How Far Is Savannah From Atlanta? Distance, Drive Time, and the Best Ways to Go

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting the city, a trip to Savannah, Georgia is one of the most popular getaways in the state. It’s natural to wonder: How far is Savannah from Atlanta, and what’s the easiest way to get there?

Here’s a clear breakdown of the distance, drive time, and all your main travel options, specifically from an Atlanta starting point.

The Basic Answer: Distance From Atlanta to Savannah

In simple terms:

• Driving distance: About 250 miles (via I‑75 S and I‑16 E)
• Typical driving time: Around 3.5 to 4.5 hours each way, depending on traffic and stops
• Straight‑line distance (“as the crow flies”): Roughly 220 miles

From an Atlanta perspective, Savannah is close enough for a long day trip, but it’s much more comfortable as an overnight or weekend destination.

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 standard route from Downtown Atlanta (near the Georgia State Capitol or Five Points) to Downtown Savannah is:

1. Take I‑75/85 South from central Atlanta
2. Continue on I‑75 South toward Macon
3. Near Macon, take I‑16 East toward Savannah
4. Stay on I‑16 E until it ends in Savannah, then follow city streets into downtown or your final destination

This route is mostly interstate highway, with plenty of gas, food, and rest stop options along the way.

Typical Drive Times From Different Parts of Metro Atlanta

Use these as rough estimates in good traffic:

⛽ Tip: If you’re leaving on a Friday from inside the Perimeter, try to get on the road before 3 p.m. or later in the evening to avoid rush‑hour backups on I‑75/85.

When Traffic Matters Most

From Atlanta, expect slower travel:

• Weekday mornings (6:30–9:30 a.m.) leaving the city center
• Weekday afternoons (3:30–7:00 p.m.) heading south out of Atlanta
• Holiday weekends (spring break, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day) when many Atlantans head to the coast

If you’re on a tight schedule (hotel check‑in, tour time in Savannah, etc.), aim for off‑peak departure times.

Traveling by Bus From Atlanta to Savannah

If you don’t want to drive, intercity bus service is usually the most direct public transportation option between Atlanta and Savannah.

Typical Bus Details

• Approximate distance covered: 250–260 miles (similar to driving, depending on route)
• Travel time: Around 4.5 to 6 hours
• Departure points in Atlanta: Major bus operators typically depart from central or south‑side Atlanta locations (often near Downtown, Midtown, or the airport area)
• Arrival points in Savannah: Usually near or in central Savannah, with easy access to local rideshare, taxis, or hotel shuttles

Because bus routes, stops, and schedules can change, it’s best to:

• Check current schedules and pricing before you go
• Look carefully at the exact departure and arrival stations so you can plan local transportation on both ends

📝 Local planning tip: If you’re staying near Downtown Atlanta, factor in time to get to the bus station via MARTA, rideshare, or taxi before your departure.

Is There a Train From Atlanta to Savannah?

There is no direct passenger train that runs straight from Atlanta to Savannah in a simple, same‑line route.

• Atlanta’s main Amtrak station is at:
  1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

• Savannah’s Amtrak station is at:
  2611 Seaboard Coastline Dr, Savannah, GA 31415

However, the railway system connecting these two cities is not set up for a straightforward, same‑day train journey the way a driver might expect between two major Georgia cities. Travelers who want to rely mainly on rail often find that time, routing, and transfers make it less practical than driving or taking a bus for this specific route.

From an Atlanta resident’s standpoint, a car or bus is almost always more direct and time‑efficient for travel to Savannah.

Flying From Atlanta to Savannah

You can technically fly from Atlanta (ATL) to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), but it’s usually more useful if you’re:

• Connecting from another city through Atlanta, or
• You strongly prefer not to drive

Flight Basics

• Air distance: Roughly 215–220 miles
• Flight time (in the air): Around 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Total travel time, door to door: Often 3–4 hours or more once you include check‑in, security, boarding, taxi time, and getting from the airport into Savannah

From Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

To Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport:
400 Airways Ave, Savannah, GA 31408

By the time you reach ATL, clear security, fly, land in Savannah, and get into downtown Savannah, the total time can be similar to simply driving from Atlanta—especially if you live inside or near the Perimeter.

✈️ When flying may make sense from an Atlanta perspective:

• You’re already at ATL for another trip and decide to add Savannah
• You’re not comfortable with a 3.5–4 hour drive
• You find a very convenient, well‑timed flight that fits your schedule

Day Trip vs. Weekend Trip From Atlanta

Since the drive from Atlanta to Savannah is about 3.5–4 hours each way, here’s how locals often think about trip length:

Day Trip From Atlanta

Possible, but long:

• Leave Atlanta early morning (around 6–7 a.m.)
• Arrive in Savannah by late morning
• Explore historic squares, River Street, or nearby neighborhoods
• Depart Savannah in late afternoon or early evening
• Return to Atlanta later that night

This gives you 5–7 hours in Savannah, but you’ll spend roughly the same amount of time on the road.

Weekend or Overnight Trip

For most Atlantans, Savannah works best as a:

• One‑night getaway (leave Saturday morning, return Sunday)
• Full weekend trip (Friday–Sunday)
• Long weekend with an extra day to explore nearby Tybee Island or other coastal areas

Because the distance is not extreme but not exactly “around the corner,” staying overnight lets you enjoy the city without clock‑watching the drive back to Atlanta.

How Savannah Compares to Other Atlanta Road Trips

To put it in local context, here’s how Savannah’s distance stacks up next to other common drives from Atlanta:

• Chattanooga, TN: ~2 hours
• Athens, GA: ~1.5 hours
• Macon, GA: ~1.5 hours
• Augusta, GA: ~2.5 hours
• Savannah, GA: ~3.5–4 hours

So from Atlanta, Savannah is more of a coastal road trip than a short afternoon outing.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Heading to Savannah

A few Atlanta‑specific planning tips:

• Leaving from inside the Perimeter (ITP):
  Try to get to I‑75 South before rush hour or after it ends. The Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) can add significant time if you leave at peak hours.

• Leaving from north metro (Cobb, North Fulton, Gwinnett):
  Expect extra time just to get through or around Atlanta via I‑285. Leaving very early or late in the evening usually leads to a smoother trip.

• Parking in Savannah:
  Downtown Savannah typically has street parking, garages, and metered spaces. Having your car there gives you flexibility to explore Tybee Island or other nearby spots.

• Weather awareness:
  For Atlanta drivers, remember that heavy rain, coastal storms, and summer thunderstorms can slow down the I‑16 segment. In rare severe weather, build in extra time or adjust your departure.

Quick Summary for Atlanta Travelers

• How far is Savannah from Atlanta by car?
  About 250 miles, usually 3.5–4.5 hours depending on traffic and your starting point in metro Atlanta.

• Is a day trip possible?
  Yes, but it’s a long day. Most people in Atlanta prefer a weekend or overnight trip.

• Best way to get there from Atlanta?
  For most residents and visitors, driving is the most straightforward. Bus is the next most practical public option; train is not a simple direct choice; flying can work but often doesn’t save much total time.

If you’re in Atlanta and want a change of scenery, Savannah is far enough to feel like a true getaway—but close enough that you can comfortably reach it in half a day on the road.