Getting to Hilton Head

Hilton Head is easiest when you decide up front whether this is a Savannah-airport drive, a direct island arrival, or a regional road trip.

Arrival map

Savannah, HHH, and Charleston approaches to Hilton Head

Savannah/Hilton Head International offers the broadest flight search and requires a drive to the island. Hilton Head Island Airport is the closest arrival when its nonstop schedule and fare work; Charleston is a longer regional alternative. Use live directions for US 278 traffic and the final drive to your lodging area.

Tap a marker to see how each town fits the drive.
Solid line is the main approach; dashed lines are alternate regional approaches.

Open driving directions →

Second Star gear guide

Road Trip Essentials

Road-trip packing list

A cleaner trunk and charged phones for the drive.

Phone mounts, coolers, emergency kits, chargers, packing pieces, and glovebox backup for scenic drives and weekend routes.

Car Phone Mounts

$26.99

Road Trip Coolers

$275.00

Car Emergency Kits

$69.95

Open road-trip guideMore picks on Second Star Guide →

From the bridge to the south end

US 278 reaches the north end first, then continues toward mid-island, Shelter Cove, Coligny, Sea Pines, and Harbour Town. Your lodging area determines many of the drives after arrival.

Island orientation

Read the island north to south

Hilton Head Island Airport, Fish Haul Beach, and Mitchelville are on the north side. Palmetto Dunes and Shelter Cove occupy the middle; Coligny and Sea Pines sit farther south.

Fast read

North end: airport, Fish Haul, Mitchelville, and quieter resorts
Mid-island: Palmetto Dunes and Shelter Cove
South end: Coligny’s public beach, restaurants, and shops
Sea Pines: golf, resort beaches, and Harbour Town

Before arrival: save the lodging address and check whether the property sits inside a gated community with an entry fee or pass requirement.

Two airport choices

Savannah/Hilton Head International offers the broader flight schedule and requires a drive to the island. Hilton Head Island Airport has year-round American Airlines service plus seasonal Delta and United service; routes and dates change.

Fly into Savannah

Savannah/Hilton Head International has the broader flight schedule and requires a drive to the island. Compare the total fare, rental car cost, and arrival time with a direct HHH flight.

Fly direct if the schedule works

Direct island access can be great if the flight timing and pricing make sense, especially for shorter stays where every extra hour matters.

Time the final drive

Check bridge traffic against the lodging check-in time, and make grocery stops before entering a gated community when that avoids another trip along US 278.

Arrival-day note: allow time for the bridge corridor, check-in, groceries, and any gated-community access before reserving a tee time or boat departure.