Flying From Atlanta to Savannah, GA: How to Do It Easily and What to Expect ✈️

If you’re in Atlanta and need to get to Savannah, Georgia, you have several options—but flying is often the fastest and most convenient, especially if you’re connecting from another city through Atlanta. This guide explains how to fly from Atlanta to Savannah, which airports you’ll use, how long it takes, what it typically costs, and when flying actually makes sense compared with driving or taking the train or bus.

Key Things to Know Up Front

Route basics:

• Departure airport:
  Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Arrival airport:
  Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
  400 Airways Ave, Savannah, GA 31408

Typical flight time:

• Around 45–60 minutes in the air
• Plan for 2.5–3+ hours total door-to-door (check-in, security, boarding, taxi time, and arrival)

Main situation where flying makes sense:

• You’re already connecting through ATL from another city, or
• You strongly prefer to avoid driving the roughly 4-hour trip down I‑75/I‑16.

Is It Worth It to Fly From Atlanta to Savannah?

For many people in metro Atlanta, this is the first question.

When flying does make sense

Flying ATL → SAV can be practical if:

• You’re connecting through Atlanta as part of a longer trip and just need a short hop to Savannah.
• You want to minimize time behind the wheel (e.g., long workdays, mobility concerns, or you dislike highway driving).
• You prefer airport-to-airport travel and don’t mind arriving a bit early for security and boarding.
• You’re traveling for business and your company books flights as part of a larger itinerary.

When driving or ground travel might be better

Consider driving or taking ground transportation instead if:

• You’re starting at home in Atlanta and are comfortable driving about 250 miles.
• You want flexibility (leaving when you want, stopping as needed, detouring to Macon, Dublin, or other spots).
• You’re traveling with family or a group and want to avoid multiple airfares.
• You’re trying to save money and don’t have reward miles or travel credits.

For someone living in Inman Park, Buckhead, Decatur, Marietta, or Sandy Springs, by the time you:

1. Get to ATL,
2. Go through security,
3. Wait to board,
4. Fly,
5. Get your bags in Savannah and travel into town,

the total time can be similar to simply driving 3.5–4 hours from your front door in Atlanta to downtown Savannah.

Quick Comparison: Fly vs. Drive From Atlanta to Savannah

Use this as a rough guide; actual times and costs vary.

Airports Involved: Atlanta and Savannah

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

As an Atlanta traveler, you’ll almost always depart from Hartsfield–Jackson, located just south of downtown.

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• General info line: 800-897-1910 (airport information)

Key things to know as an Atlanta-based traveler:

• You can reach ATL by MARTA from many intown neighborhoods.
  • Take any southbound train to the Airport Station, which is directly inside the Domestic Terminal.
• Driving from Midtown or Downtown usually takes 15–30 minutes in light traffic, much longer at rush hour.
• If you live farther out (Alpharetta, Kennesaw, Peachtree City, etc.), build in extra time for traffic on I‑75, I‑85, GA‑400, or I‑285.

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)

This is a relatively small, easy-to-navigate airport serving Savannah and the surrounding area.

• Address: 400 Airways Ave, Savannah, GA 31408
• Phone: 912-964-0514 (general information)

From SAV:

• It’s roughly 15–25 minutes by car or rideshare to historic downtown Savannah.
• Rental car counters are on-site if you plan to explore Tybee Island, Hilton Head, or surrounding areas.

How Long Is the Flight From Atlanta to Savannah?

• Flight time in the air: Usually under 1 hour.
• Gate-to-gate time: Often 1–1.5 hours, including taxiing and boarding.
• Practical total time from an Atlanta home or hotel:
  • Get to ATL: 20–60+ minutes
  • Early arrival for security: 60–90 minutes
  • Flight + arrival steps: 60–90 minutes

Realistically, most Atlanta-based travelers should budget about 3–4 hours total door-to-door.

Booking a Flight From ATL to SAV

How to find flights

From Atlanta, the Atlanta–Savannah route is typically served by:

• Major national carriers using ATL as a hub for connecting traffic.

When searching for flights:

• Use “Atlanta (ATL)” as the departure and “Savannah (SAV)” as the arrival.
• Check for nonstop flights, since the route is short.
• Look at early morning or late evening flights if you’re trying to connect to or from other domestic or international routes.

Typical pricing patterns

Prices vary by:

• Day of week (midweek flights can sometimes be lower)
• Season (Savannah is popular in spring and fall)
• How far ahead you book

To get better value as an Atlanta resident or frequent visitor:

• Consider flexible dates within a week.
• Compare round-trip vs. one-way if you’re driving one direction and flying the other.

Getting to ATL From Around Metro Atlanta

Where you’re coming from in metro Atlanta changes what makes the most sense.

Using MARTA 🚇

MARTA is often the easiest option if you’re staying:

• Downtown
• Midtown
• Buckhead
• Decatur
• Or near a major MARTA rail station

Steps:

1. Take any MARTA line toward the Airport Station.
2. Exit directly into the Domestic Terminal.
3. Follow signs for your airline check-in counter and security.

This helps you skip parking costs and I‑75/I‑85 traffic.

Driving and Parking at ATL

If you’re driving from suburbs like Smyrna, Roswell, Duluth, Stockbridge, or Fayetteville:

• Allow extra time for rush hours (early morning, late afternoon).
• Decide between:
  • Airport parking (daily, long-term, or economy lots)
  • Off-airport parking services with shuttles
  • Drop-off by a friend, family member, or rideshare

If you fly ATL → SAV and return on the same route, you’ll have a straightforward round trip back to your parked car in Atlanta.

What to Expect During the ATL → SAV Flight

At Hartsfield–Jackson in Atlanta

1. Check-in / baggage drop
   • Arrive at least 60–90 minutes before departure for a domestic flight.
2. Security screening
   • High-volume airport: lines can vary from very quick to quite long.
3. Navigating to your gate
   • Use the Plane Train between concourses if needed.
   • Check departure boards frequently; short-haul flights sometimes change gates.

Onboard the flight

Because the Atlanta–Savannah route is short:

• No or minimal in-flight service beyond water or basic beverages.
• Limited time to use devices or settle in before preparing to land.
• Overhead bin space is usually enough, but smaller aircraft may have you gate-check larger carry-ons.

Arrival in Savannah

After landing at SAV:

• Deplane and follow signs to baggage claim (if you checked bags).
• Pick up any rental car or head to the rideshare/taxi area.
• Plan about 20–30 minutes to reach most downtown Savannah hotels from the airport.

Considering Alternatives: Drive, Bus, or Train From Atlanta to Savannah

Many Atlantans compare flying with other options before deciding.

Driving From Atlanta to Savannah

Approximate driving route:

• Take I‑75 South from Atlanta toward Macon
• Connect to I‑16 East toward Savannah

General driving time:

• About 3.5–4.5 hours, depending on traffic and exact starting point.

Pros:

• Maximum flexibility on timing and stops
• Easy if you live near major interstates
• No airport hassle or security lines
• Convenient for families, pets, and luggage

Cons:

• You have to drive the whole way (or share driving)
• Possible congestion leaving Atlanta or around Macon

Bus Options (Atlanta to Savannah)

Intercity bus services may run between Atlanta and Savannah from locations like:

• Near downtown Atlanta or Hapeville/airport area
• Arrival near downtown Savannah

Pros:

• Generally cheaper than flying
• No need to drive or park
• Can be a good choice for students or budget travelers

Cons:

• Longer total travel time than either driving yourself or flying
• Less flexibility with schedules

Rail Options

At certain times and schedules, you may be able to connect between Atlanta and Savannah by train or a train+bus combination, though direct service isn’t always straightforward.

This can appeal to someone who:

• Prefers not to fly or drive
• Enjoys train travel and is flexible with timing

Because schedules and routes can change, it’s wise for Atlanta travelers to check current options before planning around rail.

Tips for Atlanta Travelers Planning This Trip

• Think door-to-door, not just flight time. From many Atlanta neighborhoods, the actual time to fly ATL → SAV can be similar to driving when you include airport logistics.
• Consider your starting point.
  • If you’re staying near the airport (College Park, Hapeville), flying can be quicker and easier.
  • If you’re in far northern suburbs, the drive to ATL plus flight time may not beat simply driving the whole way.
• Combine modes if it helps.
  • Some people fly one way and drive back, especially if they want a rental car for a few days but don’t want to drive both directions.
• Check weather and busy travel days.
  • Around holidays, large events, or major storms, delays at ATL are more common, which can affect such a short route.

By understanding the realistic time, cost, and convenience trade-offs, you can decide whether flying from Atlanta to Savannah fits your needs—or whether you’re better off driving or using ground transportation. For many Atlanta-based travelers, the decision comes down to where you’re starting in the metro area, whether you’re already connecting through ATL, and how much you value avoiding time behind the wheel.