Origin
Savannah, GA
Late night in Savannah on Sunday
Local time
12:20 AM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Savannah, GA to Lakeland, GA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 37m
Distance
169.4 mi
273 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 25m
★
6 AM
3h 38m
8 AM
4h 3m
10 AM
3h 46m
12 PM
3h 44m
3 PM
3h 48m
5 PM
4h 1m
8 PM
3h 30m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Savannah, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Savannah, GA to Lakeland, GA is 169.4 miles and takes about 3h 37m via I 95 and US 82/84, with a fuel budget near $26 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip primarily stays within Georgia, moving from the Southeast coast inland. Expect a straightforward drive focused on efficient travel, making it a good option if you need to get from point A to point B without much fuss. It's a single-day journey that doesn't demand extensive planning, allowing for flexibility.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
84.7 miles from Savannah, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 40m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 95 | 55.6 mi | 59m |
| US 82 | 39.8 mi | 52m |
| US 84 | 26 mi | 36m |
| GA 37 | 17 mi | 23m |
| GA 99 | 9.2 mi | 12m |
| Grants Ferry Road | 6.2 mi | 8m |
| Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway | 5.9 mi | 6m |
| West Bay Street | 1.8 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 55.6 mi, about 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Savannah, GA and Lakeland, 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
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
West Bay Street
4
Turn left onto US 80; GA 25 Connector; GA 26
360 ft
·
7 sec
·
Collins Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
5
Continue on US 80; GA 25 Connector; GA 26
455 ft
·
9 sec
·
Augusta Avenue
6
Take the ramp onto US 80; GA 25 Connector; GA 26
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
US 80; GA 25 Connector; GA 26
Toward GA 21 South
7
Merge onto I 516; US 80; GA 21; GA 25; GA 26
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
William F. Lynes Parkway
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
Toward I 16, US 17 North: Macon, Savannah
Use the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward I 16 West: Macon
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 16
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
395 ft
·
5 sec
Toward I 95 North: Airport, Florence SC
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
13
Merge onto I 95
56 mi
·
59 min
·
I 95
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Exit 42
Toward GA 99
15
Keep slight left at fork
212 ft
·
5 sec
Toward GA 99: GA 99
Use the left lane.
16
Enter roundabout onto GA 99
18 ft
·
0 sec
·
GA 99
17
Continue on GA 99
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
GA 99
18
Enter roundabout onto GA 99
94 ft
·
1 sec
·
Grants Ferry Road
19
Continue on GA 99
6.2 mi
·
8 min
·
Grants Ferry Road
Use the straight lane.
20
Turn slight left onto GA 99
6.9 mi
·
9 min
·
GA 99
Use the straight / left lanes.
21
Turn right onto US 82; GA 520
11 mi
·
15 min
·
US 82; GA 520
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on US 82; GA 520
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
US 82; GA 520
23
Continue on US 82; GA 520
4.6 mi
·
7 min
·
US 82; GA 520
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
24
Continue on US 82; GA 520
19 mi
·
24 min
·
US 82; GA 520
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Turn right onto US 1 Business
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Memorial Drive
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Turn left onto Screven Avenue
0.4 mi
·
42 sec
·
Screven Avenue
27
Turn right onto Jenkins Street
502 ft
·
10 sec
·
Jenkins Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Continue on US 84; GA 38
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
·
Francis Street
29
Turn left onto South Nicholls Street
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
South Nicholls Street
30
Continue on Glenmore Avenue
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Glenmore Avenue
31
Continue on Wadley Road
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Wadley Road
32
Turn left onto US 84; GA 38
18 mi
·
23 min
·
US 84; GA 38
Use the straight / left lanes.
33
Enter roundabout onto Main Street
178 ft
·
4 sec
·
Main Street
34
Continue on Main Street
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
35
Enter roundabout onto US 84; GA 38
208 ft
·
5 sec
·
US 84; GA 38
36
Continue on US 84; GA 38
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
US 84; GA 38
37
Continue on US 84; GA 38
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
US 84; GA 38
38
Continue on US 84; GA 38
3.2 mi
·
5 min
·
US 84; GA 38
39
Turn right onto GA 37
17 mi
·
23 min
·
GA 37
40
Arrive at destination
US 129; US 221; GA 11; GA 31; GA 37; GA 122; GA 135
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 3 hours and 37 minutes, this trip is easily completed in a single day. Leaving Savannah in the morning will give you ample time to reach Lakeland with plenty of daylight to spare. There's only one recommended stop, so you can be strategic about when and where you pull over for fuel or a break, perhaps around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you transition from I 95 to US 82/84, as services might be more spaced out on the latter highways.
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 84.7 miles from Savannah, GA, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55.6 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 37 miles or 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84.7 miles or 1h 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 2h 53m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lakeland, 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 169.4 miles and 3h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 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 I 95 for about 55.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
85 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 84.7 miles from Savannah, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 255 decision points cluster between mile 1.9 and 66.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.9 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
US 80; GA 25 Connector; GA 26 / Collins Street
Turn left onto US 80; GA 25 Connector; GA 26 / Collins Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
7
3 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Take the exit toward I 16, US 17 North: Macon, Savannah
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 16, US 17 North: Macon, Savannah
8
3.2 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 16 West: Macon
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 16 West: Macon
7
9.4 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Take the exit toward I 95 North: Airport, Florence SC
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 95 North: Airport, Florence SC
7
66.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 15m in
Keep slight left at fork toward GA 99: GA 99
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward GA 99: GA 99
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.49 one way
$52.98 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
59 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $28.96 | $57.93 |
| premium | $4.70 | $31.35 | $62.70 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $37.40 | $74.80 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 50.8 | 0 | $17.79 | $8.13 |
| Efficient EV | 42.4 | 0 | $14.82 | $6.78 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 67.8 | 0 | $23.72 | $10.84 |
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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.
Destination
Lakeland, GA
Late night in Lakeland on Sunday
Local time
12:20 AM
EDT
Current temp
53°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
4 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
3h 37m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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 Frederica National Monument
National Monument
War was imminent as James Oglethorpe established Fort Frederica in 1736, to help protect the British colonies from the Spanish in Florida. Fort Frederica illustrates the story of the War of Jenkins Ea...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 70.1
View on nps.gov
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
View on nps.gov
Cumberland Island National Seashore
National Seashore
St Marys is the gateway to Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island. Here pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes whisper the stories of both man an...
28 mi from route
~70 min detour
$15
near mile 81.8
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 91% of your travel on major roads. You'll spend most of your time on I 95, which offers a consistent pace, before transitioning to US 82 and US 84. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is about 55.6 miles on I 95. This means you can settle in for long periods of steady driving, with fewer transitions and generally higher speed limits for much of the journey.
91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
40 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 55.6 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and US 82. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.9 miles in near US 80; GA 25 Connector; GA 26 / Collins Street.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 169.4 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 1.9 miles (US 80; GA 25 Connector; GA 26 / Collins Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Savannah, GA to Lakeland, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Florence along the way.
Florence
9.4 mi in
|
~12m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 37m. Total distance: 169.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 55.6 miles on I 95. 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 Lakeland, 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 1.9 miles (US 80; GA 25 Connector; GA 26 / Collins Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Fort Frederica National Monument, Fort Pulaski National Monument and Cumberland Island National Seashore. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Lakeland, GA, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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