Savannah Historic District streets and hotels near the waterfront

Getting to & Around Savannah

Savannah airport transfers — SAV to downtown and beyond

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is just 8 miles from the Historic District. But with luggage, a family in tow, or a late-night arrival, that short distance matters more than it looks on a map. Here's exactly how to get from SAV to your hotel — and from Savannah to Tybee Island or Hilton Head — without the stress.

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In short

Savannah airport transfers are pre-booked vehicles — private cars, shared shuttles or SUVs — connecting Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) to downtown hotels, Tybee Island and Hilton Head; the 8-mile downtown journey takes 15 to 25 minutes, with private transfers offering fixed pricing and flight-tracking meet-and-greet.

Getting from Savannah Airport (SAV) to downtown

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (airport code: SAV) sits on the northwest edge of the city, about 8 miles from Johnson Square in the heart of the Historic District. The drive via I-16 East is straightforward — there are no complicated interchanges and downtown Savannah has no toll roads. Under normal conditions the journey takes 15 to 20 minutes. During weekday morning or afternoon rush hours, or on days when cruise ships arrive at the Garden City Terminal, allow 25 to 30 minutes.

SAV is a small, easy airport to navigate — baggage claim is quick, rideshare pick-up is clearly signed outside arrivals, and private transfer drivers typically wait in the arrivals hall with a name sign. The terminal has a single main building, so there's no confusion about which level or section to head to.

Ground transportation options at SAV include: pre-booked private transfers, shared shuttle vans, rental cars (major agencies are all represented), rideshare apps (Uber and Lyft are both active at SAV), and taxis from the official queue. There is no direct public bus service between SAV and downtown Savannah that offers a practical option for travelers with luggage, making a transfer or rideshare the default choices for most visitors.

Private transfer vs shuttle vs rideshare — cost & comfort

Private transfers are booked in advance through operators like those on GetYourGuide. You pay a fixed price, the driver tracks your flight so they adjust if you're delayed, and they meet you in arrivals with a sign. The vehicle is dedicated to your group — no other passengers, no detours. This is the premium option and makes particular sense for: late-night or early-morning arrivals when rideshare availability is lower; groups of 3 or more where the per-person cost gap with rideshare narrows; travelers with significant luggage; and anyone who values a guaranteed, stress-free start to their trip.

Shared shuttles run on a fixed schedule and collect passengers from multiple flights before doing a round of hotel drop-offs. They're cheaper than private transfers but slower — expect 30 to 60 minutes from boarding to your hotel depending on how many stops precede yours. Good for solo travelers or couples who are flexible on timing and want to save money.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is widely available at SAV and is usually the cheapest option for one or two passengers with minimal luggage. Open the app as you collect your bags and a driver is typically available within 3 to 10 minutes. The main risks are surge pricing during busy periods (holiday weekends, graduation seasons, St. Patrick's Day in March) and slower availability after midnight. For budget-conscious solo travelers arriving at normal hours, rideshare is often the pragmatic choice.

Transfers to Tybee Island & Hilton Head

Tybee Island — Savannah's beach, 18 miles east of downtown — is approximately 25 miles from SAV airport. The drive takes 35 to 45 minutes via US-80. Rideshare availability to Tybee is reasonable but can be slower in the evening; a dedicated private transfer is the smoothest option, especially if you're arriving with beach gear. Several Savannah shuttle operators offer fixed-price Tybee runs from the airport. Note that there is no public bus service between SAV and Tybee.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is approximately 45 miles from SAV airport and 38 miles from downtown Savannah. The drive takes 50 to 70 minutes via US-278, crossing the bridge onto the island. This is a cross-state journey — rideshare apps technically work but driver availability drops significantly once you cross into South Carolina, making a pre-booked private transfer or dedicated shuttle strongly recommended. Multiple operators offer SAV-to-Hilton Head routes with fixed pricing, and some also offer a combined Savannah city stop en route if you want to see downtown before checking in at your resort.

If you're planning day trips between your Savannah base and either destination, see the Savannah day trips page for guided excursions that handle the transport for you.

Booking tips — flight times, meet & greet, and luggage

Book your transfer before you fly. Pre-booking locks in a fixed price and means a driver is confirmed regardless of what time your flight lands. Last-minute transfers booked on arrival can cost more and may not be available for very late or very early flights. Most operators on GetYourGuide offer free cancellation if your travel plans change.

Use flight-tracking meet-and-greet service when available — this means your driver monitors your flight's actual arrival time and adjusts automatically if you're delayed. You don't need to call or message; the driver will be waiting when you land. This is standard on most private transfer bookings and a major advantage over rideshare during irregular operations.

Declare your luggage count accurately. Savannah private transfer vehicles range from executive sedans (2–3 large bags) to SUVs and minivans (4–6+ bags). Underestimating luggage is the most common cause of vehicle-upgrade surcharges on arrival — book the right vehicle size from the start. Groups with golf bags, pushchairs or oversized sports equipment should contact the operator directly before booking to confirm the vehicle can accommodate them.

Late-night arrivals: SAV's last commercial flights typically land between 10 pm and midnight. Rideshare is available but slower at these hours; a pre-booked transfer is the most reliable option and removes any uncertainty about finding a driver after a long travel day. The drive to a downtown hotel at midnight takes 15 minutes with virtually no traffic — one of the few advantages of a late arrival.

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FAQ

Frequently asked

How far is Savannah airport from downtown?

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is approximately 8 miles from the heart of downtown Savannah. By car or transfer the journey typically takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic, time of day, and the specific location of your hotel in the Historic District. The I-16 connection is direct, making SAV one of the more convenient regional airports for a downtown destination.

What's the best way to get from SAV airport to downtown Savannah?

The three main options are private transfer (the most comfortable and predictable, especially with luggage), shared shuttle (cheaper but involves multiple drop-offs), and rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft (convenient and widely available at SAV). Taxis are available at the airport but tend to be the most expensive option. Pre-booked private transfers offer a guaranteed fixed price, a driver waiting at arrivals, and no surge pricing — making them the most stress-free choice after a long flight, particularly for late arrivals.

Are private airport transfers worth it in Savannah?

For many travelers, yes. A private transfer from SAV to downtown Savannah costs more than a rideshare but offers several advantages: a fixed price known before you travel, no waiting for an app to find a driver (which can be slow late at night or during peak periods), a driver who meets you in arrivals with a name sign, and door-to-door service to your specific hotel — including help with luggage. For families, groups, or anyone arriving late or tired after connecting flights, the peace of mind is often worth the premium.

Can you book a shuttle from Savannah airport to Tybee Island or Hilton Head?

Yes. Several operators offer shared and private shuttle services between SAV and Tybee Island (approximately 25 miles from the airport) and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (approximately 45 miles from the airport). Tybee shuttles are available from various transport companies and take roughly 35 to 45 minutes. Hilton Head shuttles take 50 to 70 minutes and cross into South Carolina via the US-278 bridge. Pre-booking a dedicated shuttle is strongly recommended for Hilton Head as rideshare coverage can be inconsistent across the state line.

Location

Where is Forsyth Park?

Forsyth Park is a 30-acre public park at the south end of Savannah's Historic District in Georgia, bordered by Drayton Street, Whitaker Street, West Gaston Street and Park Avenue — about one mile south of River Street. It's free and open daily from sunrise to 10 PM.

Address: Forsyth Park, Drayton St & W Gaston St
Savannah, GA 31401
Hours: Daily · sunrise–10 PM
Entry: Free · no tickets
Coordinates: 32.0686° N, 81.0951° W
Good to know: South end of the Historic District · ~1 mile (20-min walk) from River Street · street parking on the surrounding squares.

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