How to get to Hilton Head Island
From I-95 take Exit 8.
Other Exits will say Hilton Head, but only use Exit 8 - as the other exits are commercial traffic routes.
You will now be on Hwy 278 and can follow the signs to Hilton Head Island.
You will then travel about 18 miles before crossing over the main bridges, the entry to Hilton Head Island.
Hilton Head Island has 2 main routes, the Cross Island Expressway (a toll road) and the Business 278 route.
The toll expressway costs 1.25 and provides a shorter route to the south end of the island (Sea Pines, Shipyard, Coligny and the Forest Beach areas). It can save some time especially during the peak summer traffic.
The 278 business route takes a little more time, but it is free and is ideal for the north part of the island and provides more access to the island area businesses and restaurants. Both routes take you to the south end of Hilton Head Island.
Traffic Circles
Hilton Head has several traffic circles on the south end of the island. To navigate these, you enter the circle and stay to the left until your desired exit. For the exit move to right lane and exit. If you enter the circle on the right lane, you will be forced to take the next exit. Your first time using a circle can be intimidating, just stay in the left lane and circle a few times until you get the idea. After a few times, you will start to appreciate how well they can and do work.
Traffic Enforcement
All Hilton Head Island routes and roads are patrolled by the Beaufort Sheriff Department and the SC Highway Patrol.
Speed limits and all other traffic laws are strictly enforced. Many plantations also have security officers that patrol the area and they have the same powers as do the Sheriff deputies. They can write state tickets and make arrests.
Please obey all posted speed limits and laws.