Charleston, SC to Hilton Head, SC: The Drive
Charleston to Hilton Head is about 100 miles, a little over two hours south on US 17, and the same from the Charleston airport.
Going the other way? Hilton Head to Charleston
How Far Is Hilton Head from Charleston?
From downtown Charleston it is about 96 miles to the bridges onto Hilton Head, and about 106 to Coligny and the beaches at the south end. Without heavy traffic, that is about 2 hours to the island and 2 hours 15 minutes to Coligny. So the distance from Charleston, SC to Hilton Head, SC is about 100 miles, and the drive is a little over two hours.
Driving from Charleston to Hilton Head
The quickest drive from Charleston to Hilton Head is US 17 south, the coast road, out through West Ashley and across the rivers and marshes of the ACE Basin. Near the end you turn off for Hilton Head and follow US 278 east, past Bluffton and over the bridges onto the island. I-95 south to exit 8 and US 278 is about 17 miles and 20 minutes longer.
Two stops break up the drive. Just off US 17 near Yemassee, the brick columns of the Old Sheldon Church Ruins stand among moss-hung oaks, free and 20 minutes well spent. Beaufort, a detour east off the route, has a waterfront park and a historic district for lunch; both are on our Beaufort day trip page.
Charleston Airport to Hilton Head
Charleston International Airport, CHS, is in North Charleston, about 100 miles from the bridges onto Hilton Head and 110 from Coligny: 2 hours to 2 hours 20 minutes by car. It is worth it when the fares or the flight times are better, or when you are spending a few days in Charleston first.
Otherwise, Savannah is the closer airport: SAV is about an hour from the island. See Savannah to Hilton Head for that drive, Hilton Head Island Airport for the small airport on the island, and Hilton Head transportation for cabs and shuttles once you are here.
When to Arrive on the Island
US 278 is the only road onto the island, so when you arrive matters more than which way you came. Saturday is changeover day for most vacation rentals, and in summer the traffic onto the island backs up from late morning into the afternoon; weekday evening rush hour is the other slow time. Leaving Charleston by 8 on a Saturday puts you on the island before the worst of it.
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 from Charleston 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, and the town’s beach parks have the parking and restrooms; the Hilton Head beaches guide compares them.
Going the other way, from Hilton Head for a day in Charleston? See Hilton Head to Charleston for the walk, the parking and the boat to Fort Sumter. Drive times from other cities are on how to get to Hilton Head.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Hilton Head from Charleston?
About 96 miles from downtown Charleston to the bridges onto the island, and about 106 to Coligny: two hours to two and a quarter by car on US 17.
How long is the drive from Charleston to Hilton Head?
About 2 hours to the island without heavy traffic, and 2 hours 15 minutes to the south end. Summer Saturdays add time at the bridges.
What is the best way to drive from Charleston to Hilton Head?
US 17 south through the ACE Basin, then US 278 east onto the island. I-95 to exit 8 is about 17 miles longer.
How far is Hilton Head from the Charleston airport?
About 100 miles from CHS to the bridges and 110 to Coligny, 2 hours to 2 hours 20 minutes by car.
Should I fly into Charleston or Savannah for Hilton Head?
Savannah is closer, about an hour from the island against two hours and a quarter from Charleston. Fly into Charleston when the fares are better or you want time in Charleston too.
Local guides like this come standard for Guests of Partner Properties — one small part of what a Partner Property gives every guest.
Book Partner Properties