Travel from Orlando to Hilton Head - help please we're Brits!

[susiep]

Hi
We're wondering about spending part of our next year's vacation at Disney (our home resort is BWV) then travelling on to Hilton Head for a second week. Has anyone ever done this journey - how easy did you find it and about how long would it take please? We're from the UK and so obviously not used to driving in your part of the world.
An alternative idea would be to fly, and we would welcome any advice on which airlines do this route and nearest airports etc. The most economical and most stress-free way the better!
Thanks in advance for any suggestions/tips you can give us.

Sue

 

[Towncrier]

The drive is mostly on 4-lane limited access highways. At reasonable driving speeds, you can make the trip in approximately 5 1/2 hours. The distance (for reference) is 543 kilometers.

I'll leave it to someone else to talk about the flying option.

 

[spiceycat]

Savannah, Ga is one of the closest airport - but it is around 45 minutes to an hour from HH. So it might not be worth it to fly.

 

[winjos]

We've used HH as our halfway point on a couple of trips to Orlando. Once you get on 95, it is pretty much a straight shot until you get to the HH exit. When you reach the island, the directions are a little tricky. However, it is an island and you will find the place. Since my DH usually drives, he knows the route better than I. I'm sure he'd be happy to help you out if you decide to drive up to HH. Just send us a PM.

Savannah is just about an hour from HH and well worth the trip! We love Savannah!!


Good Luck!

 

[mbhoxsie]

Driving would be the most economical... Like other's have said.. The drive is approximately 5.5 hours, with most of it being on freeways and highways... (Even if you were to fly, you would still have to rent a car to get from Savannah airport to Hilton Head and back..)

The directions are fairly straight forward.. (I've Mapquested them )

Basically...
1) Leave WDW and take I-4 East (Northeast) 66 miles...
2) Merge on to I-95 North and take that 242 miles.. (All the way through northern Florida, Georgia, and into South Carolina..)
3) Shortly after you cross the border into South Carolina, you will need to exit on exit #8..
4) Take HW 278 east to HHI.. 21 miles
5) Continue on 278 (Business route) for another 6 miles..
6) Turn right on King Neptune Blvd
7) Turn left on Harbourside lane

You will see signs for the resort..

Have a good time!!

 

[Pootle]

US Airways has a good flight from London Gatwick to Savannah with decent connection times, via Charlotte, NC. I haven't done it myself, but have looked at it for the future. When we went to HH last year, we got (very) cheap flights into Atlanta with Delta so decided to do the drive, but I wouldn't recommend this otherwise.

We've also driven up from Orlando and agree with others that Savannah is really worth seeing.

 

[susiep]

Thanks everyone for the information - that's very helpful.

Just another thought - how are the train/coach services? Are they generally considered a safe and easy option, or would you advise us to steer clear of public transportation on the whole? Would you know who to contact for schedules and routes please?

Thanks again,
Sue

 

[saratogagirl]

Sue I am so pleased that you started this thread, it is something that we have thought of doing next year, so I am very interested

 

[winjos]

Amrak would be the train service you could try. However, IMHO I wouldn't go that route. If there is service to HH, it would take you much longer than 5.5 hours (not including any delays). Our train service is nothing like the train service in Europe!! You would be much better off driving!!

Good luck!

 

[drusba]

Train would be Amtrak; go here for info: http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/Conte...Routes_Page&c=Page&cid=1081256321410&ssid=134

Driving or flying are best options. I would not recommend train. As far as safety, cleanliness, and overall service, it is very good. However, you would have to go from downtown Orlando area to downtown Savannah and then still get a rental car and trip will be longer than just driving. For flying (Orlando to Savannah or vice versa) you should probably check a site like orbitz.com regularly for flights and rates (the plane can sometimes be cheaper than the train).

 

[Olaf]

Another minus about the train is that the tracks along the east coast really need to be replaced--horribly bumpy. The drive is extremely easy, with good roads and good signage.

 

[susiep]

Thanks everybody for the advice - appreciate it. From what you've said, I think we can concentrate on the driving option now and that will make our planning a lot more straightforward.
Thanks again
Sue