by Turo
posted on March 20, 2026
Head from Canada’s largest city to the warm Atlantic coast, crossing borders, mountain valleys, and historic towns on the Toronto to Myrtle Beach drive. This road trip guide helps you plan your route, choose memorable stops, and enjoy the journey south at your own pace.
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Tips for driving from Toronto to Myrtle Beach
- How are the road conditions between Toronto and Myrtle Beach?
- What is the best time of year to drive from Toronto to Myrtle Beach, SC?
- Are there EV chargers along the way between Toronto and Myrtle Beach?
- Where to stop while driving from Toronto to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Frequently asked questions about the Toronto to Myrtle Beach road trip
- Book your rental car in Toronto with Turo
Tips for driving from Toronto to Myrtle Beach
The Toronto to Myrtle Beach drive is about 1,250 kilometres and takes roughly 12-13 hours without long stops. Splitting it into two days gives you a better experience. Keep your travel documents close by for the border crossing, and check traffic before leaving major cities.
How are the road conditions between Toronto and Myrtle Beach?
Most of the drive follows major highways that stay well-maintained throughout the year. Traffic can slow things down near Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Charlotte. Roads through Virginia also bring a few longer climbs and curves, so stay alert and drive carefully.
What is the best time of year to drive from Toronto to Myrtle Beach, SC?
Spring through early fall usually brings the easiest driving conditions. Summer gives you longer days, but early fall heat can be more manageable. Winter driving is possible, but northern stretches can be more unpredictable due to the weather.
Are there EV chargers along the way between Toronto and Myrtle Beach?
Fast chargers are available along the main highway corridors on this route. Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Charlotte all have solid charging access. Plan ahead through smaller towns, and the drive stays easy to manage in an EV.
Where to stop while driving from Toronto to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Driving from Toronto to Myrtle Beach gives you plenty of chances to break up the route with stops that add something to the trip. These five picks bring a mix of scenery, city energy, and short detours that are well worth taking.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Niagara Falls draws tens of millions of visitors a year, and for good reason. Walk along Niagara Falls Boulevard to reach the observation decks, ride the Maid of the Mist boat, or stand near Cave of the Winds, where the water crashes just metres away!
- Distance from Toronto: ~130 km (about 1.5 hours)
- Distance to Myrtle Beach: ~1,150 km (about 11 hours)
Why it’s great
The falls are one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in North America, and they’re right on your route south.
Practical tips
Traffic around the falls builds quickly during summer afternoons. Arriving earlier in the day keeps things easier and gives you more room to explore the viewpoints along the river.
How to get there
Follow the QEW from Toronto toward Niagara Falls and take the exit for Niagara Parkway. Starting the trip with a Toronto airport car rental from Turo makes it simple to head out on the open road. If you’re planning a road trip with kids, choose a minivan or van rental from Chrysler or Nissan for the extra room that makes a long road trip easier.
Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania
Allegheny National Forest spreads across rolling hills in northwest Pennsylvania, with long stretches of forest road, quiet lakes, and overlooks across the Allegheny Reservoir. Routes like Longhouse Scenic Byway and stops around Kinzua Dam give you wide views of the forest that stretches across the plateau.
- Distance from Toronto: ~420 km (about 4.5 hours)
- Distance to Myrtle Beach: ~930 km (about 9 hours)
Why it’s great
The Longhouse Scenic Byway loops around the Allegheny Reservoir with lookout points, picnic areas, and trailheads along the water.
Practical tips
Fuel stations and restaurants are limited once you enter the forest area. Fill up in towns like Warren or Bradford before heading toward the reservoir or scenic byway.
How to get there
From Buffalo, follow I-90 to I-86 toward Jamestown, then head south toward the Allegheny Reservoir and Longhouse Scenic Byway. SUV rentals will handle the long forest roads comfortably, and vehicles from brands like Jeep and Toyota are solid picks if you want to enjoy more of the great outdoors.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Running along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the iconic Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park stretches 170 kilometres past overlooks, trailheads, and forested ridgelines. Stops like Hawksbill Summit, Dark Hollow Falls, and Stony Man give you jaw-dropping views across the valley.
- Distance from Toronto: ~760 km (about 7.5 hours)
- Distance to Myrtle Beach: ~600 km (about 6 hours)
Why it’s great
Skyline Drive threads along the top of the mountains with more than 70 overlooks. The scenery here rivals some of the best national parks in Ontario.
Practical tips
Entrance stations along Skyline Drive can get busy on fall weekends. Arriving earlier in the day makes it easier to stop at overlooks and shorter hiking trails along the ridge.
How to get there
Follow I-79 and I-81 south toward Front Royal, where the northern entrance to Skyline Drive begins. All-wheel drive vehicles and pickup truck rentals are perfect for mountain routes like this. Models from brands like Subaru and Ford will give you extra confidence on winding roads.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte‘s Uptown district gathers several major landmarks within a few blocks, including the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Romare Bearden Park, and the Levine Museum of the New South. Tryon Street runs through the centre of it all, with restaurants, galleries, and stadiums sitting within walking distance.
- Distance from Toronto: ~1,050 km (about 10.5 hours)
- Distance to Myrtle Beach: ~280 km (about 3 hours)
Why it’s great
Romare Bearden Park opens up to clear views of the skyline, with Bank of America Stadium and Truist Field sitting just across the street.
Practical tips
Traffic builds around Uptown during sporting events and concerts. Parking garages along South Church Street and College Street usually give you the easiest access to the nearby attractions.
How to get there
Follow I-77 south into Charlotte and exit toward Uptown near Trade Street or Brooklyn Village Avenue. Streets and parking spots around town are easier to navigate in smaller, sportier vehicles. Compact car rentals, like models from Mercedes-Benz and BMW, give you the right balance of size and comfort.
Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Congaree National Park protects one of the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in the United States. A raised boardwalk loops through towering bald cypress and loblolly pine trees, and the Cedar Creek canoe trail winds through the floodplain just outside Columbia.
- Distance from Toronto: ~1,180 km (about 11.5 hours)
- Distance to Myrtle Beach: ~220 km (about 2.5 hours)
Why it’s great
The Boardwalk Loop Trail lets you walk directly through the forest canopy where some of the tallest trees in eastern North America grow.
Practical tips
Bring water and insect repellent, especially during warmer months. The boardwalk trail stays easy to follow, but summer humidity builds quickly under the tree canopy.
How to get there
Follow I-77 south to Columbia, then take Bluff Road and Old Bluff Road toward the park entrance. Electric vehicle rentals work well for this stretch of highway, and models from brands like Tesla and Chevrolet make the drive simple with charging stations available nearby before continuing toward the coast.
Frequently asked questions about the Toronto to Myrtle Beach road trip
Where is Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach sits on the Atlantic coast of South Carolina along a stretch of shoreline known as the Grand Strand. The city runs beside Highway 17 and is about 150 km north of Charleston and roughly 120 km south of Wilmington, North Carolina.
Many visitors arrive through Myrtle Beach International Airport, just a few minutes from the oceanfront boardwalk and main beach access points. Booking your Toronto airport rental car on Turo makes it easy to head straight toward the coast, with delivery options that can meet you right at your terminal!
How long does it take to drive from Toronto to Myrtle Beach?
Driving from Toronto to Myrtle Beach usually takes about 12 to 13 hours without long stops. Most travellers split the trip across two days to make time for the stops along the way that make the trip unforgettable.
What is the halfway point between Toronto and Myrtle Beach?
The midpoint of the drive falls around the Virginia-West Virginia border near Wytheville, Virginia. The town is off the I-77 and makes a practical overnight stop with hotels, restaurants, and fuel before continuing south.
Where is the best place to stop between Toronto and Myrtle Beach?
Many travellers stop around the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive corridor offer scenic overlooks and hiking trails, and some time spent here gives you a great feel for what makes this part of the country so special.
Is it cheaper to fly or drive to Myrtle Beach?
It depends on how you travel. Flying is faster, but driving can cost less if you’re sharing expenses and already planning stops along the route. A road trip also gives you the freedom to explore places you would otherwise miss.
Book your rental car in Toronto with Turo
The Toronto to Myrtle Beach drive covers a lot of ground, and having the right vehicle helps set the tone you’re looking for right away. With Turo, you can book the exact car you want and start the drive without waiting at a rental counter. Once you’re on the road, all that’s left to do is follow the route south and enjoy the journey!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this adventure into a reality! Whether you’re a storyteller, photographer, or just love to travel, this could be your chance to share your experience with the world.
