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Trip from Clarkston, GA to Savannah, GA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 39m

Distance

252.6 mi

407 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$40

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 26m ★
6 AM
4h 40m
8 AM
5h 7m
10 AM
4h 49m
12 PM
4h 46m
3 PM
4h 50m
5 PM
5h 5m
8 PM
4h 32m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Clarkston, GA, GA

Clarkston, GA

Vitaliy Mitrofanenko

city in and county seat of Chatham County, Georgia, United States

Savannah, GA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 252.6-mile journey from Clarkston, GA, to Savannah, GA, is a straightforward drive primarily utilizing I-16, I-75, and the Atlanta Bypass. Expect to spend about 4 hours and 39 minutes on the road, making it a feasible day trip. With a fuel cost estimated at $40, it's an economical option for exploring Georgia. The route is heavily focused on highway travel, offering a direct path through the Southeast region. While there's one recommended stop, the drive is efficient enough that you can easily manage it in a single day without feeling rushed.

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

126.3 miles from Clarkston, GA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 21m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 16 164.2 mi 2h 57m
I 75 61.6 mi 1h 6m
Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter 11.7 mi 13m
Terrell Starr Parkway 10.2 mi 11m
Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard 0.8 mi 2m
Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway 0.6 mi <1m
East Ponce de Leon Avenue 0.6 mi 1m
West Bay Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 16 — 164.2 mi, about 2h 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Clarkston, GA and Savannah, GA.

1

Start on Market Street

54 ft · 9 sec · Market Street
2

Turn left onto East Ponce de Leon Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · East Ponce de Leon Avenue
3

Turn left onto Mell Avenue

143 ft · 7 sec · Mell Avenue
4

Turn right onto Church Street

0.2 mi · 37 sec · Church Street
5

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward I 285 South
6

Merge onto I 285

12 mi · 13 min · Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 2 min
Exit 52 Toward I 675 South: Macon Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Continue on I 675

10 mi · 11 min · Terrell Starr Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Merge onto I 75

49 mi · 53 min · I 75
Use the straight lane.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75

12 mi · 13 min · I 75
Toward Macon, Savannah Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 1 min
Exit 165 Toward I 16 East: Jim Gillis Highway, Savannah Use the slight right lane.
12

Continue on I 16

164 mi · 2 hr 57 min · I 16
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 16

0.6 mi · 53 sec · Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 24 sec
Exit 167A Toward Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Turn left onto Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard

0.8 mi · 2 min · Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
16

Turn left onto GA 25 Connector

0.2 mi · 21 sec · West Bay Street
17

Turn uturn

117 ft · 11 sec
18

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour 39-minute duration, starting your drive early in the morning from Clarkston will allow you to reach Savannah with ample daylight. Since this is a single-day trip, plan for one main stop to stretch your legs and refuel; the 164.2-mile stretch on I-16 is a good indicator of where a break might be most welcome. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you move away from major metropolitan areas. The $40 fuel estimate is a helpful budget point, but it's always wise to have a little extra buffer.

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 126.3 miles from Clarkston, GA, or about 2h 21m 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 56 miles or 1h 4m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 126.3 miles or 2h 21m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 48m

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 Clarkston, 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 Clarkston, GA

This is one driving day of about 252.6 miles and 4h 39m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Clarkston, 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.

Downtown Macon, GA, GA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Macon, GA

126 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Jackson, GA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 56 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Dublin, GA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 126.3 miles from Clarkston, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 16 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 164.2 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

The Collins Quarter

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Savannah, Georgia

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 252.6

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+19127774147

Visit website

Origin Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Savannah, Georgia

0.6 mi

Savannah Coffee Roasters

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Savannah, Georgia

0.6 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Savannah, Georgia

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 252.6

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+19123587180

Visit website

The Coffee Fox Roasting Co.

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Savannah, Georgia

0.5 mi

Asher + Rye Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Savannah, Georgia

0.8 mi

The Collins Quarter

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 252.6

Savannah, Georgia

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+19127774147

Visit website

Origin Coffee Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 252.6

Savannah, Georgia

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+19123495122

Visit website

Savannah Coffee Roasters

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 252.6

Savannah, Georgia

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+19123522994

Visit website

Maté Factor

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 252.6

Savannah, Georgia

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+19122352906

Visit website

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 252.6

Savannah, Georgia

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+19123587180

Visit website

The Coffee Fox Roasting Co.

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 252.6

Savannah, Georgia

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+19124010399

Visit website

Asher + Rye Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 252.6

Savannah, Georgia

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+19122363044

Visit website

Starbucks Coffee

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 252.6

Savannah, Georgia

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+19123739099

Visit website

Revival Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour Inexpensiv mile 252.6

Savannah, Georgia

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+19124331409

Visit website

Jennie's Victorian Coffee House and Royal Thai Tea

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 252.6

Savannah, Georgia

Hours: 9 am–7 pm

Mojo Coffee Company

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 18

Ellenwood, Georgia

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+16784892929

Visit website

Coffee Deli

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 252.6

Savannah, Georgia

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+19123527818

Visit website

Jepson Center & Telfair Children's Art Museum (CAM)

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 252.6

Savannah, Georgia

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19127908800

Visit website

Savannah Visitor Information Center

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 252.6

Savannah, Georgia

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+19129440455

Visit website

Webb Military Museum

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 252.6

Savannah, Georgia

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+19126630398

Visit website

Graveface Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 252.6

Savannah, Georgia

Hours: 12–7 pm

+19123358018

Visit website

The Savannah Underground

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 252.6

Savannah, Georgia

Hours: 7–11:30 pm

+19122145310

Visit website

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 90.2

Macon, Georgia

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+14787528257

Visit website

Sip n' Shop Tours

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 252.6

Savannah, Georgia

Hours: 11 am–5:30 pm

+19123735501

Visit website

Tubman Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 90.2

Macon, Georgia

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+14787438544

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 12.7 and 252.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
12.7 mi into trip | ~15m in

Take the exit toward I 675 South: Macon

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 52 Toward I 675 South: Macon
8
73.3 mi into trip | ~1h 23m 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
85.6 mi into trip | ~1h 36m 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
251.5 mi into trip | ~4h 36m 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
252.6 mi into trip | ~4h 39m in

Turn uturn

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$39.50 one way

$79.00 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 88 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $43.19 $86.38
premium $4.70 $46.75 $93.50
diesel $5.61 $55.77 $111.54

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$40

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$65–$90

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 88.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 75.8 0 $26.52 $12.12
Efficient EV 63.2 0 $22.10 $10.10
EV Truck/SUV 101 1 $35.36 $16.17

Gas CO2

88 kg

EV CO2

30 kg (66% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 18, 2026

Origin

Clarkston, GA

Late night in Clarkston on Sunday

Local time

3:56 AM

EDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Savannah, GA

Late night in Savannah on Sunday

Local time

3:56 AM

EDT

Current temp

92°F

Mostly Sunny

SW 2 to 12 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 18 at 2:27AM EDT until April 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 18 at 2:27AM EDT until April 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL

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

40 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

4h 39m 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.

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

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...

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Free near mile 87.2
Caution: River Trail periodically closed under I-16
Park Closure: BOARDWALK CLOSED along the River Trail
View on nps.gov
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

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...

8 mi from route ~19 min detour Free near mile 8.7
View on nps.gov
Fort Pulaski National Monument

Fort Pulaski National Monument

National Monument

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 253
View on nps.gov
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area

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,...

13 mi from route ~33 min detour $5
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Prepare for a predominantly highway-focused experience, with 94% of the drive on major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 164.2 miles on I-16, meaning you'll have extended periods of consistent speed. This route offers a consistent driving profile for the majority of its length. While not characterized by winding backroads, the transition from the urban sprawl around Atlanta to the more open stretches leading toward Savannah provides a subtle shift in scenery as you progress.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 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?

8/10

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 12.7 miles in.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 252.6 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 12.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 73.3 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 85.6 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 Clarkston, GA to Savannah, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Macon along the way.

Macon

73.3 mi in | ~1h 23m | via I 75

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 39m. Total distance: 252.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). 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 12.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 73.3 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 85.6 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.

Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Savannah, GA, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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