Atlanta, GA to Hilton Head, SC: The Drive
Atlanta to Hilton Head is about 280 miles, four and a half hours by car across Georgia on I-75 and I-16, or a nonstop Delta flight to the island’s own airport.
How Far Is Hilton Head from Atlanta?
From downtown Atlanta it is about 279 miles to the bridges onto Hilton Head, and about 288 to Coligny and the beaches at the south end: 4 hours 10 minutes to about 4 hours 30 without heavy traffic, before stops. So Atlanta, GA to Hilton Head, SC is a long morning’s drive, and Hilton Head to Atlanta is the same on the way home.
Driving from Atlanta to Hilton Head
I-75 south
Out of Atlanta to Macon.
I-16 east
Across Georgia from Macon toward Savannah.
I-95 north, then US 278 east
I-95 just before Savannah, into South Carolina to exit 8, then US 278 past Bluffton and over the bridges onto the island.
I-16 runs on into downtown Savannah, so lunch there is an easy detour on the way; see Hilton Head to Savannah for where to park and what to see. I-20 east through Augusta is the alternative, about half an hour slower. The last few miles are the same whichever way you come: US 278 is the only road onto Hilton Head.
Flying from Atlanta to Hilton Head
Delta flies nonstop from Atlanta to Hilton Head Island Airport every day, landing on the north end of the island. See Hilton Head Island Airport for the terminal and Hilton Head transportation for rental cars and cabs.
Savannah (SAV) is the other choice, with more flights, about an hour from the island by car: see Savannah to Hilton Head.
When to Arrive on the Island
Saturday is changeover day for most vacation rentals, and in summer the traffic onto the island backs up from late morning into the afternoon. Leaving Atlanta by 7 puts you on the island around lunchtime, ahead of most of it; weekday evening rush hour is the other slow time.
Your First Day on Hilton Head
Places to stay on Hilton Head Island: how resorts, hotels, rentals, timeshares and RV sites compare, plus Sea Pines vs Palmetto Dunes.
Every named beach on Hilton Head Island — Coligny, Driessen, Folly Field, Burke's, and more — with parking, amenities, and which one is right for your trip.
Harbour Town, Hilton Head: the red-and-white lighthouse, the marina, waterfront dining and shops, and Harbour Town Golf Links, home of the RBC Heritage.
Where to eat on Hilton Head Island: restaurants by meal, cuisine and area, from Sea Pines and Coligny to Shelter Cove, plus private chefs and catering.
Check-in at most rentals is in the afternoon, so an early start leaves time for lunch and a first walk on the beach. Every beach on Hilton Head is public from the ocean to the high-water mark; the Hilton Head beaches guide compares the beach parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Hilton Head from Atlanta?
About 279 miles from downtown Atlanta to the bridges onto the island, and about 288 to Coligny at the south end: four and a quarter to four and a half hours by car.
What is the best way to drive from Atlanta to Hilton Head?
I-75 south to Macon, I-16 east toward Savannah, then I-95 north to exit 8 and US 278 onto the island.
Can you fly from Atlanta to Hilton Head?
Yes. Delta flies nonstop from Atlanta to Hilton Head Island Airport, on the island, every day. Savannah, an hour away, has more flights.
How long is the drive from Hilton Head to Atlanta?
About four and a half hours, the same roads in reverse: US 278, I-95 south, I-16 west and I-75 north.
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