This 315.3-mile journey from Young Harris, GA to Savannah, GA is best tackled as a single, albeit long, day trip, taking approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes. You'll navigate primarily via Savannah Highway and US 441, with GA 24 also playing a role. Given that 32% of the drive is on highways, expect a mix of speeds. With an estimated fuel cost of $49, this drive is an economical option for experiencing the transition across Georgia's Southeast region. While a single stop is recommended, the relatively short duration makes it manageable without 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
157.6 miles from Young Harris, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 23m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Savannah Highway
38.3 mi
44m
US 441
32.7 mi
41m
GA 24
28.8 mi
41m
Gainesville Highway
27.4 mi
33m
Carl Sanders Highway
23.6 mi
25m
Lexington Road
23.3 mi
29m
US 78
21.9 mi
27m
Peach Orchard Road
21.4 mi
25m
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 Young Harris, GA and Savannah, GA.
1
Start on College Street
45 ft·3 sec·College Street
2
Turn right onto Duckworth Drive
0.1 mi·36 sec·Duckworth Drive
3
Turn left onto US 76; GA 2; GA 515
0.5 mi·49 sec·Main Street
4
Continue on US 76; GA 2; GA 515
7.0 mi·10 min·Young Harris Highway
5
Turn left onto US 19; US 129; GA 11
1.1 mi·1 min·Glenn Gooch Bypass
6
Turn left onto US 19; US 129; GA 11
27 mi·33 min·Gainesville Highway
7
Continue on US 129; GA 11; GA 75 ALT
1.9 mi·2 min·US 129; GA 11; GA 75 ALT
8
Continue on US 129; GA 11; GA 75 Alternate
1.2 mi·2 min·North Main Street
9
Turn slight left onto GA 115
9.0 mi·13 min·East Kytle Street
10
Enter roundabout onto GA 105
44 ft·0 sec·GA 105
11
Continue on GA 105
5.3 mi·8 min·GA 105
12
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
13
Merge onto US 23; US 441; GA 15; GA 365
0.7 mi·49 sec·US 23; US 441; GA 15; GA 365
14
Keep slight left at fork onto US 441; GA 15
21 mi·26 min·US 441; GA 15
Use the straight lane.
15
Merge onto US 441; GA 15
11 mi·14 min·US 441; GA 15
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Continue on US 441; GA 15
9.5 mi·11 min·Commerce Road
Use the straight lane.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Toward US 129, US 441, GA 10 Loop, GA 15Use the left lane.
18
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 10 Loop; GA 15
0.2 mi·11 sec·GA Inner Loop 10
19
Continue on US 129; US 441; GA 10 Loop; GA 15
0.9 mi·1 min·Inner Loop 10
20
Take the exit onto US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15
2.5 mi·3 min·Inner Loop 10
Exit 10CToward US 129 South, US 441 South, GA 10 Loop Inner: Watkinsville, LexingtonUse the slight right lane.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·13 sec
Exit 8Toward US 78, GA 10: Oconee Street, Lexington RoadUse the right lane.
22
Turn right onto US 78 Business; GA 10
0.1 mi·14 sec·Oconee Street
Use the right lane.
23
Continue on US 78 Business; GA 10
1.5 mi·2 min·Lexington Road
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on US 78; GA 10
0.2 mi·24 sec·Lexington Highway
25
Continue on US 78; GA 10
5.8 mi·8 min·Lexington Road
Use the left lane.
26
Continue on US 78; GA 10
8.4 mi·9 min·Athens Road
27
Continue on US 78; GA 10; GA 22
0.9 mi·58 sec·Main Street
28
Continue on US 78; GA 10; GA 22
9.3 mi·10 min·Washington Road
29
Continue on US 78; GA 10
16 mi·18 min·Lexington Road
30
Turn right onto US 78; GA 10; GA 17
22 mi·27 min·US 78; GA 10; GA 17
Use the straight lane.
31
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward I-20 East: AugustaUse the left lane.
32
Merge onto I 20
24 mi·25 min·Carl Sanders Highway
Use the straight lane.
33
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 520 East, GA 232Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 520 East
35
Continue on I 520
6.7 mi·7 min·Bobby Jones Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward US 25, GA 121
37
Turn right onto US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
4.3 mi·5 min·Peach Orchard Road
38
Continue on US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
0.3 mi·21 sec·Nellie Drive
39
Continue on US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT
17 mi·20 min·Peach Orchard Road
40
Turn right onto US 25; GA 121
2.7 mi·4 min·Liberty Street
41
Continue on GA 24
28 mi·40 min·GA 24
42
Take the ramp onto GA 24
0.3 mi·39 sec·GA 24
43
Merge onto US 301; GA 24; GA 73
4.4 mi·5 min·Burton's Ferry Highway
44
Turn left onto US 301 Business; GA 73
2.6 mi·3 min·US 301 Business; GA 73
45
At end of road, turn left onto GA 21; I 3 FUT
0.3 mi·26 sec·Perimeter Road
46
Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT
38 mi·44 min·Savannah Highway
Use the straight lane.
47
Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT
0.1 mi·7 sec·Augusta Highway
48
Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT
13 mi·16 min·North Columbia Avenue
Use the straight lane.
49
Turn left onto GA 307; Alternate GA 21
1.1 mi·1 min·Bourne Avenue
Use the left lane.
50
Turn right onto GA 25
2.2 mi·3 min·Main Street
51
At end of road, turn left onto US 80; GA 26
465 ft·7 sec·Main Street
52
Continue on US 80; GA 26
2.5 mi·4 min·West Bay Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
53
Turn left
117 ft·11 sec
54
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6-hour, 40-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Young Harris to maximize daylight and minimize traffic. While the route is doable in one day, remember that the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile means you'll want to be mindful of your pace and plan for your single recommended stop. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially as you approach Savannah, with the estimated cost being around $49. A specific tip for this route: pay close attention to signage for US 441 and Savannah Highway, as these are your primary arteries and key transitions.
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 157.6 miles from Young Harris, GA, or about 3h 23m 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 69 miles or 1h 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 157.6 miles or 3h 23m 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 31m
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 Young Harris, 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 Young Harris, GA
This is one driving day of about 315.3 miles and 6h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 69 miles from Young Harris, 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 26
5 decision points cluster between mile 96.9 and 188.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
96.9 mi into trip|~2h 8m in
Take the exit toward US 129, US 441, GA 10 Loop, GA 15
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 129, US 441, GA 10 Loop, GA 15
8
98.2 mi into trip|~2h 10m in|US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15 / Inner Loop 10
Take the exit onto US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15 / Inner Loop 10 toward US 129 South, US 441 South, GA 10 Loop Inner: Watkinsville, Lexington
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 10C
Toward US 129 South, US 441 South, GA 10 Loop I...
8
100.7 mi into trip|~2h 14m in
Take the exit 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 right lane.
Exit 8
Toward US 78, GA 10: Oconee Street, Lexington R...
7
165 mi into trip|~3h 33m in
Take the ramp toward I-20 East: Augusta
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I-20 East: Augusta
7
188.9 mi into trip|~3h 59m 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
$46.55 one way
$93.10 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg110 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$51.16
$102.31
premium
$4.49
$55.76
$111.52
diesel
$4.80
$59.53
$119.07
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: 110.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
94.6
1
$33.11
$15.13
Efficient EV
78.8
0
$27.59
$12.61
EV Truck/SUV
126.1
1
$44.14
$20.18
Gas CO2
110 kg
EV CO2
37 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Young Harris, GA
Night
in Young Harris on Saturday
Local time
9:32 PM
EDT
Current temp
87°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
0 mph71% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 1:47PM EDT until July 17 at 4:45PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 1:27PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Destination
Savannah, GA
Night
in Savannah on Saturday
Local time
9:32 PM
EDT
Current temp
95°F
Sunny
SW 2 to 10 mph13% chanceLive forecast
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 1:47PM EDT until July 17 at 4:45PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 1:27PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
71°F
Commerce, GA
158 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
8 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
6h 40m 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.
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 315.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' indicating frequent changes in direction rather than a straightforward interstate cruise. With only 32% highway share, you'll spend a significant portion of your time on local roads, making it feel more engaging. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 38.3 miles along Savannah Highway. This suggests a drive that requires your attention and offers varied scenery as you move from the mountains of North Georgia towards the coast.
Only 32% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
54 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?
9/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 96.9 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 26 significant decision points across 315.3 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 96.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 98.2 miles (US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15 / Inner Loop 10): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,721 ft22 ft
Total Climb
794 ft
Total Descent
2,699 ft
Highest Point
2,721 ft
~22.5 mi in
Elevation Range
2,699 ft
Notable High Points
2,721 ft at ~22.5 miles+794 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Young Harris, GA to Savannah, GA, road signs begin pointing toward Lexington along the way.
Lexington
98.2 mi in|~2h 10m|via US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15
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 40m. Total distance: 315.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 40m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads 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 15 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 15 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 96.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 98.2 miles (US 129; US 441; 10 Loop; 15 / Inner Loop 10): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 100.7 miles: 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.7 hours each way, a round trip means 13.4 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.
