Nelson, GA → Charleston, SC
279 mi · 5h 34m (driving)
Current Risk
High Risk
Freeze Watch in effect — consider delaying
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Nelson
43°
Wilkes County
52°
Barnwell County
55°
Charleston
51°
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 279 mi · 5h 35m
Weather
☀️ Clear sky
52°F, wind 9 mph
Incidents
2
2 critical
Rest Stops
8
Truck svc, Restrooms, WiFi
Cameras
6 live
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Petro Stopping Centers
- ● Pilot Travel Center
- ● Rest Area 🚻
+ 1 more alert
Hazards Ahead
2 road closures may affect your route · 8 construction zones on route
8 Construction Zones on Route
GA-515 southbound: Road construction at WORLEY CROSSROADS. Left lane blocked.
GA-9 southbound: Road construction at Pharr Rd. Left lane blocked.
GA-3 southbound: Road construction at TATNALL ST. Right lane blocked.
I-20 eastbound: Road maintenance operations at SR 77. Right lane blocked.
I-20 eastbound: Road maintenance operations at SR 77. Left lane blocked.
I-20 eastbound: Road maintenance operations at SR 77. Right lane blocked.
+ 2 more zones along the route — see map for full list
Highway Message Signs
I-575 GDOT-CMS-875
WEEKEND I-285 CLOSURE | EXIT 15 - 18 IN COBB | FRI 7PM - MON 5AM | WEEKEND I-285 CLOSURE | EXIT 15 - 18 IN COBB | PLAN ALTERNATE ROUTE
I-575 GDOT-CMS-052
WEEKEND I-285 CLOSURE | EXIT 15 - 18 IN COBB | FRI 7PM - MON 5AM | WEEKEND I-285 CLOSURE | EXIT 15 - 18 IN COBB | PLAN ALTERNATE ROUTES
I-75 GDOT-DMS-0807
WEEKEND I-285 CLOSURE | EXIT 15 - 18 IN COBB | FRI 7PM - MON 5AM | WEEKEND I-285 CLOSURE | EXIT 15 - 18 IN COBB | PLAN ALTERNATE ROUTES
I-285 GDOT-DMS-0251
WEEKEND I-285 CLOSURE | EXIT 15 - 18 IN COBB | FRI 7PM - MON 5AM | WEEKEND I-285 CLOSURE | EXIT 15 - 18 IN COBB | PLAN ALTERNATE ROUTES
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
Choose your route:
Selected Route
Via I-575 South → I-20 → US-1 → I-26 East → US-52
Cameras shown are along this computed route
Need a custom route?
GDOT-0921: I-575 S before HowellBridgeRd MM 27.3 (Cherokee)
GA · SB
GDOT-0919: I-575 S before AirportDr MM 24.5 (Cherokee)
GA · SB
GDOT-0915: I-575 S at FateConnRd MM 22.3 (Cherokee)
GA · SB
GDOT-0355: I-20 E at BillKennedyWay MM 59.4 (Fulton)
GA · EB
GDOT-0382: I-20 E at MillerRd MM 70.4 (DeKalb)
GA · EB
GDOT-1155: I-20 E at US441 MM 114 (Morgan)
GA · EB
GDOT-1157: I-20 E at SR44 MM 130 (Greene)
GA · EB
GDOT-1164: I-20 E at SR383 MM 194 (Columbia)
GA · EB
10160
Columbia, SC ·
10504
Columbia, SC ·
10107
Columbia, SC ·
60502
Charleston, SC ·
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
46 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 46
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Nelson, GA to Charleston, SC covers 279 miles in roughly 5h 34m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 46 rest areas, 2 reported incidents and 4 active weather alerts along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
47° / 43°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
50° / 37°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
53° / 30°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
53° / 37°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
56° / 43°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
62° / 42°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
64° / 46°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go🌤️ Mainly clear at origin, 🌤️ Mainly clear at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☀️ Clear sky at origin, ⛅ Partly cloudy at destination
Plan This Route
Get hour-by-hour weather forecasts, real-time traffic, and find the optimal departure time.
🚗 Live traffic included
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Current Conditions
Nelson, GA
43°F
Wind: 10 mph
Charleston, SC
51°F
Wind: 12 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Nelson, GA to Charleston, SC
The 279-mile drive from Nelson, Georgia to Charleston, South Carolina takes approximately 5h 34m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially along coastal regions where fog and marine weather can impact visibility. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This moderate route crosses state lines from Georgia into South Carolina, connecting Nelson and Charleston. A drive of 279 miles means you'll pass through multiple weather zones. Conditions at your starting point may bear little resemblance to what you'll encounter halfway through the trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding (spring and summer)
- Hurricane and tropical storm impacts (June through November)
Seasonal Driving Considerations
Coastal weather on this route can shift quickly. Marine fog is common during morning hours, especially in spring and fall, reducing visibility to near zero. Hurricane season (June through November) can bring extended road closures and dangerous conditions. During fair weather, coastal routes offer scenic driving — but always verify conditions with live traffic cameras before heading out.
Best Time to Drive Nelson to Charleston
For medium-distance drives like this 279-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 279-mile drive from Nelson to Charleston takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Nelson to Charleston?
The drive is approximately 279 miles and takes about 5h 34m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Thursday, Nov 19 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Nelson to Charleston today?
Current conditions show high risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Nelson to Charleston route?
Yes, there are 46 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses I-575 South, I-20, I-26 East. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
There are currently 2 active incidents along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
Related Driving Guides
Finding the Safest Time to Drive: A Data-Driven Approach
Learn how 4D trajectory analysis can help you find the optimal departure time to avoid dangerous weather and traffic.
🛣️How to Check Road Conditions Before a Trip: All Your Options
A practical guide to every method for checking driving conditions--weather apps, 511 sites, traffic cameras, radio, and more. Pros, cons, and when to use each.
🧠Route Intelligence: The Smarter Way to Plan Road Trips
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