Atlanta to Savannah: A Scenic Road Trip Adventure That You Can’t Miss!

Mar 21, 2024

Last Updated on: Aug 26, 2025

Travel Guides

Atlanta and Savannah are two of the most popular and exciting cities in Georgia. They are both rich in history, culture, and entertainment. But they are also very different in many ways. Atlanta is a modern and bustling metropolis, while Savannah is a charming and historic coastal town. How can you experience the best of both worlds? By taking a road trip from Atlanta to Savannah!

But how far is Savannah from Atlanta? How long does it take to drive from Atlanta to Savannah? What are the best routes to take from Atlanta to Savannah? What are the best places to visit along the way from Atlanta to Savannah?

In this article, I will answer these questions and more. I will show you the best tips and tricks to plan and enjoy your road trip from Atlanta to Savannah. I will also show you the top 10 sights that you simply can’t miss on your road trip from Atlanta to Savannah. Let’s get started!

How Far is Savannah from Atlanta?

Savannah to Atlanta

The first question that you might have is: how far is Savannah from Atlanta?

The answer is: it depends on the route that you take. There are several routes that you can take from Atlanta to Savannah, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Of course, these are not the only routes that you can take from Atlanta to Savannah. Also, you can customize your own route, depending on your preferences, your budget, and your time.

You can use online tools, such as Google Maps, Roadtrippers, or Furkot, to plan and optimize your route. You can also check the traffic, the weather, and the road conditions before you start your trip, and adjust your route accordingly.

Also, you can be flexible and spontaneous and take detours or shortcuts as you go along. The important thing is to have fun and enjoy the journey!

Having said that, here are some of the most common routes that you can choose from:

The Fastest Route

This route takes you from Atlanta to Savannah via I-75 S, I-16 E, and I-516 E. This route is the shortest and the quickest, as it covers about 248 miles and takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes to drive.

However, this route is also the most boring and the most crowded, as it does not offer much scenery or attractions along the way. You will mostly see highways, traffic, and billboards.

This route is best for those who are in a hurry and want to get to Savannah as soon as possible.

The Scenic Route

This route takes you from Atlanta to Savannah via US-441 S, US-129 S, US-341 S, GA-57 S, and US-80 E. This route is the longest and the slowest, as it covers about 310 miles and takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes to drive.

However, this route is also the most scenic and the most interesting, as it offers a lot of scenery and attractions along the way. You will see mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, farms, and small towns.

You will also pass by some of the historic and cultural sites of Georgia, such as the Ocmulgee National Monument, the Jarrell Plantation, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. 

This route is best for those who are not in a hurry and want to enjoy the beauty and the diversity of Georgia.

The Alternative Route

This route takes you from Atlanta to Savannah via I-20 E, US-25 S, and US-17 S. It is a good compromise between the fast and the scenic routes, as it covers about 270 miles and takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes to drive.

This route is not as boring as the fast route, but not as scenic as the scenic route. You will see some scenery and attractions along the way, but not as much as the scenic route. You will also pass by some of the major cities and towns of Georgia, such as Augusta, Waynesboro, and Statesboro.

This route is best for those who want a balance between speed and scenery, and who want to see some of the urban and rural aspects of Georgia.

The Top 10 Sights to See on Your Road Trip from Atlanta to Savannah

Road Trip from Atlanta to Savannah

Now that you have chosen your route and planned your trip, you might wonder: what are the best sights to see on your road trip from Atlanta to Savannah?

There are so many places to visit and things to do along the way that it can be hard to decide. To help you out, I have selected the top sights that you simply can’t miss on your road trip from Atlanta to Savannah.

These are the sights that will make your road trip memorable and enjoyable. Here they are:

1. Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park is a 3,200-acre park that is located 15 miles east of Atlanta. It is home to the largest bas-relief sculpture in the world, which depicts three Confederate leaders: Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson.

The park also offers various attractions and activities, such as a cable car, a train, a museum, a golf course, a lake, and a campground. You can also enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking in the park.

Stone Mountain Park is a great place to start your road trip, as it gives you a glimpse of the history and the nature of Georgia.

2. Madison

Madison is a small town 60 miles east of Atlanta. It is one of the most charming and historic towns in Georgia, as it has over 100 antebellum homes and buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

You can take a walking tour, a driving tour, or a carriage tour of the town, and admire the architecture and the atmosphere. You can also visit some of the museums, shops, and restaurants in the town.

Madison is a perfect place to stop for a break, as it offers a relaxing and romantic experience.

3. Milledgeville

Milledgeville is a city that is located 90 miles southeast of Atlanta. It is the former capital of Georgia, and the birthplace of the famous writer Flannery O’Connor.

You can visit some of the historic and cultural sites of the city, such as the Old Governor’s Mansion, the Georgia’s Old Capital Museum, the Andalusia Farm, and the Lockerly Arboretum.

You can also enjoy some of the outdoor activities, such as kayaking, fishing, and biking, that are available in the city.

Milledgeville is a fascinating place to visit, as it shows you the heritage and the creativity of Georgia.

4. Macon

Macon is a city that is located 85 miles south of Atlanta. It is known as the “Heart of Georgia”, as it is located in the geographic center of the state.

It is also known as the “Song and Soul of the South”, as it has a rich musical history and culture. You can visit some of the musical landmarks of the city, such as the Otis Redding Museum, the Allman Brothers Band Museum, and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

You can also visit some of the other attractions of the city, such as the Ocmulgee National Monument, the Hay House, and the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Macon is a fun place to visit, as it offers a lot of entertainment and excitement.

5. Dublin

Dublin is a city that is located 120 miles southeast of Atlanta. It is a friendly and festive city, that celebrates its Irish heritage and culture.

You can visit some of the Irish-themed attractions of the city, such as the Dublin-Laurens Museum, the Shamrock Bowl, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

You can also visit some of the other attractions of the city, such as the Market on Madison, the Theatre Dublin, and the River Bend Wildlife Management Area.

Dublin is a delightful place to visit, as it offers a lot of charm and cheer.

6. Statesboro

Statesboro is a city that is located 55 miles northwest of Savannah. It is a college town, as it is the home of the Georgia Southern University, the largest public university in Georgia.

You can visit some of the campus attractions, such as the Georgia Southern Museum, the Center for Wildlife Education, and the Botanic Garden.

You can also visit some of the other attractions of the city, such as the Averitt Center for the Arts, the Statesboro Farmers Market, and the Splash in the Boro Water Park.

Statesboro is a lively place to visit, as it offers a lot of culture and fun.

7. Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife refuge that is located on the border of Georgia and South Carolina, along the Savannah River.

It is a 31,551-acre refuge that protects and preserves various habitats and species, such as marshes, forests, wetlands, and islands.

You can see animals such as alligators, deer, otters, bobcats, and over 300 species of birds. You can also enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and photography in the refuge.

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to visit, as it offers a chance to experience the wildlife and the nature of Georgia.

8. Tybee Island

Tybee Island image

Tybee Island is a barrier island that is located 18 miles east of Savannah. It is a popular destination for beach lovers, who can enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, fishing, and boating.

The island also has a pier, a pavilion, a lighthouse, a museum, and a marine science center. Tybee Island is a wonderful place to visit, as it offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

9. Historic District

Historic District

The historic district is the heart and soul of Savannah. It is the largest National Historic Landmark District in the US, and it features over 20 squares that are filled with monuments, fountains, gardens, and statues.

You can also see some of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the city, such as the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Mercer Williams House, and the Davenport House.

You can take a guided tour, hop on a trolley, or simply walk around and admire the architecture and the atmosphere of the historic district.

10. River Street

River Street

River Street is a lively waterfront area that offers a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment.

You can browse the boutiques, sample the local cuisine, listen to live music, or watch the ships go by.

You can also take a riverboat cruise, a ferry ride, or a water taxi to see the city from a different perspective.

River Street is especially festive during the holidays and the events, such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Fourth of July Fireworks, and the Oktoberfest.

Wrapping It Up!

A road trip from Atlanta to Savannah is a scenic and adventurous way to explore the diverse and beautiful attractions of Georgia. You can see the stunning scenery, the historic landmarks, the quaint towns, and the fun activities that lie between the two cities.

Also, you can enjoy the flexibility, the convenience, and the adventure of driving your own car. You can stop whenever and wherever you want, and discover the hidden gems that you might otherwise miss.

By following the tips and tricks that I have provided in this article, you can plan and enjoy your road trip from Atlanta to Savannah. I hope that this article has given you some ideas and inspiration for your road trip itinerary.

Have a great time on your road trip from Atlanta to Savannah!.

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Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 8, 2023

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BY  Sibashree Jan 28, 2026

South India has been my go-to place whenever I lacked clarity about “What is Next?” After exploring the beaches in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, I wanted to continue my journey, and my destination was the Western Coast of India.  The quiet Varkala Beach or Papanasam Beach with dramatic cliffs won me over.  With golden sands, blue waters, and gentle waves, Varkala Beach is therapeutic. No wonder that it is such a popular place for outdoor Yoga practices.  Furthermore, being a west-facing beach, it offers dramatic sunset views.  Here is more about the  Location of Varkala Beach How to reach Varkala Beach Best beaches in Varkala Where to stay in Varkala Beach When is the best time to visit Varkala Beach Best things to do in Varkala Beach Places to eat and drink Is Varkala Beach worth it?  About Varakala Beach Let me introduce the Varkala Beach to you with some quick answers.  ⁍ Where is Varkala Beach? Varka Beach is in Varkala. 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It has a laid-back vibe, typical of the coastal areas of South India.  However, I could not find any lifeguards for the longer stretch of the beach. So, swimming here is something you need to do at your own risk.  Also, the current here is very strong. So, if you have plans to swim with kids, you have to be very careful.  How To Get To Varkala? The Varkala Beach is closest to the Trivandrum International Airport (TRV). The distance is around 45 kilometers. Furthermore, the nearest railway station, Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station, is a little over 4 km away.  However, the Trivandrum Central (TVC) is at a distance of 1 hour, and the Kollam Junction (QLN) Railway Station is around 40 minutes away. Both these stations have frequent train options from different parts of India.  1. How To Get To Varkala Beach From Trivandrum Airport I booked an Uber to reach the Varkala Beach from the Trivandrum Airport, and the charge was INR 1160. This is the safest option if you are new to the place.  Local cabs and other online car rentals are also available. However, if you cannot negotiate, they will charge you between INR 1500 and INR 1600.  Furthermore, the cheapest option to travel from Trivandrum to Varkala is to take a bus run by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). Buses are available every 15 minutes.  However, the KSRTC bus stop is around 15 km away from the beach. So, from there, you will again have to take a local bus or taxi.  2. How To Travel From The Varkala Railway Station To Varkala Beach?  You can take a local taxi to reach the beach from the Varkala Railway Station. Local buses are also available. What Are The Best Beaches In Varkala? The Varkala Beach is the main attraction in the town of Varkala. However, it has many other beaches, such as the Black Sand Beach, Odayam Beach, Kappil Beach and Beach Park, Edava Beach, and Thiruvambadi Beach.  1. Black Sand Beach View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nat Geo Traveller India (@natgeotravellerindia) The Black Sand Cliff is close to the north cliff. If the Varkala Beach is overcrowded, you can consider this one as an alternative.  2. Odayam Beach Odayam Beach is perfect if you want to enjoy a long stroll along the waters early morning or late in the evening.  It is located at the north of the main cliff.  3. Kappil Beach And Beach Park The Kappil Beach and Beach Park are further north of the Varkala town. It is the place where you will have a bit of the famous Kerala backwater experience.  Also, it is the confluence of the Arabian Sea and the Kappil River.  4. Edava Beach The Edava Beach is cleaner. Also, this quaint beach offers a delightful cultural experience. Here, you can meet the fishermen.  Though language was a barrier sometimes, a few of them knew English. Also, I must say, after the rich cultural experience in Jaffna, this was another culturally enriching moment for me.  5. Thiruvambadi Beach It is the most secluded beach in Varkala. It has black and dark sand. Also, it has a calm environment, allowing you to just relax and introspect.  Where To Stay In Varkala? You can visit the Kerala Tourism website to find out where to stay in Varkala. It has Varkala beach resort options such as the Coconut Cove Beach Resort, the Pulari Gardens Tourist Resorts, and the nearest Karthika Plaza Resort Pvt. Ltd.  Furthermore, there are hotels near Varkala Beach, such as InDa Hotel, the Lost Hostels, and Maison Sangham.  I stayed at the Bougainvillea Homestay, which is very close to the Varkala beach cliffs.  When To Visit Varkala? October to March, or the winter and spring seasons, are ideal for visiting Varkala.The rainfall is minimal in these months, and the temperature hovers around 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.  Furthermore, less rain and moderate weather conditions are ideal for watersports such as jet skiing and paragliding.  However, during my visit in February, I found the water current to be quite strong for swimming. So, check with the locals and the fishermen around before getting into the water.  What Are The Best Things To Do In Varkala Beach? The Varkala Beach is a welcome relief if you are exploring South India. It is not a place if you are planning an action-packed holiday.  However, try these watersports.  Surfing At Varkala Beach You will find places such as Soul and Surf here to camp and learn surfing. Furthermore, the ideal surfing condition for a visitor depends on their expertise level.  For Beginners: November to February For Sufers of Intermediate or Advanced Levels: October to March Advanced Surfers: The Monsoon Season or June to August  Paragliding Varkala Paragliding is the most adventurous thing you can try at Varkala Beach. You can have a hawk-eye view of the water and the golden sand by flying from one end of the cliff to another.  Also, paragliding feels magical during sunset. Varkala Beach Nightlife  The bars, restaurants, and rooftop cafes of the North Cliff are the epicenters of a happening nightlife in Varkala.  These places are ideal for candlelit dinners and enjoying a lively vibe with DJs and live acoustic music performances. What Are The Places To Visit Near The Varkala Beach? Varkala is an ideal place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, many religious and spiritual travelers combine a Varkala beach trip with a visit to Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Sivagiri Mutt.  The Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple is a 2000-year-old Vishnu shrine. It is associated with the legends of Lord Brahma and Narada Muni.  On the other hand, the Sivagiri Mutt is home to the saints and sanyasins of the order started by Sree Narayana Gurudev. His primary teaching was “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Man.” Established in 1904, this Mutt practices inclusiveness.  What Are The Places For Eating And Drinking In Varkala? There are many cafes and restaurants in Varkala. I chose a humble, local place for lunch and dinner.  However, to experience the cafe culture here, I chose a few upscale places.  1. Lunch At Vinayaka Vegetarian Restaurant I ordered a veg Keralan thali at the Vinayaka Vegetarian Restaurant. The rice grains were thick, and they were filling. Furthermore, they served the rice with five types of sides, pickle, and papad. It only cost me INR 90.  2. Dinner At Chimney Restaurant At the Chimney Restaurant, it was a continuation of my great seafood experience in Jaffna. The staff here suggested that I try a Kerala fish curry.  The fish was fresh, and the curry was sharp and spicy (a little less than Jaffna). It was a perfect balance to the acidic element of rice.  You must also try the village-style chicken curry here. It is a family-friendly restaurant.  3. CafĂ©s I was at Cafe Trip is Life during sunset. The view was amazing, and I loved the grilled prawns and mojitos there. A bit pricey, but worth it! Another cafĂ© I loved here was CafĂ© Sarwaa. I was impressed with the Bohemian decor the moment I entered the place. I tried some samosas and banana pancakes there.  However, you can eat here the whole day. Their paratha and Kerala beef curry are the most famous.  Is Varkala Worth It? Should I Just Go To Goa? The only similarity between Varkala and Goa beaches is the bohemian vibe. However, both beaches offer different experiences.  Varkala is more nature-focused with the landscape of the Varkala Beach and a view of the Arabian Sea. Furthermore, it is more about relaxation and wellness thanks to the Yoga centers frequently found here.  However, despite watersports and adventure facilities such as paragliding and surfing, Varkala is not as happening as Goa. Goa offers a wider range of watersports.  Moreover, the nightlife of Goa is more vibrant.  So, if you want a spiritual and wellness retreat and some quiet beach time, Varkala is the best. The 2000-year-old Vishnu temple is an added attraction here.  For a vibe and a high-energy experience, choose Goa.  Varkala Beach: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Varkala Beach.  1. Varkala Beach Or Kovalam Beach, Which Is Best? I cannot pick a favorite between the Varkala Beach and the Kovalam Beach. The Varkala Beach, with a bohemian vibe, is more laid-back and nature-focused. On the other hand, the Kovalam Beach has the iconic crescent beaches, and it offers a diverse range of watersports and a vibrant nightlife. 2. Which Beach In Varkala Has Bioluminescence? The Varkala Beach has bioluminescence. You can especially notice the bioluminescence near the cliff and along the northern stretch of the beach. Here, tiny marine organisms emit blue and green light due to a chemical reaction. When the wave is disturbed, these organisms get scattered, and it looks like the water is glowing. Furthermore, from September to November is the best time to see the bioluminescence of the beach.  3. What Is The Varkala Beach From Bangalore Distance? The distance between Varkala Beach and Bangalore is around 670 km. You can travel by road, which takes around 14 hours. So, the easiest way to travel is to take a train from Bangalore Cantonment to Varkala. The travel time is around 13-15 hours. Furthermore, if you want to take the fastest way to travel, you must take a flight from the Bangalore Airport to the Trivandrum Airport and then take a bus or taxi to Kovalam.