How Far Is It from Savannah, Georgia to Atlanta, Georgia?

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or are planning a trip between Savannah and Atlanta, it helps to know exactly how far it is, how long it takes, and the best ways to travel between the two major Georgia cities.

Below is a clear breakdown of distance, drive time, routes, and travel options from Savannah, GA to Atlanta, GA—written with an Atlanta-based traveler in mind.

The Basic Answer: Distance from Savannah to Atlanta

The distance from Savannah, Georgia to Atlanta, Georgia depends a bit on your starting and ending points, but for most travelers:

• Driving distance: about 250–260 miles
• Typical drive time: about 3.5 to 4.5 hours by car, in normal traffic
• Main route:I‑16 West from Savannah, then I‑75 North into Atlanta

For most people going from Downtown Savannah to Downtown Atlanta (for example, from near Savannah’s Historic District to around Five Points, Peachtree Center, or the Georgia State Capitol), the distance is roughly 248–255 miles by highway.

Main Driving Route: Savannah to Atlanta by Car

If you’re in Atlanta and thinking about driving to Savannah (or vice versa), you’ll most likely follow a simple interstate route.

Standard Route (Fastest and Most Common)

Savannah → Atlanta by car:

1. Start on I‑16 West out of Savannah.
2. Continue on I‑16 for roughly 165–175 miles toward Macon.
3. Merge onto I‑75 North near Macon.
4. Stay on I‑75 North for roughly 80–90 miles into Metro Atlanta.
5. Continue on I‑75 or follow local exits to your destination in the City of Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, airport area, etc.).

This is the route most drivers choose because:

• It’s straightforward (just two interstates).
• It’s generally well-maintained.
• There are plenty of stops along the way (gas, food, rest areas).

How Travel Time Changes Depending on Where You’re Going in Atlanta

“Atlanta” can mean different places—Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, the airport area, or suburban cities inside the metro area. That can change your drive time slightly.

Here’s a simple overview for a typical trip from Downtown Savannah:

*Times assume generally normal conditions. Heavy traffic, construction, or severe weather can increase your trip length.

If you’re staying in central neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, or West Midtown, your time will be similar to the Downtown/Midtown estimates.

Traffic Factors Atlanta Travelers Should Expect

From the Atlanta side, your departure time makes a big difference in the total time between Atlanta and Savannah.

Busier Times Leaving Atlanta for Savannah

If you’re driving Atlanta → Savannah:

• Morning rush (roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.): Congestion on I‑75/I‑85 through Downtown, the I‑285 interchanges, and approaches to the airport can add 20–45 minutes.
• Afternoon/evening rush (roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.): Similar slowdown, especially if you’re leaving from Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.
• Friday afternoons: Often slower, especially outbound traffic from the city heading toward the weekend.

Once you’re past the Atlanta metro area and well onto I‑16 East or West, traffic tends to be lighter and more predictable.

When the Drive Is Easiest

From an Atlanta perspective, smoother times to travel are:

• Late morning to early afternoon, midweek (Tuesday–Thursday).
• Early Saturday or Sunday mornings.
• Late evenings, if you are comfortable driving at night.

Alternate Routes and Scenic Options

Most people stick with I‑16 and I‑75, but sometimes you may want to adjust your route.

Scenic or Less-Interstate-Heavy Drives

You can include more US highways or Georgia state routes, for example:

• Mixing in US‑341 near Macon for a small-town route.
• Stretching your trip to visit Macon or Warner Robins.

These add a bit of drive time but can make the trip more interesting if you’re not in a rush.

Atlanta to Savannah by Bus, Train, or Plane

If you’re in Atlanta and don’t want to drive, there are other travel options to reach Savannah.

Bus Travel (Atlanta ↔ Savannah)

Intercity bus services typically operate between Atlanta and Savannah, often with stops in Macon or other Georgia cities.

Common patterns:

• Departure points in Atlanta are often near Downtown or Midtown, sometimes close to MARTA transit hubs.
• Arrival in Savannah is often near the downtown or central bus terminal.
• Travel time is typically 4.5–6 hours, depending on routing and stops.

Bus travel can be useful if:

• You don’t have a car in Atlanta.
• You prefer not to deal with interstate driving or Atlanta traffic.
• You’re looking for a budget-friendly transportation option.

From many Atlanta areas, you can reach the bus departure points by MARTA rail or bus, then board the intercity bus to Savannah.

Train Travel

There is no direct, high-frequency, same-day rail shuttle focused just on Atlanta–Savannah in the way some travelers might imagine (like local commuter trains). Long-distance passenger rail service in Georgia connects certain cities, but schedules and routings can be limiting or indirect between Atlanta and Savannah.

If you’re set on using rail, you would generally need to:

• Check long-distance or regional passenger train options.
• Be prepared for longer travel times and possibly less convenient schedules than driving or flying.

For most Atlanta-based travelers, train isn’t the primary choice for this specific route.

Flying from Atlanta to Savannah

Flying between Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) can be faster in the air, but total travel time often includes:

• Getting to ATL from your neighborhood (via car, MARTA, or rideshare).
• Arriving early for check-in and security.
• Possible waiting time for baggage or ground transportation in Savannah.

Key points:

• Flight time is usually around 45–60 minutes in the air.
• Door-to-door time (home/hotel in Atlanta to final destination in Savannah) can still take 3–4 hours, similar to driving, depending on how close you are to both airports and how busy they are.
• Flying may be most attractive if:
  • You’re connecting onward from Savannah to another destination.
  • You prefer to avoid longer periods of driving.
  • You find a fare that fits your schedule and budget.

How the Route Connects Major Georgia Landmarks

If you’re based in Atlanta and want to plan a road trip to Savannah, the route offers convenient access to several Georgia stops.

On a typical Atlanta → Savannah drive:

• You will pass through or near Macon, a central Georgia city that many Atlantans use as a rest or meal stop.
• Approaching Savannah, you’ll have relatively quick access to:
  • Savannah’s Historic District
  • River Street
  • Tybee Island (a bit farther east from Savannah, if you’re heading to the beach)

If you’re planning a longer Georgia itinerary from Atlanta, you can combine:

• Atlanta → Macon → Savannah, then possibly down to coastal communities or nearby islands.

Practical Tips for Atlanta-Based Travelers

1. Choosing When to Leave Atlanta

To minimize total travel time between Atlanta and Savannah:

• Aim to avoid the heaviest rush hour times on weekdays.
• Consider leaving:
  • Before 6:30 a.m. on weekdays.
  • After 9:30 a.m. but before mid-afternoon.
  • Later in the evening, if you’re comfortable driving in the dark.

2. Planning Gas and Food Stops

From an Atlanta driver’s perspective:

• You’ll find many service stations, fast food options, and rest stops on:
  • I‑75, from Metro Atlanta down toward Macon.
  • I‑16, from Macon toward Savannah.
• Many Atlanta travelers like to stop around the Macon area to break up the drive roughly halfway.

3. Weather and Road Conditions

Heavy rain, thunderstorms, or occasional severe weather in Georgia can:

• Reduce visibility.
• Slow traffic on both interstates.
• Increase total travel time between Savannah and Atlanta.

Before you head out from Atlanta, it’s useful to:

• Check local weather for both Atlanta and Savannah.
• Look at live traffic or construction updates for I‑75 and I‑16.

Approximate Distances from Key Atlanta Spots to Savannah

If you’re starting from different parts of the Atlanta area, your mileage may vary slightly.

From Atlanta area starting points to Downtown Savannah:

• Downtown Atlanta (Five Points area): ~250 miles
• Midtown Atlanta (near Arts Center or North Avenue): ~255 miles
• Buckhead (Lenox/Peachtree area): ~260 miles
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): ~245–250 miles
• Decatur (city center): ~255 miles
• Smyrna/Marietta area: ~260–270 miles

The core takeaway: For most travelers in the Atlanta urban core, Savannah is roughly a 4-hour drive and about 250–260 miles away by freeway.

When Someone in Atlanta Might Choose Each Travel Option

Here’s a quick, Atlanta-focused summary of how to decide:

• Drive (most common):

  • You prefer flexibility.
  • You’re traveling with family, pets, or a group.
  • You want to stop in Macon or other towns along the way.
  • You’re comfortable with a 3.5–4.5 hour highway drive.

• Bus:

  • You don’t have a car in Atlanta.
  • You want a more budget-friendly option.
  • You don’t mind a bit of extra time on the road.

• Plane:

  • You’re already at or near ATL (for example, on a connection).
  • You’re continuing on beyond Savannah.
  • You prefer flying even if the door-to-door time is similar to driving.

• Train (less common for this specific route):

  • You specifically prefer rail travel and can work around more limited schedules.

In everyday terms for an Atlanta resident or visitor: Savannah is a manageable, half-day trip away, roughly 250 miles from Atlanta, with most people choosing a straightforward drive down I‑75 and I‑16 that typically takes about 3.5 to 4.5 hours each way.