How Far Is It from Atlanta, GA to Savannah, GA? Your Complete Travel Guide

If you live in Atlanta, Georgia or you’re visiting the city and planning a trip to the coast, one of the most common questions is: “What is the distance from Atlanta, GA to Savannah, GA?”

Here’s a clear breakdown of how far it is, how long it usually takes, and what Atlanta travelers should know before heading to Savannah.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Savannah

The distance from Atlanta, GA to Savannah, GA depends slightly on your route and travel method, but the most common figures are:

*Actual time varies based on traffic, time of day, weather, and construction.

For most Atlanta residents, the practical driving distance is about 250 miles one way using the main interstate route.

Main Driving Route from Atlanta to Savannah

For someone starting in downtown Atlanta or near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the fastest and most common route is:

1. Take I-75/I-85 south out of downtown.
2. Continue on I-75 South toward Macon.
3. Near Macon, merge onto I-16 East.
4. Stay on I-16 East until it ends near Savannah, then follow local exits into Savannah’s Historic District, Midtown, or Tybee Island depending on your destination.

How long does the drive usually take?

From most in-town Atlanta neighborhoods (Midtown, Buckhead, Westside, East Atlanta), drivers typically estimate:

• 3.5–4 hours with light traffic and minimal stops
• 4–4.5+ hours during peak times, heavy rain, or if you stop for food and gas

If you’re leaving from northern suburbs like Alpharetta, Roswell, or Cumming, add another 20–40 minutes to get through or around the city.

Planning Your Trip from an Atlanta Perspective

When is the best time to leave Atlanta?

To avoid heavy traffic on the Atlanta side:

• Weekday mornings:
  Try to leave before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:30 a.m. to skip rush hour on the Downtown Connector (I-75/85).
• Weekday afternoons:
  Avoid 3:30–6:30 p.m., especially around downtown, Midtown, and the airport area.
• Friday evenings and holiday weekends:
  Traffic can be heavy as Atlanta residents head out of town. If possible, leave early Friday morning or late Friday night instead.

Once you’re south of Macon, the drive usually becomes smoother and more consistent.

Distance from Key Atlanta Areas to Savannah

While exact mileage depends on your starting street, here are typical one-way estimates:

• Downtown Atlanta (Five Points / State Capitol) to Savannah Historic District
  → ~250 miles | ~4 hours
• Midtown Atlanta to Savannah Historic District
  → ~255 miles | ~4 hours
• Buckhead (Lenox/Phipps area) to Savannah Historic District
  → ~260 miles | 4–4.5 hours
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
  → ~250 miles by road | ~1 hour by air

If your trip starts outside the Perimeter (I-285) in suburban Atlanta, build in extra time to get onto I-75 and through any local congestion.

Driving vs. Flying from Atlanta to Savannah

Both options are realistic for Atlanta-based travelers.

Driving from Atlanta to Savannah

Pros:

• Flexible timing and route
• Easy to stop in Macon, Dublin, or other towns along I-16
• No airport security lines or boarding times
• Convenient if you want a car in Savannah or plan to visit Tybee Island or surrounding areas

Cons:

• About 4 hours on the road each way
• Weather and traffic can add delays
• Tiring if you do a same-day round trip

Flying from Atlanta (ATL) to Savannah (SAV)

You’ll fly from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.

• Air distance: roughly 215–230 miles
• Flight time: about 1 hour in the air, with total trip time usually 3–4 hours door-to-door once you factor in:
  • Arriving early at ATL
  • Security screening
  • Boarding and taxi time on the runway
  • Deplaning and getting baggage or a rental car in Savannah

Flying often makes sense for:

• Same-day business trips from Atlanta to Savannah
• Travelers who prefer not to drive long distances
• Those connecting from Atlanta to another flight and adding Savannah as a quick add-on

Scenic and Alternate Routes from Atlanta to Savannah

If you live in Atlanta and have driven the interstate route many times, you may want a more scenic approach.

US-441 / Small-Town Route

Instead of staying on I-75 and I-16 the entire way, some travelers:

• Head east out of metro Atlanta using US-78, US-129, or GA-20
• Connect with US-441 or other state highways
• Pass through smaller Georgia towns and countryside before rejoining I-16 or coming into Savannah from the northwest

What to know:

• Distance: similar or slightly longer than the interstate route
• Time: often 4.5–5.5 hours because of lower speed limits and more stops
• Appeal: more relaxed, less traffic, and a chance to see rural Georgia

This is usually more appealing for weekend trips rather than tight schedules.

Common Stops Between Atlanta and Savannah

Starting from Atlanta, common stopping points along the route include:

• Macon, GA – roughly 1.5 hours from Atlanta
  • Good midway stretch stop if you’re driving with kids or pets.
• Dublin, GA – about halfway between Macon and Savannah on I-16
  • Popular for quick gas, restrooms, and food.

Because the distance is manageable in a single stretch, many Atlanta drivers choose to go nonstop, especially on their second or third trip when they know the route.

How the Distance Affects Day Trips vs. Weekend Trips

From Atlanta, the 250-mile distance to Savannah shapes how most people plan their visit.

Is Atlanta to Savannah realistic as a same-day round trip?

It’s possible but demanding:

• Total driving: around 500 miles in one day
• Total time on the road: 7–9 hours including stops

Many Atlanta residents find this too rushed to truly enjoy Savannah if you want to walk the Historic District, visit the riverfront, or go out to Tybee Island. It’s technically doable for a quick errand or business meeting, but not ideal for sightseeing.

More typical: a weekend or long weekend

Given the distance:

• Leaving Friday afternoon or evening and returning Sunday is common.
• Another option is early Saturday to Sunday evening if you’re okay with one early morning drive.

This allows time for:

• A relaxed walk through Savannah’s squares and parks
• A meal or two in the Historic District
• Potential side trip to Tybee Island for the beach

Time and Distance from Atlanta Airport to Savannah

Many travelers start their journey from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), either because they’re flying into Atlanta or renting a car there.

By Car

• ATL to Savannah: roughly the same as from downtown Atlanta
  • ~250 miles
  • ~4 hours via I-75 South to I-16 East

If you’re picking up a rental car at ATL, you’ll access the Rental Car Center via the SkyTrain and then head to I-75.

By Plane

• Flight time: about 1 hour in the air
• Total travel time: often 3+ hours including check-in, security, and arrival formalities

For visitors to Atlanta who plan to head straight to Savannah, flying can be a comfortable option if you prefer to avoid the drive.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents Driving to Savannah

Here are Atlanta-specific pointers to make the distance feel easier:

• Fuel up before leaving metro Atlanta.
  Gas stations become more spaced out along I-16 compared with in-town Atlanta, so many drivers prefer to top off in cities like McDonough, Forsyth, or Macon.

• Watch speed limits.
  On I-16, the road can feel wide open, but speed enforcement is common in and near smaller towns and exits.

• Plan around Atlanta weather.
  Heavy thunderstorms can slow you down on the Downtown Connector and near the airport. Leaving a bit earlier or later can help you avoid the heaviest downpours and congestion.

• Check for construction around Macon.
  Interchanges near Macon sometimes have construction that can briefly affect travel time.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• The driving distance from Atlanta, GA to Savannah, GA is about 250–260 miles, mainly via I-75 South and I-16 East.
• Most drivers from Atlanta reach Savannah in 3.5–4.5 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
• Flying from ATL to SAV covers about 215–230 air miles and takes around 1 hour in the air, but requires additional time for airport procedures.
• For Atlanta residents, the distance makes weekend or long-weekend trips more comfortable than rushed day trips.
• Leaving Atlanta outside of rush-hour windows helps keep the trip closer to the lower end of the time range.

Understanding the distance and typical travel times from Atlanta to Savannah makes it much easier to choose whether to drive, fly, do a quick visit, or turn it into a full coastal getaway.