Traveling from Hilton Head to Goose Creek covers 106.2 miles of South Carolina terrain, typically taking about 2 hours and 7 minutes behind the wheel. Because this journey is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a straightforward day trip, eliminating the need to book an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $17 for fuel to complete the transit. The route keeps you entirely within the Southeast region, moving through local corridors rather than cross-country interstates. It is a practical, direct connection between these two South Carolina locations, ideal for those who prefer a manageable drive time over long-haul travel.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
53.2 miles from Hilton Head, SC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 7m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 17
43 mi
56m
Okatie Highway
12.2 mi
13m
Trask Parkway
11.6 mi
14m
Fording Island Road
9 mi
13m
Mark Clark Expressway
4.9 mi
5m
William Hilton Parkway
4.1 mi
4m
Robert Smalls Parkway
3.5 mi
3m
I 26
3.2 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
US 17
— 43 mi, about 56m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hilton Head, SC and Goose Creek, SC.
1
Start on US 278
0.3 mi·28 sec·William Hilton Parkway
2
Continue on US 278
3.8 mi·4 min·William Hilton Parkway
3
Continue on US 278
9.0 mi·13 min·Fording Island Road
4
Take the exit
0.3 mi·39 sec
5
Keep slight right at fork
147 ft·4 sec
6
Merge onto SC 170
12 mi·13 min·Okatie Highway
7
Continue on SC 170
1.7 mi·1 min·Edward Burton Rodgers Bridge
8
Continue on SC 170
3.5 mi·3 min·Robert Smalls Parkway
9
Turn slight left onto US 21
1.2 mi·1 min·Parris Island Gateway
10
At end of road, turn left onto US 21
12 mi·14 min·Trask Parkway
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
12
Merge onto US 17
43 mi·56 min·US 17
13
Turn left onto S-10-57
2.8 mi·4 min·Bees Ferry Road
14
Turn right onto SC 461
2.5 mi·3 min·Glenn McConnell Parkway
15
Continue on SC 461
0.5 mi·47 sec·Paul Cantrell Boulevard
16
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·53 sec
17
Merge onto I 526
4.9 mi·5 min·Mark Clark Expressway
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 17Toward I 26: Charleston, ColumbiaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17Toward I 26 West: ColumbiaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto I 26
3.2 mi·4 min·I 26
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi·46 sec
Exit 209B-AToward US 52: Ashley Phosphate Road, Goose Creek, Moncks CornerUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward US 52: Goose Creek, Moncks CornerUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·55 sec
Exit 209AToward US 52: Goose Creek, Moncks CornerUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·43 sec
Toward Moncks Corner KingstreeUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on US 52; US 78
442 ft·8 sec·Rivers Avenue
26
Continue on US 52; US 78
1.0 mi·1 min·Goose Creek Boulevard North
27
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
28
Turn straight onto Goose Creek Road
0.5 mi·53 sec·Goose Creek Road
29
Continue on Old State Road
0.2 mi·26 sec·Old State Road
30
Continue on Old State Road
237 ft·14 sec·Old State Road
Use the left lane.
31
Turn left onto The Oaks Avenue
38 ft·1 sec·The Oaks Avenue
32
Arrive at destination
The Oaks Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this is a non-stop, 2-hour-and-7-minute trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever fits your schedule best. While no formal stops are required for a drive of this length, keeping your fuel tank in mind is wise, as the estimated $17 cost covers the full distance. Pay close attention to navigation, as the reliance on local roads like Okatie Highway means you will encounter frequent turns rather than long, straight stretches. To ensure a smooth experience, verify your route through the local corridors before leaving Hilton Head. Having a clear plan for your turns will help you navigate the local road network with confidence.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 53.2 miles from Hilton Head, SC, or about 1h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 43 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 23 miles or 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 53.2 miles or 1h 7m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Goose Creek, SC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hilton Head, 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, SC
This is one driving day of about 106.4 miles and 2h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Hilton Head, SC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on US 17 for about 43 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 98 and 102.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
98 mi into trip|~2h 8m in
Take the exit toward I 26: Charleston, Columbia
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 17
Toward I 26: Charleston, Columbia
8
98.2 mi into trip|~2h 8m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 26 West: Columbia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 17
Toward I 26 West: Columbia
8
102.1 mi into trip|~2h 14m in
Take the exit toward US 52: Ashley Phosphate Road, Goose Creek, Moncks Corner
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 209B-A
Toward US 52: Ashley Phosphate Road, Goose Cree...
8
102.5 mi into trip|~2h 15m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 52: Goose Creek, Moncks Corner
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 52: Goose Creek, Moncks Corner
9
102.9 mi into trip|~2h 16m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 52: Goose Creek, Moncks Corner
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 209A
Toward US 52: Goose Creek, Moncks Corner
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$16.64 one way
$33.28 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg37 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$18.19
$36.39
premium
$4.70
$19.69
$39.38
diesel
$5.61
$23.49
$46.98
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$42–$67
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 37.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
31.9
0
$11.17
$5.11
Efficient EV
26.6
0
$9.31
$4.26
EV Truck/SUV
42.6
0
$14.90
$6.81
Gas CO2
37 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (68% 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 Apr 20, 2026
Origin
Hilton Head, SC
Late night
in Hilton Head on Tuesday
Local time
5:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Goose Creek, SC
Late night
in Goose Creek on Tuesday
Local time
5:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
84°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
1 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
2h 21m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
Free
near mile 29.4
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Two forts stand at the entrance of Charleston Harbor. Patriots inside a palmetto log fort, later named Fort Moultrie, defeated the Royal Navy in 1776. As Charleston blazed a path towards secession to...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
$10
near mile 95.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a high-speed interstate cruise, as this route utilizes 0% highway travel. You will navigate primarily via William Hilton Parkway, Fording Island Road, and Okatie Highway throughout the entire 106.2-mile distance. Because the path relies on local roads, the pace remains steady and demands your full attention at intersections and turns. Unlike long-distance highway stretches, this drive offers a consistent, hands-on experience behind the wheel. The transition between these local roads creates a rhythmic, albeit technical, flow as you move toward your destination.
68% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 43 mi on US 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 17 and Okatie Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 98 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 17 significant decision points across 106.4 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 98 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 98.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 102.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
21 ft15 ft
Total Climb
6 ft
Total Descent
2 ft
Highest Point
21 ft
~17.7 mi in
Elevation Range
6 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, SC to Goose Creek, SC, road signs begin pointing toward Columbia along the way.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 21m. Total distance: 106.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (68%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 43 miles on US 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Goose Creek, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 98 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 98.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 102.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Reconstruction Era National Historical Park and Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Goose Creek, SC before heading back.
