Demorest to Savannah is 263.6 miles and takes about 5h 30m 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 to another part of the Southeast. The route mixes highway driving with surface roads, offering a varied pace. With a recommended one-day drive, it's a straightforward option for getting between these two points.
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
131.8 miles from Demorest, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 43m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Savannah Highway
38.3 mi
44m
US 441
32.7 mi
41m
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 28 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~3,936 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~196 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
20.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 105 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 Demorest, GA and Savannah, GA.
1
Start on US 441 Business; 385
0.2 mi·18 sec·441 Historic Highway
2
Continue on US 441 Business; 385
0.2 mi·25 sec·Central Avenue
3
Continue on US 441 Business; GA 385
1.1 mi·1 min·US 441 Business; GA 385
4
Continue on US 441 Business; GA 105; GA 385
0.4 mi·42 sec·US 441 Business; GA 105; GA 385
5
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
6
Merge onto US 23; US 441; GA 15; GA 365
0.7 mi·49 sec·US 23; US 441; GA 15; GA 365
7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 441; GA 15
21 mi·26 min·US 441; GA 15
Use the straight lane.
8
Merge onto US 441; GA 15
11 mi·14 min·US 441; GA 15
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Continue on US 441; GA 15
9.5 mi·11 min·Commerce Road
Use the straight lane.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Toward US 129, US 441, GA 10 Loop, GA 15Use the left lane.
11
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 10 Loop; GA 15
0.2 mi·11 sec·GA Inner Loop 10
12
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 10 Loop; GA 15
0.9 mi·1 min·Inner Loop 10
13
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.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·13 sec
Exit 8Toward US 78, GA 10: Oconee Street, Lexington RoadUse the right lane.
15
Turn right onto US 78 Business; GA 10
0.1 mi·14 sec·Oconee Street
Use the right lane.
16
Continue on US 78 Business; GA 10
1.5 mi·2 min·Lexington Road
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on US 78; GA 10
0.2 mi·24 sec·Lexington Highway
18
Continue on US 78; GA 10
5.8 mi·8 min·Lexington Road
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on US 78; GA 10
8.4 mi·9 min·Athens Road
20
Continue on US 78; GA 10; GA 22
0.9 mi·58 sec·Main Street
21
Continue on US 78; GA 10; GA 22
9.3 mi·10 min·Washington Road
22
Continue on US 78; GA 10
16 mi·18 min·Lexington Road
23
Turn right onto US 78; GA 10; GA 17
22 mi·27 min·US 78; GA 10; GA 17
Use the straight lane.
24
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward I-20 East: AugustaUse the left lane.
25
Merge onto I 20
24 mi·25 min·Carl Sanders Highway
Use the straight lane.
26
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 520 East, GA 232Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 520 East
28
Continue on I 520
6.7 mi·7 min·Bobby Jones Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward US 25, GA 121
30
Turn right onto US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
4.3 mi·5 min·Peach Orchard Road
31
Continue on US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
0.3 mi·21 sec·Nellie Drive
32
Continue on US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
17 mi·20 min·Peach Orchard Road
33
Turn right onto US 25; GA 121
2.7 mi·4 min·Liberty Street
34
Continue on GA 24
28 mi·40 min·GA 24
35
Take the ramp onto GA 24
0.3 mi·39 sec·GA 24
36
Merge onto US 301; GA 24; GA 73
4.4 mi·5 min·Burton's Ferry Highway
37
Turn left onto US 301 Business; GA 73
2.6 mi·3 min·US 301 Business; GA 73
38
At end of road, turn left onto GA 21; I 3 FUT
0.3 mi·26 sec·Perimeter Road
39
Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT
38 mi·44 min·Savannah Highway
Use the straight lane.
40
Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT
0.1 mi·7 sec·Augusta Highway
41
Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT
13 mi·16 min·North Columbia Avenue
Use the straight lane.
42
Turn left onto GA 307; Alternate GA 21
1.1 mi·1 min·Bourne Avenue
Use the left lane.
43
Turn right onto GA 25
2.2 mi·3 min·Main Street
44
At end of road, turn left onto US 80; GA 26
465 ft·7 sec·Main Street
45
Continue on US 80; GA 26
2.5 mi·4 min·West Bay Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
46
Turn left
117 ft·11 sec
47
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 5.5-hour estimated drive time, leaving Demorest in the morning will allow you to reach Savannah with plenty of daylight to spare. The route is planned for a single day, so you won't need to worry about overnight stops. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before heading into longer stretches on Savannah Highway, as stops might be less frequent in some sections. Plan for one stop to break up the drive and stretch your legs.
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 131.8 miles from Demorest, GA, or about 2h 43m 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 58 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 131.8 miles or 2h 43m 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 32m
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 Demorest, 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 Demorest, GA
This is one driving day of about 263.6 miles and 5h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Demorest, 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 45.3 and 137.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
45.3 mi into trip|~59m 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
46.6 mi into trip|~1h 1m 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
49 mi into trip|~1h 4m 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
113.4 mi into trip|~2h 23m in
Take the ramp toward I-20 East: Augusta
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I-20 East: Augusta
7
137.3 mi into trip|~2h 49m 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
$41.20 one way
$82.40 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg92 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.35
$45.12
$90.25
premium
$4.72
$48.98
$97.97
diesel
$6.28
$65.13
$130.26
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 92.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
79.1
0
$27.68
$12.65
Efficient EV
65.9
0
$23.07
$10.54
EV Truck/SUV
105.4
1
$36.90
$16.87
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 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 Oct 22, 2026
Origin
Demorest, GA
Morning
in Demorest on Saturday
Local time
6:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Sunny
SSW 2 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 22 at 1:32PM EDT until October 24 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 22 at 1:18PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Destination
Savannah, GA
Morning
in Savannah on Saturday
Local time
6:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Sunny
NE 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 22 at 1:32PM EDT until October 24 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 22 at 1:18PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
47°F
Washington, GA
132 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
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
5h 30m 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 263.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
About 36% of this 263.6-mile route is on highways. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 38.3 miles on Savannah Highway before transitioning to surface roads. Expect a mixed driving experience with periods of higher-speed cruising followed by more local traffic and intersections on GA 24 and US 441.
36% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
47 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?
9/10
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 45.3 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 21 significant decision points across 263.6 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 45.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.6 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 49 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
1,349 ft22 ft
Total Climb
117 ft
Total Descent
1,443 ft
Highest Point
1,349 ft
Elevation Range
1,327 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 Demorest, 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 30m. Total distance: 263.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 30m 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 45.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.6 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 49 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 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.0 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.
