longer stays.

Myrtle Beach Hotels

• Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes: Luxury resort with golf and spa.

• Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort: Budget-friendly with pools and beach access.

• Hilton Garden Inn Myrtle Beach/Coastal Grand Mall: Convenient location near shopping and dining.

Planning Your Trip: Final Tips

To make your trip between Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach smooth, keep these tips in mind:

• Book your hotel in advance, especially during summer and holidays.

• Check the weather forecast for both cities before you travel.

• Have a full tank of gas before starting your drive.

• Bring sunscreen and beach gear if you plan to stop at the coast.

• Use apps like Google Maps or Waze for live traffic updates.

With this information, you can confidently plan your trip between Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach. Whether you want a quick drive or a scenic coastal journey, you’ll know the best routes and stops to enjoy along the way.

Conclusion

Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach are about 180 miles apart by car. The drive usually takes between 3.5 and 4 hours on the fastest route. You can choose to drive directly on highways or take a slower, scenic coastal route.

Both cities offer great beaches and attractions, and the route between them has interesting stops worth exploring. Planning your trip with the right route and travel tips will help you enjoy your journey and make the most of your time on the East Coast.

FAQs

How long does it take to drive from Virginia Beach to Myrtle Beach?

The drive usually takes about 3.5 to 4 hours on the fastest route, covering around 180 miles. Traffic and stops can affect the total time.

Is there a direct bus between Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach?

No direct bus connects these two cities. You may need to take buses with transfers through nearby cities, which can take much longer.

Can I fly between Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach?

There are no direct flights because the distance is short. Flying is generally not practical for this trip.

What is the best route to drive from Virginia Beach to Myrtle Beach?

The fastest route is via I-64 West, I-95 South, and U.S. Highway 17 South. It takes about 3.5 to 4 hours.

Are there interesting stops between Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach?

Yes, you can visit Norfolk, VA, Elizabeth City, NC, and Georgetown, SC. Each has unique attractions and is good for rest breaks.