Atlanta to Savannah: Distance, Drive Time, and the Best Ways to Get There

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a trip to the coast, you’re probably asking: How far is Atlanta to Savannah, and what’s the best way to get there? Here’s a clear breakdown of distance, drive time, routes, and other ways to travel between the two cities.

How Far Is Atlanta from Savannah?

The distance between Atlanta and Savannah depends a bit on your exact starting and ending points, but these are good general guides:

• By driving (most common):

  • Approx. distance:250–260 miles
  • Typical drive time:3.5–4.5 hours each way

• By air (as the crow flies):

  • Approx. distance: around 215 miles

For most people in Atlanta, the trip is a half-day drive to the Georgia coast.

The Main Driving Route: I-75, I-16, and the Straight Shot East

For Atlanta residents and visitors, the fastest and most direct route is usually:

1. Start in Atlanta
2. Take I-75 South (or the Downtown Connector I-75/85 depending on where you start)
3. Connect to I-16 East near Macon
4. Follow I-16 East all the way into the Savannah area

Approximate Distances Along This Route

*Times vary with traffic, weather, and road work.

When Driving Is Usually Fastest

Driving is usually the most efficient option if:

• You’re starting in metro Atlanta (especially near downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the airport).
• You’re traveling with family or a group.
• You want flexibility to stop in Macon, Dublin, or smaller towns along I-16.
• You plan to use a car in Savannah or explore Tybee Island, nearby beaches, or historic sites.

Typical Travel Times from Different Parts of Metro Atlanta

Actual travel time depends on which part of the metro you’re leaving from:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:

  • Distance: ~250–260 miles
  • Time: ~3.5–4 hours in light traffic

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport area:

  • Slightly closer to I-75 South
  • Time: Often similar to downtown, sometimes a bit faster if you avoid city-center congestion

• North Atlanta (Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell):

  • Add 20–40 minutes to reach I-75 South or the Downtown Connector
  • Plan for 4–4.5 hours total in typical conditions

• West / East Metro (e.g., Marietta, Decatur, Stone Mountain):

  • Timing varies with how quickly you can reach I-75 or I-285
  • Expect 3.75–4.75 hours depending on traffic

🕒 Local tip:
If you can, avoid leaving Atlanta during weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.). Even a 20–30 minute delay around the Downtown Connector or I-285 can stretch the trip.

Alternate Routes and Scenic Options

While the I-75 to I-16 route is the standard, you may consider variations for a change of scenery:

Route via US-23 / US-341 (More Rural, Less Interstate)

Some drivers choose a more scenic, small-town route:

• Travel south/southeast from Atlanta using highways like US-23 or US-341
• Join I-16 farther east or continue on state routes toward Savannah

This can:

• Add some time compared to the interstate
• Offer a less congested drive through smaller Georgia towns
• Be more relaxing if you’re not in a rush

For most travelers focused on time efficiency, the interstate route is still preferred.

How Long Is the Flight from Atlanta to Savannah?

Even though Atlanta and Savannah are relatively close, you can also fly between the cities.

• Airline distance: roughly 215 miles
• Typical nonstop flight time: about 45–60 minutes in the air
• Total door-to-door time from central Atlanta: usually 2.5–4 hours when you factor in:
  • Getting to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Security screening
  • Boarding and taxiing
  • Travel from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) into downtown Savannah

When Flying Might Make Sense

Flying can be reasonable if:

• You’re already at or near ATL, such as during a longer itinerary or a layover.
• You prefer to avoid long highway drives.
• You have loyalty or travel preferences with specific airlines.

However, for most Atlanta-based trips just between the two cities, driving is often more practical and flexible, especially if you’re planning a weekend getaway and need a car on arrival.

Bus Options Between Atlanta and Savannah

If you don’t want to drive and prefer not to fly, intercity bus services often run between the two cities.

Typical patterns:

• Travel time: about 4.5–6 hours, depending on route and stops
• Departure points in Atlanta: commonly near downtown or near major transit corridors
• Arrival points in Savannah: usually near the city center or main bus station

Bus travel is often:

• More budget-friendly than flying
• Slower than driving yourself, especially if there are multiple stops
• Attractive if you don’t want the responsibility of driving and are comfortable with a set schedule

If you’re starting from neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, or near the Atlanta University Center, a bus can be convenient because you can use MARTA (Atlanta’s public transit system) to reach the departure point without needing a car.

Comparing Your Main Options: Drive, Fly, or Bus?

Here’s a simple comparison to help you choose based on distance and time:

How Traffic and Timing Affect the Trip

While the distance between Atlanta and Savannah is fairly fixed, your travel time can vary.

Factors that commonly affect Atlanta-based travelers:

• Rush hour in Atlanta:
  Getting out of the city can add 30–60 minutes if you leave at peak times.

• Road work on I-75 or I-16:
  Construction zones can temporarily reduce speeds or cause detours.

• Weekend and holiday travel:
  Beach traffic, holiday weekends, and big events in either city can increase travel times.

• Weather:
  Heavy rain or storms, especially on long stretches of I-16, can slow you down.

📝 Planning tip for Atlantans:
If you can, aim to leave after morning rush hour and before late afternoon (for example, between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.). This timing often gives you the smoothest drive from metro Atlanta to Savannah.

Using Atlanta Transportation Hubs for the Trip

If you’re combining your Savannah trip with other travel, it helps to know the major Atlanta hubs you might use.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Location: Just south of downtown Atlanta
• Role: Primary airport serving metro Atlanta
• Useful if: You’re flying between ATL and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) or connecting from another city and continuing to Savannah.

From downtown Atlanta, you can reach ATL using MARTA’s Red or Gold Line trains, which is helpful if you don’t want to drive or park at the airport before heading to Savannah.

MARTA Connections

Even though MARTA does not run all the way to Savannah, you can:

• Use MARTA rail or bus to reach:
  • Downtown bus departure areas
  • Hartsfield–Jackson airport for flights

This is especially useful if you live in Intown Atlanta neighborhoods (like Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or near the East/West rail lines) and want to minimize driving.

How to Estimate Your Own Atlanta–Savannah Travel Time

To translate the general distance into something specific to your situation:

1. Find your starting point in Atlanta.
   Are you in Midtown, Decatur, Marietta, College Park, or another metro area?

2. Estimate time to reach I-75 South or the Downtown Connector.

   • Intown neighborhoods: often 10–30 minutes outside of rush hour
   • Outer suburbs: can be 30–60 minutes or more

3. Add the interstate segment time.
   Plan for about 3–3.5 hours on I-75 and I-16 in normal conditions.

4. Add time for stops.
   If you plan to stop for:

   • Fuel
   • Food (popular pause points include Macon or Dublin)
   • Rest breaks
     add another 15–45 minutes.

In total, many Atlanta travelers find that the realistic range door-to-door is:

• Fastest possible: around 3.5 hours (light traffic, no major stops)
• More typical:4–4.5 hours
• Busy days or heavy stops: up to 5 hours or more

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Distance: Atlanta to Savannah is about 250–260 driving miles.
• Drive time: Expect 3.5–4.5 hours from most parts of metro Atlanta.
• Fastest route:I-75 South to I-16 East is the main, most direct corridor.
• Other options: You can fly (about 45–60 minutes in the air) or take a bus, though total door-to-door times are often similar to driving.
• Starting in Atlanta matters: Your specific neighborhood and Atlanta traffic patterns can significantly affect the actual time, even though the distance is relatively fixed.

Knowing these basics makes it easier to plan a day trip, weekend escape, or longer coastal vacation from Atlanta to Savannah with realistic expectations about how far you’re going and how long it will take.