Spanning 235.9 miles, this trek from Commerce to Savannah takes you across the heart of Georgia. You should anticipate a travel time of approximately 4 hours and 55 minutes, making it a feasible, albeit long, day trip for most drivers. With a fuel budget of about $38, it is an economical way to travel between these two points in the Southeast. While you could power through in a single day, the turn-heavy nature of the route might leave you ready to stretch your legs by the time you reach the coast. This journey is ideal if you prefer local roads over the monotony of major interstates. It is a straightforward trip that rewards those who enjoy a steady pace through the Georgia landscape.
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
118 miles from Commerce, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 25m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Savannah Highway
38.3 mi
44m
GA 24
28.8 mi
41m
Carl Sanders Highway
23.6 mi
25m
Lexington Road
23.3 mi
29m
US 78
21.9 mi
27m
Peach Orchard Road
21.4 mi
25m
North Columbia Avenue
13.4 mi
16m
Commerce Road
9.5 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
Savannah Highway
— 38.3 mi, about 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Commerce, GA and Savannah, GA.
1
Start on State Street
104 ft·6 sec·State Street
2
Turn right onto High Street
182 ft·10 sec·High Street
3
Turn right onto Line Street
200 ft·10 sec·Line Street
4
Turn right onto View Street
182 ft·8 sec·View Street
5
Turn slight right onto 326
217 ft·4 sec·Central Avenue
6
Turn left onto US 441 Business; GA 98
1.7 mi·2 min·South Elm Street
7
Turn right onto US 441; GA 15
6.2 mi·8 min·US 441; GA 15
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Continue on US 441; GA 15
9.5 mi·11 min·Commerce Road
Use the straight lane.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Toward US 129, US 441, GA 10 Loop, GA 15Use the left lane.
10
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 10 Loop; GA 15
0.2 mi·11 sec·GA Inner Loop 10
11
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 10 Loop; GA 15
0.9 mi·1 min·Inner Loop 10
12
Take the exit onto US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15
2.5 mi·3 min·Inner Loop 10
Exit 10CToward US 129 South, US 441 South, GA 10 Loop Inner: Watkinsville, LexingtonUse the slight right lane.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·13 sec
Exit 8Toward US 78, GA 10: Oconee Street, Lexington RoadUse the right lane.
14
Turn right onto US 78 Business; GA 10
0.1 mi·14 sec·Oconee Street
Use the right lane.
15
Continue on US 78 Business; GA 10
1.5 mi·2 min·Lexington Road
Use the straight lane.
16
Continue on US 78; GA 10
0.2 mi·24 sec·Lexington Highway
17
Continue on US 78; GA 10
5.8 mi·8 min·Lexington Road
Use the left lane.
18
Continue on US 78; GA 10
8.4 mi·9 min·Athens Road
19
Continue on US 78; GA 10; GA 22
0.9 mi·58 sec·Main Street
20
Continue on US 78; GA 10; GA 22
9.3 mi·10 min·Washington Road
21
Continue on US 78; GA 10
16 mi·18 min·Lexington Road
22
Turn right onto US 78; GA 10; GA 17
22 mi·27 min·US 78; GA 10; GA 17
Use the straight lane.
23
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward I-20 East: AugustaUse the left lane.
24
Merge onto I 20
24 mi·25 min·Carl Sanders Highway
Use the straight lane.
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 520 East, GA 232Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 520 East
27
Continue on I 520
6.7 mi·7 min·Bobby Jones Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward US 25, GA 121
29
Turn right onto US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
4.3 mi·5 min·Peach Orchard Road
30
Continue on US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
0.3 mi·21 sec·Nellie Drive
31
Continue on US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
17 mi·20 min·Peach Orchard Road
32
Turn right onto US 25; GA 121
2.7 mi·4 min·Liberty Street
33
Continue on GA 24
28 mi·40 min·GA 24
34
Take the ramp onto GA 24
0.3 mi·39 sec·GA 24
35
Merge onto US 301; GA 24; GA 73
4.4 mi·5 min·Burton's Ferry Highway
36
Turn left onto US 301 Business; GA 73
2.6 mi·3 min·US 301 Business; GA 73
37
At end of road, turn left onto GA 21; I 3 FUT
0.3 mi·26 sec·Perimeter Road
38
Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT
38 mi·44 min·Savannah Highway
Use the straight lane.
39
Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT
0.1 mi·7 sec·Augusta Highway
40
Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT
13 mi·16 min·North Columbia Avenue
Use the straight lane.
41
Turn left onto GA 307; Alternate GA 21
1.1 mi·1 min·Bourne Avenue
Use the left lane.
42
Turn right onto GA 25
2.2 mi·3 min·Main Street
43
At end of road, turn left onto US 80; GA 26
465 ft·7 sec·Main Street
44
Continue on US 80; GA 26
2.5 mi·4 min·West Bay Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
45
Turn left
117 ft·11 sec
46
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Plan to depart early in the day to navigate the turn-heavy sections while you are fresh and alert. Since the route includes one recommended stop, look for a convenient spot to pull over once you hit that 38.3-mile mark on the Savannah Highway to break up the drive. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $38 estimated cost can fluctuate based on your vehicle's efficiency and local road conditions. Because this is a sub-five-hour drive, you have the flexibility to adjust your pace without the pressure of an overnight stay. Prioritize staying hydrated and alert, as the technical nature of these local roads requires more focus than standard highway driving.
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 118 miles from Commerce, GA, or about 2h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 38.3 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 52 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 118 miles or 2h 25m 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 2m
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 Commerce, 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 Commerce, GA
This is one driving day of about 235.9 miles and 4h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Commerce, 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 Savannah Highway for about 38.3 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 17.6 and 109.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
17.6 mi into trip|~23m in
Take the exit toward US 129, US 441, GA 10 Loop, GA 15
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 129, US 441, GA 10 Loop, GA 15
8
18.9 mi into trip|~25m in|US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15 / Inner Loop 10
Take the exit onto US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15 / Inner Loop 10 toward US 129 South, US 441 South, GA 10 Loop Inner: Watkinsville, Lexington
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 10C
Toward US 129 South, US 441 South, GA 10 Loop I...
8
21.4 mi into trip|~28m in
Take the exit toward US 78, GA 10: Oconee Street, Lexington Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 8
Toward US 78, GA 10: Oconee Street, Lexington R...
7
85.7 mi into trip|~1h 47m in
Take the ramp toward I-20 East: Augusta
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I-20 East: Augusta
7
109.6 mi into trip|~2h 13m in
Take the exit toward I 520 East, GA 232
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.
Toward I 520 East, GA 232
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.89 one way
$73.78 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg83 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$40.34
$80.67
premium
$4.70
$43.66
$87.32
diesel
$5.61
$52.08
$104.17
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
70.8
0
$24.77
$11.32
Efficient EV
59
0
$20.64
$9.44
EV Truck/SUV
94.4
1
$33.03
$15.10
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 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 13, 2026
Origin
Commerce, GA
Morning
in Commerce on Tuesday
Local time
10:13 AM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Savannah, GA
Morning
in Savannah on Tuesday
Local time
10:13 AM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny
S 1 to 14 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 13 at 5:08AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued April 13 at 4:41AM EDT until April 13 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
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
1 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 55m 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.
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 235.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a hands-on driving experience, as this is a turn-heavy local route rather than a straight interstate shot. Only 28% of your journey is spent on highways, meaning you will spend the majority of your time navigating local roads like GA 24 and the Carl Sanders Highway. Your longest uninterrupted stretch is 38.3 miles on the Savannah Highway, providing the only real opportunity to settle into a consistent rhythm. Because the road demands more attention than a typical freeway, you will feel actively engaged with the changing surroundings throughout the 235.9-mile trip. This drive is best suited for those who appreciate the winding character of secondary roads over high-speed transit.
Only 28% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
46 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 38.3 mi on Savannah Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 17.6 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 235.9 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 17.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.9 miles (US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15 / Inner Loop 10): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
908 ft22 ft
Total Climb
106 ft
Total Descent
993 ft
Highest Point
908 ft
Elevation Range
886 ft
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 Commerce, GA to Savannah, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Lexington along the way.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 55m. Total distance: 235.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 38.3 miles on Savannah Highway. 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 17.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.9 miles (US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15 / Inner Loop 10): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Fort Pulaski National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Savannah, GA, but most travelers stay overnight.
