Origin
Hilton Head Island, SC
Night in Hilton Head Island on Saturday
Local time
9:29 PM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hilton Head Island, SC to Westminster, SC
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 59m
Distance
281.7 mi
453 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$44
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 47m
★
6 AM
6h 0m
8 AM
6h 26m
10 AM
6h 9m
12 PM
6h 6m
3 PM
6h 10m
5 PM
6h 24m
8 PM
5h 52m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hilton Head Island, SC
Wikimedia Commons
Westminster, SC
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 281.7-mile journey from Hilton Head Island, SC to Westminster, SC will take approximately 5 hours and 59 minutes of driving time. With a fuel cost estimated at $44, this route is well-suited for a single-day trip, requiring just one planned stop. You'll primarily navigate along GA 21 and Carl Sanders Highway before transitioning to local roads like Main Street. The drive traverses the Southeast region, staying within South Carolina for its entirety. It offers a more local feel rather than a high-speed interstate experience, making it a straightforward but engaging drive.
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
140.9 miles from Hilton Head Island, SC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 1m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| GA 21 | 44.2 mi | 50m |
| Carl Sanders Highway | 23.9 mi | 25m |
| Main Street | 19.5 mi | 26m |
| Bowman Highway | 15.2 mi | 17m |
| GA 17 | 14.1 mi | 16m |
| GA 56 | 13.7 mi | 19m |
| I 95 | 11.4 mi | 12m |
| Thomson Road | 11 mi | 13m |
Longest stretch:
GA 21
— 44.2 mi, about 50m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hilton Head Island, SC and Westminster, 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
11 mi
·
15 min
·
Fording Island Road
7
Continue on US 278
6.3 mi
·
7 min
·
Independence Boulevard
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I 95 South: Savannah
9
Merge onto I 95
11 mi
·
12 min
·
I 95
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 109
Toward GA 21, GA 30: Port Wentworth, Savannah
11
Keep slight right at fork
270 ft
·
6 sec
Toward GA 21 North, GA 30 West
12
Merge onto GA 21; GA 30; I 3 FUT
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Augusta Road
Use the right lane.
13
Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
GA 21; I 3 FUT
14
Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT
42 mi
·
48 min
·
GA 21; I 3 FUT
Use the straight lane.
15
Turn right onto GA 21 Business
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
South Main Street
16
Continue on US 301 Business; GA 73; GA 21 Business
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North Main Street
17
Turn slight left onto US 301 Business; GA 73
299 ft
·
6 sec
·
US 301 Business; GA 73
18
Turn right onto US 301; GA 73 Loop
4.5 mi
·
5 min
·
US 301; GA 73 Loop
19
Take the exit onto GA 24
5.4 mi
·
7 min
·
GA 24
20
Turn right onto Millhaven Road
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Millhaven Road
21
Continue on Milhaven Road
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Milhaven Road
22
Turn straight onto Girard Millhaven Road
3.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Girard Millhaven Road
23
Continue on Millhaven Road
5.6 mi
·
7 min
·
Millhaven Road
24
Continue on GA 23
19 mi
·
26 min
·
Main Street
25
At end of road, turn right onto GA 56
14 mi
·
19 min
·
GA 56
26
Take the ramp onto GA 56
202 ft
·
6 sec
·
Mike Padgett Highway
27
Take the ramp
0.7 mi
·
1 min
28
Merge onto I 520
7.4 mi
·
8 min
·
Bobby Jones Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight right at fork onto I 520
0.7 mi
·
53 sec
·
Bobby Jones Expressway
Toward I 20: Atlanta, Lexington
Use the straight lane.
30
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 20 West: Atlanta
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
31
Merge onto I 20
24 mi
·
25 min
·
Carl Sanders Highway
Use the straight lane.
32
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Toward US 78, GA 17: Thomson, Washington
33
Turn right onto GA 17
11 mi
·
12 min
·
Washington Road
34
Continue on US 78; GA 10; GA 17
11 mi
·
13 min
·
Thomson Road
35
Turn left onto US 78; GA 10
0.6 mi
·
46 sec
·
US 78; GA 10
36
Turn right onto GA 17 BUS; GA 44
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Tignall Road
37
Turn left onto GA 17
7.4 mi
·
10 min
·
Tignall Road
38
Continue on GA 17
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
South Hulin Avenue
39
Continue on GA 17
6.8 mi
·
9 min
·
Elberton Highway
40
Continue on GA 17
9.6 mi
·
13 min
·
Washington Highway
41
Continue on GA 17
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Elbert Street
42
Continue on GA 17; GA 72
0.1 mi
·
7 sec
·
Heard Street
43
Continue on GA 17; GA 72
0.7 mi
·
49 sec
·
Elbert Street
44
Continue on SR 17; SR 72
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
College Avenue
45
Turn left onto GA 17
9.7 mi
·
11 min
·
Bowman Highway
46
Continue on GA 17
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
East Railroad Street
47
Continue on GA 17
5.4 mi
·
6 min
·
Bowman Highway
48
Continue on GA 17
14 mi
·
16 min
·
GA 17
49
Take the exit
451 ft
·
15 sec
50
Turn left
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
51
Merge onto I 85
6.1 mi
·
6 min
·
Ernest Vandiver Highway
52
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 1
Toward SC 11: Walhalla, South Carolina Welcome Center, Rest Area
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
53
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Toward SC 11: Welcome Center, Walhalla
54
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward SC 11: Walhalla
55
Continue on SC 11
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway
56
Continue on SC 11
9.8 mi
·
13 min
·
South Highway 11
57
Turn left
282 ft
·
12 sec
58
Turn straight
162 ft
·
7 sec
59
Turn straight onto SC 24
3.7 mi
·
6 min
·
West Oak Highway
60
Turn left onto US 76; US 123
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Street
61
Turn slight left onto US 76; US 123
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
East Windsor Street
62
Arrive at destination
US 76; US 123
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour and 59-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Hilton Head Island to maximize your daylight hours and allow for a relaxed pace. With only one recommended stop, plan it strategically, perhaps midway through your journey. The estimated fuel cost of $44 is manageable, but it's always wise to fill up before leaving Hilton Head. Keep an eye on your navigation as you transition from GA 21 to Carl Sanders Highway and then onto Main Street, as the 'turn-heavy' nature means paying attention to directional cues is key. This single-day trip offers flexibility, so feel free to adjust your timing based on traffic or personal preference.
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 140.9 miles from Hilton Head Island, SC, or about 3h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 44.2 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 62 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 140.9 miles or 3h 1m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Westminster, 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 281.7 miles and 5h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 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 GA 21 for about 44.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
141 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 62 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 140.9 miles from Hilton Head Island, SC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 315 decision points cluster between mile 37.9 and 267 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
37.9 mi into trip
|
~49m in
Take the exit toward GA 21, GA 30: Port Wentworth, Savannah
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 109
Toward GA 21, GA 30: Port Wentworth, Savannah
8
151.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 14m in
|
I 520 / Bobby Jones Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 520 / Bobby Jones Expressway toward I 20: Atlanta, Lexington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 20: Atlanta, Lexington
7
152.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 15m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 20 West: Atlanta
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 20 West: Atlanta
8
266.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 37m in
Take the exit toward SC 11: Walhalla, South Carolina Welcome Center, Rest Area
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 1
Toward SC 11: Walhalla, South Carolina Welcome...
7
267 mi into trip
|
~5h 37m in
Keep slight left at fork toward SC 11: Welcome Center, Walhalla
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward SC 11: Welcome Center, Walhalla
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.05 one way
$88.10 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
99 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $48.17 | $96.33 |
| premium | $4.70 | $52.14 | $104.27 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $62.20 | $124.39 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 98.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 84.5 | 1 | $29.58 | $13.52 |
| Efficient EV | 70.4 | 0 | $24.65 | $11.27 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 112.7 | 1 | $39.44 | $18.03 |
Gas CO2
99 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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.
Destination
Westminster, SC
Night in Westminster on Saturday
Local time
9:29 PM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live 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
7 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
5h 59m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile for this 281.7-mile trip. With 42% of the route on highways, you'll experience a mix of faster sections and more intricate local road navigation. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 44.2 miles along GA 21, providing a period of more consistent travel. As you progress, the road character shifts, moving from more direct highway segments to the community-focused Main Street and other local thoroughfares, requiring your attention and adapting to changing speed limits and road conditions.
Only 42% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
62 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 44.2 mi on GA 21.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 37.9 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 31 significant decision points across 281.7 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 37.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151.4 miles (I 520 / Bobby Jones Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 152.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Hilton Head Island, SC and Westminster, SC, road signs point toward Savannah, Lexington, Washington, Carolina Welcome Center, Rest Area and Walhalla.
Savannah
37.9 mi in
|
~49m
Lexington
151.4 mi in
|
~3h 14m
|
via I 520
Washington
176.5 mi in
|
~3h 42m
Carolina Welcome Center
266.8 mi in
|
~5h 37m
Rest Area
266.8 mi in
|
~5h 37m
Walhalla
267 mi in
|
~5h 37m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 59m. Total distance: 281.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 44.2 miles on GA 21. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Westminster, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 37.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 151.4 miles (I 520 / Bobby Jones Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 152.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 12.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Westminster, SC before the return drive.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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