Origin
Hilton Head Island, SC
Evening in Hilton Head Island on Wednesday
Local time
7:37 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hilton Head Island, SC to Stateburg, SC
Last recalculated Apr 15, 2026
Drive Time
3h 15m
Distance
161.8 mi
260 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 4m
★
6 AM
3h 16m
8 AM
3h 39m
10 AM
3h 24m
12 PM
3h 22m
3 PM
3h 25m
5 PM
3h 38m
8 PM
3h 9m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hilton Head Island, SC
Wikimedia Commons
Stateburg, SC
Ken Jacobsen
Trip Overview
This 161.8-mile journey from Hilton Head Island, SC, to Stateburg, SC, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. Primarily a highway-focused drive, you'll spend about 74% of your time on major interstates and highways, including I-95 and US-521. With an estimated fuel cost of $25, this route offers a straightforward and efficient way to transition within the Southeast region. It's a manageable distance that allows for a relaxed pace, especially if you're looking for a day trip without an overnight commitment.
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
80.9 miles from Hilton Head Island, SC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 40m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 161.8-mile trip, with 74% of the route utilizing major roadways like I-95. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 93.1 miles on I-95, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of your travel. While the initial and final segments may involve different road types, the core of this drive is about efficient travel. The landscape will largely be defined by the interstate experience, punctuated by the transition onto US-521 and the Coosaw Scenic Drive as you approach your destination.
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 18.2 miles in.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 161.8 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 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; at 132.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
18.2 mi into trip
|
~27m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
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 straight / slight right lanes.
5
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
6
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
5
145.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 51m in
|
US 521 / South Guignard Parkway
Turn left onto US 521 / South Guignard Parkway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Hilton Head Island, SC to Stateburg, 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 | 12.4 mi | 14m |
| Coosaw Scenic Drive | 9.4 mi | 12m |
| Fording Island Road | 9 mi | 13m |
| Lowcountry Drive | 7.9 mi | 10m |
| US 76 | 6.4 mi | 9m |
| Okatie Highway | 3.9 mi | 4m |
| William Hilton Parkway | 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 Stateburg, SC.
1
Start on Allen Road
0.2 mi
·
41 sec
·
Allen Road
2
Turn left onto Marshland Road
2.2 mi
·
5 min
·
Marshland Road
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
4
Merge onto US 278
2.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Cross Island Parkway
5
Merge onto US 278
3.9 mi
·
4 min
·
William Hilton Parkway
6
Continue on US 278
9.0 mi
·
13 min
·
Fording Island Road
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
8
Keep slight right at fork
147 ft
·
4 sec
9
Merge onto SC 170
3.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Okatie Highway
10
Take the exit
488 ft
·
13 sec
11
Continue on SC 462
7.9 mi
·
10 min
·
Lowcountry Drive
12
Continue on SC 462
9.4 mi
·
12 min
·
Coosaw Scenic Drive
13
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward I 95 North, US 17 North: Florence
14
Merge onto I 95; US 17
93 mi
·
1 hr 39 min
·
I 95; US 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward US 521: Alcolu, Sumter
16
Keep slight left at fork
289 ft
·
7 sec
Toward US 521 North: Alcolu, Sumter
17
Turn left onto US 521
12 mi
·
14 min
·
US 521
Use the left lane.
18
Turn left onto US 521
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
South Guignard Parkway
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on US 521
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
South Guignard Drive
20
Continue on US 521
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Bultman Drive
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Turn left onto US 521; US 76 Business
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Broad Street
Use the left lane.
22
Continue on US 76; US 378
6.4 mi
·
9 min
·
US 76; US 378
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Turn right onto SC 261
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
North Kings Highway
24
Arrive at destination
SC 261
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour and 15-minute duration, this 161.8-mile trip is easily achievable as a single-day excursion from Hilton Head Island to Stateburg. Aim to depart in the morning to take advantage of lighter traffic, especially on I-95. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing your drive. The fuel cost is estimated at $25, so plan accordingly. Keep an eye out for the transition from I-95 to US-521, as this is where the road character shifts, and be mindful of the Coosaw Scenic Drive for a different driving experience.
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 80.9 miles from Hilton Head Island, SC, or about 1h 40m 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 36 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 80.9 miles or 1h 40m 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 36m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Stateburg, 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 161.8 miles and 3h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 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 80.9 mi from Hilton Head Island, SC · 1h 40m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
81 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 80.9 miles from Hilton Head Island, SC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 93.1 miles.
Arriving in Stateburg, SC
The final approach into Stateburg, 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 Stateburg, 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
$25.30 one way
$50.60 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
57 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $27.67 | $55.33 |
| premium | $4.70 | $29.95 | $59.89 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $35.72 | $71.45 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 56.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 48.5 | 0 | $16.99 | $7.77 |
| Efficient EV | 40.5 | 0 | $14.16 | $6.47 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 64.7 | 0 | $22.65 | $10.36 |
Gas CO2
57 kg
EV CO2
19 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.
Destination
Stateburg, SC
Evening in Stateburg on Wednesday
Local time
7:37 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
77°F
Holly Hill, SC
81 mi in
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
11 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 15m 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 Stateburg, SC covers 161.8 miles and takes about 3h 15m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 95, US 521, Coosaw Scenic Drive. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 80.9 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 $25.30 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 161.8 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.
The main spots that need attention: 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; at 132.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Hilton Head Island, SC to Stateburg, SC, road signs begin pointing toward Sumter along the way.
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