How Far Is Savannah from Atlanta? Your Practical Travel Guide

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and thinking about a trip to the coast, Savannah is one of the most popular weekend and day-trip destinations. Knowing exactly how far Savannah is from Atlanta helps you plan driving time, gas, and whether it makes sense to drive, fly, or take a bus.

Distance from Atlanta to Savannah

In most cases, travelers go from Atlanta to Savannah by road.

• Driving distance: About 250–260 miles
• Typical route:I‑75 S → I‑16 E (via Macon)
• Driving time: About 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on:
  • Traffic leaving metro Atlanta
  • Weather
  • Construction along I‑16 or around Macon
  • Time of day (rush hour vs. early morning/late evening)

For most Atlanta travelers, Savannah is close enough for a long day trip, but many people choose to stay at least one night to enjoy the historic district, riverfront, and Tybee Island.

Quick Comparison: Ways to Get from Atlanta to Savannah

Driving from Atlanta to Savannah

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

Main Driving Route

The standard route from downtown Atlanta to downtown Savannah:

1. Take I‑75 South out of Atlanta.
2. Near Macon, merge onto I‑16 East.
3. Stay on I‑16 East until it ends in Savannah.

From central Atlanta (for example, near Peachtree Center or Georgia State University), the distance is usually around 250 miles to the Savannah Historic District.

Typical Travel Time

• Light traffic: ~3.5 hours
• Normal daytime traffic: ~4 hours
• Peak holiday or heavy traffic: 4–4.5+ hours

For Atlanta residents, this means:

• Leaving before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. often avoids the worst congestion on the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85).
• Friday afternoons, holiday weekends, and major event days in Atlanta can add 30–60 minutes just to get clear of the metro area.

Tips for a Smoother Drive

• Gas and food stops: Common places to stop include Macon, Dublin, and Metter along I‑16.
• Rest areas: Georgia Department of Transportation maintains rest areas along I‑16; many Atlanta drivers like to plan quick breaks at these rather than hunting for exits.
• Weather checks: Severe thunderstorms or coastal systems can slow travel between Macon and Savannah, especially in summer and hurricane season.

How Far Is Savannah from Different Parts of Metro Atlanta?

Your starting point within metro Atlanta affects both distance and time.

Approximate driving distances to downtown Savannah:

• Downtown Atlanta / Midtown / Buckhead: 250–260 miles
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): ~250 miles
• Marietta / Kennesaw: 265–280 miles
• Alpharetta / Roswell / Johns Creek: 270–285 miles
• Decatur / East Atlanta: 245–255 miles
• Stone Mountain / Tucker: 245–260 miles
• Fayetteville / Peachtree City: 250–260 miles

If you’re on the east or south side of Atlanta, you’ll generally have a slightly shorter and quicker trip than someone starting from the northwest suburbs, since you reach I‑75 and I‑16 more directly.

Flying from Atlanta to Savannah

If you’re tight on time or connecting through Atlanta anyway, flying from ATL to SAV can be worth considering.

• Departure airport (Atlanta):
  Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

• Arrival airport (Savannah):
  Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
  400 Airways Ave, Savannah, GA 31408

Flight Distance and Time

• Air distance: Roughly 215 miles
• Flight time (in the air): Around 45–60 minutes

However, from an Atlanta traveler’s perspective, consider:

• Time to get to ATL, park, or use MARTA
• Security screening and boarding time
• Travel from Savannah’s airport to downtown Savannah (about 15–20 minutes by car)

Door to door, flying can easily total 3 hours or more, which is similar to driving—though you avoid being behind the wheel the whole time.

Bus or Shuttle Options Between Atlanta and Savannah

While there isn’t a standard passenger train between Atlanta and Savannah at this time, intercity buses typically run the route.

What to Expect

• Travel time: Often 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on route and stops
• Distance: Similar to driving (around 250 miles by road)
• Departure points in Atlanta: Often near downtown or near MARTA-accessible areas, depending on the carrier
• Arrival points in Savannah: Typically close to downtown or major transit points

This option can be useful if:

• You do not want to drive
• You’re budget-conscious
• You’re comfortable with a slightly longer door-to-door travel time

Always check current schedules, locations, and any requirements before you go.

Is Atlanta to Savannah a Day Trip?

From an Atlanta local’s perspective, yes, it can be, but with trade-offs.

Realistic Day-Trip Scenario

• Leave Atlanta around 6:00 a.m.
• Arrive in Savannah around 9:30–10:00 a.m.
• Spend the day exploring the Historic District, Forsyth Park, and the riverfront
• Depart around 6:00 p.m.
• Arrive back in Atlanta around 9:30–10:00 p.m.

This is a long but doable day, especially if you share driving. Many Atlantans prefer to stay one or two nights to enjoy the coast without rushing.

Planning Your Trip from Atlanta to Savannah

Here are some Atlanta-focused planning tips:

• Check traffic leaving Atlanta:
  Heavy congestion on I‑75/85, I‑20, and the Perimeter (I‑285) can add significant time. Early morning or late evening departures help.

• Account for kids and pets:
  If you’re leaving from neighborhoods like Brookhaven, East Point, or Smyrna, factor in stop times and the extra drive to reach I‑75 or I‑285.

• Use Atlanta’s transit for airport trips:
  If you’re flying, MARTA’s Red and Gold lines serve Airport Station, located inside ATL’s domestic terminal. This can reduce parking time and cost.

• Watch holiday and event calendars:
  Big events in Atlanta (sports games, concerts, conventions) can affect traffic when you’re trying to get out of the city, especially around Downtown, Midtown, and the Georgia World Congress Center area.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Distance: Atlanta to Savannah is roughly 250–260 miles by car and about 215 miles by air.
• Driving time: Expect 3.5 to 4.5 hours each way under typical conditions.
• Travel modes: You can drive, fly, or take a bus, each with different trade-offs in time, cost, and convenience.
• Day trip vs. overnight: A long day trip is possible from Atlanta, but an overnight stay often feels more relaxed.

Knowing exactly how far Savannah is from Atlanta lets you choose the option that best fits your schedule—whether you’re an Atlanta resident planning a spontaneous coastal escape or a visitor looking to add Savannah to your Georgia itinerary.