Savannah to Ringgold is 349.1 miles and takes about 6h 27m via Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway and I-75, with a fuel budget near $58 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays entirely within Georgia, moving from the Southeast coast inland. Given its mostly highway profile, expect a relatively straightforward trip focused on covering ground. It's a practical route for getting from one part of the state to another efficiently, with a clear destination in mind.
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
174.6 miles from Savannah, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 10m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
162.1 mi
2h 54m
Larry McDonald Memorial Highway
86.8 mi
1h 34m
I 75
84.9 mi
1h 35m
Horace E Tate Freeway
7.2 mi
8m
US 41
2.4 mi
4m
West Bay Street
1.8 mi
2m
William F. Lynes Parkway
0.8 mi
1m
Chattanooga Road
0.8 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
— 162.1 mi, about 2h 54m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 195 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~5,035 veh/hr typical
· worst 5,898
Quietest
2 AM
~832 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.1×
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 Savannah, GA and Ringgold, 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, SavannahUse the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward I 16 West: MaconUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 75 North: AtlantaUse the straight / left lanes.
13
Merge onto I 75
62 mi·1 hr 7 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
23 mi·28 min·I 75
Toward I 75 North: Atlanta, BirminghamUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 75
7.2 mi·8 min·Horace E Tate Freeway
Toward I 75 North: Marietta, ChattanoogaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 75
11 mi·12 min·Larry McDonald Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
76 mi·1 hr 22 min·Larry McDonald Memorial Highway
Toward I 75 North: Chattanooga, Barrett Parkway, KennesawUse the straight lane.
18
Take the exit
0.4 mi·50 sec
Exit 345Toward US 41, US 76: RinggoldUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn right onto US 41; US 76; GA 3
0.8 mi·1 min·Chattanooga Road
Use the right lane.
20
Continue on US 41; US 76; GA 2; GA 3
2.4 mi·4 min·US 41; US 76; GA 2; GA 3
21
Turn right onto GA 151; US 41
166 ft·5 sec·Tennessee Street
22
Turn right onto Claiborne Street
79 ft·3 sec·Claiborne Street
23
Arrive at destination
Claiborne Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6.5-hour drive, aim for an early morning departure from Savannah to avoid the heaviest traffic. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. The longest stretch on surface roads is 162.1 miles, so plan your first major break around that point. Keep an eye on your fuel; while the estimated cost is $58, it's always wise to top off before leaving major towns. This is a manageable one-day drive, allowing you to reach Ringgold comfortably before evening.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 174.6 miles from Savannah, GA, or about 3h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 162.1 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 77 miles or 1h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 174.6 miles or 3h 10m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ringgold, 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 349.1 miles and 6h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 77 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 Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway for about 162.1 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.2 and 345.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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
8
228.6 mi into trip|~4h 8m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward I 75 North: Atlanta, Birmingham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 75 North: Atlanta, Birmingham
8
251.4 mi into trip|~4h 37m in|I 75 / Horace E Tate Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 75 / Horace E Tate Freeway toward I 75 North: Marietta, Chattanooga
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 75 North: Marietta, Chattanooga
8
269.2 mi into trip|~4h 58m in|I 75 / Larry McDonald Memorial Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 / Larry McDonald Memorial Highway toward I 75 North: Chattanooga, Barrett Parkway, Kennesaw
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 75 North: Chattanooga, Barrett Parkway...
8
345.5 mi into trip|~6h 20m in
Take the exit toward US 41, US 76: Ringgold
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 345
Toward US 41, US 76: Ringgold
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$55.53 one way
$111.05 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg122 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.41
$60.54
$121.09
premium
$4.78
$65.68
$131.37
diesel
$5.35
$73.53
$147.06
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$56
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 122.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
104.7
1
$36.66
$16.76
Efficient EV
87.3
0
$30.55
$13.96
EV Truck/SUV
139.6
1
$48.87
$22.34
Gas CO2
122 kg
EV CO2
41 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 Jun 3, 2026
Origin
Savannah, GA
Afternoon
in Savannah on Wednesday
Local time
3:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Sunny
E 14 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued June 3 at 10:18AM EDT until June 5 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued June 3 at 7:13AM EDT until June 3 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Destination
Ringgold, GA
Afternoon
in Ringgold on Wednesday
Local time
3:05 PM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Sunny
NE 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued June 3 at 10:18AM EDT until June 5 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued June 3 at 7:13AM EDT until June 3 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
6h 27m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Welcome to Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park & Preservation District where a young boy grows up in a time of segregation. He was moved by destiny to lead the modern civil rights movemen...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 252.8
Welcome to Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. This park is a prehistoric American Indian site, where many different American Indian cultures occupied this land for thousands of years. American...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 168.6
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...
Today the river valley attracts us for so many reasons. Take a solitary walk to enjoy nature’s display, raft leisurely through the rocky shoals with friends, fish the misty waters as the sun comes up,...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
$5
near mile 264.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is 74% highway, meaning much of your driving will be on interstates. You'll encounter a significant stretch of 162.1 miles on Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway before transitioning to I-75. Be prepared for the density of exits and merging traffic that typically comes with interstate driving as you approach your destination in Ringgold.
74% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 162.1 mi on Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway and Larry McDonald Memorial Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.2 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 349.1 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 3.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 228.6 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 251.4 miles (I 75 / Horace E Tate Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,112 ft22 ft
Total Climb
1,117 ft
Total Descent
369 ft
Highest Point
1,112 ft
~274.3 mi in
Elevation Range
1,090 ft
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 Ringgold, GA, road signs point toward Birmingham, Chattanooga and Kennesaw.
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 6h 27m. Total distance: 349.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 27m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 162.1 miles on Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 43 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 Ringgold, 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 43 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 228.6 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 251.4 miles (I 75 / Horace E Tate Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park and Fort Pulaski National Monument (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.5 hours each way, a round trip means 12.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Ringgold, GA before the return drive.
