Flying From Atlanta to Savannah: How to Make This Short Hop Easy

Planning a flight from Atlanta to Savannah is one of the simplest trips you can take within Georgia. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are here on business, or are connecting through Hartsfield–Jackson, this route is quick, frequent, and easy to navigate if you know what to expect.

Below is a practical guide focused on Atlanta-based travelers heading to Savannah.

Overview: What to Expect on an Atlanta–Savannah Flight

• Route: Atlanta (ATL) ➜ Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
• Flight time: Typically about 45–60 minutes in the air
• Total door-to-door time: Often 3–4 hours when you include airport arrival, security, boarding, and ground transport
• Typical reason to fly: Faster than driving in many cases, helpful for tight schedules, business trips, or connecting itineraries

If you already live in Atlanta, this is one of the most convenient ways to reach Savannah’s Historic District, River Street, Tybee Island, and nearby coastal areas without spending hours on I‑16.

Which Airlines Fly From Atlanta to Savannah?

The Atlanta–Savannah route is primarily served by major carriers through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Common patterns on this route include:

• Legacy carriers offering multiple daily flights
• Regional jets or smaller aircraft operating under larger airline brands
• A focus on morning and evening departures, with some mid-day options

Because ATL is a major hub, travelers often combine this short hop with longer domestic or international itineraries.

If you’re already booking a larger trip, look for “Savannah (SAV)” as your final destination and ATL as the connecting point to keep your trip on a single ticket.

Departure: Navigating Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL) for Savannah Flights

Most people starting this route will depart from:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Main info line: 800‑897‑1910 (general airport information)

Terminals and Check-In for ATL ➜ SAV

Flights to Savannah usually depart from the Domestic Terminal:

• North Terminal or South Terminal check‑in, depending on your airline
• Then you’ll go through TSA security and proceed to the assigned concourse and gate

Common concourses for regional flights within Georgia are:

• Concourse A, B, C, or D, depending on your carrier and schedule

Atlanta travelers often find it easiest to:

• Arrive 90 minutes to 2 hours before departure for this short domestic flight
• Use mobile boarding passes if you’re comfortable with them
• Check baggage only if necessary, since this short hop is easy with carry‑on only

How Long Is the Flight From Atlanta to Savannah?

The published flight time is usually around 45–60 minutes.

However, your total travel experience includes:

• Arriving at ATL early enough
• Getting through security
• Boarding and taxiing
• Deplaning at Savannah and grabbing bags or rental cars

In practice, Atlanta-based travelers often plan 3–4 hours total from leaving home or hotel in Atlanta to arriving at a hotel or destination in Savannah.

When Is the Best Time to Fly ATL ➜ SAV?

For someone in Atlanta, “best time” usually means balancing weather, price, crowds, and your schedule.

Time of Day

• Early morning flights

  • ✅ Often less impacted by afternoon thunderstorms in warmer months
  • ✅ Easier to get same‑day time in Savannah for sightseeing or meetings
  • ❌ Requires an early trip to ATL from home or your hotel

• Midday flights

  • ✅ Good for relaxed starts, especially if you’re already staying near the airport
  • ❌ May overlap with heavier airport crowds or summer storms

• Evening flights

  • ✅ Helpful for after‑work departures from Atlanta
  • ❌ Less buffer time if there are delays

Time of Year

• Spring and fall are popular times for flying from Atlanta to Savannah:
  • Milder coastal weather
  • Festivals and events in Savannah
• Summer can bring:
  • Hotter, more humid weather
  • More frequent afternoon storms that sometimes impact flight schedules
• Winter is generally manageable:
  • Potential for weather delays is often more about what’s happening elsewhere in the country that can ripple through the system, especially at a big hub like ATL

Flight vs. Driving From Atlanta to Savannah

Many Atlanta residents debate whether to fly or drive to Savannah. Both options are commonly used.

Quick Comparison

When Flying Makes Sense for Atlantans

Consider flying if:

• You’re already at ATL for another connection
• You need to arrive or return the same day for business
• You prefer to avoid a long drive, especially at night or in poor weather
• Parking costs and airport transfers are manageable for your situation

When Driving Might Be Better

Driving may be more appealing if:

• You live far from the airport, such as in northern suburbs like Alpharetta, Cumming, or Canton, and don’t want the added ATL commute
• You’re traveling with a family or group, and costs add up quickly with multiple tickets
• You want flexibility to stop in Macon, Dublin, or other small towns along the way
• You plan to explore Tybee Island, Skidaway Island, or nearby coastal areas where having your own car is convenient

Getting to ATL From Around Metro Atlanta

If you live in or are staying in Atlanta, you have several ways to reach the airport for your Savannah flight.

MARTA to Hartsfield–Jackson

MARTA is often the simplest for many intown residents and visitors:

• Take the Gold or Red line southbound to Airport Station
• The station is connected directly to the Domestic Terminal via an indoor walkway
• Useful if you’re staying in areas like:
  • Downtown Atlanta
  • Midtown
  • Buckhead
  • Doraville/Sandy Springs corridor along the rail line

MARTA customer service (for schedules and help):
404‑848‑5000

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving to the airport from Atlanta or the suburbs:

• Follow signs for Domestic Terminal – North or South depending on your airline
• Options generally include:
  • Hourly parking (closest, pricier, best for short trips)
  • Daily parking decks
  • Economy or park‑and‑ride lots with shuttle service

For a short trip to Savannah (such as a weekend), economy parking is common for Atlanta-area residents who don’t want to rely on a ride share both ways.

Ride Share and Taxis

Ride share and taxis are heavily used to reach ATL from neighborhoods all over Atlanta, including Decatur, West Midtown, Inman Park, and East Point.

If you’re flying on a tight schedule, factor in:

• Rush hour traffic on I‑75/85, I‑20, and the Downtown Connector
• Extra time if driving from Cobb, Gwinnett, or North Fulton County

Arriving in Savannah: What Atlanta Travelers Should Know

You’ll land at:

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
400 Airways Ave
Savannah, GA 31408

For many Atlanta-based travelers, this airport feels much smaller and simpler than ATL:

• Shorter walks from gate to baggage claim
• Easier rental car pickup
• Fewer concourses to navigate

Ground Transportation in Savannah

From SAV into downtown Savannah (about 15–20 minutes in normal traffic), your main options are:

• Rental cars: Convenient if you plan to explore outside Savannah
• Taxis and ride share: Useful if you’re staying mainly in:
  • The Historic District
  • River Street
  • Midtown Savannah hotels
• Hotel shuttles: Some larger hotels may offer shuttles; check with your accommodation in advance

Packing and Airport Tips for the Short ATL–SAV Flight

Even though it’s a short flight, standard airline rules apply. Atlanta travelers often find these tips useful:

Smart Packing for a 1‑Hour Flight

• Carry‑on only if possible
  • Speeds up arrival in Savannah
  • Reduces time at baggage claim
• Pack essentials in your personal item:
  • Wallet, keys, phone charger
  • Any medication you need during the day
  • Important documents or electronics
• Prepare a small jacket or layer
  • Atlanta and Savannah can both be warm, but aircraft cabins may feel cool

At ATL Security

• Have your ID and boarding pass ready before you get to the TSA queue
• Check your airline or the airport for:
  • Estimated security wait times
  • TSA PreCheck or other expedited lanes, if you’re enrolled

Because Hartsfield–Jackson is very large and busy, security wait times can be longer than you might expect for such a short flight, especially during:

• Monday mornings
• Thursday/Friday afternoons
• Holidays and peak travel seasons

Leaving extra time is often worth it, even for experienced Atlanta flyers.

Using ATL–Savannah as Part of a Bigger Trip

Many people in Atlanta use the Atlanta–Savannah flight as one leg of a larger itinerary, such as:

• Flying into Atlanta from another state or country, then connecting to Savannah
• Returning from Savannah into ATL and continuing on to another U.S. or international city

If that’s your plan:

• It’s usually easier to book your whole trip on one ticket, using Savannah (SAV) as the start or end point
• This helps with:
  • Checked bag transfers
  • Rebooking support if there are delays
  • Keeping all flights under one reservation

When connecting through ATL:

• Check the minimum connection time recommended by your airline
• Remember that ATL is large; moving between concourses often involves the Plane Train underground tram or walking in long concourses

Special Considerations for Atlanta-Based Travelers

Business Travelers

If you work in or near downtown or Midtown Atlanta:

• You can often finish a morning in the office, head to ATL mid‑day, and still arrive in Savannah in time for an evening dinner or meeting.
• Flying back to Atlanta in the evening can be manageable if you book:
  • A late‑afternoon departure from SAV
  • Sufficient buffer for ground transport from downtown Savannah back to the airport

Students and Families

If you’re a student at Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta, or Emory, or a family living in metro Atlanta:

• Budget carefully: driving may be more affordable for multiple travelers
• Flying can still be worthwhile if:
  • You’re short on time between classes or semesters
  • You want to arrive quickly for events like weddings, graduations, or reunions in Savannah

Key Takeaways for Your Atlanta–Savannah Flight

• Flight time is short—about 45–60 minutes—but total travel time is usually 3–4 hours door‑to‑door from Atlanta.
• Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL) is your starting point, with Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV) as the destination.
• The route is commonly used by:
  • Atlanta residents heading to the coast
  • Visitors connecting through ATL
  • Business travelers needing a quick in‑state flight
• For many people in Atlanta, flying makes sense if:
  • You value speed
  • You’re already at ATL
  • You’re on a tight schedule
• Driving from Atlanta to Savannah can be more cost‑effective for groups, but it’s longer and less restful than this short, straightforward flight.

With a bit of planning around ATL logistics, security timing, and transportation on both ends, flying from Atlanta to Savannah can be one of the easiest trips you’ll take within Georgia.