Public Transportation: Savannah

Chatham Area Transit CAT Bus System

Chatham Area Transit (CAT) manages the public bus system in Savannah. It covers the Historic District, major commercial areas, residential neighborhoods, and links to the airport.

The CAT bus system is a practical and economical option for getting around.

Features & Hubs

Routes: Several bus routes traverse the Historic District and extend to other parts of the city.
Main Hub: Joe Murray Rivers, Jr. Intermodal Transit Center (610 W Oglethorpe Ave), adjacent to Greyhound and near Amtrak.
Route Maps: Detailed route maps and schedules are available on the CAT website (CatchACat.org) and at the Transit Center.
Payment: Exact change is required if paying cash on the bus. Drivers do not carry change.

Ticketing & Fares

CAT offers various fare options: Single Ride: $1.50, Day Pass: $3.00, 3-Day Pass: $6.00, Weekly Pass: $10.00.

Hours & Frequency

Buses generally run from early morning (around 5:30 AM) until late evening (approximately 11 PM or midnight). Frequency differs by route and time of day.

Accessibility

CAT buses feature wheelchair accessibility, including ramps or lifts and designated seating areas, available to travelers with mobility challenges.

Fare-Free Downtown Loop DOT Shuttle

Shuttle Overview

CAT also manages the Downtown Loop, a fare-free service.
Runs frequently within the Historic District on a fixed loop.
Connects major attractions, parking garages, and River Street.

Tips for Efficiency

Use Google Maps for real-time bus tracking and route planning.
Plan ahead, especially for less frequent routes or during weekends.
If paying cash, have the exact $1.50 fare for a single ride.

Navigating Efficiently

Google Maps

Valuable for real-time tracking.

Plan Ahead

Avoid long waits on less frequent routes.

Exact Change

Needed if paying cash on the bus.

DOT Shuttle

A free and convenient option for core Savannah.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services furnish convenient, on-demand transportation options in Savannah, especially when you opt not to walk or use public transit.

Taxi Services

Identification: Licensed taxis use meters and have clear branding.
Hailing: Find taxis at major hotels, the airport, and designated taxi stands. Hailing on the street is less common.
Fares: Metered, based on distance and time. Short rides within Historic District are $8-$15.
Payment: Generally accept major credit cards; cash also an option. Tipping (15-20%) is customary.

Ride-Sharing Uber & Lyft

Availability: Widely available and popular in Savannah.
How they work: Use the app to request a ride, enter destination, get estimated fare.
Convenience: Often quicker and more readily available than traditional taxis, especially outside busiest areas.
Safety: Always confirm driver and vehicle match app details before entering. Share trip details via in-app safety features.

Airport/Station Taxi Arrangements

Readily available at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV).
Also available at the Amtrak station.
Accessible at the Greyhound station.

Follow signs for designated pick-up zones for ride-sharing services at SAV.
Designated zones simplify finding your ride.
At night, especially if alone, stick to well-lit areas while waiting for your ride.

Rental Options

Car Rental

Car rental agencies at SAV and city locations. Requirements: 25+ age, valid driver's license (IDP suggested for international), major credit card. DiscoverCars.com offers options.

Motorcycle/Scooter

Less common, specialized shops may offer. Requires valid motorcycle endorsement on license. Inquire about Helmet laws.

Bicycle Rentals

Several private companies offer bike rentals (e.g., Savannah On Wheels, Pedego Electric Bikes). Daily rates from $25-$40. Cycling an appealing option in the Historic District.

Walking & Cycling

Walking and cycling are excellent ways to experience Savannah's unique atmosphere, especially within its Historic District.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Savannah's Historic District stands highly pedestrian-friendly, ideal for walking.
Its original city plan, presenting a grid of streets and numerous public squares, proves ideal for walking.
The tree-lined avenues and architectural beauty encourage leisurely strolls.
Wear comfortable shoes. Cobblestone streets, especially on River Street, can be uneven.

Walking Tour Options

Savannah forms a city best explored on foot, and various walking tour options serve different interests.
Guided Tours: Focus on history, architecture, ghosts, or food.
Self-guided Tours: Use guidebooks, maps, or apps. Many online resources provide walking routes.
When walking, look up from your phone occasionally. Savannah’s beauty is in its details, and the cobblestones require your attention to avoid trips.

Bicycle Infrastructure & Safety

Bike Lanes

Some streets have designated bike lanes, especially outside the immediate Historic District.

Shared roads within Historic District.

Tybee Island Cycling

Tybee Island offers a more developed network of bike paths, making it a pleasant place for cycling.

Ideal for beachside rides.

Safety Tips

Wear a helmet. Use lights if riding at dusk or night. Be aware of car traffic and pedestrians.

Exercise caution on busy streets.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses & Hop-on-Hop-off

Popular Services: Old Town Trolley Tours and Old Savannah Tours are popular options.
How they work: Open-air trolleys follow specific routes, stopping at major attractions with live narration.
Benefits: Offer a convenient and comprehensive overview of the city, especially for limited time or mobility challenges.

Other Unique Options

Horse-drawn Carriage Tours: A romantic way to see the Historic District with narrated historical tours.
Pedicabs/Bicycle Rickshaws: For short rides, especially on River Street or around City Market. Agree on fare beforehand.
Savannah Riverboat Cruises: Offer sightseeing, dinner, and special event cruises on the river.

No-Go Areas & Accessibility Challenges

Safety Caution

While no specific "no-go" areas exist during the day, exercise caution in less-populated or industrial zones.
At night, stick to well-lit, well-trafficked tourist areas. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods late at night.
Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

Mobility Considerations

The Historic District's cobblestone streets and narrow sidewalks may present challenges for travelers with mobility needs.
It is wise to call specific attractions or accommodations beforehand to confirm their accessibility features.
Newer hotels and attractions generally adhere to ADA standards.

Final Recommendation

Hop-on-hop-off trolley tours provide an excellent orientation to the city. They help you decide which attractions to revisit at your leisure.

These tours frequently offer valuable historical commentary and a comfortable way to cover significant ground.

Public Transportation