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Trip from Hilton Head, SC to Lancaster, SC

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 9m

Distance

211.2 mi

340 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 57m ★
6 AM
4h 10m
8 AM
4h 36m
10 AM
4h 19m
12 PM
4h 16m
3 PM
4h 20m
5 PM
4h 35m
8 PM
4h 2m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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resort town in South Carolina, USA

Hilton Head, SC

Wikimedia Commons

city in South Carolina, United States

Lancaster, SC

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 211.2-mile drive from Hilton Head, SC, to Lancaster, SC, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 9 minutes. You'll primarily navigate I 95, with portions of Kershaw Camden Highway and Kershaw Highway also part of the journey. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $34, making it an economical option. This route offers a mixed driving experience, suitable for those looking for a straightforward journey within the Southeast region. Given its manageable duration, it's a perfect candidate for a day trip without the need for an overnight stop.

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

105.6 miles from Hilton Head, SC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 3m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 95 93.1 mi 1h 39m
Kershaw Camden Highway 16.1 mi 18m
Kershaw Highway 14.8 mi 16m
US 521 12.4 mi 14m
Coosaw Scenic Drive 9.4 mi 12m
Fording Island Road 9 mi 13m
Sumter Highway 8.4 mi 9m
Camden Highway 8.2 mi 9m
Longest stretch: I 95 — 93.1 mi, about 1h 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Hilton Head, SC and Lancaster, 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

3.9 mi · 4 min · Okatie Highway
7

Take the exit

488 ft · 13 sec
8

Continue on SC 462

7.9 mi · 10 min · Lowcountry Drive
9

Continue on SC 462

9.4 mi · 12 min · Coosaw Scenic Drive
10

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Toward I 95 North, US 17 North: Florence
11

Merge onto I 95; US 17

93 mi · 1 hr 39 min · I 95; US 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward US 521: Alcolu, Sumter
13

Keep slight left at fork

289 ft · 7 sec
Toward US 521 North: Alcolu, Sumter
14

Turn left onto US 521

12 mi · 14 min · US 521
Use the left lane.
15

Turn left onto US 521

1.1 mi · 1 min · South Guignard Parkway
Use the left lane.
16

Continue on US 521

3.6 mi · 4 min · South Guignard Drive
17

Continue on US 521

0.7 mi · 1 min · Bultman Drive
Use the straight / right lanes.
18

Turn left onto US 521; US 76 Business

0.8 mi · 1 min · Broad Street
Use the left lane.
19

Turn slight right onto US 521

1.9 mi · 2 min · Camden Highway
20

Continue on US 521

7.6 mi · 8 min · Thomas Sumter Highway
21

Continue on US 521

6.2 mi · 7 min · Camden Highway
22

Continue on US 521

8.4 mi · 9 min · Sumter Highway
23

Continue on US 521

4.2 mi · 8 min · Broad Street
24

Continue on US 521; US 601

14 mi · 16 min · Kershaw Highway
25

Continue on US 521; US 601

2.7 mi · 3 min · Kershaw Camden Highway
26

Continue on US 521; US 601

0.7 mi · 48 sec · South Hampton Street
27

Turn left onto US 521; US 601

1.5 mi · 1 min · South Matson Street
28

At end of road, turn left onto US 521 Business

4.8 mi · 5 min · Kershaw Camden Highway
29

Continue on US 521

0.8 mi · 55 sec · Spring Street
30

Turn right onto US 521

1.0 mi · 1 min · Main Street
31

Continue on US 521; SC 522

7.4 mi · 8 min · Kershaw Camden Highway
32

Continue on US 521 Business

1.2 mi · 1 min · Kershaw Camden Highway
33

Continue on US 521 Business

0.4 mi · 39 sec · Kershaw Highway
34

Continue on US 521 Business; SC 200

0.8 mi · 1 min · South Market Street
35

Turn left onto East Gay Street

0.2 mi · 24 sec · East Gay Street
36

Turn right onto South Main Street

0.1 mi · 17 sec · South Main Street
37

Arrive at destination

South Main Street

Trip Plan

For this roughly 4-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Hilton Head to maximize your daylight hours and avoid any potential afternoon traffic. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 93.1 miles on I 95, you can easily complete this trip in one go. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the highway portions, and plan a refueling stop if needed. The estimated fuel cost of $34 is a good baseline, but always budget a little extra. The flexibility of a single-day trip like this means you can adjust your pace as needed.

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 105.6 miles from Hilton Head, SC, or about 2h 3m 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 46 miles or 59m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 105.6 miles or 2h 3m 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 23m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lancaster, 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 211.2 miles and 4h 9m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Hilton Head, 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.

Downtown Sumter, SC, SC

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Sumter, SC

106 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

Beaufort, SC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Manning, SC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 105.6 miles from Hilton Head, SC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 93.1 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best coffee break

Corner Perk Hilton Head

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+18433045363

Visit website

Corner Perk Hilton Head

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+18433045363

Visit website

Rest Area

0 mi from route

Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.1 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.1 mi from route

TA

0.2 mi from route

Flying J Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.2 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.3 mi from route

Island Skiff Adventure Tours

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+18438165976

Visit website

Hilton Head Distillery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hours: 12–7 pm

+18436864443

Visit website

King Neptune Sundial

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Fish Haul Beach Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+18433414600

Visit website

The Serpent Center

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

Halfway reset 5 mi from route ~12 min detour

Vance, South Carolina

+18034921500

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 13.3 and 140.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
13.3 mi into trip | ~18m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

5
34.9 mi into trip | ~47m 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
128 mi into trip | ~2h 27m 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
128.3 mi into trip | ~2h 28m 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
140.8 mi into trip | ~2h 42m 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

$33.03 one way

$66.05 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 74 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $36.11 $72.22
premium $4.70 $39.09 $78.18
diesel $5.61 $46.63 $93.26

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$33

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$58–$83

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 73.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 63.4 0 $22.18 $10.14
Efficient EV 52.8 0 $18.48 $8.45
EV Truck/SUV 84.5 1 $29.57 $13.52

Gas CO2

74 kg

EV CO2

25 kg (66% 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

4:07 AM

EDT

Current temp

85°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lancaster, SC

Late night in Lancaster on Tuesday

Local time

4:07 AM

EDT

Current temp

83°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

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 9m 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?

The drive is characterized by a mixed profile, with 52% of the journey spent on highways. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 93.1 miles on I 95, which offers a consistent pace for a significant portion of your travel. As you transition to roads like Kershaw Camden Highway and Kershaw Highway, expect a change in scenery and possibly a different driving rhythm compared to the interstate. This blend ensures the drive isn't entirely monotonous, offering a varied experience behind the wheel as you make your way north.

52% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
37 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?

7/10

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 13.3 miles in.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 211.2 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 13.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 34.9 miles (I 95; US 17): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 128 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

605 ft 9 ft

Total Climb

677 ft

Total Descent

144 ft

Highest Point

605 ft

~196.1 mi in

Elevation Range

596 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 Lancaster, SC, road signs begin pointing toward Sumter along the way.

Sumter

128 mi in | ~2h 27m

About the Cities

Starting in Hilton Head, SC

Full guide →

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.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 9m. Total distance: 211.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.

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 Lancaster, 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 13.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 34.9 miles (I 95; US 17): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 128 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Lancaster, SC, but most travelers stay overnight.

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, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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