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

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a trip to Savannah, you’re not alone. Many Atlantans love heading to the coast for a weekend of history, food, and those famous oak-lined streets. The first thing most people ask is: How far is Savannah from Atlanta, really—and what’s the easiest way to get there?

Here’s a clear breakdown tailored specifically to Atlanta travelers.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Savannah

In simple terms:

• Driving distance: About 250–260 miles
• Typical driving time: Around 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic and your exact starting point
• Route: Most drivers take I-75 South → I-16 East all the way into Savannah

If you’re starting from Downtown or Midtown Atlanta (near places like Peachtree Center, Georgia State University, or the Georgia Capitol), you’ll generally cover about 250 miles to reach historic downtown Savannah.

If you’re starting from northern suburbs like Sandy Springs, Roswell, or Alpharetta, your total distance may be slightly longer and your drive time may stretch a bit, especially during rush hour.

Driving From Atlanta to Savannah: What to Expect

For most people in Atlanta, driving is the most straightforward way to get to Savannah.

Main Route: I-75 to I-16

A typical route from central Atlanta looks like this:

1. Head south on I-75/85 out of downtown.
2. Continue on I-75 South past Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
3. Take I-16 East near Macon.
4. Stay on I-16 East until it ends in Savannah, then follow city streets into the historic district or other neighborhoods.

This route is almost entirely interstate, which keeps it relatively simple even if you’re not used to long drives.

Usual Travel Time

Most Atlanta drivers should plan on:

• 3.5–4 hours in light to moderate traffic
• 4–4.5 hours or more during:
  • Friday afternoon/evening (Atlanta rush hour + weekend travel)
  • Holiday weekends
  • Peak summer vacation periods

If you’re leaving from Buckhead, Midtown, or Downtown, give yourself extra time to get onto I-75/85, especially on weekday afternoons.

Atlanta-Savannah Driving Snapshot

Times can vary with traffic, weather, and how many stops you make.

Best Time to Drive From Atlanta to Savannah

Because Atlanta traffic can add a lot of time to your trip, when you leave matters.

From Atlanta to Savannah:

• ✅ Best times to leave
  • Early morning (around 6–8 a.m.) on weekdays or Saturdays
  • Late morning to early afternoon on weekends (after the morning rush but before evening traffic)
• ⚠️ Times to avoid if possible
  • Weekday afternoons between about 3–7 p.m.
  • Friday afternoons and early evenings (rush hour + weekend travelers)
  • Holiday travel times (especially around I-75 and I-16)

If you’re in areas like Midtown, Downtown, or around the airport, try to clear the metro area before heavy rush-hour builds up.

Is Savannah a Day Trip From Atlanta?

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

• One-way: 3.5–4 hours
• Same-day round trip: 7–8+ hours of driving

For many Atlanta residents, that’s doable but tiring, especially if you plan a full day of walking around the historic district. Most people treat it as:

• A weekend getaway (Friday–Sunday or Saturday–Monday)
• A long-day trip where you leave very early and come back late

If you’re traveling with kids, pets, or a group, an overnight stay in Savannah is usually more comfortable.

Flying From Atlanta to Savannah

Some Atlantans prefer to fly instead of drive, especially for short trips or when they don’t want to spend half a day in the car.

Flight Distance and Time

• Flight distance (air miles): Around 215–230 miles
• Flight time (in the air): Usually 45–60 minutes
• Departure airport:Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Arrival airport:Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)

By the time you add:

• Driving or transit to ATL
• Check-in and security
• Boarding, taxiing, and deplaning
• Travel from SAV into downtown Savannah

You’re usually looking at around 3–4 hours door-to-door, which is comparable to driving, but can be more comfortable and predictable for some travelers.

Considering Hartsfield-Jackson Logistics

If you’re staying or living in Downtown, Midtown, or the Airport area, getting to ATL is relatively quick:

• MARTA trains serve the airport directly via the Red and Gold Lines.
• Many central Atlanta hotels offer airport shuttles or easy MARTA connections.

If you live farther north (e.g., Alpharetta, Marietta), add commute time to get to ATL when you compare flying vs. driving.

Bus or Train Options From Atlanta to Savannah

For those who don’t want to drive or fly, it’s natural to wonder about bus or train routes. Service details can change, but here’s what Atlanta travelers typically consider:

Bus Service

Intercity bus companies often run routes between Atlanta and Savannah, sometimes with a transfer in another city. Buses may depart from transportation hubs in and near downtown Atlanta.

Common tradeoffs:

• Pros:
  • You don’t have to drive or park.
  • Can be relatively affordable.
• Cons:
  • May take longer than driving due to stops and routing.
  • Schedules and frequencies can be limited depending on the day.

If you’re near Downtown Atlanta, taking a bus can be more convenient than driving to the airport for a short flight.

Train Service

Train options between Atlanta and Savannah are more limited than many people expect:

• Atlanta does have Amtrak service at the Peachtree Station (1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309).
• Savannah also has an Amtrak station.
• However, direct, convenient Atlanta–Savannah passenger rail service is not currently a standard, frequent option the way it is between some other major cities.

Most Atlanta travelers going to Savannah currently rely on driving or flying.

How Atlanta Traffic Affects Your Trip

Living in or visiting Atlanta means you’re already familiar with I-75/85 congestion. That congestion can easily stretch the first part of your drive.

To minimize frustration:

• 🕒 Avoid peak rush hours when leaving the city core.
• 📍 If you’re near Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, or the Perimeter, consider how long it takes just to reach I-75 or I-285.
• ⛽ Plan gas, snack, or rest stops outside the heaviest traffic zones (for example, after Macon on I-16).

If you’re staying in downtown Atlanta hotels or near attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or Mercedes-Benz Stadium, you’re already close to major interstates, which can save you some time getting started.

Atlanta to Savannah for Different Types of Travelers

For Atlanta Residents

If you live in Atlanta and want regular Savannah trips:

• Driving is usually the most flexible.
• Leave early on Saturday and come back Sunday afternoon for a relaxed weekend.
• If you live near MARTA rail, consider using MARTA to get to ATL if you plan to fly and don’t want to pay for airport parking.

For Visitors Staying in Atlanta

If you’re visiting Atlanta and thinking about tagging on a Savannah visit:

• Treat Savannah as a separate leg of your trip, not just a quick side stop.
• Consider picking up a rental car in Atlanta and driving yourself, especially if you want to explore Tybee Island or areas outside Savannah.
• If you’re short on time, a quick flight ATL → SAV might make more sense than a full-day round-trip drive.

For Families and Groups in Atlanta

• Car travel is often the most economical and easiest for coordination.
• Plan rest stops along I-16, especially if you’re traveling with children.
• Build in an extra time buffer so you’re not rushed on either end of the trip.

Is the Drive From Atlanta to Savannah Scenic?

The route between Atlanta and Savannah is more functional than scenic, but there are still a few things to note:

• The drive includes:
  • Urban and suburban Atlanta
  • Rural stretches between Macon and Savannah
• You can make small detours to places like:
  • Macon (historic downtown, architecture)
  • Smaller Georgia towns along the way for food or breaks

If you’re mainly interested in coastal scenery, you’ll really start feeling that once you reach the Savannah area, not so much during the interstate portion of the drive.

Quick Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

Here’s a simple summary for planning:

• Distance: Atlanta to Savannah is about 250 miles by road.
• Driving time: Plan on 3.5–4.5 hours one way from most Atlanta locations.
• Main route:I-75 South → I-16 East straight into Savannah.
• Flying: Around 45–60 minutes in the air, usually 3–4 hours door-to-door including airport time.
• Day trip: Possible, but long; many Atlantans prefer an overnight or weekend.
• Best departure times: Avoid Atlanta rush hour; early mornings are usually easiest.

Knowing this, you can decide whether a road trip, quick flight, or longer getaway makes the most sense for you, starting right here from Atlanta.