You’re standing at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). It’s small, easy to navigate, and you’ve probably already grabbed a coffee at the Starbucks near the Leopard Lounge. But now you’re looking at the departure board for flights from savannah to san antonio and realizing something quickly: you aren't getting there in one shot.
There are no nonstop flights. Zero.
I know, it’s a bit of a bummer when you just want to get to the River Walk and start on a plate of puffy tacos. But honestly, once you accept that a layover is part of the deal, the trip becomes way easier to manage. You’re looking at a journey of about 1,040 miles, usually involving a stop in a hub like Atlanta, Dallas, or Charlotte.
The Reality of the Route
Most people assume that because both cities are in the South, it’s a quick hop. It’s not. Total travel time usually lands somewhere between 5 and 7 hours, depending on how much the airline gods like you that day. If you catch a tight connection in Charlotte (CLT) via American Airlines, you might clock in right at 5 hours. If you’re flying Delta through Atlanta (ATL), give yourself a bit more buffer because, well, it’s Atlanta.
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Price-wise, you’ve got options. If you’re booking about 40 days out—which is the "sweet spot" experts like Skyscanner often point to—you can snag a round-trip for around $250 to $340. I’ve seen some one-way tickets on Southwest go as low as $169, but that requires some serious date flexibility.
Choosing Your Airline (And Your Hub)
Not all layovers are created equal. Since you have to stop anyway, you might as well pick the city where you actually like the food.
- Delta Air Lines: They run about six indirect flights a day. Most of these go through Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL). It’s the most frequent option, but ATL is a beast. If your flight is delayed by 20 minutes, you’ll be sprinting between terminals on the Plane Train.
- Southwest Airlines: A favorite for many because of the "two bags fly free" rule. They usually connect through Dallas Love Field (DAL). The vibe is casual, and DAL is much easier to navigate than DFW.
- American Airlines: Usually the cheapest. They often route you through Charlotte or Dallas/Fort Worth. If you go through Charlotte, try the Bojangles in Terminal B; it’s basically a requirement for Southerners.
- United Airlines: These flights typically stop in Houston (IAH). It’s a solid choice if you’re heading to the West Side of San Antonio later, as the timing often aligns well with midday arrivals.
Timing Is Everything
If you want the absolute lowest fares for flights from savannah to san antonio, look at February or September.
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July is the busiest month. It's also incredibly hot in San Antonio. We’re talking 100°F heat that makes the Savannah humidity feel like a cool breeze. If you can, aim for April or October. The weather is actually pleasant, and you won’t spend your entire vacation hiding in the AC of the North Star Mall.
Wait, here’s a tip most people miss: San Antonio is one hour behind Savannah. When you land at SAT, you "gain" an hour. That means if you leave SAV at 10:00 AM, you might actually arrive in Texas in time for a late lunch, even with a two-hour layover.
What Happens When You Land at SAT?
San Antonio International Airport is about 8 miles north of downtown. It’s way smaller than the hubs you just flew through, which is a relief.
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You’ve basically got three ways to get to the city center. A ride-share like Uber or Lyft will set you back about $24 to $28. Taxis are a bit more, usually around $35. If you’re on a shoestring budget, the VIA Metropolitan Transit (Bus No. 5) is only $1.30, but it takes forever. Seriously, only take the bus if you have zero luggage and a lot of patience.
Common Misconceptions About This Trip
A lot of travelers think they should drive to Jacksonville or Atlanta to find a direct flight. Honestly? Don't bother. The gas money and the $15-a-day parking at a larger airport usually cancel out any savings. Savannah’s airport is charming and low-stress. Use that to your advantage.
Another thing: don't book a connection shorter than 45 minutes. I’ve seen people try to make 30-minute transfers in Atlanta. It’s a recipe for a heart attack and a night spent in an airport hotel. Give yourself at least an hour.
Actionable Steps for Your Journey
- Set a Price Alert: Use a tool like Google Flights or KAYAK to track the SAV to SAT route. Prices fluctuate wildly based on conventions at the San Antonio Henry B. González Convention Center.
- Pick Your Connection Wisely: If you hate walking, fly Southwest through Dallas Love Field. If you want the most flight options, go Delta through Atlanta.
- Check the Calendar: Avoid traveling during "Fiesta" (usually April) unless you want to pay double for your hotel.
- Download the Airline App: Since you will have a layover, having real-time gate change updates on your phone is non-negotiable.
- Pack for Two Climates: Savannah might be rainy while San Antonio is bone-dry. Layers are your best friend.
Once you’ve got your ticket, focus on the reward: the Pearl District, the historic missions, and some of the best Tex-Mex in the country. The flight might take a bit of effort, but the destination is worth the wait.