While you’re traveling to either Charleston or Savannah, we suggest visiting Charleston’s peninsula and Hilton Head Island. Each destination features unique differences. The city of Charleston offers history and nightlife, while Hilton Head is more comparable to a laid-back tropical island. Why not get the best of both worlds by visiting each? Here is what you need to know about making the trip from Charleston to Hilton Head. 

How Far Is Charleston To Hilton Head

Despite I-95 running near the coast of South Carolina, this is not the fastest mode of transportation between the city and the island. 

Many people often wonder when arriving in Charleston is how far from Charleston to Hilton Head? The drive time between Charleston and Hilton Head is two hours, traveling along picturesque back roads. Keep in mind that determining how far is Hilton head from Charleston is the traffic. The island sees higher levels of traffic during the morning and late afternoon hours when crossing the bridge.

Check out the scenic back route directions between the Charleston airport and the island. We suggest monitoring the speed limits closely along the route as speed changes are frequent and policy activity is prevalent. 

How Do You Get To Hilton Head From Charleston

The most convenient means of transportation are personal vehicles or rental cars. However, a more indirect mode of transport is a combination of buses and taxis.

The Greyhound bus company operates the route between Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia. Unfortunately, a Charleston airport CHS to Hilton Head island bus does not exist. Greyhound does not run directly from the city to the island. To make the journey by public transportation, you must travel from Charleston to Savannah before hiring a cab or uber for the remainder. The costs will be high therefore we suggest a personal car or rental car. 

What Is The Nearest Major Airpot To Charleston And Hilton Head

The decision on which airport to fly is challenging when it comes to visiting Hilton Head and Charleston. Two options are available when making the decision. We suggest shopping for the lowest flight fairs.  

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport

The Savannah/Hilton Head International airport sits forty-five minutes by car to Hilton Head. When driving to Charleston from Savannah, the drive time is two hours. 

Charleston International Airport 

The Charleston International airport is positioned thirty minutes north of the heart of the city of Charleston. Again, if you’re wondering how far is Charleston from Hilton Head? When driving from the airport to Hilton Head, expect to be on the road for two hours. 

Why Would You Visit Hilton Head From Charleston 

The primary reason visitors flock to Hilton Head, South Carolina, is the combination of endless beaches and golf.

After touring the city and enjoying the dining scene, head north to Hilton Head for a change of scenery. Fortunately, most hotels and rental properties are positioned steps from the Atlantic ocean; therefore, you will avoid venturing by car to the coast. While on Hilton Head, tee off on the wide selection of golf courses, cast a fishing line, explore the beaches, rent a boat, or more. 

What Can You Do In Hilton Head, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island is known for more than just beaches. The island is family-friendly and offers ample entertainment. After driving from Charleston SC to Hilton Head you will want to explore. Here are the most commonly participated activities on the island. 

Fishing

Pack up the fishing gear or hire a charter on the island. Hilton Head offers great bank, inshore, and offshore fishing despite the lack of a fishing pier. 

Inshore and bank fishing anglers target redfish, sea trout, flounder, sheepshead, sharks, and more. 

While the warm gulf stream waters are more than 60 miles from shore, reefs, and wrecks are found between the island and the gulf stream. Drop leads and hooks to underwater structures for snapper, grouper, cobia, kingfish, sharks, and more. 

Boating

Back the tow vehicle to the trailer and bring along the boat. One option is to launch your vessel in Charleston and travel to Hilton via the intercoastal waterway. Charleston to Hilton Head by boat is roughly four to five hours on inland waters. Expect the same when returning from Hilton Head to Charleston by boat.

Keep in mind, a personally owned vessel is not required. Take advantage of the rental companies scattered about and cruise the scenic inland waters.

Lastly, keep in mind the island offers both a Carefree Boat Club and Freedom Boat Club. Members must take advantage of the reciprocal benefits. Fortunately, you can boat in both locations when traveling from Charleston to Hilton Head as boat clubs are available in each.

No matter if you are renting or operating a personally owned watercraft, make sure to explore Daufuskie Island

Golf

Hilton Head Island is a golfer’s paradise. Pack the sticks in the car or secure them in a golf transport bag when loading them on a plane. The most notable golf courses on the island include Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines. 

Dining

Similar to Charleston, the island is known for superb dining. Varying cuisine types are available to please the pickiest eaters. Whether you are looking for an upscale experience or a beachside tiki hut, you are covered when visiting Hilton Head Island. 

Charleston To Hilton Head: Make The Trip

While Charleston offers superb beaches, the primary attraction of the peninsula is history and dining. Get the best of both worlds while you’re in South Carolina. Make the two-hour drive along scenic backroads between the city and the island. It will be worth your time to see for yourself what each has to offer and you won’t want to make the trip back from Hilton Head to Charleston.