How to Get to Savannah. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

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) to the northwest of Savannah’s Historic District.

Airport Facilities

Car Hire Companies (DiscoverCars.com) are right at the airport.
Dining Options: restaurants, cafes, snack bars available.
Stores: Newsstands and gift shops offer travel necessities.

Airport Transfers

Once you arrive at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), several options are available for reaching the Heritage 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) links 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 well-situated 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 Heritage 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 assistance to Savannah, linking the town to various U.S. Destinations. It is an budget-friendly choice. The station is at 610 W Oglethorpe Ave, near the Historical Quarter.

Self-Driving

Valid U.S. Driver's license needed; International Driving Permit (IDP) strongly suggested for tourists from other countries.

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.
Downtown streets in the Old Town 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 vehicle storage and numerous paid parking structures 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 by walking, DOT shuttle, or ride-sharing a ride for city travel.

Sea/River Arrivals

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

Cruise Ship & River Services

The Port of Savannah ranks as one of the most active 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. Border control (CBP) procedures apply, similar to airport entry.

Port Procedures

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

No Border Crossings

As Savannah is withwithin 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.
There are no exit fees for departing from U.S. Airports, train stations, or bus stations 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 A couple of hours before 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 be quicker and proceed directly to bag drop or security.

Train and Bus Departure

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

Station Arrivals

Train (Amtrak): Arrive at the Amtrak station at least 30-THREE-QUARTERS of an hour before leaving.
Bus (Greyhound): Arrive at the Greyhound station at least 30-AN hour 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 arranging your departure 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, stores, restrooms, waiting areas.
Amtrak Station: Basic waiting areas, restrooms, places to buy tickets.
Greyhound Station: Waiting area, restrooms, ticket counter.

Security Checkpoints

Security checkpoints are clearly represented at the airport. Be made with your ID and boarding pass.

Preparation Tips

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

No Additional Fees

Exit Fees

There are no specific exit fees travelers must pay when leaving 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 encompasses all charges, so no hidden fees upon departure.

Departure Strategy

Consider checking in online with your airline in order to save time and ease your the process of leaving, allowing you to bypass potential lines at the ticket counter.

How to Get to Savannah