Pittsburgh, PA to N. Myrtle Beach. Any suggestions?

Michele,

I am very familiar with routes from either I-77 or I-95 to N. Myrtle Beach. I have never driven from Pittsburgh, but my glance at the map suggests you will either arrive in Charlotte on I-77 or South Carolina on I-95.

Here are my suggestions:

1. From I-95 (easiest by far), get off on Highway 9 South just after you cross the NC-SC border. Take 9 all the way through to Highway 17 South (on the outskirts of NMB, just before you cross the Intracoastal Waterway). Highway 9 is a 2-lane from I-95 to about 10 miles east of Nichols, then it opens up to 4 lanes, divided highway, 60 MPH. Watch your speed in Nichols!

2. From Charlotte (I-77)--1st get used to the fact that there is no route that is both easy and quick. If you want to make time, you'll have to switch from one little highway to another many times. If you want it relatively easy, head South on I-77 to I-20 East in Columbia SC, then I-95 North, then Highway 76 East (which becomes 576 I believe), then 501 South, then Highway 22 East (which puts you on Highway 17, follow the signs 17 North for NMB when you get to the end of 22).

The hard way is quickest from south Charlotte--I know, because I routinely make the trip in less than 3:10, after having tried nearly all other possible routes and never speeding more than 5-7 miles over the limit.

Here it is in all its glory: Pass by Charlotte on I-77, take I-485 East, take Highway 521 South (Johnson Road Exit, I believe), follow 521 to Lancaster SC, exit right onto 521 Bypass (there will be a sign for Myrtle Beach), then take Highway 903 (NOT 9) and follow the cloverleaf, bearing right, stay on 903 until it dead-ends (a good 20-30 miles) into Highway 151, turn right/South, and continue on 151 until you hit Darlington, then take a right onto Highway 52 (South) a few miles past Darlington Speedway (you can't miss that landmark), follow 52 to I-95, go under the bridge, get on I-95 North, then exit onto Highway 327 (bear right), 327 dead-ends into Highway 76 East, that will be a LEFT for you, follow 76 and then bear right as it becomes 576, 576 will spill you onto Highway 501 South, from there exit onto Highway 22 and proceed as indicated in Route Number 1 above.

I know it sounds crazy, but with no direct interstate access, you make do as best you can.

What is the speed limit on those backroads like 903 & 151? And just where exactly is Rt 22? 501 goes right in to MB. What Rt 22 are you talking about?

Dave,

Speed limit on all of the above-mentioned routes is 55 (except where they run through the heart of little towns like McBee, Hartsville, Darlington, Florence, etc--then the limit drops to 45/35), EXCEPT:

I-95 is 70 MPH
327 is 60 MPH
Most of 76 (&576) and 501 is 60 MPH
Highway 22 is 60

You can make great time on 903 heading east (e.g., 70 MPH, usually very light traffic); it's a little more crowded westbound towards Lancaster.

Highway 22, also called the Conway Bypass, opened last year. It is an interstate style road (4 lanes, divided highway, access restricted to cloverleafs). It branches off from 501 after you pass through Aynor. It terminates on Highway 17 between Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach (just above Restaruant Row), with easy access to either NMB or the north part of MB. Great highway, 60 MPH, much less traveled than 501, which is experiencing heavy construction right now as you approach MB. The only time I wouldn't opt for 22 is if you are heading to south MB, Surfside, Litchfield etc.--in which case you should probably get on 544 East at Conway to avoid the snarl on 501 between Conway and MB.

What is the time difference between the I-77-COLUMBIA route and the short cut?
I am traveling soon from Columbus, OH TO NMB with an infant and am also concerned about the difference in rest stops.