Traveling from Atlanta, Georgia to Savannah: Routes, Tips, and What to Expect

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and planning a trip to Savannah, you’re looking at one of the most popular in-state routes. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), or are just exploring Georgia, the journey to Savannah is straightforward and flexible.

This guide walks through how to get from Atlanta to Savannah, the best routes, driving vs. flying vs. bus/train, typical travel times, and practical tips tailored specifically to people starting in or passing through Atlanta.

How Far Is It from Atlanta to Savannah?

The distance between Atlanta and Savannah is roughly:

• 250–260 miles by car (depending on your exact starting and ending points)
• Typically 3.5 to 4.5 hours of driving in normal traffic
• About 45 minutes to 1 hour of flight time (not including airport time)

Most travelers from Atlanta choose between:

1. Driving (I‑75 / I‑16) – Most common choice
2. Flying ATL → SAV – Fast but includes airport time
3. Bus – Budget-friendly, slower
4. Train + connection – Possible but not direct

Driving from Atlanta to Savannah

For most Atlanta residents and visitors, driving is the simplest and most flexible way to get to Savannah.

Main Driving Route: I‑75 South and I‑16 East

The standard route from Downtown Atlanta or Midtown is:

1. Get on I‑75/I‑85 South from central Atlanta
2. Continue on I‑75 South toward Macon
3. Near Macon, take I‑16 East toward Savannah
4. Stay on I‑16 East until it ends in downtown Savannah

Approximate travel time:

• 3.5–4 hours with light to moderate traffic
• 4+ hours during peak travel or heavy construction

Alternate Routes and When They Help

While I‑75/I‑16 is the most direct, some Atlanta drivers occasionally consider:

• I‑20 East to Augusta, then US routes to Savannah – Usually longer and less convenient unless you’re combining trips.
• State highways through smaller towns – More scenic but slower; useful if there’s major traffic or you want a road trip feel.

For most people starting in Atlanta, staying on I‑75 South then I‑16 East is the clearest and quickest option.

Traffic Considerations Leaving Atlanta

From an Atlanta perspective, the biggest variable is getting out of the city:

• Peak traffic times to avoid:
  • Weekday mornings: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
  • Weekday evenings: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.
• Congestion hot spots:
  • The Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) through Midtown and Downtown
  • Interchanges near I‑285, especially the Connector/I‑20 junction

If you’re leaving from:

• Downtown / Midtown / Buckhead:
  • Budget extra time to clear the Connector.
• Southside (College Park, East Point, Hapeville, Forest Park):
  • You’re closer to I‑75 South; traffic is often lighter than in central Atlanta.
• Northside suburbs (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Marietta):
  • Expect added time passing through or around the city via I‑285.

⏱️ Tip: Many Atlanta drivers find it easier to leave after the morning rush (around 10 a.m.), which often gets them into Savannah by mid‑afternoon.

Where to Stop Along the Way

The Atlanta–Savannah drive is long enough that many people like to stop for food, gas, or a stretch.

Common stop areas for Atlantans include:

• Macon area (about 1.5 hours from Atlanta):
  • Good midpoint for gas, food, and restrooms.
  • Located along I‑75 before you connect to I‑16.
• Dublin area (on I‑16):
  • Smaller city with fast food, sit‑down restaurants, and lodging.
• Metter or Statesboro exits (closer to Savannah):
  • Useful if you’re low on gas near the end of the drive.

Most major exits along I‑75 and I‑16 have well-marked services, so you don’t need to overplan stops, but families traveling from Atlanta often aim for Macon or Dublin as predictable breaks.

Flying from Atlanta (ATL) to Savannah (SAV)

If you’re short on time or connecting through Atlanta by air, flying from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is an option.

Typical Flight Experience

• Flight time: about 45 minutes to 1 hour in the air
• Total travel time door-to-door: often 3–4 hours once you include:
  • Getting to ATL from your part of Atlanta
  • Security, boarding, taxi time
  • Disembarking in Savannah and getting baggage or ground transport

For many metro Atlanta residents, this means that door-to-door, flying may take a similar amount of time as driving—especially if you don’t live near the airport.

Getting to ATL from Around Atlanta

Some common ways Atlanta residents reach ATL:

• MARTA rail:
  • The Airport Station is at the south end of the Red and Gold Lines.
  • Useful if you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or near MARTA park-and-ride lots.
• Driving and parking:
  • On-site parking: via Domestic Terminal or International Terminal lots and decks.
  • Off-airport parking: private lots and shuttles surrounding ATL.

The airport address for planning:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320

When Flying Makes Sense from Atlanta

Flying ATL → SAV is more appealing if:

• You’re already connecting through ATL from another city and continuing on to Savannah.
• You prefer not to drive several hours.
• You value being in Savannah as early as possible and are comfortable with airport routines.

For a typical Atlanta resident planning a weekend in Savannah, driving is usually more flexible and cost‑effective, but flying can make sense for tight schedules or business travel.

Bus Options from Atlanta to Savannah

For travelers in Atlanta who don’t want to drive and want a budget-friendly choice, buses can be a practical option.

What to Expect with Bus Travel

• Departure points: Often near or within central Atlanta; some services use stations close to Downtown or by major interstates.
• Travel time: Often 4.5–6 hours, depending on route and stops.
• Comfort level: Varies by bus company, but most long-distance buses offer reclining seats and overhead storage.

Pros from an Atlanta perspective:

• You avoid driving the full distance and paying for gas.
• You can be dropped off close to central Savannah, where it’s easier to walk, use rideshare, or connect to local transit.

Cons:

• You’re tied to a fixed schedule.
• Travel time can be longer than driving, especially if there are multiple stops.

If you’re staying near central Atlanta—Downtown, Midtown, or near MARTA rail—reaching the bus departure location is typically manageable via MARTA, rideshare, or a short drive.

Train and Rail Options

There is no direct passenger train from Atlanta to Savannah. However, some travelers consider rail via another city:

• You would generally need to travel to another hub (often not practical from Atlanta) and then take Amtrak or other passenger rail to Savannah.
• This often ends up slower and more complex than driving or using a direct bus from Atlanta.

From an Atlanta resident’s standpoint, rail is typically chosen only by train enthusiasts or travelers planning a more complex multi-city itinerary, rather than as a main Atlanta–Savannah option.

Comparing Your Options: Atlanta to Savannah

Below is a simple comparison tailored to people starting in or near Atlanta:

*Times are approximations from typical Atlanta starting points.

Best Time of Year to Travel from Atlanta to Savannah

Because both cities are in Georgia, weather and seasons play a noticeable role in travel planning.

Weather and Seasonal Considerations

• Spring (March–May):
  • Popular time for Atlantans to head to Savannah for milder temperatures and festivals.
  • Roads and downtown areas can be busier during major events in both cities.
• Summer (June–August):
  • Hot and humid in both Atlanta and Savannah.
  • Plan your car’s AC and cooling system to be in good shape before a long drive.
• Fall (September–November):
  • Often considered ideal by many Atlanta residents: more comfortable temperatures and scenic drives.
• Winter (December–February):
  • Generally mild, but be alert for occasional winter weather events that can affect Atlanta roads, especially ice.

Because Atlanta’s traffic can worsen in bad weather, checking conditions before leaving, especially in winter or during heavy storms, is helpful.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents Driving to Savannah

If you’re planning to leave from Atlanta by car, a few Atlanta-specific tips can make the trip smoother.

1. Plan Your Departure Around Atlanta Traffic

• Aim to avoid peak rush hours on I‑75/I‑85.
• For a weekend trip, many Atlantans:
  • Leave Friday late morning or midday, or
  • Depart early Saturday morning, before traffic builds.

2. Choose Your Starting Route Within Atlanta

Depending on your neighborhood:

• In-town (Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland):
  • Use surface streets like North Avenue, Freedom Parkway, or 10th Street to access the Connector, watching for events that might cause closures.
• Buckhead / Brookhaven / Sandy Springs:
  • Decide whether I‑400 → I‑85 → Connector or I‑285 to I‑75 feels more predictable, depending on live traffic.
• Westside (West Midtown, Smyrna, Vinings):
  • I‑285 West to I‑75 South can help you skip some central congestion.
• Southside (Hapeville, College Park, East Point):
  • You have an advantage: you’re already closer to I‑75 South, so your route is usually smoother.

3. Fuel, Food, and Restroom Stops

• Many Atlanta-based drivers top off gas before leaving metro Atlanta, so they’re not forced to stop in a congested area or at a crowded travel plaza.
• Recommended stop rhythm:
  • 1st stop in or around Macon
  • Optional 2nd stop near Dublin or Metter if you’re traveling with kids or older adults.

4. Vehicle Prep in Metro Atlanta

Before leaving Atlanta:

• Consider checking:
  • Tire pressure
  • Fluids (oil, coolant, windshield washer)
  • Spare tire or inflator kit
• Many people in the city have vehicles serviced at local shops near home or work in Atlanta during the week, then take the trip to Savannah with added peace of mind.

Ground Transportation in Savannah After You Arrive

From an Atlanta traveler’s viewpoint, it helps to know how you’ll get around once you arrive.

If You Drove from Atlanta

• Parking in historic downtown Savannah can be:
  • Metered on-street spots
  • City garages or private lots
• Compared with Atlanta, the grid downtown is more compact, but some visitors find parking tight during busy seasons.

If You Flew ATL → SAV

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is located northwest of downtown Savannah.

• Airport address (for planning and GPS):
  Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
  400 Airways Ave
  Savannah, GA 31408

Ground options from SAV:

• Rental cars at the airport
• Rideshare and taxis to downtown or nearby islands
• Hotel shuttles (for some properties)

From Atlanta’s perspective, many residents prefer to drive their own car because it avoids coordinating transport on both ends.

Choosing the Best Way from Atlanta to Savannah

If you’re based in Atlanta, visiting the city, or connecting through ATL, your ideal route to Savannah depends on your priorities:

• Choose driving if you want:

  • Maximum flexibility with timing and stops
  • To keep costs down for families or groups
  • A simple, direct route you control from door to door

• Choose flying if you:

  • Are already at Hartsfield–Jackson for another trip
  • Need to minimize your time on the road
  • Don’t mind airport security and boarding routines

• Choose a bus if you:

  • Don’t have a car in Atlanta
  • Prefer a budget‑friendlier option and are okay with a longer ride

From an Atlanta standpoint, the I‑75 South to I‑16 East drive remains the most common and straightforward way to get from Atlanta, Georgia to Savannah, with the flexibility and independence most local travelers prefer.