Buchanan, GA to Savannah, GA is 303.4 miles and takes about 5h 38m via I-75, I-16, and Tom Murphy Freeway, with a fuel budget near $47 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Georgia, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. With 98% of the drive on highways, expect a straightforward trip focused on covering ground efficiently. It's a solid option if you need to get from the northwest part of the state to the coast without much fuss. Plan for a single day of driving unless you want to build in stops along the way.
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
151.7 miles from Buchanan, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 52m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 16
164.2 mi
2h 57m
I 75
77.1 mi
1h 25m
Tom Murphy Freeway
45.5 mi
50m
US 27
8.3 mi
10m
James Wendell George Parkway
2.3 mi
3m
Downtown Connector
1 mi
1m
Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
0.8 mi
2m
GA 120
0.7 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 16
— 164.2 mi, about 2h 57m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 112 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~5,498 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~864 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Buchanan, GA and Savannah, GA.
1
Start on this road
301 ft·27 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto Van Wert Street
259 ft·16 sec·Van Wert Street
3
Turn left onto GA 120
0.7 mi·1 min·GA 120
4
Take the ramp
122 ft·4 sec
Use the slight right lane.
5
Merge onto US 27; GA 1
8.3 mi·10 min·US 27; GA 1
Use the straight lane.
6
Continue on US 27; GA 1
0.4 mi·32 sec·North Park Street
Use the straight lane.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 20 EastUse the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto I 20
45 mi·50 min·Tom Murphy Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Exit 57Toward I 75 North, I 85 North, I 75 South, I 85 South: Chattanooga, Greenville, Macon, MontgomeryUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 75 South, I 85 South: Macon, MontgomeryUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 75; I 85
1.0 mi·1 min·Downtown Connector
12
Continue on I 75; I 85
2.3 mi·3 min·James Wendell George Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
65 mi·1 hr 11 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
12 mi·13 min·I 75
Toward Macon, SavannahUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
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.
19
Turn left onto Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
0.8 mi·2 min·Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
20
Turn left onto GA 25 Connector
0.2 mi·21 sec·West Bay Street
21
Turn uturn
117 ft·11 sec
22
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 38m drive time, leaving Buchanan, GA in the morning should allow you to reach Savannah before evening. Your estimated fuel cost is around $47, so ensure your tank is full before departing. The longest stretch without a significant break is over 164 miles on I-16, so consider a quick stop before or after this segment. Since this is a single-day drive, you have flexibility; however, sticking to the main highways will be the most time-efficient. Keep an eye on the fuel gauge, especially as you approach Savannah, as services can sometimes be more spaced out on interstates.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 151.7 miles from Buchanan, GA, or about 2h 52m 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 67 miles or 1h 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 151.7 miles or 2h 52m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 37m
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 Buchanan, 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 Buchanan, GA
This is one driving day of about 303.4 miles and 5h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 67 miles from Buchanan, 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 55.2 and 302.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
55.2 mi into trip|~1h 4m in
Take the exit toward I 75 North, I 85 North, I 75 South, I 85 South: Chattanooga, Greenville, Macon, Montgomery
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 57
Toward I 75 North, I 85 North, I 75 South, I 85...
8
55.4 mi into trip|~1h 5m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 75 South, I 85 South: Macon, Montgomery
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 75 South, I 85 South: Macon, Montgomer...
8
124.1 mi into trip|~2h 22m 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
136.4 mi into trip|~2h 35m 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
302.3 mi into trip|~5h 35m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.79 one way
$89.59 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg106 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$49.22
$98.45
premium
$4.49
$53.66
$107.31
diesel
$4.80
$57.29
$114.58
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 106.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
91
1
$31.86
$14.56
Efficient EV
75.9
0
$26.55
$12.14
EV Truck/SUV
121.4
1
$42.48
$19.42
Gas CO2
106 kg
EV CO2
35 kg (67% 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Buchanan, GA
Night
in Buchanan on Saturday
Local time
9:27 PM
EDT
Current temp
89°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 5 mph37% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 4:13PM EDT until July 17 at 4:30PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 4:13PM EDT until July 17 at 10:15PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Destination
Savannah, GA
Night
in Savannah on Saturday
Local time
9:27 PM
EDT
Current temp
95°F
Sunny
SE 9 mph14% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 4:13PM EDT until July 17 at 4:30PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 4:13PM EDT until July 17 at 10:15PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
71°F
Jackson, GA
152 mi in
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
6 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
5h 38m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 52.3
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...
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 303.4
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 drive is almost entirely highway, with 98% of the 303.4 miles on major interstates. You'll experience a long stretch of 164.2 miles on I-16, indicating a significant portion of the trip without major town interruptions. Expect to merge onto and off of interstate highways, particularly around urban areas like Atlanta where you'll navigate the Tom Murphy Freeway before connecting to I-75. The transition to surface roads, if any, would be minimal and likely only in the immediate vicinity of your start and end points.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 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?
9/10
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 55.2 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 303.4 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 55.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124.1 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,245 ft22 ft
Total Climb
197 ft
Total Descent
1,420 ft
Highest Point
1,245 ft
Elevation Range
1,223 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Buchanan, GA and Savannah, GA, road signs point toward Greenville, Macon and Montgomery.
Savannah is the fifth largest city in Georgia, at the northern end of the state's coast. It's famous for having one of the largest historic districts in the country.
Top landmarks
•Fort Pulaski National Monument — national monument in the United States
•Congregation Mickve Israel — synagogue in Savannah, Georgia, USA
•Casimir Pulaski Monument — monument in Savannah, Georgia, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 38m. Total distance: 303.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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 55.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124.1 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, Ocmulgee Mounds 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 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.3 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.
