Thinking about traveling from Beaufort SC to Savannah GA and not sure which way to go?
You are not alone.
This short trip is popular with families, day trippers, and airport travelers.
I have driven this route more times than I can count, and the one thing I tell everyone is the same:once you know the road, the whole trip becomes easy.
The drive takes under an hour when you leave at the right time. The route is direct. And if you plan ahead, you can squeeze in a stop or two without adding much time.
This guide covers everything you need: the fastest route, drive time, traffic patterns, airport transfers, parking in Savannah, travel costs, scenic stops, and day trip options.
By the end, you will know exactly how to plan this trip from start to finish.
How Far Is Beaufort SC to Savannah GA?
Beaufort, South Carolina sits about 42 miles (68 kilometers) from Savannah, Georgia by road.
In normal traffic, the drive takes 50 minutes to 1 hour. That makes it one of the shortest interstate trips in the Lowcountry.
During peak travel times, weekends, or busy tourist seasons, the same drive can stretch to 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, mostly due to slowdowns through Bluffton.
Distance by Different Transportation Modes
The road distance stays roughly the same no matter how you travel, but the actual miles covered and time spent vary by mode.
| Travel Mode | Distance | Typical Time |
| Car (SC-170 W) | 42 miles | 50–60 min |
| Bus (Trailways) | ~42 miles | 1.5–2.5 hrs |
| Uber / Lyft | ~42 miles | 55–65 min |
| Taxi | ~42 miles | 55–65 min |
| Private Shuttle | ~42 miles | ~60 min |
| Boat (ICW) | 55–65 nautical miles | 5–7 hrs |
| Airport Transfer (to SAV) | 48–52 miles | 55–70 min |
Fastest Route From Beaufort SC to Savannah GA
The fastest and most direct route is SC-170 W. This is the road most locals use, and for good reason.
It runs straight from Beaufort toward the Georgia border with minimal turns and consistent traffic flow.
Step-by-Step Route
Start on SC-170 W out of Beaufort. Follow it west through Bluffton. Cross into Georgia via the bridge at Hardeeville. Merge onto US-17 S or follow signs into downtown Savannah. Total distance is roughly 42 miles.
Drive Time
Expect 50 to 60 minutes on a clear weekday. Friday afternoons and summer weekends can push that to 75 to 90 minutes, especially through Bluffton.
Traffic Lights
There are roughly 8 to 12 traffic lights along this route, most of them concentrated in the Bluffton stretch near US-278. Once you clear Bluffton, the road opens up considerably.
Road Conditions
SC-170 W is well maintained. The road is smooth for most of the drive, with two-lane sections through Bluffton that can slow during peak hours. No major construction issues affect this route consistently, though summer road work can cause brief delays.
Tolls
There are no tolls on this route. The entire drive from Beaufort to Savannah is toll-free.
Fuel Stations
You will find fuel stations in Beaufort before you leave, in Bluffton near US-278, and in Hardeeville just before the Georgia border. Fill up in Bluffton or Hardeeville if you want to avoid downtown Savannah prices.
Bridge Crossings
The route crosses the Broad River Bridge near Beaufort and a bridge crossing near the Hardeeville/Georgia border. Both are straightforward, but the Broad River Bridge can feel windy on gusty days, especially in taller vehicles.
Google Maps Recommendation
Google Maps consistently flags SC-170 W as the fastest option for this trip. Avoid turning on Bluffton Parkway unless traffic on SC-170 is severely backed up, as it often adds time rather than saving it.
Route Comparison
Not every driver wants the fastest option. This table helps you pick the right road for your goal.
| Route | Approx. Time | Scenic Value | Best For |
| SC-170 W (Direct) | 50–60 min | Moderate | Most drivers, tight schedules |
| Via Bluffton Parkway | 60–75 min | Low | Alternative if SC-170 is jammed |
| Scenic Lowcountry Route | 70–85 min | High | Sightseeing, first-time visitors |
Traffic Conditions: When to Go and What to Expect
Traffic on this route is manageable most of the time, but a few specific windows can turn a 50-minute drive into a 90-minute one.
Weekday Rush Hours
Weekday mornings between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. and afternoons between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. bring the most congestion, especially through Bluffton.
If you can leave before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m., you will have a smoother drive.
Friday Afternoons
Friday afternoons are the worst time to drive this route.
Beach traffic, weekend travelers, and Bluffton commuters all merge together between 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. I have seen this stretch add 30 to 40 minutes to an otherwise easy drive.
Summer Beach Traffic
Summer weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day bring heavy traffic, particularly on SC-170 between Beaufort and Bluffton.
Saturday mornings going toward Savannah and Sunday evenings coming back are the two worst windows.
Bluffton Bottlenecks
Bluffton is the one consistent pinch point on this drive. The section near US-278 and May River Road regularly backs up during rush hours and on weekends.
Give yourself an extra 15 minutes if you are passing through between 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. or 4:00 and 6:00 p.m.
St. Patrick's Day and Holiday Weekends
Savannah's St. Patrick's Day celebration is one of the largest in the country and brings enormous traffic into the city. If you are driving in during mid-March, plan to arrive before 10:00 a.m. or after the evening festivities.
Holiday weekends around Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving also bring noticeable slowdowns near Savannah.
Bridge Delays
Both the Broad River Bridge near Beaufort and the crossing near Hardeeville can slow during accidents or high wind events.
Coastal fog in the early morning can also reduce speed on these sections.
Beaufort SC to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
A large portion of people searching this route are actually heading to or from the airport. Here is everything you need to plan that transfer.
Airport Distance and Drive Time
- SAV sits 48 to 52 miles from Beaufort
- Drive time is 55 to 70 minutes in normal traffic
Uber and Lyft
- Expect $70 to $110 one way under normal pricing
- Surge pricing applies during peak hours and early morning pickups
- Availability in Beaufort drops late at night, so book ahead
Taxi
- Standard fare runs $120 to $160 one way
- Most reliable for early morning or late-night pickups when rideshare drops off
Private Shuttle
- Direct transfers typically cost $80 to $130 per vehicle
- Must be booked in advance
- Best option for families or groups with luggage
Rental Cars
- All major rental companies are available on-site at SAV
- Best choice if you plan to explore Beaufort or the Lowcountry after landing
Airport Parking
- Short-term and long-term parking available on-site
- Daily rates range from $10 to $18
- Off-site lots near the airport often run cheaper with free shuttle service
Pickup and Drop-Off
- Rideshare pickup zones are clearly marked and separate from taxi areas
- Use the Cell Phone Lot at SAV to avoid terminal traffic when picking someone up
Driving From Beaufort SC to Savannah GA
Driving is the most practical option for this trip. Here is what the road actually looks like.
Road Quality:SC-170 W is in good condition overall. Expect smooth asphalt for most of the drive, with a few rougher patches near the Bluffton commercial corridor. No significant potholes or construction issues have been persistent on this route.
Speed Limits:Speed limits vary along the route. You will pass through 35 to 45 mph zones in Bluffton and open stretches of 55 mph once you clear the town center. Stay alert near the US-278 intersection where limits drop and traffic merges.
Fuel Availability:Fuel is easy to find at the start of your drive in Beaufort, again in Bluffton near US-278, and in Hardeeville before you cross into Georgia. Prices in Beaufort and Hardeeville tend to run slightly lower than downtown Savannah.
EV Charging Stations:EV charging options on this route are limited. Bluffton has a small number of Level 2 chargers at select retail locations. Savannah has more robust EV infrastructure once you arrive. If you are driving electric, charge in Beaufort before leaving.
Restrooms:Fuel stations in Bluffton and Hardeeville both have clean restrooms. There are no highway rest areas on SC-170, so plan accordingly, especially if traveling with kids.
Safest Driving Hours:The safest and most comfortable window is 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on weekdays. You avoid both rush hours and you are clear of morning fog on the marsh sections. Weekend mornings before 9:00 a.m. also work well.
Navigation Tips:Google Maps and Apple Maps both handle this route well. Set your destination before leaving Beaufort since cell signal can dip in a few marsh sections along SC-170. If you see delays flagged through Bluffton, check if staying on SC-170 is still faster before rerouting.
Travel Cost Comparison
This is going to help you plan your budget well.
| Option | Approx. Time | Approx. Cost | Best For |
| Drive (own car) | 50–60 min | $7–$12 fuel | Most travelers, flexible schedules |
| Bus (Trailways) | 1.5–2.5 hrs | $15–$30 one way | Budget travelers, solo passengers |
| Uber / Lyft | 55–65 min | $70–$120 one way | One-way trips, airport runs |
| Taxi | 55–65 min | $120–$160 one way | Late night, early morning pickups |
| Private Shuttle | ~60 min | $80–$130 per vehicle | Groups, families, airport transfers |
| Boat (ICW) | 5–7 hrs | Fuel dependent | Leisure boaters, scenic trips |
Best Time to Travel From Beaufort SC to Savannah GA
Timing this drive right can save you 30 minutes or more each way.
Spring is the best time to make this drive. Temperatures are mild, the marsh landscapes are green, and traffic is steady but manageable outside of spring break weeks.
Mid-March brings St. Patrick's Day to Savannah, which adds traffic near the city.
Summer brings heavier traffic, especially on weekends. Beach tourism from Hilton Head and nearby coastal areas pushes more cars onto SC-170.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common and can slow traffic temporarily. Leave early to beat both heat and congestion.
Hurricane season overlaps with summer and fall. Coastal evacuations can make SC-170 extremely congested as residents move inland.
Check weather forecasts before any summer or fall trip and have a backup plan if a storm is tracking toward the coast.
Fall is the second-best window for this drive. Traffic eases after Labor Day, temperatures drop, and the Lowcountry marshes take on a golden color that makes the drive genuinely pleasant.
Savannah's fall festival season picks up, so weekends near downtown can be busier.
Winter is the quietest time on this route. Traffic is light outside of the holiday window in late December.
Morning fog over the marshes is the main thing to watch. The drive is comfortable and rarely affected by ice or snow.
Scenic Stops Along the Way
The drive is short enough to do straight through, but a few stops add real value without eating your day.
Old Town Bluffton
Old Town Bluffton sits right on SC-170 and is worth a 30-minute walk.
The main strip along Calhoun Street has independent shops, local cafes, and artwork galleries. It is an easy pull-off and a good leg stretch before continuing to Savannah.
May River
The May River runs through Bluffton and offers some of the best tidal marsh views on the drive.
Oyster Factory Park sits right on the river and has a small dock where you can watch shrimp boats and kayakers. It is a quiet five-minute stop with a good view.
Oyster Factory Park
This small waterfront park in Bluffton sits on the May River and offers a genuine slice of Lowcountry life.
There is no admission fee, and the views across the water are worth a quick stop, especially in the morning light.
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pinckney Island is located just off US-278 before the Hilton Head bridge.
It offers easy walking and biking trails through marshlands, and you will likely see herons, egrets, and alligators without much effort. The main trail to the pond is under two miles and completely flat.
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge straddles the Georgia-South Carolina border and is one of the best spots for birding in the region.
A short detour from SC-170 brings you to the refuge road, where you can drive slowly through freshwater impoundments full of waterfowl. Budget 30 to 45 minutes if you stop here.
Fort Pulaski (Detour)
Fort Pulaski National Monument is about 15 miles east of downtown Savannah and makes for a good post-arrival detour.
The Civil War-era fort sits on Cockspur Island and offers short walking trails, cannons, and strong marsh views. Add an hour to your day if you want to stop here.
Local Seafood Restaurants
Bluffton has several standout seafood spots along the May River. Squat 'n' Gobble and the Bluffton Oyster Company are both close to Old Town and serve fresh local oysters and Lowcountry staples.
If you are not stopping in Bluffton, downtown Savannah has strong seafood options along River Street and in the City Market area.
Parking Guide for Downtown Savannah
Parking in Savannah is manageable if you know where to look. Downtown has several options across a range of prices.
- Parking Garages: Bryan Street Garage, Liberty Street Garage, and State Street Garage are the most centrally located. All are within easy walking distance of the Historic District and River Street. Rates typically run $1.50 to $2.00 per hour on weekdays.
- Metered Street Parking: Meters operate Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday parking is often free on metered spots. Rates are $1.50 to $2.00 per hour.
- Mobile Payment: Savannah uses the ParkMobile app. Pay, extend your session, and get alerts without returning to the meter. Download it before you arrive.
- Free Parking: Residential streets around Forsyth Park and east of Abercorn Street sometimes have open spots, especially on weekdays. Expect a 10 to 15 minute walk to the main attractions.
- Weekend Parking: Garages fill fast after 10:00 a.m. on busy Saturdays. Arrive before 9:30 a.m. during festivals or St. Patrick's Day to get the most options.
- River Street Parking: Limited spots and fills up quickly. The lot under the Talmadge Bridge at Hutchinson Island connects to River Street via free ferry. Check ferry operating hours before relying on it.
Day Trip Itineraries From Beaufort to Savannah
Two hours of planning now means a full day you actually enjoy.
Half-Day Trip
Leave Beaufort by 9:00 a.m. Stop briefly in Old Town Bluffton for coffee and a short walk. Arrive in Savannah by 10:30 a.m.
Walk through Forsyth Park, then head to the Historic District. Grab lunch on River Street. Head back to Beaufort by early afternoon and arrive home by 3:00 p.m.
Full-Day Trip
Leave Beaufort by 7:30 a.m. Stop at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge for a short trail walk. Arrive in Savannah by 10:00 a.m.
Spend the morning in the City Market and Historic District. Lunch near River Street. Afternoon at Forsyth Park or a ghost tour of the squares. Stop at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge on the way back. Return to Beaufort by early evening.
Conclusion
For most travelers, driving via SC-170 W is the quickest and simplest way to make this trip.
Leave before 9:00 a.m. on weekdays or before the afternoon heat and traffic build on weekends, and you will reach Savannah in under an hour.
If you have extra time, Bluffton and Pinckney Island are both easy stops that add real interest without adding much distance.
Plan around the Bluffton bottleneck and check Savannah event calendars before your trip, and parking will be less of a headache.
Pick the option that fits your schedule and make the most of both places.
Drop your comments and let me know which route was easy and what plans you went through with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a shuttle from Beaufort to Savannah Airport?
No public shuttle runs this route. Private car and shuttle services are available but must be booked in advance.
Is Beaufort closer to Savannah or Charleston?
Savannah. Beaufort is about 42 miles from Savannah and around 70 miles from Charleston.
Are there tolls on the drive from Beaufort to Savannah?
No. The entire route is toll-free.
How do I drive from Beaufort to Savannah?
Take SC-170 W out of Beaufort, follow it through Bluffton, cross into Georgia near Hardeeville, and connect to US-17 S into Savannah. The route is straightforward and well-signed throughout.
What is the best time to drive to avoid traffic?
Weekday mornings before 9:00 a.m. or midday between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Avoid Friday afternoons and summer weekends if possible.
