Traveling from Savannah to Braselton covers 247.1 miles of Georgia landscape, typically taking about 5 hours and 13 minutes behind the wheel. Given the duration, this trip is perfectly manageable as a single-day journey, though you should budget approximately $40 for fuel to complete the trek. Your route utilizes a mix of US 78, GA 21, and the Carl Sanders Highway, transitioning you through the Southeast region. Because this is a straightforward drive within the state, you won't need to worry about complex navigation or overnight splits. It is a practical route for those looking to reach their destination efficiently while maintaining a steady pace throughout the day.
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
123.6 miles from Savannah, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 40m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 78
42 mi
50m
GA 21
41.9 mi
48m
Carl Sanders Highway
23.9 mi
25m
Main Street
19.5 mi
26m
GA 56
13.7 mi
19m
Augusta Road
12.6 mi
17m
Thomson Road
11 mi
13m
Washington Road
10.8 mi
12m
Longest stretch:
US 78
— 42 mi, about 50m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Savannah, GA and Braselton, GA.
1
Start on this road
145 ft·13 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto North Fahm Street
72 ft·6 sec·North Fahm Street
3
Turn right onto West Bay Street
1.7 mi·2 min·West Bay Street
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward I 516 West, GA 21 North
5
Merge onto I 516; GA 21; GA 25
1.1 mi·1 min·William F. Lynes Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on GA 21
13 mi·17 min·Augusta Road
Use the straight lane.
7
Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT
42 mi·48 min·GA 21; I 3 FUT
Use the straight lane.
8
Turn right onto GA 21 Business
1.5 mi·2 min·South Main Street
9
Continue on US 301 Business; GA 73; GA 21 Business
1.0 mi·1 min·North Main Street
10
Turn slight left onto US 301 Business; GA 73
299 ft·6 sec·US 301 Business; GA 73
11
Turn right onto US 301; GA 73 Loop
4.5 mi·5 min·US 301; GA 73 Loop
12
Take the exit onto GA 24
5.4 mi·7 min·GA 24
13
Turn right onto Millhaven Road
1.9 mi·2 min·Millhaven Road
14
Continue on Milhaven Road
1.2 mi·1 min·Milhaven Road
15
Turn straight onto Girard Millhaven Road
3.4 mi·4 min·Girard Millhaven Road
16
Continue on Millhaven Road
5.6 mi·7 min·Millhaven Road
17
Continue on GA 23
19 mi·26 min·Main Street
18
At end of road, turn right onto GA 56
14 mi·19 min·GA 56
19
Take the ramp onto GA 56
202 ft·6 sec·Mike Padgett Highway
20
Take the ramp
0.7 mi·1 min
21
Merge onto I 520
7.4 mi·8 min·Bobby Jones Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 520
0.7 mi·53 sec·Bobby Jones Expressway
Toward I 20: Atlanta, LexingtonUse the straight lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 20 West: AtlantaUse the straight / slight left lanes.
24
Merge onto I 20
24 mi·25 min·Carl Sanders Highway
Use the straight lane.
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward US 78, GA 17: Thomson, Washington
26
Turn right onto GA 17
11 mi·12 min·Washington Road
27
Continue on US 78; GA 10; GA 17
11 mi·13 min·Thomson Road
28
Turn left onto US 78; GA 10
42 mi·50 min·US 78; GA 10
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi·20 sec
30
Merge onto US 29; US 129; US 441; GA 8; GA 10 Loop; GA 15
2.1 mi·2 min·Outer Loop 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Take the exit onto US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15
3.6 mi·4 min·Outer Loop 10
Toward US 129, US 441, GA 10 Loop: Commerce, JeffersonUse the straight / right lanes.
32
Take the exit onto US 129
0.2 mi·26 sec·US 129
Exit 14Toward US 129 North: Prince Avenue, JeffersonUse the slight right lane.
33
Merge onto US 129; GA 15 Alternate
7.7 mi·11 min·Jefferson Road
Use the right lane.
34
Continue on US 129; GA 15 Alternate
4.8 mi·6 min·US 129; GA 15 Alternate
35
Continue on US 129; GA 11 Connector
3.8 mi·5 min·Major Damon J. Gause Bypass
Use the straight lane.
36
Continue on US 129; GA 11
358 ft·5 sec·Athens Highway
37
Continue on US 129; GA 11
4.2 mi·6 min·Major Damon J. Gause Bypass
38
Turn left
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward I-85 South: AtlantaUse the left lane.
39
Merge onto I 85
6.7 mi·7 min·I 85
40
Take the exit
0.2 mi·37 sec
Exit 129Toward GA 53: Braselton, WinderUse the slight right lane.
41
Turn left onto GA 53
0.7 mi·1 min·Green Street
Use the straight lane.
42
Arrive at destination
GA 53
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 5-hour and 13-minute drive, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh. Aim to depart early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic patterns and ensure you arrive in Braselton with plenty of daylight remaining. Since your fuel costs will hover around $40, consider filling up before you hit the longest 42-mile stretch on US 78 to avoid paying premium prices in more remote areas. Because this route involves a mix of highway and local roads, keep an eye on your GPS during the transitions between GA 21 and the Carl Sanders Highway. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, so adjust your pace based on the flow of traffic to keep the drive stress-free.
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 123.6 miles from Savannah, GA, or about 2h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42 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 54 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 123.6 miles or 2h 40m 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 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Braselton, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Savannah, 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 Savannah, GA
This is one driving day of about 247.1 miles and 5h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Savannah, 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 US 78 for about 42 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 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 123.5 and 246.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
123.5 mi into trip|~2h 40m in|I 520 / Bobby Jones Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 520 / Bobby Jones Expressway toward I 20: Atlanta, Lexington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 20: Atlanta, Lexington
7
124.1 mi into trip|~2h 41m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 20 West: Atlanta
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 20 West: Atlanta
7
215 mi into trip|~4h 29m in|US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15 / Outer Loop 10
Take the exit onto US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15 / Outer Loop 10 toward US 129, US 441, GA 10 Loop: Commerce, Jefferson
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward US 129, US 441, GA 10 Loop: Commerce, Je...
8
218.6 mi into trip|~4h 34m in|US 129
Take the exit onto US 129 toward US 129 North: Prince Avenue, Jefferson
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 14
Toward US 129 North: Prince Avenue, Jefferson
8
246.2 mi into trip|~5h 11m in
Take the exit toward GA 53: Braselton, Winder
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 129
Toward GA 53: Braselton, Winder
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.64 one way
$77.28 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg87 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$42.25
$84.50
premium
$4.70
$45.73
$91.47
diesel
$5.61
$54.56
$109.11
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
74.1
0
$25.95
$11.86
Efficient EV
61.8
0
$21.62
$9.88
EV Truck/SUV
98.8
1
$34.59
$15.81
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 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 15, 2026
Origin
Savannah, GA
Night
in Savannah on Saturday
Local time
10:45 PM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Braselton, GA
Night
in Braselton on Saturday
Local time
10:45 PM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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 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 13m 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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed driving experience that balances high-speed transit with local road navigation. With roughly 52% of your journey spent on highways, you will encounter varying road conditions as you transition between major thoroughfares and secondary routes. You will face your longest uninterrupted stretch during a 42-mile segment on US 78, which provides a consistent rhythm to your travel. The character of the drive shifts as you move away from the coast, offering a blend of fast-paced highway sections and more technical stretches. Stay alert, as the road personality changes significantly between the open highway miles and the transition periods on GA 21 and the Carl Sanders Highway.
52% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 42 mi on US 78.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 123.5 miles in near I 520 / Bobby Jones Expressway.
Driving Effort10/10
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 25 significant decision points across 247.1 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 123.5 miles (I 520 / Bobby Jones Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 215 miles (US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15 / Outer Loop 10): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Savannah, GA and Braselton, GA, road signs point toward Lexington, Washington and Jefferson.
Lexington
123.5 mi in|~2h 40m|via I 520
Washington
148.6 mi in|~3h 8m
Jefferson
215 mi in|~4h 29m|via US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 13m. Total distance: 247.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 42 miles on US 78. 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 Braselton, 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 123.5 miles (I 520 / Bobby Jones Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 215 miles (US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15 / Outer Loop 10): 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 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Braselton, GA before the return drive.
