Closest Airports to Hilton Head Island, SC
Getting to/from Hilton Head Island, SC from nearby cities and/or arriving via air is a breeze. The closest airport to Hilton Head is the smaller-sized Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) but there is also the choice of nearby major airports in Savannah, GA (the best place to start), Charleston, SC, and Atlanta, GA. If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere on the East Coast with a flight or connection that arrives nonstop at Hilton Head Island Airport, that is ideal. Chances are you’ll find a cheaper fare or a nonstop flight into Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), and you’ll be set with this option.
We’ve done the road trip from all these major nearby cities and have some tips for you. None of these places are too far for a drive and they’re all great options if you are flying in and then driving down to Hilton Head Island. Trust me, having a car on the island is super handy. So hitting the road from any of these cities is a smart move.
If you’re curious about what makes a trip to Hilton Head Island special and what vacation memories await you, check out our easy-to-follow Hilton Head Island guide and things to do on Hilton Head resources.
Driving Distances
How far from Hilton Head Island are nearby major airports
- Savannah, GA – How far from Hilton Head Island? The drive is about 35 miles from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV).
- Charleston, NC – How far from Hilton Head Island? Driving routes are 100-110 miles from Charleston International Airport (CHS).
- Atlanta, GA – How far from Hilton Head Island? ~280-300 miles driving distance from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
Planning a trip soon? Visit our Insider Travel Resources for our recommended tools.
Map: Airports Near Hilton Head
The 4 closest airports to Hilton Head Island
Closest Airports Overview
Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH)
Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH), provides convenient access to the island, being a regional airport located just a few miles away. While serving a more limited number of cities, primarily on the East Coast (i.e. Charlotte, Washington D.C., Newark) with nonstop flights, exploring options to HHH may be worthwhile. Its proximity makes it a viable choice for travelers seeking ease of access to Hilton Head Island.
American Airlines (AA), Delta (DL), and United Airlines (UA) are the only major airlines to offer flights into HHH.
Category: Regional Airport
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) stands out as the most convenient major airport option, situated approximately 40 miles away from the island. Balancing proximity with a diverse range of flight options, SAV offers an ideal solution for travelers seeking a quick and convenient transfer to Hilton Head Island.
Category: Major Airport (serviced by all major airlines)
Charleston International Airport (CHS)
Charleston International Airport (CHS), located roughly 100 miles from Hilton Head Island, provides an alternative option for travelers. Despite the longer drive, CHS may offer a wider selection of flight choices, particularly beneficial for those planning to explore Charleston before venturing to the island.
Category: Major Airport (serviced by all major airlines)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the farthest away. Although it’s the longest drive, ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world, offering an extensive flight network. If you’re coming from a location without direct flights to the closer airports or if you find a significantly better deal, ATL could be worth the extra travel time.
Category: Major Airport (serviced by all major airlines)
Getting to Hilton Head Island Via Car
From Savannah
The drive from Savannah, GA to Hilton Head Island is quite short and pleasant, covering a distance of about 33 to 45 miles depending on the route you choose. The journey typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, but we recommend budgeting 1.5 hours.
You can take SC-170, US-278 E, or SC-46 for a more direct route, or I-95 N, US-278 E if you prefer a slightly longer path. The drive offers scenic views and the opportunity to pass by natural attractions like the Savannah Wildlife Refuge (only 10-15 min away from the airport, and towards Hilton Head Island) and the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Minimal traffic congestion makes for a smooth trip to the island.
From Charleston
Driving from Charleston, NC to Hilton Head Island is approximately 360 miles and can take around 5 hours and 30 minutes without traffic.
The typical route involves taking I-26 E and I-95 S. It’s a scenic drive, and you can find interesting stops along the way, such as West Ashley, Hollywood (South Carolina), and Bluffton, where you can explore local attractions or grab a bite to eat. Remember to check road conditions before you head out to ensure a smooth trip.
From Atlanta
The drive from Atlanta, GA to Hilton Head Island is approximately 281 miles and takes about 4 hours and 6 minutes under typical traffic conditions.
The route primarily involves taking I-75 S and I-16 E, followed by a merge onto I-95 N and then onto US-278 E directly to the island. The drive is known for its scenic beauty, especially as you approach the coast. You’ll pass through cities like Macon and Savannah, where you can enjoy various attractions or take a break if needed. Mild traffic congestion might be encountered, so it’s always a good idea to check current road conditions before you start your trip.
It’s also important to note if you’re flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), it is typically ranked the busiest airport in the world. Thus, getting around such a big airport could take some time. Here at Easy to Breezy, we have found ourselves in a very long car rental line! Still, we chose to fly into ATL for the best price.
Q&A: Deciding which close airport to fly into
Let’s assume you don’t have a good flight itinerary option to Hilton Head Island Airport since it is a smaller airport. Walking through the following questions will help you determine which major airport you should use when traveling to Hilton Head Island.
Is limiting commute time the most important?
If so, Savannah is your best choice.
Do you want to experience two destinations in one trip? I.e. Spend a few days on Hilton Head Island and a few days somewhere else.
If you only have 1 additional day, choose Savannah. You won’t waste time commuting. It’s a beautiful and historical town with lots to do, and you won’t regret giving more layers to your trip.
If you have 3 days to extend your trip and prefer charm, history, and great food, choose Charleston. It is in many ways as fascinating as Savannah, but there are more nearby day trip options that you will want to take advantage of if you have the time.
If you have 3 days and want to focus on kid activities, choose Atlanta. You can catch some sporting events, depending on the season, and top attractions include the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, Fernback Museum, and Skyview Atlanta.
What is airfare to SAV, ATL, and CHS from your home airport?
From your home airport, do a price check for each city using a tool like Expedia, and also include Southwest Airlines in your hunt as they service Savannah, Charleston, and Atlanta. See where you have reasonable fares for your budget.
What do flight schedules look like to SAV, ATL, and CHS from your home airport?
Review what flight times are available for the flights you find at a reasonable price during your price check. The timing of the flights could impact your choice.
Hopefully, reviewing your choices in the above format leads you to an easy choice on getting to Hilton Head Island from one of the nearby cities.
Breezy Tip: Don’t forget to price-check rental cars in the equation and review our car rental hack to get the best price even after you book.
Our Conclusion
The preference is to start your travel to Hilton Head Island from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport unless price or travel goals lead you to Charleston or Atlanta. It is the shortest drive and also a good additional travel experience. If you find a good schedule and fare combination at Hilton Head Airport, defer to that option as it is technically the closest airport to Hilton Head. Either way, you’ll have a lovely trip.
If you’re still unsure if Hilton Head Island should be your next vacation spot, check out more of our Hilton Head Island guides. There are unlimited things to do in Hilton Head and plenty of places to play tennis and pickleball on Hilton Head. Have a great time, and happy, breezy travels.
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