Traveling from Boxborough, Massachusetts to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Your Guide to Drive Time
If you're looking to escape the bustle of Boxborough, Massachusetts and soak up some sun on the sandy beaches of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, you're in for a bit of a ride. A long ride, in fact. But no matter how you choose to get there, it's worth the trek.
Fastest vs. Slowest Routes
Your driving time from Boxborough to Hilton Head Island will vary depending on which route you take. The fastest option is to hop on I-84 West and I-684 South, down through New York. Once you hit I-78 in New Jersey, turn south and follow I-95 all the way down to Hilton Head Island. This route covers 1,110 miles and can take anywhere from 16 to 19 hours, depending on traffic.
If you're in the mood to take the scenic route and aren't too concerned about getting to your destination quickly, you can also take I-90 West all the way to Cleveland, Ohio, then head South on I-77 towards South Carolina. This route covers 1,300 miles and can take closer to 20 hours, but it's a beautiful drive and you'll get to see some of the Midwest and Blue Ridge Mountains along the way.
Calculating Drive Time
Of course, the amount of time it takes you to drive from Boxborough to Hilton Head Island will depend not only on the route you take, but also on the time of day you depart. If you're looking to avoid traffic and arrive at the beach as quickly as possible, plan to leave early in the morning—ideally around 5 a.m.—to beat rush hour traffic in New York City and other major metropolitan areas.
If you're not a morning person, you can opt to leave in the afternoon or evening and plan to drive through the night. You'll miss the worst of the traffic, but you'll also be driving tired, so be sure to take breaks and switch drivers as needed to stay safe.
Distance and Timing Breakdown
Here's a quick breakdown of the distance and time it takes to drive from Boxborough to Hilton Head Island based on the two routes we've highlighted:
Fastest Route
- Total Distance: 1,110 miles
- Drive Time at Peak Traffic: 19 hours
- Drive Time at Low Traffic: 16 hours
Scenic Route
- Total Distance: 1,300 miles
- Drive Time at Peak Traffic: 22 hours
- Drive Time at Low Traffic: 20 hours
Conclusion
While the drive from Boxborough, Massachusetts to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina can be a bit of a trek, it's also an adventure and a great opportunity to take in some stunning scenery along the way. Whether you choose the fastest route or opt for a more leisurely pace, plan ahead, take breaks when needed, and above all, enjoy the journey!