Hilton Head Island, SC to Union, SC is 215.1 miles and takes about 4h 21m via I 95 and US 521, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within South Carolina, moving from the Southeast coastal region inland. Expect a mixed drive with a significant portion on the interstate, offering a straightforward journey. With a recommended one-day drive, you can comfortably reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. This route is ideal if you're looking for an efficient way to travel between these two points within the state.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
107.6 miles from Hilton Head Island, SC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 9m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
93.1 mi
1h 39m
Kershaw Highway
14.4 mi
16m
US 521
12.4 mi
14m
Coosaw Scenic Drive
9.4 mi
12m
Fording Island Road
9 mi
13m
Kershaw Camden Highway
8.9 mi
10m
Sumter Highway
8.4 mi
9m
Camden Highway
8.2 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 93.1 mi, about 1h 39m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 24 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~1,558 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,252
Quietest
2 AM
~228 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hilton Head Island, SC and Union, SC.
1
Start on Allen Road
0.2 mi·41 sec·Allen Road
2
Turn left onto Marshland Road
2.2 mi·5 min·Marshland Road
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·53 sec
4
Merge onto US 278
2.3 mi·2 min·Cross Island Parkway
5
Merge onto US 278
3.9 mi·4 min·William Hilton Parkway
6
Continue on US 278
9.0 mi·13 min·Fording Island Road
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·39 sec
8
Keep slight right at fork
147 ft·4 sec
9
Merge onto SC 170
3.9 mi·4 min·Okatie Highway
10
Take the exit
488 ft·13 sec
11
Continue on SC 462
7.9 mi·10 min·Lowcountry Drive
12
Continue on SC 462
9.4 mi·12 min·Coosaw Scenic Drive
13
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward I 95 North, US 17 North: Florence
14
Merge onto I 95; US 17
93 mi·1 hr 39 min·I 95; US 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward US 521: Alcolu, Sumter
16
Keep slight left at fork
289 ft·7 sec
Toward US 521 North: Alcolu, Sumter
17
Turn left onto US 521
12 mi·14 min·US 521
Use the left lane.
18
Turn left onto US 521
1.1 mi·1 min·South Guignard Parkway
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on US 521
3.6 mi·4 min·South Guignard Drive
20
Continue on US 521
0.7 mi·1 min·Bultman Drive
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Turn left onto US 521; US 76 Business
0.8 mi·1 min·Broad Street
Use the left lane.
22
Turn slight right onto US 521
1.9 mi·2 min·Camden Highway
23
Continue on US 521
7.6 mi·8 min·Thomas Sumter Highway
24
Continue on US 521
6.2 mi·7 min·Camden Highway
25
Continue on US 521
8.4 mi·9 min·Sumter Highway
26
Continue on US 521
4.2 mi·8 min·Broad Street
27
Continue on US 521; US 601
14 mi·16 min·Kershaw Highway
28
Continue on US 521; US 601
2.7 mi·3 min·Kershaw Camden Highway
29
Continue on US 521; US 601
0.7 mi·48 sec·South Hampton Street
30
Turn left onto US 521; US 601
1.5 mi·1 min·South Matson Street
31
At end of road, turn left onto US 521 Business
4.8 mi·5 min·Kershaw Camden Highway
32
Continue on US 521
0.8 mi·55 sec·Spring Street
33
Turn right onto US 521
1.0 mi·1 min·Main Street
34
Continue on US 521; SC 522
1.4 mi·1 min·Kershaw Camden Highway
35
Turn slight right onto SC 522
7.7 mi·13 min·Rocky River Road
36
Enter roundabout
196 ft·3 sec
37
Continue
26 ft·0 sec
38
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 21m duration and 215.1 miles, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Aim to depart Hilton Head Island in the morning to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. You'll have one recommended stop, so plan for a brief break along I 95 or US 521. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before departing I 95, as services might be more spread out on the later portions of the route. The estimated fuel cost is around $34, so budget accordingly for gas. Flexibility is key for this one-day drive; you can adjust your departure time based on your needs.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 107.6 miles from Hilton Head Island, SC, or about 2h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 93.1 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 47 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 107.6 miles or 2h 9m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Union, SC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hilton Head Island, SC so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Hilton Head Island, SC
This is one driving day of about 215.1 miles and 4h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Hilton Head Island, SC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 95 for about 93.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 18.2 and 145.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
18.2 mi into trip|~27m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
39.8 mi into trip|~56m in|I 95; US 17
Merge onto I 95; US 17
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
132.9 mi into trip|~2h 36m in
Take the exit toward US 521: Alcolu, Sumter
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 521: Alcolu, Sumter
6
133.2 mi into trip|~2h 37m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 521 North: Alcolu, Sumter
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 521 North: Alcolu, Sumter
5
145.7 mi into trip|~2h 51m in|US 521 / South Guignard Parkway
Turn left onto US 521 / South Guignard Parkway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.21 one way
$68.43 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg75 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.41
$37.30
$74.61
premium
$4.78
$40.47
$80.94
diesel
$5.35
$45.31
$90.61
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 75.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
64.5
0
$22.59
$10.32
Efficient EV
53.8
0
$18.82
$8.60
EV Truck/SUV
86
1
$30.11
$13.77
Gas CO2
75 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Hilton Head Island, SC
Afternoon
in Hilton Head Island on Wednesday
Local time
3:56 PM
EDT
Current temp
87°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
N 5 to 9 mph45% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Union, SC
Afternoon
in Union on Wednesday
Local time
3:56 PM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
NW 0 to 5 mph61% chanceLive forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
2 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 21m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Reconstruction Era National Historical Park
National Historical Park
The Reconstruction era,1861-1900 the historic period in which the United States grappled with the question of how to integrate millions of newly freed African Americans into social, political, economi...
14 mi from route
~34 min detour
Free
near mile 7.4
Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Waters from the Congaree and...
23 mi from route
~59 min detour
Free
near mile 163.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route features a mixed drive, with 52% of it on highways. You'll encounter a significant stretch of 93.1 miles on I 95, which will feel like a classic interstate experience. After that, the drive transitions to Kershaw Highway and US 521, likely offering a change of pace with potentially more local traffic and varied scenery. The drive progresses from predominantly high-speed interstate travel to more secondary road conditions as you approach Union. Be prepared for this shift in road character as you get closer to your destination.
52% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 93.1 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 18.2 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 215.1 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 18.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 39.8 miles (I 95; US 17): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 132.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
640 ft11 ft
Total Climb
697 ft
Total Descent
69 ft
Highest Point
640 ft
~215.1 mi in
Elevation Range
629 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Hilton Head Island, SC to Union, SC, road signs begin pointing toward Sumter along the way.
Sumter
132.9 mi in|~2h 36m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Hilton Head Island is a city and barrier island in South Carolina, just across the border from Savannah, Georgia. With an approximate population of 40,000, it is on a beautiful, sub-tropical 12-mile (19-km) barrier island. Hilton Head Island is a vacation playland with famous beaches and great golf courses that overlook the Atlantic Ocean.
Top landmarks
•Cherry Hill School — historic school for African-American students located at Hilton Head Island, Bea...
•St. Luke's Parish Zion Chapel of Ease Cemetery — historic site in Beaufort County, South Carolina, US
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 21m. Total distance: 215.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 93.1 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 11 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Union, SC before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 11 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 18.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 39.8 miles (I 95; US 17): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 132.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Reconstruction Era National Historical Park and Congaree National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Union, SC, but most travelers stay overnight.
