How Far Is It from Atlanta to Savannah? Distance, Drive Time, and Best Ways to Go

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a trip to Savannah, you’re planning one of the most popular routes in the state. Whether you’re driving, taking a bus, or flying, it helps to know how far it is from Atlanta to Savannah, how long it takes, and what to expect along the way.

Atlanta to Savannah: Distance and Travel Time at a Glance

From downtown Atlanta to downtown Savannah:

• Driving distance: About 250–260 miles
• Typical drive time: Around 3.5 to 4.5 hours (depending on traffic and exact starting point)
• Main route:I‑75 South → I‑16 East almost the entire way

Quick Travel Comparison

Driving from Atlanta to Savannah

For most people in Atlanta, driving is the easiest and most flexible way to get to Savannah.

Main Driving Route

The most common route from Atlanta to Savannah:

1. Start on I‑75/85 heading south from downtown Atlanta.
2. Continue on I‑75 South toward Macon.
3. Near Macon, merge onto I‑16 East toward Savannah.
4. Stay on I‑16 East all the way until it ends in Savannah, then follow signs to downtown or your hotel.

• Total distance: About 250–260 miles
• Normal driving time:3.5–4 hours in light to moderate traffic
• With heavier traffic or stops: Plan for around 4–4.5 hours

If you’re leaving from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport rather than downtown, the distance is similar, and the drive time usually changes only slightly depending on the time of day.

Traffic Considerations from Atlanta

Because you’re starting in Atlanta, traffic patterns here matter more than what’s happening in Savannah:

• Morning rush (roughly 7–9 a.m.) and evening rush (roughly 4–7 p.m.) can add 30 minutes or more getting out of the metro area.
• Once you’re past Morrow, McDonough, and Forsyth on I‑75, traffic usually eases up.
• On holiday weekends (especially spring break, Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day), expect heavier traffic as many Atlantans head toward the Georgia coast.

💡 Tip for Atlanta drivers: If you can, leave mid-morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays. You’ll typically avoid the worst Atlanta congestion while still arriving in Savannah during daylight.

Parking in Savannah When You Arrive

Drivers from Atlanta often head straight for historic downtown Savannah. There, you’ll typically find:

• On-street metered parking (time limits and fees during certain hours)
• City-owned garages near the Historic District
• Longer-term options if you’re staying overnight

Because the drive is relatively short, many Atlanta residents use Savannah as a weekend or long-day-trip destination, especially in cooler months when walking the city is more comfortable.

Taking a Bus from Atlanta to Savannah

If you’d rather not drive, a long-distance bus can be a straightforward option between Atlanta and Savannah.

What to Expect

• Estimated travel time: Usually 4–5.5 hours
• Distance: Similar to driving, about 250+ miles
• Departure points: Often from bus terminals or transit centers in or near downtown Atlanta
• Arrival points: Typically near central Savannah, a short ride or walk from the Historic District

Because schedules and operators can change, it’s best to:

• Compare departure and arrival times that fit your plans.
• Check luggage limits if you’re traveling with large bags.
• Look at early morning vs. late evening options depending on when you want to arrive in Savannah from Atlanta.

💡 Local tip: If you’re staying in Midtown, Downtown, or near Georgia State University, intercity bus pickups are usually reachable by MARTA or a short ride share.

Flying from Atlanta to Savannah

From Atlanta, you have access to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), one of the country’s major hubs, which makes flying to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) relatively easy in terms of available flights.

Flight Distance and Time

• Air distance (ATL to SAV): Roughly 215–230 miles
• Flight time: About 40–60 minutes in the air

However, when you factor in getting to ATL, checking in, security, boarding, deplaning, and then traveling from Savannah’s airport into downtown Savannah, the total door-to-door time from most Atlanta locations is often:

• Around 3–5 hours, depending on:
  • Where you start in Atlanta (city center vs. suburbs)
  • Time of day and airport security lines
  • How you get from SAV to your lodging (shuttle, ride share, rental car, etc.)

When Flying Makes Sense from Atlanta

Flying may make more sense if:

• You’re connecting in Atlanta from another city and want to continue straight to Savannah.
• You prefer not to drive long distances, even though 4 hours is manageable for many.
• You’re using frequent flyer miles or other travel credits.

For many Atlanta residents, though, once you include airport time, driving is often just as fast and more flexible unless you’re already at ATL or have a specific reason to fly.

How the Trip Feels from an Atlanta Perspective

From an Atlanta point of view, Savannah is often seen as:

• Far enough to feel like a real getaway to the coast.
• Close enough for a weekend or even a long day trip if you leave early.
• A mostly straightforward drive: interstate highways nearly all the way, with rest areas and food options along I‑75 and I‑16.

Common Trip Patterns from Atlanta

People living in or visiting Atlanta often:

• Leave Friday afternoon or evening and return Sunday for a weekend in Savannah.
• Take Friday off, leave in the morning, and enjoy almost a full extra day there.
• Drive down very early, spend a full day in Savannah, and drive back late the same night (more tiring, but feasible).

If you’re planning from inside the Perimeter (ITP)—Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead—you’ll want to account for a little extra time getting to I‑75 South, especially at busy times. From south metro suburbs like Jonesboro or McDonough, the trip can be a little shorter since you’re already on or near the main route.

Simple Planning Checklist for Atlanta to Savannah

Here’s a quick guide based on how you plan to travel:

If You’re Driving 🚗

• Distance: About 250–260 miles
• Time:3.5–4.5 hours
• Best for: Flexibility, families, weekend trips, and those who want a car in Savannah
• Key prep:
  • Avoid Atlanta rush hours if possible.
  • Plan rest stops along I‑75 or I‑16.
  • Check parking options near your Savannah hotel or in the Historic District.

If You’re Taking a Bus 🚌

• Distance: Similar to driving
• Time:4–5.5 hours
• Best for: Travelers who prefer not to drive or rent a car
• Key prep:
  • Confirm departure/arrival points in Atlanta and Savannah.
  • Arrive early to board.
  • Consider how you’ll get from the bus stop to where you’re staying in Savannah.

If You’re Flying ✈️

• Air distance: Around 215–230 miles
• In‑air time: About 1 hour
• Door-to-door from Atlanta home/hotel: Often 3–5 hours
• Best for: Travelers already at ATL, tight connections, or those who strongly prefer flying
• Key prep:
  • Factor in security, boarding, and ground transport on both ends.
  • Compare drive time vs. total flight time from your exact starting point in Atlanta.

In practical terms, if you’re in Atlanta and wondering “how far is it to Savannah?”, the answer is:

• Around 250 miles by road,
• Usually 3.5 to 4.5 hours by car from city to city,
• And a very manageable distance for a day trip, quick coastal getaway, or longer vacation from the Atlanta area.