Flying From Savannah to Atlanta: What Travelers Need to Know

Flights from Savannah (SAV) to Atlanta (ATL) are some of the most frequently used connections in Georgia. Whether you live in Atlanta and are flying home from the coast, or you’re visiting and connecting through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, this route is short, busy, and very familiar to local travelers.

This guide breaks down how flights from Savannah to Atlanta work, what to expect at each airport, and how to make the most of this quick hop into Atlanta.

The Basics: Savannah to Atlanta Flight Overview

Route: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) → Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Average flight time: About 45–60 minutes in the air
Typical total time gate-to-gate: Around 1.5–2.5 hours, including taxiing and boarding
Type of route:Short-haul, high-frequency domestic route

From an Atlanta perspective, this is a key feeder route bringing travelers from the Georgia coast, South Carolina’s Lowcountry, and the Savannah/Hilton Head region into Atlanta’s main air hub for:

• Business trips to downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or Perimeter
• Leisure travel connections to other U.S. cities and international destinations
• Weekend getaways between Atlanta and Savannah

Why So Many People Fly Savannah → Atlanta

For someone focused on Atlanta, flights from Savannah serve three main purposes:

1. Connections to other flights out of ATL
   Many passengers are connecting in Atlanta to:

   • Major U.S. cities (New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, etc.)
   • Regional destinations that don’t have nonstop service from Savannah
   • International flights from Atlanta’s Concourse F (International Terminal)

2. Direct trips into Atlanta
   If you’re coming into the city itself for:

   • Corporate meetings or conferences (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead)
   • Events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Georgia World Congress Center
   • Campus visits to Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Emory, or other area schools

3. Avoiding long drives
   The drive between Savannah and Atlanta is usually around 3.5–4 hours. Flying can be appealing if:

   • You have tight schedules
   • You’re connecting onward to another destination
   • You prefer not to drive long distances on I-16 and I-75

What to Expect at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)

If you’re leaving Savannah headed to Atlanta, you’ll start at:

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
400 Airways Ave
Savannah, GA 31408
Main airport info line: often listed on airport directories as a general number (verify before travel)

Key points for Atlanta-bound flyers:

• Compact layout: SAV is much smaller and simpler than ATL, which makes:
  • Check-in generally quicker
  • Security lines often shorter than major hubs
• Check-in time: Many travelers aim to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure for domestic flights, especially during peak travel hours or holidays.
• Parking: On-site parking lots and a parking garage serve most travelers; pickup and drop-off areas are straightforward and close to the terminal.

Because most Savannah–Atlanta passengers are ultimately focused on getting to or through Atlanta, the main planning challenge happens on the Atlanta side of the trip.

Arriving in Atlanta: Understanding Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL)

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Public information line is commonly published by the airport and easy to check before travel.

ATL is one of the world’s busiest airports, and almost all Savannah–Atlanta flights land here. For Atlanta-focused travelers, the key questions are:

• Am I terminating in Atlanta (staying in the city)?
• Or am I connecting through Atlanta to another destination?

Your answer changes how you navigate the airport.

If Atlanta Is Your Final Destination

When you land from Savannah, you’ll typically arrive at one of ATL’s domestic concourses (A, B, C, D, or T).

Step 1: Get from your gate to Baggage Claim

1. Follow signs for “Baggage Claim” and “Ground Transportation.”
2. Take the Plane Train (the underground people mover) if you’re not already in Concourse T.
3. Exit at Domestic Terminal and look for:
   • North Baggage Claim (commonly used by some major airlines)
   • South Baggage Claim (used by others)

Your boarding pass or overhead signs at ATL will indicate which baggage claim side your airline uses.

Step 2: Decide how you’ll get into Atlanta

From the Domestic Terminal, you have several common options into the city:

1. MARTA (Public Transit)

• Take the Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal near baggage claim.
• The Red and Gold lines both serve the airport and run north through:
  • College Park
  • Downtown Atlanta
  • Midtown
  • Buckhead (Gold line)
  • Perimeter/Dunwoody/Sandy Springs (Red line)
• This is often the most predictable way to reach:
  • Downtown hotels
  • Georgia State, Georgia Tech area (via Midtown or North Avenue stations)
  • Civic Center, Peachtree Center, or Five Points

2. Rideshare & Taxis

• Follow signs for Rideshare or Taxi from baggage claim.
• There are designated pickup areas; signs will direct you depending on your terminal and airline.
• This is usually the most direct option if you’re going to:
  • Neighborhoods that MARTA doesn’t serve well, such as parts of East Atlanta, West Midtown, or suburban neighborhoods
  • Late-night arrivals when transit schedules are more limited

3. Rental Cars

• All major rental car companies at ATL are located at the Rental Car Center (RCC).
• Access via the SkyTrain, an elevated train from the Domestic Terminal.
• Useful if you:
  • Plan to visit areas across the metro (e.g., Marietta, Stone Mountain, Peachtree City, Alpharetta)
  • Are staying in suburbs with limited public transit

If You’re Connecting Through Atlanta

Many Savannah–Atlanta travelers never actually leave ATL; they’re connecting to another city.

From an Atlanta logistics standpoint, you’ll want to:

Allow Enough Connection Time

For domestic-to-domestic connections (Savannah → Atlanta → another U.S. city):

• Many travelers aim for at least 60–75 minutes between flights.
• Shorter connections are possible, but leave less room for:
  • Delays leaving Savannah
  • Taxi times at ATL
  • Gate changes or moving between concourses

For domestic-to-international connections (Savannah → Atlanta → overseas):

• Many travelers prefer 90 minutes or more, especially if:
  • You’re unfamiliar with ATL
  • Your international departure is from Concourse F (International) and you’re arriving far away, like Concourse D

Navigating Concourses

ATL’s layout is linear, connected by the Plane Train and a pedestrian tunnel:

• Concourses from west to east: T – A – B – C – D – E – F
• Domestic flights generally use T, A, B, C, D, E
• Most international departures use Concourse F (and some E)

To move between gates:

1. Follow signs for Plane Train after deplaning.
2. Take the train to your next concourse (listen for announcements and check displays).
3. Walk to your next gate within that concourse.

There is no need to exit security for normal connections, as long as you stay airside.

Common Timing & Planning Questions

How early should I get to SAV for a flight to ATL?

For most travelers:

• 1.5–2 hours before departure is commonly used for domestic flights, especially:
  • Early morning or evening rush periods
  • Weekends or holidays
• Check with your airline if you have checked bags or special requests.

How long does the Savannah–Atlanta flight really feel?

• Flight time is often around 45 minutes in the air.
• With boarding, pushback, taxi, and deplaning, it usually feels like about 1.5 hours total from gate to gate.

Is it worth flying instead of driving?

From an Atlanta-focused point of view, flying can be more practical when:

• You’re connecting onward from ATL.
• You value time savings over cost, especially for business trips.
• You’d rather avoid a long drive into the city, especially if:
  • You’re landing late and have to be in Atlanta early the next morning.
  • You’re going directly to the airport area or an airport hotel.

Driving may make more sense if:

• Your trip is only between Atlanta and Savannah, with no flights beyond.
• You need a car in both cities for multiple stops over several days.

Typical Flight Experience: Savannah to Atlanta

While exact details depend on your airline and time of day, Atlanta-focused travelers can generally expect:

• Regional jets or narrow-body aircraft on this route.
• Short cruising time: Seatbelt sign might be off for a relatively brief window.
• Limited but efficient service:
  • Quick drink service on some flights
  • Minimal time for electronic device use at full altitude

Because this route is so short, most of your time is spent on the ground (boarding, taxiing, and deplaning), rather than in the air.

Key Tips for Atlanta-Focused Travelers ✈️

1. Plan ground transportation from ATL in advance.
Know whether you’re taking MARTA, rideshare, a taxi, or a rental car. This saves time and confusion on arrival.

2. Expect ATL to be busier than SAV.
Even if Savannah feels calm and easy, ATL can be crowded, especially in the main terminal and during peak afternoon/evening bank times.

3. For city stays, consider MARTA-friendly hotels.
If you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, hotels along the MARTA rail lines can make your arrival from the airport much simpler.

4. Leave extra time if you’re unfamiliar with ATL’s layout.
Moving between concourses is straightforward, but the airport is large. New visitors often underestimate walking and train times between gates.

Quick Reference: Savannah to Atlanta Travel Snapshot

When Flights From Savannah to Atlanta Make the Most Sense

From an Atlanta-centric viewpoint, booking flights from Savannah to Atlanta is most useful when:

• Atlanta is your major destination hub, and you want to land close to city transit and interstate access.
• You’re using ATL as a connection point to reach other parts of the U.S. or the world.
• You prefer a short flight over a long drive on Georgia’s highways.

Understanding how ATL works—its concourses, transit options, and connection patterns—helps this quick route from Savannah become a smooth part of your overall travel into or through Atlanta.