Is there an alternative to I-95 to get to Myrtle Beach from Tri-state area? What we know
.JPG "Myrtle Beach’s Ocean Boulevard was thronged with traffic congestion on Saturday. With hotels, beaches, shopping and restaurants reopening along the Grand Strand, tourist season kicked off this weekend despite coronavirus concerns. May 16, 2020")
Getting to the Grand Strand from the Tri-state area can sometimes be difficult, especially during big summer holidays and spring break season.
I-95 South sometimes has a backlog, especially if you’re trying to drive away from the New York City area.
According to map data, taking I-95 South from upper Manhattan to downtown Myrtle Beach takes approximately 11 hours. But, that’s not during summer rush hour out of the city.
One alternative route that hopefully avoids that backlog takes you along the eastern seaboard on US-13 South, from the Jersey Shore through Virginia Beach and Ocean City.
A different route from Jersey City, NJ to Myrtle Beach bypasses I-95 completely. Instead, this route starts at US-22 W in Newark, NJ and goes through the length of Delaware and coastal Maryland.
A third option starts in Summit, NJ on I-78. It’s an inland route that goes through major east coast cities, including Richmond, Baltimore and Washington D.C., and stays away from the coastline.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated to correct Summit, NJ. Summit is a city in New Jersey. (Updated 10:29 a.m. 3/31/2025).
This story was originally published March 30, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
