Trip from Washington, GA to Savannah, GA

Drive Time

3h 36m

Distance

172.6 mi

278 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 24m ★
6 AM
3h 36m
8 AM
4h 1m
10 AM
3h 45m
12 PM
3h 42m
3 PM
3h 46m
5 PM
4h 0m
8 PM
3h 29m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Washington, GA, GA

Washington, GA

Samad Ismayilov

Downtown Savannah, GA, GA

Savannah, GA

Dominik Gryzbon

Trip Overview

Traveling from Washington to Savannah spans 172.6 miles and takes approximately 3 hours and 36 minutes, making it an ideal candidate for a single-day journey. You will navigate through the heart of Southeast Georgia, transitioning from the inland landscape toward the coast. With an estimated fuel cost of $28, the trip is budget-friendly and straightforward for most drivers. While you could easily complete this in one go, planning for at least one stop will keep you refreshed. This route functions well as a direct transit between these two distinct Georgia locales, offering a manageable balance of distance and time.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

86.3 miles from Washington, GA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 45m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a mixed driving experience as you transition across 172.6 miles of Georgia terrain. You will spend roughly 34% of your time on highways, utilizing a combination of Savannah Highway, GA 24, and Carl Sanders Highway. The pace varies significantly, with the longest uninterrupted stretch covering 38.3 miles on Savannah Highway. Because this is a mixed-profile drive, you should be prepared for shifting road types that require constant engagement behind the wheel. The road personality evolves as you move away from Washington, blending faster highway segments with more localized driving conditions.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Savannah Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 38.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.6 miles in near US 78; GA 10; GA 17.

Route Complexity 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 172.6 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 1.6 miles (US 78; GA 10; GA 17): Lane positioning matters here; at 22.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 22.7 miles (I 20 / Carl Sanders Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 14 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

5
1.6 mi into trip | ~2m in | US 78; GA 10; GA 17

Turn right onto US 78; GA 10; GA 17

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.
7
22.4 mi into trip | ~28m in

Take the ramp toward I-20 East: Augusta

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward I-20 East: Augusta
5
22.7 mi into trip | ~28m in | I 20 / Carl Sanders Highway

Merge onto I 20 / Carl Sanders Highway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
7
46.3 mi into trip | ~54m 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
5
46.5 mi into trip | ~54m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 520 East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 520 East

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Savannah Highway 38.3 mi 44m
GA 24 28.8 mi 41m
Carl Sanders Highway 23.6 mi 25m
Peach Orchard Road 21.4 mi 25m
US 78 20.8 mi 25m
North Columbia Avenue 13.4 mi 16m
Bobby Jones Expressway 6.7 mi 7m
Burton's Ferry Highway 4.4 mi 5m
Longest stretch: Savannah Highway — 38.3 mi, about 44m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Washington, GA and Savannah, GA.

1

Start on US 78 BUS; GA 10 BUS; GA 47

1.6 mi · 2 min · East Robert Toombs Avenue
2

Turn right onto US 78; GA 10; GA 17

21 mi · 25 min · US 78; GA 10; GA 17
Use the none lane.
3

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Toward I-20 East: Augusta Use the left lane.
4

Merge onto I 20

24 mi · 25 min · Carl Sanders Highway
Use the straight lane.
5

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward I 520 East, GA 232 Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 520 East
7

Continue on I 520

6.7 mi · 7 min · Bobby Jones Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Toward US 25, GA 121
9

Turn right onto US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT

4.3 mi · 5 min · Peach Orchard Road
10

Continue on US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT

0.3 mi · 21 sec · Nellie Drive
11

Continue on US 25; GA 121; I 3 FUT

17 mi · 20 min · Peach Orchard Road
12

Turn right onto US 25; GA 121

2.7 mi · 4 min · Liberty Street
13

Continue on GA 24

28 mi · 40 min · GA 24
14

Take the ramp onto GA 24

0.3 mi · 39 sec · GA 24
15

Merge onto US 301; GA 24; GA 73

4.4 mi · 5 min · Burton's Ferry Highway
16

Turn left onto US 301 Business; GA 73

2.6 mi · 3 min · US 301 Business; GA 73
17

At end of road, turn left onto GA 21; I 3 FUT

0.3 mi · 26 sec · Perimeter Road
18

Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT

38 mi · 44 min · Savannah Highway
Use the straight lane.
19

Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT

0.1 mi · 7 sec · Augusta Highway
20

Continue on GA 21; I 3 FUT

13 mi · 16 min · North Columbia Avenue
Use the none lane.
21

Turn left onto GA 307; Alternate GA 21

1.1 mi · 1 min · Bourne Avenue
Use the left lane.
22

Turn right onto GA 25

2.2 mi · 3 min · Main Street
23

At end of road, turn left onto US 80; GA 26

465 ft · 7 sec · Main Street
24

Continue on US 80; GA 26

2.5 mi · 4 min · West Bay Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
25

Turn left

117 ft · 11 sec
26

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 3 hour and 36 minute transit, plan to depart early in the day to avoid mid-afternoon traffic fluctuations. Since the route requires only a modest $28 fuel investment, you have the flexibility to adjust your pace without worrying about significant overhead costs. Incorporating your one recommended stop will help break up the journey, especially during the longer stretches on Savannah Highway. Stay mindful of your surroundings as you transition between the various state and local roads, as speed limits and road conditions will change frequently. Given the manageable duration, you have the freedom to arrive in Savannah at a time that best suits your personal schedule.

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 86.3 miles from Washington, GA, or about 1h 45m 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 80 miles or 1h 36m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 86.3 miles or 1h 45m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 56m

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 Washington, 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 Washington, GA

This is one driving day of about 172.6 miles and 3h 36m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Washington, 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.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 86.3 mi from Washington, GA · 1h 45m into the drive

Downtown Mount Pleasant, SC, SC

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Mount Pleasant, SC

86 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

West Columbia, SC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

West Columbia, SC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 86.3 miles from Washington, GA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.62 one way

$55.25 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 60 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.43 $30.10 $60.19
premium $4.78 $32.47 $64.94
diesel $5.64 $38.35 $76.69

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 60.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 51.8 0 $18.12 $8.28
Efficient EV 43.2 0 $15.10 $6.90
EV Truck/SUV 69 0 $24.16 $11.05

Gas CO2

60 kg

EV CO2

20 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Washington, GA

Evening in Washington on Sunday

Local time

6:55 PM

EDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Savannah, GA

Evening in Savannah on Sunday

Local time

6:55 PM

EDT

Current temp

65°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

2 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

3h 36m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Washington, GA to Savannah, GA covers 172.6 miles and takes about 3h 36m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Savannah Highway, GA 24, Carl Sanders Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 86.3 miles from Washington, GA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $27.62 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 172.6 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.6 miles (US 78; GA 10; GA 17): Lane positioning matters here; at 22.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 22.7 miles (I 20 / Carl Sanders Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Washington, GA to Savannah, GA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Washington, GA or browse trips ending in Savannah, GA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse GA road trips.

Explore maps for Washington, GA or Savannah, GA on MapSof.net.