This 287.6-mile drive from Temple, Georgia, to Savannah, Georgia, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes. The route primarily utilizes major interstates, with a 98% highway share, making it a focused drive through the Southeast. With an estimated fuel cost of $45, it's an economical option for traversing the state. You'll spend most of your time on I-16 and I-75, with a brief segment on Tom Murphy Freeway. This trip is best suited for those looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B, rather than a scenic adventure.
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
143.8 miles from Temple, GA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 42m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 20m. Total distance: 287.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the vast majority of this trip, with 98% of the route on interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 164.2 miles on I-16, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. While primarily interstate, the transition onto and off of I-75 and the initial segment on Tom Murphy Freeway might offer slight variations in traffic flow and environment. Overall, the personality of this drive is one of efficiency and directness, prioritizing speed over varied scenery.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 16 is the longest continuous segment at about 164.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 16 and I 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 39.5 miles in.
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 15 significant decision points across 287.6 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 39.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 108.4 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
39.5 mi into trip|~46m in
Take the exit toward I 75 North, I 85 North, I 75 South, I 85 South: Chattanooga, Greenville, Macon, Montgomery
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.
Exit 57
Toward I 75 North, I 85 North, I 75 South, I 85...
8
39.6 mi into trip|~46m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 75 South, I 85 South: Macon, Montgomery
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 75 South, I 85 South: Macon, Montgomer...
8
108.4 mi into trip|~2h 3m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward Macon, Savannah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Macon, Savannah
8
120.6 mi into trip|~2h 17m in
Take the exit toward I 16 East: Jim Gillis Highway, Savannah
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 165
Toward I 16 East: Jim Gillis Highway, Savannah
8
286.5 mi into trip|~5h 17m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 167A
Toward Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Temple, GA and Savannah, GA, road signs point toward Greenville, Macon and Montgomery.
Greenville
39.5 mi in|~46m
Macon
39.5 mi in|~46m
Montgomery
39.5 mi in|~46m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 16
164.2 mi
2h 57m
I 75
77.1 mi
1h 25m
Tom Murphy Freeway
37.5 mi
42m
James Wendell George Parkway
2.3 mi
3m
Carrollton Street
1.6 mi
3m
Downtown Connector
1 mi
1m
Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
0.8 mi
2m
Jim Gillis Historic Savannah Parkway
0.6 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 16
— 164.2 mi, about 2h 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Temple, GA and Savannah, GA.
1
Start on GA 274
86 ft·3 sec·James Street
2
Turn right onto GA 274
408 ft·10 sec·Sage Street
3
Turn right onto GA 113
1.6 mi·3 min·Carrollton Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·46 sec
Use the left lane.
5
Merge onto I 20
37 mi·42 min·Tom Murphy Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Exit 57Toward I 75 North, I 85 North, I 75 South, I 85 South: Chattanooga, Greenville, Macon, MontgomeryUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 75 South, I 85 South: Macon, MontgomeryUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 75; I 85
1.0 mi·1 min·Downtown Connector
9
Continue on I 75; I 85
2.3 mi·3 min·James Wendell George Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
65 mi·1 hr 11 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
12 mi·13 min·I 75
Toward Macon, SavannahUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
1.1 mi·1 min
Exit 165Toward I 16 East: Jim Gillis Highway, SavannahUse the slight right lane.
Exit 167AToward Martin Luther King Junior BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn left onto Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
0.8 mi·2 min·Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
17
Turn left onto GA 25 Connector
0.2 mi·21 sec·West Bay Street
18
Turn uturn
117 ft·11 sec
19
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour and 20-minute duration, this route is definitely manageable as a day trip. To make the most of your time, consider departing early in the morning to avoid potential traffic, especially around the initial freeway segments. With only one planned stop suggested and a fuel cost around $45, you can budget accordingly. The longest stretch on I-16 means you'll want to ensure you have plenty of fuel before entering it, as services might be less frequent during that 164.2-mile portion. Staying alert during the extended highway portions is key to a safe journey.
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 143.8 miles from Temple, GA, or about 2h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 164.2 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 63 miles or 1h 13m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 143.8 miles or 2h 42m 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 22m
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 Temple, 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 Temple, GA
This is one driving day of about 287.6 miles and 5h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Temple, 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 I 16 for about 164.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 143.8 mi from Temple, GA
· 2h 42m into the drive
The midpoint is around 143.8 miles from Temple, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 16 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 164.2 miles.
Arriving in Savannah, GA
The final approach into Savannah, GA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Savannah, GA.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.97 one way
$89.95 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg101 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$49.18
$98.35
premium
$4.70
$53.23
$106.46
diesel
$5.61
$63.50
$127.00
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
86.3
1
$30.20
$13.80
Efficient EV
71.9
0
$25.17
$11.50
EV Truck/SUV
115
1
$40.26
$18.41
Gas CO2
101 kg
EV CO2
34 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 Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Temple, GA
Morning
in Temple on Friday
Local time
10:24 AM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Clear
0 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 17 at 1:44AM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 17 at 1:32AM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
Destination
Savannah, GA
Morning
in Savannah on Friday
Local time
10:24 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Mostly Clear
SW 6 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 17 at 1:44AM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 17 at 1:32AM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
49°F
Jackson, GA
144 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
6 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 20m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Temple, GA to Savannah, GA covers 287.6 miles and takes about 5h 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 16, I 75, Tom Murphy Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 143.8 miles from Temple, GA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $44.97 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 287.6 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 39.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 108.4 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Temple, GA and Savannah, GA, road signs point toward Greenville, Macon and Montgomery.
