How Far Is Savannah From Atlanta? Your Guide From the ATL to the Coast

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and thinking about a quick trip to the coast, Savannah is one of the most popular getaways. The two cities are well connected, and the drive is straightforward—perfect for a weekend escape.

Here’s exactly how far Savannah is from Atlanta, how long it takes, and the best ways to get there.

Distance From Atlanta to Savannah

In simple terms:

• Driving distance: about 250–260 miles
• Typical drive time: about 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic and your exact starting point

Most people travel from metro Atlanta to Savannah via I‑75 and I‑16, which is the most direct and commonly used route.

Key Reference Points

From some major Atlanta landmarks to downtown Savannah:

• Downtown Atlanta (Five Points area) → Downtown Savannah: ~250 miles
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport → Downtown Savannah: ~250 miles
• Buckhead → Downtown Savannah: ~260 miles

These are approximate but work well for planning.

Best Driving Route From Atlanta to Savannah

For most Atlanta travelers, the fastest and easiest route is:

1. Start on I‑75 South from Atlanta.
2. Take I‑16 East in Macon.
3. Follow I‑16 East all the way into Savannah.

You’ll enter Savannah near the downtown area, with easy access to:

• Historic District
• River Street
• Midtown
• Tybee Island (about 20–30 minutes further east)

Typical Drive Time From Different Parts of Atlanta

*Times assume normal traffic and no major delays.

Traffic, Timing, and When to Leave Atlanta

From an Atlanta perspective, timing your departure makes a big difference.

When Traffic Is Usually Heaviest

• Weekday mornings (6:30–9:30 a.m.): Heavy outbound traffic on I‑75 and around the Downtown Connector.
• Weekday evenings (3:30–7:00 p.m.): Rush hour heading both south and north around Atlanta.
• Holiday weekends (especially around major holidays and summer Fridays): Heavier traffic leaving Atlanta and near Macon and Savannah.

Smart Times to Drive

From Atlanta to Savannah, many locals prefer:

• Mid-morning departure (9:30–11:30 a.m.)
• Late evening departure (after 7:30–8:00 p.m.)

These time frames usually help you:

• Clear Atlanta’s rush hour
• Avoid the worst backups around I‑75 near McDonough and Macon

Other Ways to Travel From Atlanta to Savannah

Driving is the most common way to go from Atlanta to Savannah, but you have a few other options.

1. Flying From Atlanta to Savannah

Flight distance: about 215–230 air miles
Typical flight time (non-stop): about 45–60 minutes in the air

Flights generally depart from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and arrive at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV).

While the flight is short, remember to factor in:

• Time getting to ATL (often 20–45 minutes from many parts of Atlanta)
• Check-in, security, and boarding (often 60–90 minutes)
• Deplaning and getting from SAV into Savannah’s Historic District (about 20–25 minutes by car)

For many travelers in Atlanta, driving can be as fast door-to-door, especially if you’re coming from the suburbs and avoiding airport lines.

2. Bus or Shuttle Options

Service options between Atlanta and Savannah can change over time, but in general:

• Intercity buses sometimes operate between the two cities, often departing from bus stations in or near downtown Atlanta.
• Travel time by bus is usually longer than driving yourself, often in the 4.5–6 hour range, depending on stops.

If you don’t want to drive, bus options may work, but check current schedules and pickup locations in Atlanta before planning your trip.

3. Train Travel

There is no direct passenger train route that runs straight from Atlanta to Savannah on a fast schedule comparable to driving.

Some travelers in Georgia use longer-distance routes that involve significant detours or connections, but for most people in Atlanta, driving or flying remains more practical for an Atlanta–Savannah trip.

How Far Is Savannah From Atlanta in Terms of a Day Trip?

If you’re in Atlanta and wondering whether Savannah works as a day trip, it can—but it’s a long day.

• Total drive time (round-trip): about 7–9 hours
• Time on the ground in Savannah: often 6–8 hours if you leave early and return late

Many Atlanta residents instead make it a:

• One-night trip (leave Atlanta in the morning, spend the day and evening in Savannah, return the next afternoon), or
• Weekend trip (Friday to Sunday or similar)

Because the drive is relatively flat and straightforward, it feels manageable, but it’s still a substantial distance.

What to Expect Along the Route From Atlanta to Savannah

The road from Atlanta to Savannah is a straight run across Georgia, and knowing the key legs can help you plan stops.

Leg 1: Atlanta to Macon

• Route: I‑75 South
• Approx. distance: ~80–90 miles from central Atlanta
• Approx. time: 1–1.5 hours

You’ll pass areas like:

• McDonough
• Forsyth
• Macon

This is a good stretch for fuel, food, or a rest stop, especially if you’re leaving metro Atlanta with low traffic and want to keep moving.

Leg 2: Macon to Savannah

• Route: I‑16 East (a major east–west highway across Georgia)
• Approx. distance: ~170 miles
• Approx. time: 2.5–3 hours

This stretch is more rural and generally less congested than the Atlanta area. You’ll have occasional towns and exits for:

• Dublin
• Metter
• Statesboro (via connecting highways)

🥤 Tip: Top off your gas and grab snacks in or around Macon if you prefer fewer stops; services are more frequent there than in some rural stretches of I‑16.

Comparing the Trip: Atlanta vs. Other Georgia Destinations

If you’re used to driving from Atlanta to other popular Georgia spots, Savannah’s distance fits into the “longer but doable” category.

Approximate driving distances from Atlanta:

• Atlanta → Savannah: ~250–260 miles, 3.5–4.5 hours
• Atlanta → Augusta: ~150 miles, about 2–2.5 hours
• Atlanta → Columbus: ~110 miles, about 1.75–2 hours
• Atlanta → Macon: ~85 miles, about 1.25–1.5 hours
• Atlanta → Tybee Island (near Savannah): ~265–275 miles, 4–4.5 hours

If you’ve done the Atlanta–Augusta trip, expect Atlanta–Savannah to feel like roughly 1.5 times that distance.

Airport and Ground Transportation Details

For travelers planning from an Atlanta perspective, it helps to know how the airports and ground transport connect.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Location: Just south of downtown Atlanta, near I‑75 and I‑85
• MARTA access: MARTA trains from many Atlanta neighborhoods feed directly into the airport
• Driving from ATL to Savannah: Often around 3.5–4 hours via I‑75 South → I‑16 East

Many visitors fly into Atlanta, rent a car at ATL, and drive straight to Savannah, especially if they also plan to visit other Georgia destinations.

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)

• Location: Northwest of downtown Savannah
• Driving time from SAV to Historic District: typically 20–25 minutes
• Common for:
  • Atlanta residents flying out for quick coastal trips
  • Travelers who fly into Atlanta, then connect or drive to Savannah

From an Atlanta viewpoint, flying ATL → SAV then renting a car at SAV can be helpful if you:

• Want to minimize driving time
• Are continuing on to Hilton Head or other coastal areas

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Savannah

A few Atlanta-specific considerations can make your trip smoother:

• Plan around Atlanta rush hour. Leaving very early morning or mid-morning often saves the most time.
• Check weather along I‑16. Heavy rain or storms can slow traffic between Macon and Savannah, where the road is more rural.
• Watch your speed on rural stretches. Speed limits can shift near small towns and interchanges.
• Consider your return timing. If you’re coming back on a Sunday afternoon or evening, allow extra time for traffic as you re-enter metro Atlanta.

Quick Answers to Common Atlanta–Savannah Distance Questions

How many hours is Savannah from Atlanta by car?
Typically 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on where you start in Atlanta and traffic conditions.

How many miles is Savannah from Atlanta?
Generally about 250–260 miles one way by the main highway route.

Is Savannah close enough for a day trip from Atlanta?
Yes, but it makes for a long day. Many Atlanta residents prefer an overnight or weekend trip instead.

Is it faster to fly or drive from Atlanta to Savannah?
The flight itself is faster (under an hour in the air), but by the time you factor in airport travel, security, and transport on both ends, driving often takes a similar total time door-to-door for many people in Atlanta.

In summary, Savannah is roughly 250 miles and about 3.5–4.5 hours from Atlanta by car, making it one of the most accessible coastal getaways for Atlanta residents and visitors. Whether you drive, fly, or ride, planning around metro Atlanta traffic and knowing the key route (I‑75 South to I‑16 East) will help you get from the city to the coast smoothly.