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, Savannah is one of the most popular getaways. Understanding the distance from Atlanta to Savannah, plus your options for getting there, helps you plan your time, budget, and schedule.

How Far Is It from Atlanta to Savannah?

The distance depends a bit on your exact starting point in Atlanta, but most travelers use downtown or the airport as a reference.

• Driving distance (via I-75 / I-16): about 250–260 miles
• Typical drive time: about 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic and stops

From:

• Downtown Atlanta (Five Points area) to downtown Savannah (Historic District): around 250 miles
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Savannah’s downtown: roughly 250 miles

Most drivers follow:

• I-75 South out of Atlanta, then
• I-16 East all the way into Savannah

This is the most direct and commonly used route.

At-a-Glance Travel Comparison

*Times vary with traffic, weather, and time of day.

Driving from Atlanta to Savannah

For most Atlanta residents and visitors, driving is the easiest way to get from Atlanta to Savannah.

Main Route: I-75 South to I-16 East

The standard route looks like this:

1. Head south on I-75 / I-85 from downtown Atlanta.
2. Continue on I-75 South toward Macon.
3. Near Macon, take I-16 East toward Savannah.
4. Stay on I-16 until it ends at Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd / Montgomery St near downtown Savannah.

Highlights along the way:

• Macon area: Common place to stop for gas, food, and restrooms.
• Long stretches of rural and small-town Georgia, especially along I-16.

Typical Drive Time and When It Changes

Under average conditions:

• Plan on around 4 hours of drive time if traffic is moderate and stops are brief.
• During weekday rush hours leaving Atlanta (7–9 a.m., 4–7 p.m.), it may take longer just to clear the metro area.
• Weekend and holiday travel (especially around spring break, summer weekends, and major holidays) can add time, especially near:
  • The I-75 / I-675 / I-285 interchanges
  • The Macon area

If you’re catching a dinner reservation or checking into a Savannah hotel with a set time, aim to add 30–60 minutes as a buffer.

Driving Tips for Atlanta Travelers

• Avoid peak Atlanta traffic: If possible, depart mid-morning or later in the evening to skip commuter congestion.
• Fuel up before I-16: Gas and services are available along I-16, but they can be spaced out. Many Atlanta drivers top off in the Macon / Warner Robins area.
• Watch your speed: I-16 has long, open stretches where speeds tend to creep up, and enforcement can be active in some small-town areas.

Bus Travel: Atlanta to Savannah Without Driving

If you prefer not to drive, you can usually find intercity buses that run between Atlanta and Savannah.

Typical pattern:

• Departure from a central Atlanta bus station or designated pickup location
• Arrival at a Savannah bus station or downtown stop

Approximate travel time:

• Around 4.5–6 hours, depending on the route and number of stops

What Atlanta riders usually consider:

• Buses are generally cheaper than flying.
• You’ll need to plan connections using:
  • MARTA in Atlanta to reach the bus departure point.
  • Local transit, taxi, or rideshare in Savannah to reach your hotel or the Historic District.
• Schedules may be limited, so check departure and arrival times carefully—especially for same-day return trips.

For most Atlanta residents, buses work best if:

• You don’t want to drive.
• You’re comfortable with a longer travel time.
• You don’t mind using rideshare or local buses once you arrive.

Flying from Atlanta to Savannah

For some trips, especially if you’re connecting through Atlanta anyway, flying from ATL to SAV can be appealing.

• Air distance: about 215 miles
• Flight time: around 1 hour in the air
• Total door-to-door time from central Atlanta: usually 3–4 hours, after:
  • Getting to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • Security, boarding, and taxiing
  • Disembarking and ground transportation in Savannah

When Flying Makes Sense

For Atlanta-based travelers, flying can be worth it if:

• You’re already at ATL (for example, connecting from another city).
• You’re using frequent-flyer miles or corporate travel.
• You prefer not to drive long distances at all.

Keep in mind:

• From Downtown Atlanta to ATL via MARTA (Red or Gold Line), you can usually reach the airport in about 20–30 minutes once you’re on the train.
• From Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport to the Savannah Historic District, taxi or rideshare often takes 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Understanding the Distance in Everyday Terms

If you live in Atlanta, it can help to think of the Atlanta–Savannah distance in local context.

• Driving to Savannah is roughly like:
  • Going from Downtown Atlanta to Chattanooga and back, in one continuous stretch of highway.
  • Or doing a round-trip to some of the outer suburbs and beyond, but all in one direction.

Many Atlantans treat the trip as:

• A long day trip (leave early morning, return late at night).
• A weekend getaway (leave Friday after work, return Sunday afternoon).

If you’re not a fan of long drives, you may find 4 hours each way a bit much for a same-day round trip. Most visitors prefer at least one overnight stay in Savannah to make the distance feel worthwhile.

Getting from Different Parts of Atlanta to Savannah

Atlanta is spread out, so your starting point affects your overall time.

From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta

• Starting near Five Points, Peachtree Center, or Midtown:
  • Expect around 4 hours of driving time in normal conditions.
  • You’ll use the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) to access I-75 South.

If you’re staying in a downtown hotel, valet and self-parking garages give easy access to the interstates. Allow extra time getting from the parking deck to the highway during peak hours.

From Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or North Atlanta

• You’ll usually:
  • Take GA-400 South or local roads to reach I-85 or I-75, then follow the standard route to Macon and I-16.
• Travel time is often 4–4.5 hours, depending on how quickly you clear north-side traffic.

Morning and evening congestion along GA-400, I-285, and I-75 North can add time just to reach the southbound leg.

From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

If you’re starting your trip directly from ATL:

• Rental car centers are accessible via the SkyTrain.
• Once you’re in your car:
  • Hop on I-75 South and follow the standard route.
• Driving time from the airport to Savannah is usually 3.5–4 hours, since you’re already on the south side of the metro area and closer to I-75 South.

Many visitors fly into Atlanta, rent a car at the airport, and drive to Savannah as part of a broader Georgia road trip.

Planning Your Trip Time from Atlanta to Savannah

When planning, think in terms of total travel time, not just driving hours.

For a Same-Day Trip

If you’re attempting a same-day outing from Atlanta:

• Outbound drive: 4 hours
• Time in Savannah: at least 4–6 hours to see key areas (Historic District, River Street, a meal)
• Return drive: 4 hours

That’s 12–14 hours total, which is long for most people. Many Atlantans instead:

• Leave early Saturday morning, enjoy the day and evening, and return Sunday.
• Or take a long weekend to see more of the city and surrounding coast.

For Weekend or Longer Stays

If you have more time:

• You can break up the drive with a stop in Macon, Dublin, or other small towns along I-16.
• You can align your departure from Atlanta to avoid peak traffic, making the distance feel shorter and less stressful.

Practical Considerations for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

A few things matter more for Atlanta-based travelers than the exact mileage number:

• Traffic leaving Atlanta:
  Even though Savannah is about 250 miles away, getting from your neighborhood to open highway can be the longest-feeling part of the trip.

• Weather and road conditions:
  Heavy rain, summer storms, or road work—especially around Macon or on I-16—can slow things down.

• Parking in Savannah:
  Once you arrive, you’ll need to plan for parking in or near the Historic District if you’re staying or sightseeing downtown. Parking garages and metered street parking are common in central Savannah.

• Return timing:
  If you’re heading back to Atlanta on a Sunday afternoon or evening, plan for:

  • Potential heavier traffic around Macon, and
  • Usual Atlanta evening congestion as you re-enter the metro.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta-to-Savannah Travel

• Distance: About 250–260 miles from Atlanta to Savannah, mostly via I-75 South and I-16 East.
• Driving time: Typically 3.5–4.5 hours, depending on Atlanta traffic and stops.
• Other options:
  • Bus: Around 4.5–6 hours, no driving required but less flexible.
  • Flight: About 1 hour in the air, but 3–4 hours total including airport time.
• Best for most people in Atlanta:Driving offers the most control over schedule, stops, and what you bring with you.

Knowing the distance and realistic travel times lets you decide whether Atlanta-to-Savannah works best as a day trip, a weekend getaway, or part of a longer Georgia vacation.