Cornelia to Savannah is 259.7 miles and takes about 5h 24m via Savannah Highway and US 441, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Georgia, moving from the Southeast region towards the coast. Expect a mixed driving experience, with a significant portion on surface roads. It's a manageable one-day drive, perfect if you want to get to your destination without an overnight stop, though you could certainly break it up if you prefer a more relaxed pace.
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
129.8 miles from Cornelia, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 38m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Savannah Highway
38.3 mi
44m
US 441
30.4 mi
38m
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
Longest stretch:
Savannah Highway
— 38.3 mi, about 44m
Traffic on I-520
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 14 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~3,973 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~199 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
20×
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 Cornelia, GA and Savannah, GA.
1
Start on this road
37 ft·8 sec·this road
2
Turn sharp left onto US 441 BUS; GA 105
1.0 mi·1 min·Main Street South
3
Continue on US 441 BUS; GA 105
0.5 mi·49 sec·Willingham Avenue
4
Turn left onto US 441; GA 15; GA 105
16 mi·18 min·US 441; GA 15; GA 105
5
Continue on US 441; GA 15; GA 164
3.6 mi·4 min·US 441; GA 15; GA 164
Use the straight lane.
6
Merge onto US 441; GA 15
11 mi·14 min·US 441; GA 15
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Continue on US 441; GA 15
9.5 mi·11 min·Commerce Road
Use the straight lane.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Toward US 129, US 441, GA 10 Loop, GA 15Use the left lane.
9
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 10 Loop; GA 15
0.2 mi·11 sec·GA Inner Loop 10
10
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 10 Loop; GA 15
0.9 mi·1 min·Inner Loop 10
11
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.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·13 sec
Exit 8Toward US 78, GA 10: Oconee Street, Lexington RoadUse the right lane.
13
Turn right onto US 78 Business; GA 10
0.1 mi·14 sec·Oconee Street
Use the right lane.
14
Continue on US 78 Business; GA 10
1.5 mi·2 min·Lexington Road
Use the straight lane.
15
Continue on US 78; GA 10
0.2 mi·24 sec·Lexington Highway
16
Continue on US 78; GA 10
5.8 mi·8 min·Lexington Road
Use the left lane.
17
Continue on US 78; GA 10
8.4 mi·9 min·Athens Road
18
Continue on US 78; GA 10; GA 22
0.9 mi·58 sec·Main Street
19
Continue on US 78; GA 10; GA 22
9.3 mi·10 min·Washington Road
20
Continue on US 78; GA 10
16 mi·18 min·Lexington Road
21
Turn right onto US 78; GA 10; GA 17
22 mi·27 min·US 78; GA 10; GA 17
Use the straight lane.
22
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward I-20 East: AugustaUse the left lane.
23
Merge onto I 20
24 mi·25 min·Carl Sanders Highway
Use the straight lane.
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 520 East, GA 232Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 520 East
26
Continue on I 520
6.7 mi·7 min·Bobby Jones Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward US 25, GA 121
28
Turn right onto US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
4.3 mi·5 min·Peach Orchard Road
29
Continue on US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
0.3 mi·21 sec·Nellie Drive
30
Continue on US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
17 mi·20 min·Peach Orchard Road
31
Turn right onto US 25; GA 121
2.7 mi·4 min·Liberty Street
32
Continue on GA 24
28 mi·40 min·GA 24
33
Take the ramp onto GA 24
0.3 mi·39 sec·GA 24
34
Merge onto US 301; GA 24; GA 73
4.4 mi·5 min·Burton's Ferry Highway
35
Turn left onto US 301 Business; GA 73
2.6 mi·3 min·US 301 Business; GA 73
36
At end of road, turn left onto GA 21; I 3 FUT
0.3 mi·26 sec·Perimeter Road
37
Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT
38 mi·44 min·Savannah Highway
Use the straight lane.
38
Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT
0.1 mi·7 sec·Augusta Highway
39
Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT
13 mi·16 min·North Columbia Avenue
Use the straight lane.
40
Turn left onto GA 307; Alternate GA 21
1.1 mi·1 min·Bourne Avenue
Use the left lane.
41
Turn right onto GA 25
2.2 mi·3 min·Main Street
42
At end of road, turn left onto US 80; GA 26
465 ft·7 sec·Main Street
43
Continue on US 80; GA 26
2.5 mi·4 min·West Bay Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
44
Turn left
117 ft·11 sec
45
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 24m estimated drive time, leaving Cornelia in the morning should get you to Savannah well before evening. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in planning your break. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is 38.3 miles on Savannah Highway, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly, perhaps before this segment. Remember that 65% of this route is on surface roads, so factor in potentially slower speeds and more traffic lights, especially as you approach Savannah.
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 129.8 miles from Cornelia, GA, or about 2h 38m 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 57 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 129.8 miles or 2h 38m 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 26m
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 Cornelia, 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 Cornelia, GA
This is one driving day of about 259.7 miles and 5h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Cornelia, 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 41.4 and 133.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
41.4 mi into trip|~52m 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
42.7 mi into trip|~54m 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
45.2 mi into trip|~57m 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
109.5 mi into trip|~2h 16m in
Take the ramp toward I-20 East: Augusta
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I-20 East: Augusta
7
133.4 mi into trip|~2h 42m 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
$38.34 one way
$76.68 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg91 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$42.13
$84.27
premium
$4.49
$45.93
$91.86
diesel
$4.80
$49.04
$98.07
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 90.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
77.9
0
$27.27
$12.47
Efficient EV
64.9
0
$22.72
$10.39
EV Truck/SUV
103.9
1
$36.36
$16.62
Gas CO2
91 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Cornelia, GA
Morning
in Cornelia on Sunday
Local time
6:13 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Mostly Cloudy
NW 2 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:16AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:14AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Columbia SC
Destination
Savannah, GA
Morning
in Savannah on Sunday
Local time
6:13 AM
EDT
Current temp
78°F
Clear
S 2 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:16AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:14AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Columbia SC
89°F
Washington, GA
130 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
7 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 24m 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 259.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This 259.7-mile drive features 35% highway driving. You'll encounter 38.3 miles on Savannah Highway, which is your longest continuous stretch on a single road. Beyond the highway segments, expect a more rural cruising feel as you transition to surface roads like US 441 and GA 24. Keep an eye out for more frequent intersections and town passages as you move away from high-speed highway sections.
35% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
45 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?
7/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 41.4 miles in.
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 21 significant decision points across 259.7 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 41.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 42.7 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 45.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,520 ft22 ft
Total Climb
73 ft
Total Descent
1,571 ft
Highest Point
1,520 ft
Elevation Range
1,498 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 Cornelia, 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.
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 24m. Total distance: 259.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface 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.
Yes — we found about 15 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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. There are 15 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 41.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 42.7 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 45.2 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 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.
