Traveling from the mountains of Blue Ridge to the coastal charm of Savannah covers 340.6 miles across Georgia. You should plan for a drive time of approximately 6 hours and 23 minutes, making this a manageable but long day trip for most drivers. With a fuel budget of roughly $55, this journey is an efficient way to cross the state. While it is possible to complete the trip in a single day, the significant mileage might make you consider breaking it up to keep the experience enjoyable. You will transition from the northern Southeast region toward the coast, experiencing a distinct shift in landscape as you head toward Savannah.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
170.3 miles from Blue Ridge, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 16m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 16
164.2 mi
2h 57m
I 75
77.1 mi
1h 25m
APD Highway
39.1 mi
47m
Phillip Landrum Memorial Highway
21.1 mi
22m
Larry McDonald Memorial Highway
10.3 mi
11m
A P D Highway
10.1 mi
10m
Horace E Tate Freeway
7.3 mi
8m
Downtown Connector
5 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 16
— 164.2 mi, about 2h 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Blue Ridge, GA and Savannah, GA.
1
Start on East First Street
1.1 mi·2 min·East First Street
2
Continue on Old Highway 76
0.2 mi·28 sec·Old Highway 76
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
3
Turn left onto US 76; GA 2; GA 5; GA 515
39 mi·47 min·APD Highway
Use the straight lane.
4
Continue on I 575; GA 5
10 mi·10 min·A P D Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Continue on I 575; GA 5
10 mi·10 min·Phillip Landrum Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 575; GA 5
11 mi·11 min·Phillip Landrum Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
Merge onto I 75; GA 5
10 mi·11 min·Larry McDonald Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on I 75
7.3 mi·8 min·Horace E Tate Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 75; I 85
5.0 mi·6 min·Downtown Connector
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 75; I 85
2.3 mi·3 min·James Wendell George Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
65 mi·1 hr 11 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
12 mi·13 min·I 75
Toward Macon, SavannahUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
1.1 mi·1 min
Exit 165Toward I 16 East: Jim Gillis Highway, SavannahUse the slight right lane.
Exit 167AToward Martin Luther King Junior BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Turn left onto Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
0.8 mi·2 min·Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
18
Turn left onto GA 25 Connector
0.2 mi·21 sec·West Bay Street
19
Turn uturn
117 ft·11 sec
20
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 340.6-mile trek, aim for an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic congestion on the busier stretches of the route. Since the plan includes one designated stop, use that break strategically to refuel and stretch your legs before tackling the long 164.2-mile segment on I-16. Keep your $55 fuel budget in mind when planning your stops, and ensure your vehicle is ready for several hours of continuous highway speeds. Because the drive is over six hours long, flexibility is your best asset; if the pace feels too demanding, look for a midpoint location to pause and recharge. Staying alert during the final interstate stretch is essential for a safe arrival in Savannah.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 170.3 miles from Blue Ridge, GA, or about 3h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 164.2 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 75 miles or 1h 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 170.3 miles or 3h 16m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 16m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Savannah, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Blue Ridge, GA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Blue Ridge, GA
This is one driving day of about 340.6 miles and 6h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 75 miles from Blue Ridge, GA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 16 for about 164.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 11
5 decision points cluster between mile 60.7 and 340.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
60.7 mi into trip|~1h 12m in|I 575; GA 5 / Phillip Landrum Memorial Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 575; GA 5 / Phillip Landrum Memorial Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
8
161.3 mi into trip|~3h 6m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward Macon, Savannah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Macon, Savannah
8
173.6 mi into trip|~3h 20m in
Take the exit toward I 16 East: Jim Gillis Highway, Savannah
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 165
Toward I 16 East: Jim Gillis Highway, Savannah
8
339.5 mi into trip|~6h 20m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 167A
Toward Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
7
340.6 mi into trip|~6h 22m in
Turn uturn
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$53.26 one way
$106.52 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg119 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$58.24
$116.47
premium
$4.70
$63.04
$126.08
diesel
$5.61
$75.20
$150.40
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$53
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$78–$103
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 119.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
102.2
1
$35.76
$16.35
Efficient EV
85.2
0
$29.80
$13.62
EV Truck/SUV
136.2
1
$47.68
$21.80
Gas CO2
119 kg
EV CO2
40 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Blue Ridge, GA
Night
in Blue Ridge on Saturday
Local time
9:17 PM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Savannah, GA
Night
in Savannah on Saturday
Local time
9:17 PM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
11 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 23m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Welcome to Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. This park is a prehistoric American Indian site, where many different American Indian cultures occupied this land for thousands of years. American...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 176.2
Caution: River Trail periodically closed under I-16
Park Closure: BOARDWALK CLOSED along the River Trail
Welcome to Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park & Preservation District where a young boy grows up in a time of segregation. He was moved by destiny to lead the modern civil rights movemen...
For much of the 19th century, masonry fortifications were the United States’ main defense against overseas enemies. However, during the Civil War, new technology proved its superiority over these fort...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
$10
near mile 340.6
Today the river valley attracts us for so many reasons. Take a solitary walk to enjoy nature’s display, raft leisurely through the rocky shoals with friends, fish the misty waters as the sun comes up,...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 74% of your journey spent on high-speed roads including the APD Highway, I-75, and I-16. You will experience a mix of regional highways before settling into the interstate system for the bulk of your travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on I-16, where you will spend 164.2 miles focused on the road ahead. Because the route relies so heavily on major thoroughfares, you can expect a consistent, fast-paced drive that prioritizes efficiency over winding backroads. Prepare for a steady, focused experience behind the wheel as you navigate these primary transit corridors.
74% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 164.2 mi on I 16.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 16 and I 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 60.7 miles in near I 575; GA 5 / Phillip Landrum Memorial Highway.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 340.6 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 60.7 miles (I 575; GA 5 / Phillip Landrum Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 161.3 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 173.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Blue Ridge, GA to Savannah, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Macon along the way.
Macon
161.3 mi in|~3h 6m|via I 75
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 23m. Total distance: 340.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 23m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 164.2 miles on I 16. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Savannah, GA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 60.7 miles (I 575; GA 5 / Phillip Landrum Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 161.3 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 173.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and Fort Pulaski National Monument (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.4 hours each way, a round trip means 12.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Savannah, GA before the return drive.
