Traveling from the rolling foothills of Toccoa to the coastal charm of Savannah covers 251 miles of diverse Georgia landscape. You should plan for a drive time of approximately 5 hours and 17 minutes, making this a manageable journey for a single day of travel. Navigating primarily via the Savannah Highway, GA 24, and the Carl Sanders Highway, you can expect a fuel budget of about $40 to complete the trip. Because the route is categorized as a mixed drive, it offers a transition from the interior southeast regions toward the coast. While you could certainly push through in one go, having the flexibility to stop along the way will keep the experience comfortable and relaxed.
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
125.5 miles from Toccoa, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 37m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Savannah Highway
38.3 mi
44m
GA 24
28.8 mi
41m
Carl Sanders Highway
23.6 mi
25m
US 78
22.5 mi
27m
Peach Orchard Road
21.4 mi
25m
GA 17
19.4 mi
22m
South Big A Road
17.1 mi
23m
North Columbia Avenue
13.4 mi
16m
Longest stretch:
Savannah Highway
— 38.3 mi, about 44m
Traffic on I-520
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 14 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~3,973 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~199 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
20×
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 Toccoa, GA and Savannah, GA.
1
Start on US 123; GA 365
1.0 mi·1 min·East Currahee Street
2
Turn right onto GA 17 Alternate
17 mi·23 min·South Big A Road
3
Continue on GA 17
7.6 mi·8 min·Augusta Road
4
Continue on GA 17
3.1 mi·3 min·College Street
5
Turn left onto GA 17
2.4 mi·2 min·GA 17
6
At end of road, turn left onto GA 17
17 mi·19 min·GA 17
7
Turn right onto GA 72
528 ft·6 sec·Athens Highway
8
Continue on SR 17; SR 72
1.2 mi·1 min·College Avenue
9
Continue on GA 17; GA 72
0.7 mi·47 sec·Elbert Street
10
Continue on GA 17; GA 72
0.1 mi·7 sec·Heard Street
11
Continue on GA 17; GA 72
1.3 mi·2 min·Elbert Street
12
Continue on GA 17
9.6 mi·13 min·Washington Highway
13
Continue on GA 17
6.8 mi·9 min·Elberton Highway
14
Continue on GA 17
1.8 mi·2 min·North Hulin Avenue
15
Continue on GA 17
7.4 mi·10 min·Tignall Road
16
Continue on GA 17 BUS
0.9 mi·1 min·Tignall Road
17
Turn left onto US 78; GA 10
0.6 mi·42 sec·US 78; GA 10
18
Turn right onto US 78; GA 10; GA 17
22 mi·27 min·US 78; GA 10; GA 17
Use the straight lane.
19
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward I-20 East: AugustaUse the left lane.
20
Merge onto I 20
24 mi·25 min·Carl Sanders Highway
Use the straight lane.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 520 East, GA 232Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 520 East
23
Continue on I 520
6.7 mi·7 min·Bobby Jones Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward US 25, GA 121
25
Turn right onto US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
4.3 mi·5 min·Peach Orchard Road
26
Continue on US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
0.3 mi·21 sec·Nellie Drive
27
Continue on US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
17 mi·20 min·Peach Orchard Road
28
Turn right onto US 25; GA 121
2.7 mi·4 min·Liberty Street
29
Continue on GA 24
28 mi·40 min·GA 24
30
Take the ramp onto GA 24
0.3 mi·39 sec·GA 24
31
Merge onto US 301; GA 24; GA 73
4.4 mi·5 min·Burton's Ferry Highway
32
Turn left onto US 301 Business; GA 73
2.6 mi·3 min·US 301 Business; GA 73
33
At end of road, turn left onto GA 21; I 3 FUT
0.3 mi·26 sec·Perimeter Road
34
Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT
38 mi·44 min·Savannah Highway
Use the straight lane.
35
Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT
0.1 mi·7 sec·Augusta Highway
36
Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT
13 mi·16 min·North Columbia Avenue
Use the straight lane.
37
Turn left onto GA 307; Alternate GA 21
1.1 mi·1 min·Bourne Avenue
Use the left lane.
38
Turn right onto GA 25
2.2 mi·3 min·Main Street
39
At end of road, turn left onto US 80; GA 26
465 ft·7 sec·Main Street
40
Continue on US 80; GA 26
2.5 mi·4 min·West Bay Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
41
Turn left
117 ft·11 sec
42
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 251-mile trek, aim for an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic congestion as you transition between regional road networks. Since the route includes one planned stop, use that break strategically to refuel and stretch your legs before tackling the remaining distance. Keep your $40 fuel budget in mind when planning your refueling points, as availability may fluctuate on the non-highway portions of the trip. Because this is a single-day journey, you have the advantage of reaching your destination by late afternoon if you pace yourself well. A specific tip for this route: keep a close eye on your navigation as you transition between GA 24 and the Savannah Highway to ensure you stay on the most efficient path.
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 125.5 miles from Toccoa, GA, or about 2h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 38.3 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 55 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 125.5 miles or 2h 37m 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 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Savannah, GA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Toccoa, 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 Toccoa, GA
This is one driving day of about 251 miles and 5h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Toccoa, 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 Savannah Highway for about 38.3 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 31.2 and 124.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
31.2 mi into trip|~39m in|GA 17
At end of road, turn left onto GA 17
Navigation decision point
5
78.9 mi into trip|~1h 42m in|US 78; GA 10; GA 17
Turn right onto US 78; GA 10; GA 17
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
100.8 mi into trip|~2h 9m in
Take the ramp toward I-20 East: Augusta
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I-20 East: Augusta
5
101.1 mi into trip|~2h 10m in|I 20 / Carl Sanders Highway
Merge onto I 20 / Carl Sanders Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
124.7 mi into trip|~2h 35m in
Take the exit toward I 520 East, GA 232
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 520 East, GA 232
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.06 one way
$74.11 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg88 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$40.72
$81.45
premium
$4.49
$44.39
$88.78
diesel
$4.80
$47.39
$94.79
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
75.3
0
$26.36
$12.05
Efficient EV
62.8
0
$21.96
$10.04
EV Truck/SUV
100.4
1
$35.14
$16.06
Gas CO2
88 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Toccoa, GA
Afternoon
in Toccoa on Sunday
Local time
3:49 PM
EDT
Current temp
92°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 1 to 6 mph40% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:16AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:14AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Columbia SC
Destination
Savannah, GA
Afternoon
in Savannah on Sunday
Local time
3:49 PM
EDT
Current temp
94°F
Sunny
S 2 to 13 mph10% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:16AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:14AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Columbia 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
2 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
5h 17m 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 varied experience behind the wheel, as this route is a classic mixed drive rather than a monotonous interstate haul. With a highway share of only 32%, you will spend a significant portion of your time on local roads that offer a more grounded pace. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 38.3 miles on the Savannah Highway, providing a brief period to settle into a steady rhythm. As you progress from the northern part of the state toward your destination, the road character shifts, requiring you to stay alert through different types of traffic. It is a practical drive that rewards those who enjoy moving through the changing scenery of the Georgia interior.
32% 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: 38.3 mi on Savannah Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 18 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 31.2 miles in near GA 17.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 251 miles you will encounter 18 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 31.2 miles (GA 17): Navigation decision point; at 78.9 miles (US 78; GA 10; GA 17): Lane positioning matters here; at 100.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
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 5h 17m. Total distance: 251 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 38.3 miles on Savannah Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 14 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 Savannah, 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 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 31.2 miles (GA 17): Navigation decision point; at 78.9 miles (US 78; GA 10; GA 17): Lane positioning matters here; at 100.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Fort Pulaski National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Savannah, GA before the return drive.
