We are going to Hilton Head for the first time this fall. From the midwest it is much less expensive to fly into Charleston instead of Savannah/Hilton Head airport. We are renting a car anyway and I am wondering if it is a problem to drive from Charleston? It looks like it is about a hundred miles. Is there any problems with driving from Charleston vs spending the extra money to fly into Savannah? Thanks!

It is about a 2 hour drive from Charleston vs. 45-60 min from Savannah. No trouble, there are 2 routes - one via I-95 and Rt. 278 and another due south on Rt. 17. We will be in Charleston in early September and making the same drive.

I had heard there is much construction on Rt. 17 and am trying to decide which way to go - any comments from locals? I would prefer Rt. 17, it is more scenic. Thanks!

Hint - check fares again before making your decision. From your original post your indicated flying into "Savannah/Hilton Head Airport" - those are two different airports. Perhaps your "high airfare" was predicated upon flying into Hilton Head rather than Savannah. Flying into Savannah may be less expensive than flying directly into Hilton Head.

Since Savannah is only about a 45 minute drive from Hilton Head you'll have to determine if any savings you achieve by flying into Charleston is worth the extra driving time. For me convenience usually trumps cost and I'm willing to pay "extra"- you may think differently.

I think OP is correct in saying that Savannah/Hilton head is the (actual) complete name of the Savannah airport. So it comes down to how much you save and if a 2 hour drive is OK with you.

We found that the trip to HH from the Savannah airport was much more like an hour than it was 45 minutes, when you factor in weaving around HH to find your hotel.

We did the same thing, for the same reason, although we stayed in Charleston for a few days first. Charleston is a lovely, historical, charming city, so think about spending a day or two there as part of your trip and the drive won't seem so bad!

We will in Hilton Head too, albeit by car but second the idea to spend a few days in Charleston for the reasons given by sf7. If you haven't been there before it would be a shame to miss the opportunity.

BTW, we went to Savannah as a day trip from Hilton Head -- so you could combine all three into your trip.

Thanks for the help. It is almost two hundred dollars cheaper per person to fly to Charleston. We would love to visit Charleston for a few days or so but time off work is the problem. Thanks so much for good advice. And yee, the Savannah airport is listed as Savannah/Hilton Head.

Sometimes on a summer weekend the traffic can backup, but you should be fine during the fall.

LBloom,

There IS construction on 17 but it's not as slow since much of it is complete. It's a nice drive if you're not in a hurry. And be aware-when the speed limit is 45, it's 45. The state police maintain a presence.

basingstoke2, welcome back.