Trip from Hilton Head Island, SC to Bishopville, SC

Drive Time

3h 30m

Distance

171.1 mi

275 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min

4 AM

3h 18m ★

6 AM

3h 30m

8 AM

3h 55m

10 AM

3h 39m

12 PM

3h 36m

3 PM

3h 40m

5 PM

3h 53m

8 PM

3h 23m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Hilton Head Island, SC

Scott Platt

Bishopville, SC

Junior Bastos

Trip Overview

Traveling from Hilton Head Island to Bishopville covers 171.1 miles through the heart of South Carolina. You can expect a drive time of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, making this a very manageable single-day trip. Budgeting around $27 for fuel should cover your transit across these Southeast regions. Because the route is straightforward, there is no need to split this into an overnight journey unless you prefer a leisurely pace. The drive relies primarily on I-95, US-521, and Sumter Highway to connect the coast to the interior. It is a practical, efficient path that gets you from point A to point B without unnecessary complexity.

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

85.5 miles from Hilton Head Island, SC

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 45m into the drive .

Drive Character

This 171.1-mile journey is a highway-focused drive, with 66% of your time spent on major corridors. You will settle into a steady rhythm on I-95, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 93.1 miles. As you transition away from the coast, the road character shifts from high-speed interstate travel to the more localized feel of US-521 and Sumter Highway. Expect a consistent pace that favors directness over technical maneuvers or winding backroads. It is a functional route designed for drivers who value a predictable, steady experience behind the wheel.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 95 is the longest continuous segment at about 93.1 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and US 521. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.1 miles in near US 278 / William Hilton Parkway.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 171.1 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 5.1 miles (US 278 / William Hilton Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 39.8 miles (I 95; US 17): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

5.1 mi into trip | ~9m in | US 278 / William Hilton Parkway

Merge onto US 278 / William Hilton Parkway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

18.2 mi into trip | ~27m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

39.8 mi into trip | ~56m in | I 95; US 17

Merge onto I 95; US 17

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

132.9 mi into trip | ~2h 36m in

Take the exit toward US 521: Alcolu, Sumter

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 521: Alcolu, Sumter

133.2 mi into trip | ~2h 37m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 521 North: Alcolu, Sumter

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 521 North: Alcolu, Sumter

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Hilton Head Island, SC to Bishopville, SC, road signs begin pointing toward Sumter along the way.

Sumter

132.9 mi in | ~2h 36m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 95	93.1 mi	1h 39m
US 521	13.6 mi	16m
Sumter Highway	10.2 mi	15m
Coosaw Scenic Drive	9.4 mi	12m
Fording Island Road	9 mi	13m
Lowcountry Drive	7.9 mi	10m
N Main St	6.4 mi	9m
Okatie Highway	3.9 mi	4m

Longest stretch: I 95 — 93.1 mi, about 1h 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Hilton Head Island, SC and Bishopville, SC.

Start on Allen Road

0.2 mi · 41 sec · Allen Road

Turn left onto Marshland Road

2.2 mi · 5 min · Marshland Road

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 53 sec

Merge onto US 278

2.3 mi · 2 min · Cross Island Parkway

Merge onto US 278

3.9 mi · 4 min · William Hilton Parkway

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 278

9.0 mi · 13 min · Fording Island Road

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec

Keep slight right at fork

147 ft · 4 sec

Merge onto SC 170

3.9 mi · 4 min · Okatie Highway

Take the exit

488 ft · 13 sec

Continue on SC 462

7.9 mi · 10 min · Lowcountry Drive

Continue on SC 462

9.4 mi · 12 min · Coosaw Scenic Drive

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 35 sec

Toward I 95 North, US 17 North: Florence

Merge onto I 95; US 17

93 mi · 1 hr 39 min · I 95; US 17

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec

Toward US 521: Alcolu, Sumter

Keep slight left at fork

289 ft · 7 sec

Toward US 521 North: Alcolu, Sumter

Turn left onto US 521

14 mi · 16 min · US 521

Use the none lane.

Turn right onto US 15

3.5 mi · 5 min · South Lafayette Drive

Turn right

0.1 mi · 13 sec

Continue on US 15

3.1 mi · 4 min · North Main Street

Use the straight / left / right lanes.

Continue on US 15

6.4 mi · 9 min · N Main St

Continue on US 15

10 mi · 15 min · Sumter Highway

Continue on US 15

0.8 mi · 1 min · South Main Street

Arrive at destination

US 15; SC 34; SC 341

Trip Plan

To keep your 3 hour and 30 minute drive smooth, plan for at least one stop to break up the monotony of the highway. Since the longest stretch is 93.1 miles on I-95, timing your break toward the middle of that segment is a smart way to stay alert. Leaving early in the day is your best bet to avoid potential traffic fluctuations on the interstate. With a fuel budget of $27, filling up your tank before you leave Hilton Head Island ensures you won't have to worry about pricing differences along the route. Stay flexible with your departure time, as the relatively short duration allows you to easily adjust your schedule based on your personal preference.

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 85.5 miles from Hilton Head Island, SC, or about 1h 45m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 93.1 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 80 miles or 1h 39m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 85.5 miles or 1h 45m 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 45m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bishopville, SC than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, SC

This is one driving day of about 171.1 miles and 3h 30m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Hilton Head Island, 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 95 for about 93.1 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 85.5 mi from Hilton Head Island, SC · 1h 45m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Charlotte, NC

86 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

Charlotte, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Charlotte, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 85.5 miles from Hilton Head Island, SC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 93.1 miles.

Arriving in Bishopville, SC

The final approach into Bishopville, SC usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Bishopville, SC.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.38 one way

$54.77 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 60 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.43	$29.83	$59.67
premium	$4.78	$32.19	$64.37
diesel	$5.64	$38.01	$76.02

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$27

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 59.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	51.3	$17.97	$8.21
Efficient EV	42.8	$14.97	$6.84
EV Truck/SUV	68.4	$23.95	$10.95

Gas CO2

60 kg

EV CO2

20 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.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Hilton Head Island, SC

Afternoon in Hilton Head Island on Sunday

Local time

4:16 PM

EDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Bishopville, SC

Afternoon in Bishopville on Sunday

Local time

4:16 PM

EDT

Current temp

62°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

4 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 30m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Hilton Head Island, SC to Bishopville, SC covers 171.1 miles and takes about 3h 30m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 95, US 521, Sumter Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 85.5 miles from Hilton Head Island, SC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $27.38 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

On the drive from Hilton Head Island, SC to Bishopville, SC, road signs begin pointing toward Sumter along the way.

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Return Trip

Bishopville, SC to Hilton Head Island, SC

Plan the drive back the other way.

171.4 mi 3h 30m

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Trip from Hilton Head Island, SC to Bishopville, SC

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Bishopville, SC

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Hilton Head Island, SC

Bishopville, SC

Same local time

4 degrees cooler at arrival

3h 30m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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