This 238.3-mile drive from Winder, GA to Savannah, GA is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 57 minutes. You'll primarily travel on Savannah Highway and GA 24, with a portion on Carl Sanders Highway, experiencing a mixed drive profile. With a fuel cost estimated at $37 and only one recommended stop, it’s an efficient journey through Georgia's Southeast region. This route is well-suited for a single day, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.
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
119.2 miles from Winder, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 24m 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
Lexington Road
23.2 mi
29m
US 78
22.3 mi
28m
Peach Orchard Road
21.4 mi
25m
North Columbia Avenue
13.4 mi
16m
University Parkway
11.8 mi
14m
Longest stretch:
Savannah Highway
— 38.3 mi, about 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Winder, GA and Savannah, GA.
1
Start on GA 11; GA 53; GA 211
0.2 mi·35 sec·Broad Street
2
Turn left onto GA 8; GA 11; GA 53
1.0 mi·1 min·East May Street
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on GA 8; GA 53
1.3 mi·1 min·Atlanta Highway Southeast
4
Turn slight right
193 ft·3 sec
5
Turn slight right onto GA 8; GA 53
2.3 mi·3 min·Hog Mountain Road
Use the left lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·35 sec
7
Merge onto US 29; GA 8; GA 316
12 mi·14 min·University Parkway
Use the left lane.
8
Take the exit onto US 29; US 78; GA 8
0.4 mi·29 sec·US 29; US 78; GA 8
Toward US 29 North, US 78 East, GA 10 Loop Outer: University of Georgia, Lexington, HartwellUse the right lane.
9
Merge onto US 29; US 78; GA 8; GA 10 Loop
6.2 mi·7 min·Outer Loop 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit onto US 78
0.4 mi·49 sec·US 78
Exit 8Toward US 78, GA 10: Oconee Street, Lexington RoadUse the slight right lane.
11
Continue on US 78; GA 10
1.4 mi·2 min·Lexington Road
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on US 78; GA 10
0.2 mi·24 sec·Lexington Highway
13
Continue on US 78; GA 10
5.8 mi·8 min·Lexington Road
Use the left lane.
14
Continue on US 78; GA 10
8.4 mi·9 min·Athens Road
15
Continue on US 78; GA 10; GA 22
0.9 mi·58 sec·Main Street
16
Continue on US 78; GA 10; GA 22
9.3 mi·10 min·Washington Road
17
Continue on US 78; GA 10
16 mi·18 min·Lexington Road
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
For this 4 hour and 57 minute journey, consider an early morning departure from Winder, GA to maximize your daylight hours and arrive in Savannah with ample time. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of around $37, pacing is straightforward. The longest stretch is 38.3 miles, so plan your break around that. Keep an eye out for the transition in scenery as you move from the inland Southeast region toward the coastal environment of Savannah.
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 119.2 miles from Winder, GA, or about 2h 24m 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 52 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 119.2 miles or 2h 24m 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 3m
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 Winder, 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 Winder, GA
This is one driving day of about 238.3 miles and 4h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Winder, 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 112 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.2 mi into trip|~0m in|GA 8; GA 11; GA 53 / East May Street
Turn left onto GA 8; GA 11; GA 53 / East May Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
17.2 mi into trip|~22m in|US 29; US 78; GA 8
Take the exit onto US 29; US 78; GA 8 toward US 29 North, US 78 East, GA 10 Loop Outer: University of Georgia, Lexington, Hartwell
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward US 29 North, US 78 East, GA 10 Loop Oute...
8
23.8 mi into trip|~30m in|US 78
Take the exit onto US 78 toward US 78, GA 10: Oconee Street, Lexington Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 8
Toward US 78, GA 10: Oconee Street, Lexington R...
7
88.1 mi into trip|~1h 49m in
Take the ramp toward I-20 East: Augusta
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I-20 East: Augusta
7
112 mi into trip|~2h 15m 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
$37.26 one way
$74.53 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg83 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$40.75
$81.49
premium
$4.70
$44.10
$88.21
diesel
$5.61
$52.61
$105.23
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: 83.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
71.5
0
$25.02
$11.44
Efficient EV
59.6
0
$20.85
$9.53
EV Truck/SUV
95.3
1
$33.36
$15.25
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 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.
Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026
Origin
Winder, GA
Late night
in Winder on Tuesday
Local time
5:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Savannah, GA
Late night
in Savannah on Tuesday
Local time
5:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
88°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
28 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 57m 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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
$10
near mile 238.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route offers a 30% highway share, meaning you'll experience a blend of faster travel and more local road navigation. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 38.3 miles on Savannah Highway, providing a good segment for steady progress. The 'mixed drive' profile suggests you'll transition between different types of roadways, keeping the driving experience varied. Expect to navigate through different Georgia landscapes as you make your way toward the coast.
30% 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?
8/10
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 0.2 miles in near GA 8; GA 11; GA 53 / East May Street.
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 21 significant decision points across 238.3 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 0.2 miles (GA 8; GA 11; GA 53 / East May Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 17.2 miles (US 29; US 78; GA 8): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 23.8 miles (US 78): 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.
Between Winder, GA and Savannah, GA, road signs point toward Lexington and Hartwell.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 57m. Total distance: 238.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 57m 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.
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 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (GA 8; GA 11; GA 53 / East May Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 17.2 miles (US 29; US 78; GA 8): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 23.8 miles (US 78): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Fort Pulaski National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Savannah, GA, but most travelers stay overnight.
