The Ultimate Guide to Driving from Bedford, PA to Hilton Head Island, SC
Are you planning a road trip from Bedford, Pennsylvania to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina? Driving to this scenic island can be a breathtaking experience, but you need to plan ahead if you want to avoid getting stuck in traffic. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the various routes you can take, their distances, and the time it takes to drive based on traffic patterns.
The Fastest and Slowest Routes
The fastest route from Bedford to Hilton Head Island is via I-81 South and I-77 South. This route is approximately 755 miles and will take you around 12 hours to drive, depending on traffic. The total time might be less if you take this route in the middle of the night, avoiding the peak traffic hours.
The slowest route would be via US-17 South. This route is around 860 miles and will take you approximately 14 hours to drive. However, if you’re looking for a more scenic route, this might be worth the extra time as it passes through historic towns and beautiful coastal areas.
Traffic Patterns
Traffic patterns also play a vital role in the length of your road trip. During peak traffic hours, you can expect to spend more time on the road, while driving during the night or on weekends will help you avoid traffic jams and reduce the amount of time needed to arrive at your destination.
According to data from TomTom, the worst day to drive from Bedford to Hilton Head Island is on Thursday, with peak traffic periods between 3 pm and 7 pm. The best day to drive is Saturday, with lesser traffic expected throughout the day.
Calculating Your Drive Time
To help you plan better, we’ve calculated some average travel times using Google Maps. Do keep in mind that these are just estimates, and actual travel times can vary based on traffic conditions, road works, and other factors.
| Route | Distance | Peak Traffic Time | Low Traffic Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-81S and I-77S | 755 miles | 14 hours | 10 hours |
| I-95S | 820 miles | 14 hours | 10 hours |
| US-17S | 860 miles | 15 hours | 11 hours |
In general, choosing the fastest route, I-81S and I-77S, will get you to your destination in about 10-14 hours, depending on traffic conditions. If you prefer a less congested route and have more time to spare, US-17S might be a better option, but keep in mind that it takes 11-15 hours to arrive.
With these calculations, you can plan your journey more effectively and avoid wasting time waiting in traffic. Whichever route you choose, make sure to take precautions while driving and have a safe trip!