If you are planning a trip from Nicholson to Savannah, prepare for a 229.1-mile journey that spans approximately 4 hours and 46 minutes. This trek takes you through the beautiful Southeast region of Georgia, transitioning from the rural landscapes near Nicholson to the coastal atmosphere of Savannah. Given the duration, this route is perfectly manageable as a one-day trip, though you should budget about $37 for fuel to cover the distance. Navigating this path involves a mix of Savannah Highway, GA 24, and Carl Sanders Highway. Whether you are heading to the coast for a weekend getaway or a quick visit, this drive offers a straightforward connection across the state that avoids the need for an overnight stop.
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
114.5 miles from Nicholson, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 20m 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
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 Nicholson, GA and Savannah, GA.
1
Start on Church Street
34 ft·8 sec·Church Street
2
Turn left onto Sanford Drive
77 ft·5 sec·Sanford Drive
3
Turn left onto Broad Street
0.1 mi·17 sec·Broad Street
4
Turn right onto Mulberry Street
393 ft·18 sec·Mulberry Street
5
Turn left onto US 441; GA 15
1.1 mi·1 min·Main Street
6
Continue on US 441; GA 15
9.5 mi·11 min·Commerce Road
Use the straight lane.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Toward US 129, US 441, GA 10 Loop, GA 15Use the left lane.
8
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 10 Loop; GA 15
0.2 mi·11 sec·GA Inner Loop 10
9
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 10 Loop; GA 15
0.9 mi·1 min·Inner Loop 10
10
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.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·13 sec
Exit 8Toward US 78, GA 10: Oconee Street, Lexington RoadUse the right lane.
12
Turn right onto US 78 Business; GA 10
0.1 mi·14 sec·Oconee Street
Use the right lane.
13
Continue on US 78 Business; GA 10
1.5 mi·2 min·Lexington Road
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on US 78; GA 10
0.2 mi·24 sec·Lexington Highway
15
Continue on US 78; GA 10
5.8 mi·8 min·Lexington Road
Use the left lane.
16
Continue on US 78; GA 10
8.4 mi·9 min·Athens Road
17
Continue on US 78; GA 10; GA 22
0.9 mi·58 sec·Main Street
18
Continue on US 78; GA 10; GA 22
9.3 mi·10 min·Washington Road
19
Continue on US 78; GA 10
16 mi·18 min·Lexington Road
20
Turn right onto US 78; GA 10; GA 17
22 mi·27 min·US 78; GA 10; GA 17
Use the straight lane.
21
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward I-20 East: AugustaUse the left lane.
22
Merge onto I 20
24 mi·25 min·Carl Sanders Highway
Use the straight lane.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 520 East, GA 232Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 520 East
25
Continue on I 520
6.7 mi·7 min·Bobby Jones Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward US 25, GA 121
27
Turn right onto US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
4.3 mi·5 min·Peach Orchard Road
28
Continue on US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
0.3 mi·21 sec·Nellie Drive
29
Continue on US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
17 mi·20 min·Peach Orchard Road
30
Turn right onto US 25; GA 121
2.7 mi·4 min·Liberty Street
31
Continue on GA 24
28 mi·40 min·GA 24
32
Take the ramp onto GA 24
0.3 mi·39 sec·GA 24
33
Merge onto US 301; GA 24; GA 73
4.4 mi·5 min·Burton's Ferry Highway
34
Turn left onto US 301 Business; GA 73
2.6 mi·3 min·US 301 Business; GA 73
35
At end of road, turn left onto GA 21; I 3 FUT
0.3 mi·26 sec·Perimeter Road
36
Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT
38 mi·44 min·Savannah Highway
Use the straight lane.
37
Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT
0.1 mi·7 sec·Augusta Highway
38
Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT
13 mi·16 min·North Columbia Avenue
Use the straight lane.
39
Turn left onto GA 307; Alternate GA 21
1.1 mi·1 min·Bourne Avenue
Use the left lane.
40
Turn right onto GA 25
2.2 mi·3 min·Main Street
41
At end of road, turn left onto US 80; GA 26
465 ft·7 sec·Main Street
42
Continue on US 80; GA 26
2.5 mi·4 min·West Bay Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
43
Turn left
117 ft·11 sec
44
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a turn-heavy route, planning your departure for early in the morning is a smart move to ensure you navigate the local roads during daylight hours. You only have one planned stop on this itinerary, so use it wisely to refuel and stretch your legs, especially since you need to account for a $37 fuel budget. The flexibility of a single-day trip means you can easily adjust your pace, but remember that the technical nature of the roads can make the drive feel longer than the 4-hour and 46-minute estimate suggests. Prioritize steady driving on the local segments rather than rushing, as the frequent turns require more concentration than a standard highway drive. Keep an eye on your navigation as you transition between Savannah Highway and the various local roads to stay on track.
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 114.5 miles from Nicholson, GA, or about 2h 20m 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 50 miles or 1h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114.5 miles or 2h 20m 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 54m
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 Nicholson, 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 Nicholson, GA
This is one driving day of about 229.1 miles and 4h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Nicholson, 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 10.8 and 102.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
10.8 mi into trip|~14m 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
12 mi into trip|~16m 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
14.5 mi into trip|~19m 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
78.9 mi into trip|~1h 38m in
Take the ramp toward I-20 East: Augusta
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I-20 East: Augusta
7
102.7 mi into trip|~2h 4m 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
$35.81 one way
$71.62 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg80 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.35
$39.22
$78.44
premium
$4.72
$42.57
$85.15
diesel
$6.28
$56.61
$113.22
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
68.7
0
$24.06
$11.00
Efficient EV
57.3
0
$20.05
$9.16
EV Truck/SUV
91.6
1
$32.07
$14.66
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 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 18, 2026
Origin
Nicholson, GA
Late night
in Nicholson on Friday
Local time
5:06 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Sunny
NE 10 to 15 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 18 at 4:43AM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 2:09AM EDT until October 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Destination
Savannah, GA
Late night
in Savannah on Friday
Local time
5:06 AM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Sunny
NE 13 to 18 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 18 at 4:43AM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 18 at 2:09AM EDT until October 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
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
3 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 46m 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 229.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise on this 229.1-mile stretch. With only 26% of the journey spent on highways, you will spend most of your time navigating local roads that require your full attention. The longest uninterrupted section you will encounter is a 38.3-mile stretch on Savannah Highway, which provides a brief reprieve from the more technical sections of the route. Because the path relies heavily on GA 24 and Carl Sanders Highway, the character of the road changes frequently as you transition between local corridors. Stay alert, as the winding nature of these roads keeps you engaged behind the wheel for the duration of the 4-hour and 46-minute trip.
Only 26% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
44 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
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 10.8 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 22 significant decision points across 229.1 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 10.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12 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 14.5 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
853 ft22 ft
Total Climb
155 ft
Total Descent
985 ft
Highest Point
853 ft
Elevation Range
831 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 Nicholson, 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 4h 46m. Total distance: 229.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 46m 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.
Yes — we found about 14 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 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 10.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12 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 14.5 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 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Savannah, GA, but most travelers stay overnight.
