Flying From Atlanta to Savannah: How to Plan a Quick Trip Between Georgia’s Two Major Cities

Looking for flights from Atlanta to Savannah? Whether you live in metro Atlanta, you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and connecting to the coast, or you’re planning a weekend getaway to Savannah, Georgia, this route is one of the easiest short hops in the Southeast.

Below is a clear guide to how Atlanta–Savannah flights work, the airports you’ll use, what to expect with timing and pricing, and how to decide whether to fly, drive, or take another option.

Key Facts About Flights From Atlanta to Savannah

Route basics:

• Departure airport (Atlanta): Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Arrival airport (Savannah): Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
• Typical flight time: About 45 minutes–1 hour in the air
• Total door-to-door time: Often 3–4 hours once you add security, boarding, taxiing, and ground transport
• Distance: Around 215–230 miles (air vs. road distance will differ)

At-a-glance overview

Using Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL) for a Savannah Flight

If you’re based in Atlanta, you’ll almost certainly be flying out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, located at:

• 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

Even for short flights like Atlanta to Savannah, ATL operates the same way as for longer national or international flights.

Getting to ATL from around Atlanta

Common options for Atlanta residents and visitors:

• MARTA rail:

  • Take the Gold or Red Line to the Airport Station, which drops you directly inside the Domestic Terminal.
  • MARTA is often the simplest way to avoid parking costs and traffic.

• Rideshare or taxi:

  • Rideshare pick-ups and drop-offs are well marked near the Domestic Terminal.
  • This can be efficient if you’re coming from neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or the Westside.

• Driving and parking:

  • ATL has economy, hourly, and park-and-ride lots.
  • Off-site private lots near the airport typically offer shuttle service to the terminals.

If you’re connecting through Atlanta from another city, you’ll just transition through ATL’s concourses (A–F and T) like any other domestic connection.

What to Expect on the Flight From Atlanta to Savannah

Flight length and schedule

The nonstop flight from ATL to SAV is short:

• Scheduled flight time: Around 45–60 minutes
• Actual time in the air: Sometimes as low as 30–40 minutes depending on routing and traffic
• Boarding and taxi time: Often adds another 20–40 minutes

Because the route is so short:

• You may not have extended in-flight services—sometimes just water or a quick beverage service.
• Cabin time is limited, so organize essentials (laptop, charger, medications, snacks) before boarding.

When to arrive at ATL

For most Atlanta residents flying to Savannah:

• Carry-on only, domestic flight, off-peak:
  • Aim for 1.5–2 hours before departure.
• Checking bags, peak times (early morning, holidays, Mondays):
  • Consider 2 hours or a little more.

Security wait times can fluctuate at ATL. Using options like CLEAR or TSA PreCheck (if you have them) can make a difference, especially on busy days.

How Flights Compare to Driving From Atlanta to Savannah

Many Atlanta locals deciding between flying vs. driving to Savannah weigh time, cost, and convenience.

Driving from Atlanta to Savannah

• Approximate driving time: About 3.5–4.5 hours, depending on traffic and route
• Typical route: From downtown or midtown Atlanta, usually I‑75/I‑85 south to I‑16 east straight to Savannah

Pros of driving:

• Door-to-door flexibility: Leave from your home in Atlanta and arrive directly at your hotel, Airbnb, or family’s house in Savannah.
• No airport security or long lines.
• Easier if you have a lot of luggage or traveling with pets that don’t fit airline rules comfortably.
• You’ll have a car in Savannah, which can help if you’re staying outside the Historic District or plan to explore Tybee Island or surrounding areas.

Cons of driving:

• Longer continuous travel time behind the wheel.
• Potential for I‑75/I‑16 traffic delays, especially around Atlanta’s rush hour or holiday weekends.
• Gas, potential tolls on other routes, and wear-and-tear on your vehicle.

When flying makes more sense for Atlantans

Flying from ATL to SAV often works best if:

• You’re connecting through Atlanta from a farther city and Savannah is your final destination.
• You’re on a business trip and need to maximize time in Savannah.
• You’re comfortable with airport routines and want to minimize hours on the road.

For an Atlanta resident starting at home, the total travel time door-to-door (home → ATL → flight → SAV → hotel) can end up similar to driving, especially once you add:

• Getting to ATL
• Security screening
• Waiting at the gate
• Boarding and taxiing
• Getting from SAV to your final spot in Savannah

Because of this, many Atlanta locals choose to drive for vacations or weekend trips and fly primarily when they’re already at ATL for another connection.

Using Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)

Your Atlanta–Savannah flight will land at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, located at:

• 400 Airways Ave, Savannah, GA 31408

Though the name includes Hilton Head, the airport serves both Savannah, GA and the Hilton Head, SC region.

Getting from SAV into Savannah

From the airport to downtown Savannah is typically about 15–20 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

Common options:

• Rental cars:

  • Rental counters are located in or near the terminal. Renting can be useful if you plan to visit Tybee Island, areas outside the Historic District, or Hilton Head.

• Rideshare and taxis:

  • Designated pick-up areas are located just outside the terminal.
  • This is convenient if you’re staying in the Historic District, River Street area, or nearby hotels.

• Hotel shuttles:

  • Some Savannah hotels offer limited shuttle services; confirm directly with your hotel.

If you’re a visitor to Atlanta connecting to Savannah, planning your connection time at ATL plus ground transportation in Savannah is important so you don’t feel rushed.

Typical Costs and How to Keep the Trip Affordable

Prices for flights from Atlanta to Savannah change regularly, but there are some general patterns Atlanta travelers often see:

Factors that affect price

• Timing of purchase:
  • Booking too close to your travel date can raise the fare.
• Seasonality:
  • Weekends, holidays, and high-tourism seasons in Savannah can push prices up.
• Time of day:
  • Early-morning or late-night flights can sometimes be less expensive, depending on demand.

Ways Atlanta travelers often save

• Flexible dates:
  • If you live in metro Atlanta and can travel on a Tuesday or Wednesday rather than a weekend, you may see better pricing.
• Avoiding peak holidays:
  • If you’re flexible, going a week before or after a major holiday can help.
• Comparing flight vs. driving costs:
  • For families or groups, calculate total cost (tickets, luggage, airport parking, rideshare, rental car) and compare to gas and parking if you drive.

Because this is a relatively short-distance route, what you pay is driven more by demand and airline pricing practices than by fuel or flight time.

Packing and Check-In Tips for This Short Route

Even though ATL–SAV is a short trip, treating it like any other flight helps everything go smoothly.

Before leaving your home or hotel in Atlanta

• Check-in online as early as allowed so you can confirm your seat and boarding pass.
• Review baggage rules for your ticket type—especially if you bought a basic or budget fare that might limit carry-ons.
• Keep essential items in a small personal bag (ID, wallet, phone charger, medicines, glasses, a light jacket).

At ATL

• Allow a little extra time if you’re unfamiliar with ATL’s layout; it’s a large, busy airport.
• After security, use the Plane Train (underground train) or walk the concourses if you prefer.

Since the flight is short:

• Don’t rely on in-flight food—eat or buy snacks in ATL if you think you’ll be hungry.
• If you’re using the trip as a connector (for example, flying into ATL from another city and then on to Savannah), confirm your gate information as soon as you arrive. ATL is efficient but big, and gate changes can happen.

When You Might Skip the Flight and Just Drive

For people who live in Atlanta and aren’t connecting from elsewhere, it often makes sense to ask a simple question:

In many everyday scenarios, the time difference isn’t dramatic, especially when:

• You live outside the Perimeter (I‑285) and it takes a while to get to ATL.
• You’re traveling during rush hour or a heavy travel weekend.
• You would have to check luggage, adding time on both ends.

Many Atlantans choose:

• Driving: For family trips, group travel, and flexible weekend getaways.
• Flying: When already at ATL for another leg, for quick in-and-out business days, or when they strongly prefer not to drive.

Practical Next Steps for Atlanta Travelers

If you’re planning a trip from Atlanta to Savannah, here’s a quick way to decide what to do:

1. Confirm your starting point.

   • If you’re at home in Atlanta, map the drive time vs. getting to ATL plus flight.
   • If you’re already flying into ATL from another city, a connecting flight to SAV might be simplest.

2. Check your schedule needs.

   • Tight work schedules or same-day return trips may favor flying.
   • Leisure trips, especially with family, often favor driving.

3. Estimate your total cost.

   • Add up flight fare, baggage, airport parking or rideshare, and ground transport in Savannah.
   • Compare to gas, potential hotel parking, and any extra car costs if you drive.

4. Choose your airport timing.

   • For ATL departures, aim to be at the airport 1.5–2 hours before your Savannah flight.
   • Plan how you’ll get to ATL: MARTA, rideshare, taxi, or parking.

5. Plan your arrival in Savannah.

   • Decide if you’ll rent a car, use rideshare, or rely mainly on walking and local transport in the Historic District.

By understanding how flights from Atlanta to Savannah actually work in practice—flight time, airport logistics, and real door-to-door timing—you can choose the option that fits your schedule, budget, and travel style as an Atlanta-based or Atlanta-bound traveler.