Origin
Savannah, GA
Night in Savannah on Saturday
Local time
10:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Savannah, GA to Nicholson, GA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 46m
Distance
227.3 mi
366 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$36
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 33m
★
6 AM
4h 46m
8 AM
5h 13m
10 AM
4h 56m
12 PM
4h 53m
3 PM
4h 57m
5 PM
5h 12m
8 PM
4h 38m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Savannah, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Nicholson, GA
Joshua Brown
Trip Overview
This 227.3-mile drive from Savannah, GA, to Nicholson, GA, takes approximately 4 hours and 46 minutes, making it a manageable one-day trip. You'll primarily travel on US 78 and GA 21, with a portion on the Carl Sanders Highway. With a highway share of 51%, expect a mixed driving experience. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $36. This route offers a practical way to travel within Georgia, connecting two points in the Southeast region. It's a straightforward trip suitable for those looking for an efficient drive without extensive overnight planning.
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
113.7 miles from Savannah, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 28m 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 | 20.5 mi | 28m |
| 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 Nicholson, 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, Lexington
Use the straight lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 20 West: Atlanta
Use 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
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Outer Loop 10
Toward US 129, US 441, GA 10 Loop: Commerce, Jefferson
Use the straight / right lanes.
32
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 12
Toward US 441 North: Commerce
Use the slight right lane.
33
Turn slight right
153 ft
·
3 sec
Toward US 441 North, GA 15 North: Commerce Road, Commerce, Sandy Creek Park, Nature Center
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Merge onto US 441; GA 15
9.3 mi
·
11 min
·
Commerce Road
Use the straight lane.
35
Continue on US 441; GA 15
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
36
Turn right onto Mulberry Street
393 ft
·
15 sec
·
Mulberry Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
37
Turn left onto Broad Street
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
Broad Street
38
Turn right onto Sanford Drive
77 ft
·
5 sec
·
Sanford Drive
39
Turn right onto Church Street
34 ft
·
2 sec
·
Church Street
40
Arrive at destination
Church Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4 hour and 46 minute duration, this trip is best tackled in a single day. Aim to depart Savannah in the morning to give yourself ample time and flexibility for the 227.3-mile journey. With only one recommended stop, plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or during the 42-mile stretch on US 78. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially as you transition between the main roads, and factor in the estimated $36 fuel cost. This route is straightforward enough that you can enjoy the drive without feeling rushed.
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 113.7 miles from Savannah, GA, or about 2h 28m 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 50 miles or 1h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 113.7 miles or 2h 28m 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 Nicholson, 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 227.3 miles and 4h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 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.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
114 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 50 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 113.7 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 265 decision points cluster between mile 123.5 and 216.7 — 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...
7
216.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 31m in
Take the exit toward US 441 North: Commerce
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 12
Toward US 441 North: Commerce
6
216.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 32m in
Turn slight right toward US 441 North, GA 15 North: Commerce Road, Commerce, Sandy Creek Park, Nature Center
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 441 North, GA 15 North: Commerce Road...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.54 one way
$71.09 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
80 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $38.86 | $77.73 |
| premium | $4.70 | $42.07 | $84.14 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $50.18 | $100.37 |
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: 79.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 68.2 | 0 | $23.87 | $10.91 |
| Efficient EV | 56.8 | 0 | $19.89 | $9.09 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 90.9 | 1 | $31.82 | $14.55 |
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.
Destination
Nicholson, GA
Night in Nicholson on Saturday
Local time
10:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°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
18 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed drive on this route, with 51% of the journey on highways. You'll encounter stretches on US 78, which can feel like a more traditional highway, and also navigate roads like GA 21 and the Carl Sanders Highway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll experience is 42 miles on US 78. This means you'll likely find a rhythm on the faster sections, interspersed with more local road driving as you progress through Georgia. It's not a constant interstate grind, nor is it exclusively scenic backroads; rather, it offers a blend of both.
51% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
40 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 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 26 significant decision points across 227.3 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.
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 Nicholson, 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 4h 46m. Total distance: 227.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.
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 Nicholson, 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.
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 Nicholson, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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