Flights from Atlanta to Savannah: How to Get There, What to Expect, and Local Tips

If you’re in Atlanta and planning a trip to Savannah, flying is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get between the two Georgia cities. Whether you live in Atlanta, you’re in town on business, or you’re connecting through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), this guide explains how flights to Savannah from Atlanta work and what you should know before you book.

Overview: Atlanta to Savannah by Air

Flying from Atlanta (ATL) to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is typically:

• Nonstop
• About 40–60 minutes in the air
• Offered multiple times per day on major U.S. carriers

For most Atlanta travelers, the main reasons to fly instead of drive are:

• Tight schedules
• Same-day business in Savannah
• Easy connections from ATL to a regional flight
• Avoiding traffic on I‑75/I‑16

If you’re already in Atlanta, you’ll almost always be flying out of ATL, located at:

Airlines and Typical Nonstop Flight Options

Routes can change over time, but major airlines commonly operate nonstop flights from Atlanta to Savannah. Most flights are short regional hops that connect Savannah to Atlanta’s large hub.

Common patterns you can expect:

• Multiple daily departures from early morning into the evening
• Operated with regional jets or smaller mainline aircraft
• Economy, some with business or “first” regional cabins

Because ATL is a major hub, these Savannah flights often serve both:

1. Local Atlanta travelers heading to Savannah, and
2. Connecting passengers arriving from other U.S. or international cities.

When you search, you’ll usually see a range of nonstop and sometimes one-stop options (for example, Atlanta → another hub → Savannah). If you’re already in Atlanta, it usually makes the most sense to choose nonstop ATL→SAV unless the price difference is significant.

Flight Time, Distance, and How Early to Arrive

Flight Time

• In-air time: Around 40–60 minutes
• Gate-to-gate: Typically about 1.5 hours, accounting for taxiing and boarding

Distance

• The distance between ATL and SAV is roughly 200–225 miles by air, much shorter than the roughly 250–260 mile drive.

When to Arrive at ATL for a Savannah Flight

Even though the flight is short, ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world, so you should still build in extra time:

• With checked bags or during busy times: Arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights.
• Carry-on only, off-peak times: Some experienced travelers cut it closer (about 90 minutes), but delays at security are common.

If you’re connecting through Atlanta (not starting here), pay attention to your minimum connection time. The Atlanta–Savannah leg is short, but switching terminals, going through security again (if necessary), or late-arriving flights can cut it close.

Typical Daily Schedule Patterns

Daily schedules change frequently, but the overall pattern Atlanta travelers see is:

• Morning flights (6–10 a.m.)
  Popular with business travelers and anyone wanting a full day in Savannah.
• Midday flights (10 a.m.–3 p.m.)
  Helpful if you’re not a morning person or want to avoid peak airport crowds.
• Evening flights (3–9 p.m.)
  Good for weekend getaways after work or same-day return trips from Atlanta.

If you have a time-sensitive reason to be in Savannah (court date, wedding, ship departure, or event), consider:

• Booking an earlier flight than you think you need, and
• Avoiding the last flight of the day, in case of delays or cancellations.

Cost Considerations for Atlanta–Savannah Flights

Prices vary widely based on:

• How far in advance you book
• Time of day and day of week
• Seasonal demand (spring and early fall are popular times to visit Savannah)
• Whether you’re traveling on holidays or event weekends

Common patterns Atlanta travelers see:

• Midweek flights (Tuesday–Thursday) are often cheaper than Friday or Sunday.
• Early morning and late-night flights can be less expensive.
• Booking well in advance usually gives more options for both price and schedule.

If you live in Atlanta and travel to Savannah regularly, you might:

• Enroll in a frequent flyer program with your preferred airline
• Look at basic economy vs. standard economy to understand baggage and seat selection rules

ATL Airport Basics for Savannah-Bound Travelers

Most people flying Atlanta to Savannah will depart from ATL’s domestic terminals:

Terminals and Concourses

• Check your airline and terminal on your booking confirmation.
• Domestic airlines typically use:
  • North or South Terminal for check-in
  • Concourses T, A, B, C, D, or E for departure gates
• Savannah-bound flights are often on regional jets, which might leave from specific concourses depending on the airline.

Once you check your bags and get through security, use the Plane Train (the underground airport train) or the moving walkways to get to your concourse quickly.

Parking and Ground Access at ATL

If you’re based in Atlanta and driving yourself:

• Domestic Parking areas at ATL include:
  • North and South Hourly/ Daily parking decks (closest to the terminals)
  • Economy lots
  • Park-Ride lots with shuttle service

The airport website and phone line can give current rates and lot availability:

If you’re not driving:

• MARTA (Atlanta’s rail system) connects directly to the airport at Airport Station, located inside the Domestic Terminal.
• Rideshares, taxis, and shuttles are available from many parts of metro Atlanta.

Arrival in Savannah: What to Expect at SAV

Your flight from Atlanta will land at:

At the Savannah Airport

Savannah’s airport is much smaller and simpler than ATL. That’s helpful if you’re used to Atlanta’s size:

• Short walks from gate to baggage claim
• Easier pickup and drop-off
• Typically quicker baggage handling than a major hub

After arrival:

1. Follow signs to Baggage Claim (if you checked luggage).
2. Locate your ground transportation:
   • Rideshare pickup
   • Taxis
   • Rental car counters
   • Hotel and shuttle services

If you’re returning to Atlanta later, you’ll likely depart from the same central terminal area with security screening on the upper level.

Comparing Flying vs. Driving from Atlanta to Savannah

Many people in Atlanta wonder whether to fly or drive to Savannah. Here’s a quick comparison focused on your experience starting in Atlanta.

Simple Comparison Table

From inside Atlanta, the door-to-door time can wind up similar, especially if you:

• Live far from the airport
• Need to arrive early for TSA security
• Experience delays at ATL

Flying still gives you a clear advantage if:

• You’re connecting from another flight through ATL
• You don’t want to drive
• You value a short in-air experience and are comfortable with airport logistics

Tips for Atlanta-Based Travelers Flying to Savannah

1. Build in Time for ATL Security

Even frequent Atlanta flyers get caught off guard by:

• Long TSA lines during peak business hours
• Busy holiday or school break periods
• Early Monday morning crowds

If you fly out of ATL regularly, you may find value in:

• TSA PreCheck, processed through enrollment centers including in the Atlanta area
• CLEAR and similar services (where available) for faster line access

2. Choose Flight Times with ATL Traffic in Mind

Consider Atlanta traffic patterns when picking flights:

• Morning rush (roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.) and afternoon rush (3:30–7:00 p.m.) can significantly slow your drive to ATL.
• If you live in the northern suburbs (Alpharetta, Roswell, Marietta, etc.), factor in extra time on GA‑400 or I‑75/I‑285.
• Using MARTA can help bypass much of the road traffic; Airport Station drops you directly at the Domestic Terminal.

3. Consider Roundtrip Timing If You’re Returning to Atlanta

If you’re planning a there-and-back trip:

• Check Savannah-to-Atlanta return flights for the same or next day.
• Avoid booking a late-night return as your only option in case of delays.
• If you have important plans in Atlanta the next morning, consider coming back the evening before for more certainty.

Traveling Through Atlanta on the Way to Savannah

Some travelers will only pass through Atlanta, connecting from another city to reach Savannah. If that’s you:

• Your Atlanta–Savannah leg will usually be a shared short regional flight with many other connecting passengers.
• If your first flight into ATL is delayed, monitor your Savannah departure time and gate on the terminal screens.
• Atlanta’s concourses are connected by the Plane Train; even if you need to move from one end of the airport to the other, travel between concourses is usually fast once you’re airside.

If you have a long layover in Atlanta, you can:

• Stay in the terminal and explore concourse dining and shops.
• For longer layovers, some travelers take MARTA into downtown Atlanta, but you must allow enough time to return through security and get back to your gate.

Practical Next Steps for Someone in Atlanta

If you’re in or around Atlanta and planning flights to Savannah, here’s a simple action checklist:

1. Decide your dates and timing

   • Morning vs. afternoon vs. evening, considering Atlanta traffic and your schedule.

2. Search nonstop ATL → SAV options

   • Compare prices, total travel time, and baggage rules.

3. Plan your route to ATL

   • Driving and parking vs. drop-off vs. MARTA (Airport Station).

4. Arrive early enough for ATL security

   • Typically 2 hours before departure, especially if checking bags or flying at busy times.

5. Know what to expect at SAV

   • Smaller airport, easier navigation, straightforward ground transportation options once you land.

Flying from Atlanta to Savannah is a quick, manageable trip, especially if you’re used to starting your journeys at Hartsfield–Jackson. With a bit of planning around traffic, security, and timing, you can move efficiently between Georgia’s biggest city and its historic coastal destination.