Road Trip to Hilton Head Island: How Long Will It Take from Bethesda?

Are you daydreaming about a relaxing vacation on Hilton Head Island but still wondering how much driving time it will take to get there? Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or a family road trip, the journey from Bethesda, Maryland to South Carolina's most famous island does require some careful route planning. Luckily, we're here to help you navigate the options and make the most of your trip.

The Fastest Route: 9 Hours and 20 Minutes

Driving straight along I-95 South is the quickest route, covering a total distance of 620 miles. You'll start in Bethesda and head down I-495 to connect with I-95. Traffic-wise, this route is busiest through the DC-Maryland-Virginia area and Jacksonville, Florida, but can be busy at just about any time of day. The average driving time on this route is around 9 hours and 20 minutes.

However, if you're trying to avoid crowded highways, consider hitting the road at Sunday morning or mid-week morning, as rush hour will be over. In this case, the driving time can be reduced by 20-30 minutes and the distance can be up to 50 miles shorter.

The Scenic Route: 11 Hours and 30 Minutes

The slightly longer, but arguably more scenic route, takes Interstate 81, then U.S. 11, and I-77 before reaching Bluffton, near Hilton Head Island. This path is perfect if you like enjoying the views and avoiding the hectic pace of heavy traffic.

This 782-mile journey should take you around 11-12 hours, depending on rest stops and traffic. Be sure to avoid traveling on Fridays and Sunday afternoons, as they're the busiest times. Alternatively, you can travel on a weekday morning or Saturday morning, when traffic is usually less congested.

The Coastal Route: 12 Hours and 40 Minutes

Lastly, you can take the coastal route which is approximately 785 miles and takes around 12 hours and 40 minutes. It is a scenic path that travels along smaller roads through the Eastern North Carolina Natural Preserve. This path lets you enjoy views of the ocean and charming beach towns along the way.

However, if you prefer a faster speed and a more direct way to your destination, this may not be the best choice. Keep in mind that traffic can be congested on US-17 and connector bridges on weekend afternoons during the summer months. So, depart early in the morning or mid-weeks to avoid traffic.

The Bottom Line

Planning a trip can be fun, but little things like travel time matter when it comes to a long road trip. Driving from Bethesda, Maryland to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina can be quite an enjoyable experience if you hit the road on the right day when traffic is light. Nonetheless, there are various options of routes to choose from, and each has its unique beauty, charm, and requires a different amount of driving time. Whether you want to take the scenic way through small towns and rural roads, or the fastest path along the highways, the choice is all yours, and we hope this article helped. Safe travels!