Road Trip from Buffalo to Hilton Head Island: Best Routes and Driving Times

Are you planning a road trip from Buffalo to Hilton Head Island? The 850-mile trip can take anywhere between 13-14 hours depending on the route you choose and the traffic conditions.

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best routes to take to Hilton Head Island from Buffalo and highlight the driving times based on peak traffic and low traffic times.

The Fastest Route:

The fastest route from Buffalo to Hilton Head Island is down I-79 south and I-77 south. This option is roughly 850 miles and takes about 13 hours and 15 minutes without stops.

But it's important to note that this route can experience traffic, especially around major cities like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Charlotte. During peak traffic times, such as rush hour, expect to add an additional hour or two to your driving time.

The Scenic Route:

If you have the time to spare, taking the scenic route is a great option. The route takes you down I-81 south until Knoxville, TN, then you can take I-75 south to Atlanta, GA, and finally on to Hilton Head.

While it's a bit longer at around 975 miles, it’s worth the extra time due to the beautiful landscapes and small towns you’ll encounter along the way.

The downside of taking this scenic route is that it can add several hours to your trip, and during peak traffic times in Atlanta, plan to add at least 2-3 hours to your driving time.

The Coastal Route:

Another popular option among road-trippers is taking the Coastal Route. This 930-mile trip takes you down I-79 south but instead of taking I-77 south the whole way, you’ll get off at Charleston, SC and follow the scenic US-17 S to Hilton Head Island.

This route is a great option for those who want to experience a mix of highways and coastal roads. Be aware that part of this route has toll roads, so plan for that in your budget.

During peak traffic times, you can expect to add an hour or two to your driving time, but overall, it tends to be less congested than the I-79 and I-77 route.

Conclusion:

There are several routes to choose from when driving from Buffalo to Hilton Head Island, each with its own pros and cons. If time is of the essence, then I-79 and I-77 would be your best bet. However, if you have the time and want to take a more scenic route, the I-81 to I-75 route is a great option.

Lastly, for those who want to experience some coastal scenery, the coastal route is the way to go. Overall, it’s important to plan your trip accordingly, taking into consideration the traffic patterns and the time it will take to complete your journey.