You’re planning a trip to the Lowcountry, and you’re looking at a map. You see Hilton Head Island tucked away on the South Carolina coast, and naturally, you want to land as close to the beach as humanly possible.
But here’s the thing. If you just type "airports near Hilton Head SC" into a search engine, you’re going to get a list of codes that don't tell the full story. You might end up saving fifty bucks on a ticket only to spend a hundred on an Uber, or worse, spend half your first vacation day sitting in a rental car line in a different state.
Getting to the island isn't just about the shortest distance. It's about the math of time versus money. Honestly, most travelers default to one choice without realizing there are three very different ways to play this.
The Island’s Best Kept "Non-Secret": HHH
If you want to feel like a VIP, or at least like someone who doesn't have time for a forty-five-minute drive, you fly into Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH).
It is literally on the island. You land, you grab your bags, and you're at your villa in Sea Pines or Palmetto Dunes in ten to fifteen minutes.
For years, this place was basically a landing strip for small propeller planes. That’s changed. They’ve extended the runway, which means the big boys can land now. You’ll see American Airlines, Delta, and United running regional jets in here.
But there’s a catch. Or a few.
The flights are almost always more expensive. You’re paying for the convenience of not driving. Also, the "direct" flights are mostly from hubs like Charlotte (CLT), Atlanta (ATL), or Washington-Reagan (DCA). If you aren't coming from one of those spots, you’re looking at a layover.
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Is it worth it? If you hate driving through Bluffton traffic at 5:00 PM on a Saturday, yes. It absolutely is.
The Workhorse: Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV)
Don't let the name fool you. This airport is in Georgia.
Specifically, it’s in Savannah, about 35 to 45 miles away from the island. Despite the "International" tag, it feels like a friendly, mid-sized regional hub. It is, by far, the most popular choice for anyone visiting Hilton Head.
Why? Because the budget carriers live here.
- Southwest flies here.
- Allegiant and Breeze offer dirt-cheap flights from random cities like Akron or Columbus.
- JetBlue and United have heavy presence.
When you land at SAV, you’re about a 45-to-60-minute drive from the beach. You’ll cross the Talmadge Memorial Bridge (which is a cool view, honestly) and head up I-95 and Highway 278.
The Real Talk on SAV:
If you’re traveling with a family of four, the savings usually outweigh the drive. Saving $150 per ticket adds up to $600—that’s a lot of fancy dinners at Skull Creek Boathouse. Just remember to factor in the rental car or the $80+ rideshare cost.
The "I Want to See More" Option: Charleston (CHS)
Sometimes, the flights to Savannah and Hilton Head are just... stupidly expensive. Or maybe you want to see the Holy City before you hit the golf courses.
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Charleston International (CHS) is about 100 miles north of Hilton Head.
It’s about a two-hour drive. Maybe two and a half if the traffic on Highway 17 is being particularly Southern (read: slow). People choose CHS because it’s the biggest airport in South Carolina and often has the best direct flight options from the West Coast or the Midwest.
It’s a beautiful drive, through marshes and under tunnels of live oaks. If you have the time, it’s a great way to start a vacation. If you’re in a rush? It’s a nightmare.
Comparing the Distance and Drive Time
| Airport | Code | Distance to Island | Typical Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island Airport | HHH | 0-5 miles | 10-15 mins |
| Savannah/Hilton Head Intl | SAV | 40 miles | 45-60 mins |
| Charleston International | CHS | 100 miles | 2 hours |
Dealing with the "Bluffton Bottleneck"
You need to know about Highway 278.
No matter which airport you choose—unless you fly into HHH—you have to drive through Bluffton to get onto the island. There is only one way on and one way off.
On "Changeover Saturdays" (the days when most weekly rentals start and end), Highway 278 becomes a parking lot. If your flight lands at SAV at 2:00 PM on a Saturday in July, that 45-minute drive is going to take you two hours.
I’m not kidding.
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This is where the value of flying directly into HHH really shines. You bypass the bridge traffic entirely. You're already there. You're already sipping a drink while everyone else is staring at the brake lights of a minivan from Ohio.
Transportation: How to Actually Get to Your Hotel
If you aren't renting a car, you've got options, but they require a bit of planning.
- Rideshares (Uber/Lyft): Easy to get at SAV. Harder to get on the island when you’re trying to go back to the airport. If you use an Uber to get to your resort, book your return trip in advance or use a local car service.
- Palmetto Breeze: This is the local transit. It’s okay for getting around the island, but it’s not a realistic "airport shuttle" for someone with three suitcases and a golf bag.
- Private Shuttles: Companies like KSL or Diamond Transportation are the gold standard here. They aren't cheap, but they are reliable.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest mistake? Booking a flight based solely on the price of the ticket.
I’ve seen people fly into Jacksonville (JAX) because it was $100 cheaper. Jacksonville is nearly three hours away. By the time you pay for the extra gas and the three hours of your life you’ll never get back, you haven't saved anything.
Unless you are planning a multi-city road trip, stick to SAV or HHH.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
If you are ready to book, here is the expert way to do it:
- Check HHH first. Use a search aggregator but specifically look for American or Delta. If the price is within $100 of the Savannah price, book it. The time saved is worth the Benjamin.
- Monitor Southwest for SAV. Southwest doesn't always show up on sites like Expedia or Kayak. Go to their site directly. They often run deals into Savannah that make the drive worth it.
- Book your car rental early. Both HHH and SAV have limited fleets compared to massive hubs like Atlanta. In peak summer months, they will run out of cars.
- Avoid Saturday arrivals if possible. If you can swing a Friday-to-Friday or Sunday-to-Sunday stay, your travel experience will be 100% better.