April 9th, 2024 | By:Â Grace Kim
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Road tripping from Charleston, SC to Savannah, GA is a perfect way to explore the South. From witnessing beautiful sunsets, dining in at incredible restaurants, to admiring the old oak trees, there are so many breathtaking views along this route. Traveling to Charleston to Savannah is a popular day trip idea as they are only 2 hours away from each other.
A Complete Guide from Charleston to Savannah
If you’re visiting Charleston for the first time or if you’re curious to venture into nearby cities, visiting Savannah, Georgia should be on your USA bucket list. During our road trip from New Jersey to Charleston, I didn’t realize how much there was to see in the South. Our long weekend in Charleston exceeded every expectation we could’ve asked for that we wanted to explore more.
Initially, we weren’t planning on visiting Savannah but our wanderlust was kicking in and just couldn’t resist. For different reasons, just as much as we adored Charleston, we found ourselves loving Savannah, too. So once we checked out of our last hotel in Charleston, we were ready for our next adventure. By the end of our East Coast road trip, we were so happy doing a last minute day trip from Charleston to Savannah.
When is the Best time to Visit Charleston and Savannah?
Depending on what exactly you’re looking to do in Charleston and Savannah, there are a handful of best times to visit these cities. For cooler weather, the best time to visit is between February – May. I visited in February and it was perfect sweater weather, and the most affordable for bookings. There were a handful of chilly nights, but was great for walking without worrying about it being too hot outside. However, if you’re looking to enjoy seasons and events:
- Spring: best time to visit for events and blooming gardens
- May: best time to visit for the Spoleto Festival, which is one of America’s major performing arts festivals
- October: best for a mix of warm weather without humidity
- Fall: best time for fewer crowds and more accessibility to places and bookings (i.e. hotels, restaurants)
How to Get From Savannah to Charleston
Can you get to from Charleston to Savannah without a car? There are a couple of ways to get from Savannah to Charleston, even if you don’t have a car. Some are more flexible than others, such as driving down yourself but if you don’t feel comfortable renting a car, you can get to and from cities via bus and/or train.
Driving from Charleston to Savannah
The easiest and most convenient way to get to Savannah from Charleston is to drive yourself. Luckily, we had a car since we were already doing a roadtrip. As a side note, a car isn’t necessary to explore Charleston but if you want to have the flexibility to explore outside the city, there are a handful of areas to rent a car. Depending on the season, renting a car can range anywhere between $40-$55 per day. Gas will also cost around $30 round trip so in total, you’re looking to spend around $70-$85 to rent a car for the day.
The Best Route
The drive from Charleston to Savannah is around 110 miles (177km) and depending on traffic, it will take anywhere between 2-2.5 hours on I-95 South and Highway 17 South. We left around 1pm and got to Savannah around 3:30pm after stopping to fill up on gas. Driving was our preferred method since it was the most flexible option, and we wanted to be in total control of our time.
Taking the bus
Another way to get to Savannah from Charleston is by taking the bus. This is a great option to take if you don’t want to be liable for a car rental, and it’s very affordable. However, note that there is only one bus that runs in each direction per day.
Taking a bus is cheaper than renting a car and will cost around ~$25. Here are a couple of bus options that will take you from Charleston to Savannah:
- Charleston Bus Station to Savannah Bus Station: 3:15 PM to 5:15 PM (2 hour duration)
- North Charleston Transit Center to Savannah: 10:30 AM to 5:20 PM (6.5 hours duration with one connecting bus)
Taking the train
There are two trains with Amtrak that runs everyday from Charleston to Savannah. But if you’re planning on taking the train, note that you’ll either be taking it extremely early, or later in the evening.
- From Silver Meteor: 4:56 AM – 6:43 AM ($29 before taxes & fees)
- From Palmetto: 7:37 PM – 9:25 PM ($19 before taxes & fees)
Taking an Uber/Lyft
Not on a budget? Taking an Uber/Lyft will be the most relaxing way to get from Charleston to Savannah. It will cost you anywhere between $185 – $250 depending on the time of day and the type of car being called. So if you’re looking to take a nap or simply want relax on the way down, taking an Uber or a Lyft would be your best option.
What to Do in Charleston Before Driving to Savannah
My Route
There are a couple of places to stop along the way if you were driving down to Savannah yourself. While we were in Charleston, we stayed at The Palmetto Hotel, and we had our car parked in valet parking. We left the hotel around 10 AM and headed directly to Highfalutin Coffee to grab coffee and a quick bite. We didn’t have to worry about street parking since it had a small parking lot, and it was also only a 10 minute drive from our hotel.
Once we grabbed our coffee, we made a quick stop at Angel Oak Tree and spent some time learning about the 400 year old tree. It was absolutely stunning and we got there early enough before the crowd. Luckily, we were also able to get a parking spot at this popular destination.
After this quick stop, we went to fill up gas and headed down south to Savannah. Luckily, there wasn’t any traffic, and it was getting warmer! As someone who was trying to escape 40° weather, we were happy with the outcome.
Where to Stay?
Fast forward 2 hours and before we knew it, we arrived in Savannah, Georgia. Once we arrived, we checked in at the Hilton Garden Inn located right by the waterfront. We loved how centralized the location was, how big the rooms were, and that they had valet parking as well. Parking cost $45 per day and it was worth it since we wanted to spend the day exploring Savannah without worrying about the car.
Other recommended places to stay in Savannah:
What to do in Savannah, GA?
Once you’re all settled in, it’s time to get exploring Savannah. Whether you’re tight on time because you have to catch the bus or train back, or if you’re a bit more flexible, what is there to do in Savannah? Is one day enough for Savannah?
If you’re okay with a packed schedule then yes, one day is enough time to explore Savannah. The city is very walkable as it would take you max 30 minutes to walk from one side to the other.
Since our hotel was by the waterfront, we started off our day with sites furthest away and made our way back towards the hotel. This way, if we bought souvenirs, we were be able to drop them off at the hotel, and then make our way back out to end the day walking along the waterfront, or for dinner.
10 Best Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia
Whether you took public transportation or you just dropped off your hotel for the night, let’s get to the fun part. What are the best things to do in Savannah?
1. Forsyth Park
Visiting Forsyth Park is a must when visiting Savannah, Georgia. Located in the historic district, this park spans 30 acres and is famous for it’s iconic fountain. Visitors and locals enjoy long walks or runs at the park as it has a ton of pathways, grassy areas, and live oak trees. What’s also so special about this park is that it also features a fragrant garden for the visually impaired, a play area for children, and a space for musical performances and weddings.
2. Collins Quarter at Forsyth
Care for a bite? While strolling through Forsyth Park, you’ll come across Collins Quarter at Forsyth, one of Savannah’s most popular brunch spot. They have some incredible food and drink options, as it was by far my favorite restaurant in Savannah. Not only was the food mouthwatering, but they also had amazing service.
I recommend getting there as early as possible since it gets super busy because of its popularity. We got lucky being able to walk in and getting a table outdoors, but that could’ve been because we weren’t visiting during peak season. As for dishes? You just can’t go wrong with the the chia pudding and crab benedict.
3. Trolley Tour
Exploring Savannah by trolley is one of the best and fastest ways to get to know the city. Learn more about Savannah’s historical and architectural beauty through a 90-minute Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour. Not only are you getting a narrated tour that takes you through the beautiful cobblestone streets, but you’re also getting educated about important landmarks, such as the Mercer-Williams House and the iconic squares designed by James Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia.
4. The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
Known as a symbol of faith, The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is a must visit in Savannah. You might’ve spotted the church from their twin spires above the skyline, or from the number of tourists outside the church. Visitors are also welcome to enter for free as the interior holds beautiful stained glass windows that portrays biblical stories.
5. Savannah Ghost Tour
Experience a spooky trolley ride along the historic streets by going on a Savannah Ghost Tour. From wandering through haunted houses and mysterious phenomena, you’ll be learning all about the uniqueness of this Southern city through a narrated tour. Get exclusive entry into the Andrew Low House, hear about the tales of murder, and start to get curious about Savannah’s darker side.
6. River Street
Located along the scenic Savannah River is where you’ll find River Street, a street known for its iconic cobblestone streets, souvenir shops, historic buildings, and warehouses. River Street was my favorite area in Savannah to start and end the day as there is such a calm, relaxing ambiance. We started off our morning with Honey Lattes at Black Rifle Coffee, which had a great selection of coffee and mugs to take back home. There are also a handful of restaurants along River Street with must-eat seafood options that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.Â
7. Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise
Enjoy panoramic views of the Savannah skyline on a Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise and experience Savannah from a different perspective. You’ll be learning all about Georgia’s “First City” as you’ll be passing by iconic landmarks such as Old Fort Jackson, which holds the country’s oldest artillery piece.
I recommend getting tickets for this cruise during sunset. However, if you’re only spending the day in Savannah, enjoying the views for lunch is just as beautiful. Take advantage of these amazing photo opportunities and make your trip unforgettable with all the unique sights seen on this cruise.
8. Byrd's Famous Cookies
Your trip to Savannah wouldn’t be complete without buying cookies at Byrd’s Famous Cookies as you’ll come across a store in almost district in Savannah. We went to the one at Plant Riverside, which is right along the waterfront. My favorite was the Maple Wafers as there are free, unlimited cookie testings at every location. We ended up trying almost all the flavors, but bought a couple of flavors to take back home with us. They are also great road trip snacks as I couldn’t resist almost finishing a bag before getting back home.
9. Ellis Square
Only a few blocks away from River Street is where you’ll find the lively, Ellis Square. It’s located in the heart of Downtown Savannah as there are so restaurants, tour information centers, cafes, bars, and shops. There’s also a ton of outdoor seating at select restaurants and live music performances while enjoying your time walking through the streets.
In the center of Ellis Square, you’ll notice the Waving Girl Statue, who has become an icon to Savannah as she would wave to passing ships that entered Savannah’s harbor. Along our visit, we also stopped by The Georgia Tasting Room, got a flight of wine, and bought local bottles of wine to end the night. There were interesting options as the blueberry flavored wines were my favorites.
10. Bonaventure Cemetery Tour
Nestled along the streets of Wilmington River is where you’ll learn all about Savannah’s past. Escaping the city for a bit, the Bonaventure Cemetary Tour is one of Savannah’s most unique tours as you’ll learn all about the significance of people’s markings on tombstones and sculptures throughout the cemetery. You’ll find unique art pieces and Southern vegetation, all hovered over moss-draped oaks in this quaint cemetery.
Heading Back to Charleston from Savannah
Whether you decided to rent a car, take a bus or a train, or called an Uber/Lyft car to get from Charleston to Savannah, there are a handful of ways to get back. If you rented a car for the day and drove to Savannah, as long as you’re not past the 24 hour mark, you should be good to return the car the same day.
Taking the Bus Back to Charleston From Savannah
If you took the bus, it’s important to be a wary of the time since there is only one bus that runs per day. Make sure to get to the respective stations at least 15 minutes before departure in case there’s traffic on the way there.
If you stayed in Savannah overnight, there is a direct bus that leaves from Savannah back to Charleston at 11:50 AM. This is a 2 hour ride that will take you from the Savannah Bus Station back to the Charleston Bus Station.
- Address to The Savannah Bus Station:Â 610 W Oglethorpe Ave, 31401 Savannah, GA
- Address to The Charleston Bus Station:Â 4565 Gaynor Ave, 29405 North Charleston, SC
Taking the Train Back to Charleston From Savannah
Taking the train with Amtrak is another option to get back to Charleston from Savannah. Luckily, there are 2 trains that run per day, compared to the single bus option. Here are the train times back to Charleston:
- 4:35 AM to 6:08 AM ($19 before taxes & fees)
- 7:45 PM to 9:25 PM ($38 before taxes & fees)
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Is Visiting Savannah Worth it From Charleston?
Overall, if you have an ongoing wanderlust and want to explore all the Southern cities, then yes, visiting Savannah is worth it. Whether you’ve decided to visit Savannah from Charleston or as a trip in itself, there is so much to do in Savannah that will make your trip unforgettable. I enjoyed my time exploring Savannah as there’s just so much to do and see. Plus, if you are curious to learn more about America’s upbringing and history, you’re in the right place to exploring more of the Southern cities in the East Coast.
Spending a day in Savannah is enough time to see what the city has to offer. However, the only thing I would’ve done differently was to book the tours in advance. There were a couple of tours that we wanted to do, like going on the Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise, that we weren’t able to do book because tickets sold out for the day. I would go back just for that since the boat is very iconic, and would’ve loved to see different views of the city.
Had we had more time in Georgia, we probably would have spent another week exploring more of the state. There seems to be so much to do in Georgia that exploring Savannah for the day made me want to see more. With this being said, although my visit to Savannah was my first time in Georgia, it is definitely not my last!
Save These Pines When Planning Your Day Trip From Charleston to Savannah!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a scenic drive from Charleston to Savannah?
While most of the drive is along Highway 17 and I-95, yes, the drive from Charleston to Savannah can be scenic. If you’re not in a hurry and are open to making stops along the way, you can make stops between areas and parks such as Botany Bay Wildlife, Edisto Nature Trail, Old Sheldon Church Ruins, and more.
You can also spend an afternoon exploring Hilton Head Island along your drive from Charleston to Savannah, enjoy the views, and having amazing seafood to set the tone for the rest of the day.
How many days do you need in Charleston and Savannah?
The perfect amount of time for both Charleston and Savannah is 5-6 days. We spent 4 days in Charleston and 1.5 days in Savannah. While there is a lot more to do and see in Charleston, exploring Charleston for 4 days was plenty of time. For Savannah, depending on your arrival time, you can knock out most things things to do from morning to evening. While there is always more you can do in every city, check out my full guide to Charleston to help you plan your trip better.
Comparing the two Southern cities, what is better Charleston or Savannah?
While both cities share similarities, they are different in their unique ways. From road tripping from Charleston to Savannah, I’d recommend Charleston for larger groups or families. While Charleston is livelier than Savannah, I’d start off in Charleston, party it up, go on all the tours, and then end off your trip relaxing in Savannah. While there is still a young, lively crowd in Savannah, I’d recommend it for those who don’t necessarily want to go “crazy” every night.
Both Charleston and Savannah have amazing, delicious restaurants. I wish I had more time to dine in at more restaurants in Savannah, but that is for my next visit!
