How to Get to Hilton Head Island
Planning your Hilton Head Island getaway should feel just as relaxing as the trip itself. Fortunately, reaching the island is simple, scenic, and flexible—no matter how you travel. From stress-free flights to easy drives through the Lowcountry, your journey sets the tone for the coastal days ahead.
Flying to Hilton Head Island
If you prefer to fly, you’ll find two convenient airport options that make arriving on the island a breeze.
- Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) Located just 5 miles from Hilton Head’s main resort areas, this airport is the closest and most convenient option. Travelers enjoy quick walk-off access, easy baggage pickup, and short travel times to Palmetto Dunes, Sea Pines, Shipyard, and Forest Beach. HHH offers direct service on American, Delta, Spirit, and United from major hubs, with seasonal and year-round routes that make weekend getaways and longer stays effortless.
- Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) Roughly 45 minutes from the island, SAV provides a wider selection of flights with more than 30 nonstop destinations. Popular airlines such as JetBlue, Allegiant, Southwest, and Breeze offer frequent service—ideal for guests looking for additional flight options or competitive pricing. The drive from Savannah includes marsh views, open skies, and the kind of quiet scenery that instantly shifts you into vacation mode.
Driving to Hilton Head Island
Many guests choose to road-trip to Hilton Head, thanks to the island’s easy access from both the Southeast and Northeast. Travelers using I-95 can take Exit 8 to Highway 278, then follow 278 straight toward the island for approximately 17 miles. The route brings you across two beautiful bridges with sweeping marsh landscapes and tidal waterways.
Once you reach the island
- For the south end, including Sea Pines, Forest Beach, and Coligny, the Cross Island Parkway offers a faster, more direct route.
- For mid- and north-island communities, including Palmetto Dunes, Port Royal, Folly Field, and Hilton Head Plantation, continue along William Hilton Parkway (Hwy 278 Business). The drive is intuitive, well-marked, and surrounded by the natural charm that defines the island.
Arriving by Boat
Boaters can reach Hilton Head by navigating the Intracoastal Waterway, with several marinas welcoming short-term dockage. Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, Harbour Town Yacht Basin, and Palmetto Bay Marina all offer convenient locations, fuel docks, and easy access to island dining and activities. Arriving by water adds a sense of adventure and gives visitors an unforgettable first impression of the Lowcountry.
Getting Around the Island
Once you’re here, exploring Hilton Head is part of the fun. The island is designed for simple, car-light travel with plenty of options suited for families, couples, and solo adventurers.
- Bikes: Over 60 miles of paved, interconnected trails make biking one of the most popular ways to get around. Ride from beach to boardwalk, or hop on the pathways that wind through Palmetto Dunes, Shipyard, Sea Pines, and beyond.
- Rental Cars, Rideshares & Taxis: Ideal for those planning to explore the entire island or surrounding areas like Bluffton or Savannah.
- Palmetto Breeze Trolley (Seasonal): A convenient, family-friendly transportation option. Download the Catch the Breeze app to view routes and real-time updates.
- Resort Shuttles: Some communities and hotels offer complimentary internal transportation. No matter how you choose to travel, Hilton Head’s coastal calm, shaded oaks, and island pace turn every outing into a scenic moment.
Start Your Adventure with Hilton Head Properties Realty & Rentals
Your arrival begins the moment the island comes into view—palms swaying, beaches stretching wide, and that unmistakable Lowcountry charm welcoming you in. When you stay with Hilton Head Properties Realty & Rentals, our local team is here to help you plan, settle in, and make every day of your vacation extraordinary.
