How Far Is Atlanta From Savannah? A Local’s Guide to Distance, Drive Times, and the Best Ways to Go

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and dreaming about a getaway to the Savannah coast, you’re probably wondering: How far is Atlanta from Savannah, really—and what’s the easiest way to get there?

Here’s a clear, Atlanta-focused breakdown of distance, travel options, and what you should know before you go.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Savannah

In simple terms:

• Driving distance: about 250–260 miles
• Typical drive time: around 3.5 to 4.5 hours (depending on traffic and exact route)
• Straight-line (“as the crow flies”) distance: roughly 220 miles

For most people in Atlanta, the drive down I‑75 and I‑16 is the most common route.

Main Driving Routes from Atlanta to Savannah

If you’re starting from Downtown Atlanta, Midtown, Buckhead, or nearby neighborhoods, you’ll almost always use one of these routes:

1. The Most Common Route: I‑75 S → I‑16 E

This is what GPS usually recommends.

• Approx. distance: 250 miles
• Typical time: 3.5–4 hours in light to moderate traffic
• Basic path:
  1. Take I‑75 South out of Atlanta (often via the Downtown Connector I‑75/85).
  2. Near Macon, merge onto I‑16 East.
  3. Follow I‑16 E directly into the Savannah area.

This route is mostly interstate, with long, straight stretches—good for consistent travel speed.

2. Scenic or Back-Road Alternatives

Some Atlantans prefer a slightly more scenic or lower-stress route, especially on busy travel weekends:

• US‑19 / US‑341 / GA‑Highways via Griffin, Barnesville, or Eastman
• Time: Often a bit longer (4–5 hours), but sometimes worth it to avoid congestion.

These are better if you prefer small-town stops and fewer big-rig clusters than you see on the main interstates.

How Long Does the Drive Really Take?

The 3.5–4.5 hour estimate from Atlanta to Savannah can shift based on:

• Starting point in Atlanta:

  • From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: usually a bit shorter than from North Fulton or Gwinnett.
  • From Alpharetta / Roswell / Duluth: add 20–40 minutes to reach I‑75 or I‑285.

• Time of day:

  • Leaving Atlanta between 7–10 a.m. or 4–7 p.m. can add 30–60+ minutes.
  • Midday, nights, and early weekend mornings are often smoother.

• Traffic around Macon:

  • Construction or congestion near the I‑75 / I‑16 interchange can slow things.

• Weather:

  • Heavy rain and storms—especially in spring and summer—can add time.

Quick Reference: Atlanta → Savannah Travel Overview

Driving from Different Parts of Metro Atlanta

Because Atlanta is spread out, your starting point affects the trip to Savannah.

From Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead

• Distance: ~250 miles
• Typical time: 3.5–4 hours
• Best path:
  • Hop on I‑75/85 (Downtown Connector) southbound
  • Continue on I‑75 S, then I‑16 E to Savannah

From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

If you’re flying into Atlanta and heading straight to Savannah:

• Distance: ~245–255 miles from the airport area
• Typical time: around 3.5–4 hours
• Path:
  • From airport rental car center, follow signs to I‑285 or I‑85, then quickly connect to I‑75 S
  • Then I‑16 E to Savannah

This can be efficient if Savannah is your real destination and Atlanta is just your arrival airport.

From North Atlanta (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta)

• Add time: Typically 20–45 extra minutes to reach I‑75 S or I‑285
• Plan for:
  • Heavier traffic on GA‑400, I‑285, and the northern stretches of I‑75
  • Leaving very early in the morning helps if you want a same-day beach afternoon.

From East or West Metro (Decatur, Stone Mountain, Douglasville)

• Decatur / East Side:
  • Usually go via I‑20 and connect to I‑75 S or I‑285.
• West Side / Douglasville / Austell:
  • Often easier to hit I‑20 E, then I‑75 S, avoiding some inner-city congestion.

Is It a Day Trip or an Overnight Trip?

From Atlanta, Savannah can be a day trip, but it’s a long one.

• Day trip is realistic if:

  • You leave Atlanta early (5–7 a.m.)
  • Plan one major activity in Savannah (like walking the Historic District or visiting River Street)
  • Head back by late afternoon or early evening

• Overnight or weekend trip is more comfortable if:

  • You want to see Tybee Island, do a trolley tour, explore multiple squares, or enjoy dinner and nightlife without a long night drive back.

Many Atlantans treat Savannah as a weekend escape, leaving Friday and returning Sunday.

Flying from Atlanta to Savannah

How Far Is It by Air?

• Air distance: about 215–220 miles
• Flight time: around 45–60 minutes in the air

Direct flights between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) are common.

Total Time Door-to-Door

When you factor in:

• Arriving at ATL 1.5–2 hours early
• Security screening
• Boarding, taxiing, and deplaning
• Travel from SAV into Downtown Savannah (often 15–25 minutes by car, shuttle, or rideshare)

Your total door-to-door time from an Atlanta home to a Savannah hotel often lands around 3–4 hours—similar to driving, but with less time actually on the road.

When Flying Makes Sense

Flying from Atlanta to Savannah may be helpful if:

• You’re already connecting through ATL from another city
• You prefer to avoid a 4-hour drive
• You’re booking with points or miles and cost is low to you

Otherwise, many Atlanta residents find driving more flexible and economical, especially for families or groups.

Bus and Other Public Transportation Options

Bus Travel (Atlanta to Savannah)

Intercity bus services typically operate between Atlanta and Savannah, usually:

• Time: about 4.5–6 hours, depending on route and stops
• Departure points in Atlanta: often near Downtown or at established bus stations/terminals
• Arrival points in Savannah: near the downtown area or central corridors

For Atlantans without a car, this can be a realistic and budget-conscious option, though you’ll want to check:

• Exact departure/arrival locations
• Daily schedules
• Baggage rules and any transfer requirements

Train Travel

There isn’t a convenient, direct Atlanta–Savannah train that most travelers use. Any rail-based itinerary usually requires connections and long travel times, so it’s generally not the first choice for this specific route.

Atlanta-to-Savannah: Travel Tips for a Smoother Trip

1. Plan Around Atlanta Traffic

Atlanta’s traffic can easily add 30–60 minutes if you leave at the wrong time.

Best times to leave Atlanta:

• Weekdays:
  • Very early: before 7 a.m.
  • Mid-morning to early afternoon: roughly 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
• Weekends:
  • Early morning is ideal, especially on holiday weekends and summer.

Avoid departures right in the heart of rush hours if you want a predictable drive.

2. Good Stopping Points Between Atlanta and Savannah

Along I‑75 and I‑16, common rest and food stops include:

• Macon: about 1.5 hours from Atlanta
  • Good for gas, meals, and a quick break.
• Dublin or Statesboro areas: on or near I‑16
  • Useful if you want to split the trip more evenly.

Stopping once or twice during the drive often makes the 4-hour stretch feel more manageable, especially with kids.

3. Weather and Seasonal Considerations

• Summer:

  • Afternoon thunderstorms are common; allow extra time.
  • Savannah is hotter and more humid than Atlanta, so plan clothing accordingly.

• Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day):

  • Expect more traffic leaving Atlanta and heading toward the coast.
  • Consider leaving a day early or at off-peak times.

How Savannah Compares to Atlanta for a Quick Getaway

From an Atlanta resident’s perspective, the distance to Savannah is similar to other weekend destinations:

• Atlanta to Savannah: ~4-hour drive
• Atlanta to Charleston, SC: about 4.5–5 hours
• Atlanta to Jacksonville, FL: about 5–6 hours
• Atlanta to the Gulf Coast (e.g., Destin, FL): often 5–6 hours

This makes Savannah one of the closest true coastal and historic-city options reachable from Atlanta in half a day’s drive.

Key Takeaways for Atlantans

• Driving distance: about 250–260 miles from Atlanta to Savannah
• Typical drive time:3.5–4.5 hours via I‑75 S and I‑16 E
• Flying time: ~1 hour in the air, but usually 3–4 hours total including airport time
• Bus options: available, generally 4.5–6 hours and schedule-dependent
• Day trip possible, but many Atlantans prefer a weekend or overnight stay to enjoy the city without rushing.

If you’re in Atlanta and wondering how far Savannah really is, think of it as about half a day’s travel—close enough for a spontaneous coastal escape, far enough to feel like you’ve truly left the city behind.