Origin
Saint Andrews, SC
Late night in Saint Andrews on Tuesday
Local time
5:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Saint Andrews, SC to Hilton Head, SC
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h
Distance
155.1 mi
250 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 49m
★
6 AM
3h 0m
8 AM
3h 23m
10 AM
3h 8m
12 PM
3h 6m
3 PM
3h 10m
5 PM
3h 22m
8 PM
2h 54m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Saint Andrews, SC
Wikimedia Commons
Hilton Head, SC
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
If you are planning a trip from Saint Andrews to Hilton Head, you are looking at a 155.1-mile journey that typically takes about 3 hours behind the wheel. This route functions perfectly as a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach the coast without needing to book an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $25 in fuel for the one-way trip, making it a budget-friendly option for a quick getaway. Because both locations are situated within the Southeast region of South Carolina, the drive remains within a consistent cultural and geographic climate. Whether you are heading out for a weekend or a quick change of scenery, the straightforward nature of this connection makes it an easy trip to manage.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
77.6 miles from Saint Andrews, SC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 27m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 26 | 61.6 mi | 1h 8m |
| I 95 | 56.6 mi | 1h |
| Coosaw Scenic Drive | 9.6 mi | 13m |
| Fording Island Road | 9.3 mi | 12m |
| Lowcountry Drive | 7.9 mi | 10m |
| Okatie Highway | 4.2 mi | 4m |
| William Hilton Parkway | 3.4 mi | 4m |
| Saint Andrews Road | 0.8 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 26
— 61.6 mi, about 1h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Andrews, SC and Hilton Head, SC.
1
Start on Whiteford Road
276 ft
·
14 sec
·
Whiteford Road
2
Turn right onto US 176
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
Broad River Road
3
Turn left onto Saint Andrews Road
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Saint Andrews Road
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward I 26 East: Columbia
5
Merge onto I 26; US 76
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
I 26; US 76
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 26
60 mi
·
1 hr 6 min
·
I 26
Toward Charleston
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 169A
Toward I 95 South: Savannah
8
Merge onto I 95
57 mi
·
1 hr
·
I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward SC 462: Coosawhatchie
10
Turn left onto SC 462
9.6 mi
·
13 min
·
Coosaw Scenic Drive
11
Continue on SC 462
7.9 mi
·
10 min
·
Lowcountry Drive
12
Turn right onto SC 170
4.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Okatie Highway
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
14
Merge onto US 278
9.3 mi
·
12 min
·
Fording Island Road
15
Continue on US 278
3.4 mi
·
4 min
·
William Hilton Parkway
16
Arrive at destination
US 278
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 3-hour drive, try to time your departure to avoid peak traffic hours on the major interstates. Since the trip is relatively short, you only need to plan for about one stop to stretch your legs or grab a quick refreshment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before leaving Saint Andrews, as setting aside $25 should cover your primary expenses, though having a little extra is always smart. Given the highway-heavy nature of this route, stay alert during the transition from the fast-moving I-95 corridor to the local flow of the Coosaw Scenic Drive. This flexibility allows you to easily adjust your schedule based on your arrival needs in Hilton Head.
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 77.6 miles from Saint Andrews, SC, or about 1h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.6 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 34 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 77.6 miles or 1h 27m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hilton Head, SC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Saint Andrews, 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 Saint Andrews, SC
This is one driving day of about 155.1 miles and 3h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Saint Andrews, 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 26 for about 61.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
78 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 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 77.6 miles from Saint Andrews, SC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 26 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 61.6 miles.
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 115 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 120.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 176 / Broad River Road
Turn right onto US 176 / Broad River Road
Navigation decision point
7
2.6 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
I 26
Keep slight right at fork onto I 26 toward Charleston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Charleston
5
62.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 10m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South: Savannah
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 169A
Toward I 95 South: Savannah
5
63.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 12m in
|
I 95
Merge onto I 95
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
120.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 13m in
Take the exit toward SC 462: Coosawhatchie
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward SC 462: Coosawhatchie
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.25 one way
$48.51 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
54 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $26.52 | $53.04 |
| premium | $4.70 | $28.71 | $57.41 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $34.24 | $68.49 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 46.5 | 0 | $16.29 | $7.44 |
| Efficient EV | 38.8 | 0 | $13.57 | $6.20 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 62 | 0 | $21.71 | $9.93 |
Gas CO2
54 kg
EV CO2
18 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.
Destination
Hilton Head, SC
Late night in Hilton Head on Tuesday
Local time
5:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 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.
Congaree National Park
National Park
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 26.7
Caution: Burn Ban in Effect 4/17
Caution: Backcountry Trail Conditions
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...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
Free
near mile 155.1
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 78% of this 155.1-mile route consists of major thoroughfares. You will spend a significant portion of your time on I-26 and I-95, which provide the bulk of the travel time. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 61.6-mile segment on I-26, which sets a steady, fast-paced tone for the start of your journey. As you transition toward the coast, the route incorporates the Coosaw Scenic Drive, offering a change of pace from the interstate grind. Overall, the road feels efficient and functional, designed to get you from the inland area to the island destination with minimal navigation stress.
78% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 61.6 mi on I 26.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 26 and I 95. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near US 176 / Broad River Road.
Driving Effort
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 155.1 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (US 176 / Broad River Road): Navigation decision point; at 2.6 miles (I 26): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 62.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
About the Cities
Arriving 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 3h. Total distance: 155.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 61.6 miles on I 26. 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (US 176 / Broad River Road): Navigation decision point; at 2.6 miles (I 26): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 62.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Yes — Congaree National Park and Reconstruction Era National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Hilton Head, 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 NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Hilton Head, SC
More from Saint Andrews, SC
More trips to Hilton Head, SC
Explore more options from Saint Andrews, SC or browse trips ending in Hilton Head, SC.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse SC road trips.