This 301.8-mile drive from Savannah, GA, to Rydal, GA, will take approximately 5 hours and 37 minutes, making it a feasible day trip. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 87% of it on major roads like Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway and I-75. With an estimated fuel cost of $47, this journey through Georgia's Southeast region is budget-friendly. You'll encounter just one recommended stop along the way, allowing for a relatively uninterrupted journey. This route offers a straightforward path for those looking to cover distance efficiently within the state.
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
150.9 miles from Savannah, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 44m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
162.1 mi
2h 54m
I 75
84.9 mi
1h 35m
Larry McDonald Memorial Highway
35.6 mi
40m
Horace E Tate Freeway
7.2 mi
8m
US 411
7 mi
10m
West Bay Street
1.8 mi
2m
William F. Lynes Parkway
0.8 mi
1m
Fall Line Freeway
0.5 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
— 162.1 mi, about 2h 54m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Savannah, GA and Rydal, 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
25 mi·27 min·Larry McDonald Memorial Highway
Toward I 75 North: Chattanooga, Barrett Parkway, KennesawUse the straight lane.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 293Toward US 411: Chatsworth, WhiteUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork
289 ft·7 sec
Toward US 411 North: ChatsworthUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto US 411; GA 61
1.6 mi·2 min·US 411; GA 61
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on US 411; GA 61
2.2 mi·3 min·US 411; GA 61
Use the straight lane.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto US 411; GA 61
3.3 mi·4 min·US 411; GA 61
Use the straight lane.
23
Arrive at destination
US 411; GA 61
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour and 37-minute duration, starting your journey early in the morning from Savannah is advisable to maximize daylight. While this is a manageable one-day drive, be prepared for the longest stretch of 162.1 miles without a planned stop, so ensure you have enough fuel before embarking on that segment. The $47 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always check current prices. Since there's only one recommended stop, plan your breaks strategically to stay refreshed during the 301.8-mile trip.
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 150.9 miles from Savannah, GA, or about 2h 44m 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 66 miles or 1h 13m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 150.9 miles or 2h 44m 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 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Rydal, 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 301.8 miles and 5h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 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 294.3 — 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
294.3 mi into trip|~5h 26m in
Take the exit toward US 411: Chatsworth, White
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 293
Toward US 411: Chatsworth, White
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.19 one way
$94.39 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg106 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$51.60
$103.21
premium
$4.70
$55.86
$111.71
diesel
$5.61
$66.63
$133.27
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$47
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 105.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
90.5
1
$31.69
$14.49
Efficient EV
75.5
0
$26.41
$12.07
EV Truck/SUV
120.7
1
$42.25
$19.32
Gas CO2
106 kg
EV CO2
35 kg (67% 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 Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Savannah, GA
Night
in Savannah on Saturday
Local time
9:17 PM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Sunny
S 6 to 9 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Fire Weather Watch
Fire Weather Watch issued April 17 at 2:19PM EDT until April 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Fire Weather Watch
Fire Weather Watch issued April 17 at 2:19PM EDT until April 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Rydal, GA
Night
in Rydal on Saturday
Local time
9:17 PM
EDT
Current temp
88°F
Sunny
NW 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Fire Weather Watch
Fire Weather Watch issued April 17 at 2:19PM EDT until April 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Fire Weather Watch
Fire Weather Watch issued April 17 at 2:19PM EDT until April 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
49°F
Jackson, GA
151 mi in
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 37m 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.
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 249.7
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 166.5
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,...
12 mi from route
~31 min detour
$5
near mile 260.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience, with the majority of your 301.8 miles spent on major thoroughfares. Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway and I-75 form the backbone of this route, contributing to its 87% highway share. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a significant 162.1 miles, primarily on Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway. This suggests long periods of consistent driving on well-maintained roads, with fewer opportunities for spontaneous exploration off the main path.
87% 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?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway and I 75. 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 Effort9/10
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 17 significant decision points across 301.8 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.
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 Rydal, GA, road signs point toward Birmingham, Chattanooga and Kennesaw.
Birmingham
228.6 mi in|~4h 8m|via I 75
Chattanooga
251.4 mi in|~4h 37m|via I 75
Kennesaw
269.2 mi in|~4h 58m|via I 75
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 37m. Total distance: 301.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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.
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 Rydal, 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 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 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Rydal, GA before the return drive.
