Putney to Savannah is 228.9 miles and takes about 4h 41m via Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway and GA 257, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Georgia, connecting two points in the Southeast region. Expect a mostly highway experience with limited surface road driving, making it a straightforward and efficient drive. Given its manageable duration, this route is well-suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.
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
114.4 miles from Putney, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 36m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
116.8 mi
2h 6m
GA 257
34 mi
46m
GA 300
21.9 mi
27m
Cordele Road
13.8 mi
17m
Chester - Dublin Highway
12.9 mi
18m
Empire-Chester Highway
8.8 mi
11m
Liberty Expressway
6.8 mi
8m
Vienna Highway
3 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
— 116.8 mi, about 2h 6m
Traffic on I-16
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 72 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~973 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,371
Quietest
1 AM
~108 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9×
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 Putney, GA and Savannah, GA.
1
Start on US 19; GA 3; GA 300
6.8 mi·8 min·Liberty Expressway
Use the straight lane.
2
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 2AToward US 82 East, GA 520: Sylvester, Tifton
3
Turn straight onto US 82 Business; GA 520 Business
0.9 mi·1 min·East Oglethorpe Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
4
Continue on US 82 Business; GA 520 Business
0.2 mi·28 sec·Sylvester Highway
Use the straight lane.
5
Turn left onto Cordele Road
14 mi·17 min·Cordele Road
Use the left lane.
6
Continue on GA 300
22 mi·27 min·GA 300
Use the straight lane.
7
Turn left
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward I-75 North: MaconUse the left lane.
8
Merge onto I 75
2.0 mi·2 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Exit 102Toward GA 257: Cordele, HawkinsvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Turn right onto GA 257
25 mi·34 min·GA 257
11
Turn straight onto GA 27; GA 257
3.0 mi·4 min·Vienna Highway
12
Continue on GA 27; GA 257
0.8 mi·1 min·McCormick Avenue
13
Merge onto US 129; US 341; GA 11; GA 27; GA 230; GA 257
1.2 mi·2 min·Broad Street
14
Continue on US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 26; GA 27; GA 112; GA 257
127 ft·8 sec·US 341; US 129 Alternate; GA 26; GA 27; GA 112; GA 257
Use the left / straight lanes.
15
Turn left onto US 129 Alternate; GA 26; GA 112; GA 257
1.3 mi·2 min·US 129 Alternate; GA 26; GA 112; GA 257
Exit 167AToward Martin Luther King Junior BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Turn left onto Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
0.8 mi·2 min·Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
31
Turn left onto GA 25 Connector
0.2 mi·21 sec·West Bay Street
32
Turn uturn
117 ft·11 sec
33
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 4h 41m drive, leaving Putney in the morning will give you ample time to reach Savannah before evening. With only 228.9 miles, you won't need to break this trip into multiple days, offering flexibility in your schedule. Consider fueling up before you leave Putney, as the $35 fuel estimate suggests a straightforward cost. While there's only one recommended stop, keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 116.8-mile stretch on the Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway, to ensure you have enough to reach Savannah comfortably.
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 114.4 miles from Putney, GA, or about 2h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 116.8 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 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114.4 miles or 2h 36m 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 55m
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 Putney, 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 Putney, GA
This is one driving day of about 228.9 miles and 4h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Putney, 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 Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway for about 116.8 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 6.8 and 228.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
6.8 mi into trip|~8m in
Take the exit toward US 82 East, GA 520: Sylvester, Tifton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 2A
Toward US 82 East, GA 520: Sylvester, Tifton
6
43.9 mi into trip|~55m in
Turn left toward I-75 North: Macon
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I-75 North: Macon
8
46.3 mi into trip|~58m in
Take the exit toward GA 257: Cordele, Hawkinsville
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.
Exit 102
Toward GA 257: Cordele, Hawkinsville
8
227.7 mi into trip|~4h 38m 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
228.8 mi into trip|~4h 41m in
Turn uturn
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.79 one way
$67.59 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg80 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$37.14
$74.28
premium
$4.49
$40.48
$80.96
diesel
$4.80
$43.22
$86.44
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
68.7
0
$24.03
$10.99
Efficient EV
57.2
0
$20.03
$9.16
EV Truck/SUV
91.6
1
$32.05
$14.65
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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Putney, GA
Late night
in Putney on Monday
Local time
2:40 AM
EDT
Current temp
93°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
WSW 5 mph49% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 11:36AM 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
Late night
in Savannah on Monday
Local time
2:40 AM
EDT
Current temp
94°F
Sunny
S 3 to 13 mph10% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 11:36AM 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
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 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 41m 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 228.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 80% of this 228.9-mile drive on highways. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 116.8 miles on the Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway. After this, you'll transition to surface roads like GA 257 and GA 300 for the remaining portion of the trip. Be prepared for a significant amount of highway cruising before reaching more local roads.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 116.8 mi on Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway and GA 257. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.8 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 21 significant decision points across 228.9 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 6.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 43.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 46.3 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
363 ft22 ft
Total Climb
216 ft
Total Descent
392 ft
Highest Point
363 ft
~98.1 mi in
Elevation Range
341 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 Putney, GA to Savannah, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Hawkinsville 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 41m. Total distance: 228.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 116.8 miles on Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 17 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 17 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 6.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 43.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 46.3 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 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Savannah, GA, but most travelers stay overnight.
