Air Travel: Savannah

Airport Facilities and Services

Major Airport Access

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is the main airport for the Savannah area. It sits approximately 8 miles (13 kilometers) northwest of Savannah’s Historic District.

Airport Facilities

Car Rental Services (DiscoverCars.com) are directly at the airport.
Dining Options: restaurants, cafes, snack bars available.
Retail Shops: Newsstands and gift shops offer travel necessities.

Airport Transfers

Once you arrive at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), several options exist for reaching the Historic District or your accommodation.

Transfer Options

Taxi/Ride-sharing: Taxis readily available. Uber and Lyft operate at SAV, offering convenient on-demand service.
Shuttle Services: Several private shuttle companies offer shared-ride and private transfers.
Public Bus: Chatham Area Transit (CAT) Route 14 (Abercorn Express) connects the airport to downtown Savannah.

Airlines & Typical Routes

SAV accommodates a range of major U.S. Carriers, offering connections to many cities across the United States: Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines.

International Connections

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) presently lacks direct international flights from major global hubs. International travelers typically route through larger U.S. Gateway airports like Atlanta (ATL) or Charlotte (CLT).

Seasonal Flight Pricing

Flight prices to Savannah may fluctuate throughout the year. Peak seasons (March-May, late Sept-Nov) and holidays often carry higher prices. Off-peak (June-Aug, Jan-Feb) periods frequently yield better deals. Use Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Airport Facilities & Services

Passenger Amenities

Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport terminal.
ATMs conveniently located throughout the terminal.
Standard baggage claim services for all arrivals.
The airport offers efficient processing through security and baggage claim.

Connecting to the City

Taxi/Ride-sharing: Fares to the Historic District typically range from $30-$40.
Public Bus: CAT Route 14 fare is $1.50 (exact change or pass needed).
Car Rental: Picking up a rental car at the airport a practical choice for flexibility.
Follow signs for designated pick-up zones for ride-sharing services.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Amtrak furnishes passenger rail service to Savannah. The city serves as a stop on two popular routes: "Palmetto" (NYC to Savannah) and "Silver Meteor" (NYC to Miami). The station is 261 Cramer St.

Long-Distance Bus

Greyhound offers long-distance bus service to Savannah, linking the city to various U.S. Destinations. It is an economical option. The station is at 610 W Oglethorpe Ave, near the Historic District.

Self-Driving

Valid U.S. Driver's license needed; International Driving Permit (IDP) strongly suggested for international visitors.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Driving Requirements

Driving in the U.S. Keeps to the right side of the road. Seat belt usage is compulsory for all occupants. Speed limits appear enforced and vary by road type.

Road Conditions

Major highways (I-95, I-16) are well-maintained.
City streets in the Historic District may be challenging (narrow, one-way, cobblestone).
These surfaces require slower driving and can be bumpy.

Parking Information

Parking in the Historic District can be a challenge and expensive. Metered street parking and numerous paid parking garages exist.

Parking Tips

Metered street parking: Busy, typically operates 8 AM-5 PM, Mon-Sat. Read signs carefully.
Paid Garages: Most convenient for longer stays or if street parking is unavailable. Rates can accumulate.
Strategy: Park your car at your hotel or a paid garage and rely on walking, DOT shuttle, or ride-sharing for city travel.

Sea/River Arrivals

While Savannah is a major port city, its main maritime activity involves cargo, not passenger ferry services between cities.

Cruise Ship & River Services

The Port of Savannah ranks as one of the busiest container ports in North America.
Occasionally, cruise ships visit Savannah as a port of call, typically for a single day.
Savannah Riverboat Cruises offer sightseeing and dinner cruises, mainly for leisure, not commuting.

Immigration & Connections

For international cruise ship arrivals, standard U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) procedures apply, similar to airport entry.

Port Procedures

Passengers present passports and may undergo a brief inspection by CBP officers.
Transportation from the cruise dock to the Historic District typically cruise line-arranged, or taxis/ride-sharing.
The cruise docking area is often close to River Street, rendering easy access to the city center.

No Border Crossings

As Savannah is within the United States, no international border crossings directly apply to reaching the city via land within the U.S.
If traveling from Canada or Mexico by land, standard U.S. Land border entry procedures apply before you enter the U.S. Mainland.
These procedures include passport presentation and possible inspections.

No specific entry fees for the U.S. Beyond visa application fees or the ESTA fee.
No specific exit fees or taxes for departing from U.S. Airports, train stations, or bus terminals beyond those already included in your ticket price.
The price you pay for your ticket typically covers all applicable taxes and fees.

Departure Information

Departure Timing Recommendations

Plan your arrival time at the airport or station based on your mode of transport.

Air Travel SAV

Domestic Flights: Arrive at SAV at least 90 minutes to 2 hours prior to departure.
International Connections: Arrive at SAV at least 2-3 hours before your flight if connecting internationally.
Online Check-in: Check-in online with your airline to save time and proceed directly to bag drop or security.

Train and Bus Departure

Ensure ample time for check-in and luggage if needed.

Station Arrivals

Train (Amtrak): Arrive at the Amtrak station at least 30-45 minutes before departure.
Bus (Greyhound): Arrive at the Greyhound station at least 30-60 minutes before departure, especially for luggage or tickets.
Both stations provide basic waiting facilities.

Airport Efficiency

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) generally offers efficient security and baggage processing, contributing to a smoother departure experience.

Reconfirm Schedule

Reconfirm your flight, train, or bus schedule 24-48 hours before your departure. This supports your departure planning by keeping you informed of any changes or delays.

Baggage Drop-off

Allow ample time for baggage drop-off, especially if you have checked luggage. Online check-in can often expedite this process.

General Departure Tips

Station Facilities

Savannah's transportation hubs offer basic amenities for departing travelers.

Amenities Available

SAV Airport: Dining options, retail shops, restrooms, waiting areas.
Amtrak Station: Basic waiting areas, restrooms, ticket counters.
Greyhound Station: Waiting area, restrooms, ticket counter.

Security Checkpoints

Security checkpoints are clearly marked at the airport. Be prepared with your ID and boarding pass.

Preparation Tips

Have your government-issued photo ID ready.
Boarding pass easily accessible (digital or print).
Follow TSA guidelines for liquids and electronics.

No Additional Fees

Exit Fees

There are no specific exit fees travelers must pay when departing from U.S. Airports.

Taxes Included

Any applicable taxes and fees are typically included in the price of your airline, train, or bus ticket.

Final Check

Your ticket price covers all charges, so no hidden fees upon departure.

Departure Strategy

Consider checking in online with your airline to save time and streamline your departure process, allowing you to bypass potential lines at the ticket counter.

Air Travel