You're standing on a cobblestone street in Savannah, moss-draped oaks overhead, thinking about Mickey Mouse. It happens more often than you’d think. People love the contrast. You get the ghost tours and shrimp and grits in Georgia, then high-tail it down to the theme park capital of the world. But here is the thing: asking how far is Savannah Georgia to Orlando Florida isn't just about a single number on a map.
It's about 280 miles. Give or take.
If you just look at a map, it seems like a straight shot. A vertical line down the coast. But the reality of the I-95 corridor and the sudden shift into Florida's interior changes the math. Depending on exactly where you start in Savannah’s Historic District and where you’re staying in Orlando—maybe a Disney resort or a rental in Kissimmee—you are looking at a drive that typically lasts between four and five hours.
Traffic is the wildcard. It always is.
Mapping the Distance and the Clock
When people ask about the gap between these two cities, they usually mean the driving distance. In a straight line, as the crow flies, it’s only about 248 miles. But you aren't a crow. You're likely in a rented SUV or a family minivan.
By car, the most direct route covers roughly 280 to 290 miles.
Most of this journey happens on Interstate 95 South. You'll spend a huge chunk of time crossing the Georgia-Florida line, which happens surprisingly quickly once you leave Savannah. You hit the border at the St. Marys River, and suddenly, the speed limits and the billboards for pecan logs change into advertisements for Ron Jon Surf Shop and personal injury lawyers.
The Time Factor
How long does it actually take? On a perfect day with no accidents and a lead foot, you can do it in 4 hours and 15 minutes. But let's be real. I-95 through Jacksonville is a notorious bottleneck. If you hit Jacksonville at 5:00 PM on a Tuesday, add forty minutes. If there’s a Jaguars game? Forget about it.
You also have to transition from I-95 onto I-4 West at Daytona Beach. This is where things get spicy. I-4 is often ranked as one of the most dangerous or at least most frustrated stretches of highway in the United States. That final 50-mile leg from Daytona into Orlando can take an hour, or it can take two.
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Why the Route Matters
Most GPS apps will default you to the I-95 to I-4 route. It's the fastest. It’s also the most boring. You see trees, billboards, and gas stations.
There is an alternative. You could take US-17, the coastal highway. It is beautiful. It is also slow. You'll pass through tiny Georgia towns like Darien and Brunswick. You'll see marshes that look like they belong in a movie. If you aren't in a rush to meet a dinner reservation at Epcot, this is the way to go. But it will turn your four-hour trip into a six-hour odyssey.
Honestly, most people stick to the interstate. You just want to get there.
The Jacksonville Hurdle
Jacksonville is the halfway point. It’s a massive city by land area—actually the largest in the contiguous U.S. When you’re driving from Savannah to Orlando, Jacksonville is your biggest obstacle. You have two choices: stay on I-95 and go through the heart of the city, or take the I-211 beltway (the bypass).
Local tip? Check Waze about twenty minutes before you hit the Jacksonville city limits. If the downtown bridges are backed up, the bypass is a lifesaver. If the bypass has a construction crew, the downtown route is a breeze. There is no consistent "better" way; it changes by the hour.
Fuel, Food, and Sanity Stops
You're going to get hungry. Or the kids will.
Savannah has some of the best food in the South, so you should probably eat before you leave. Grab a biscuit at Collins Quarter or some Provisions to go. Once you hit the road, the options become a bit more "fast food-ish."
- Kingsland/St. Marys: This is your last stop in Georgia. It’s a great place for cheap gas. Florida’s gas taxes are often higher than Georgia's, so fill up before you cross the bridge.
- St. Augustine: About an hour south of Jacksonville. If you have time, pull off here. It’s the oldest city in the U.S. and arguably just as charming as Savannah but with a Spanish twist. Even a quick 30-minute walk down St. George Street can break up the monotony of the drive.
- Daytona Beach: This is where you say goodbye to the ocean and head inland. If you need a "real" meal that isn't from a drive-thru, there are plenty of spots here before you commit to the I-4 grind.
The Cost of the Trip
Gas prices fluctuate, obviously. But let's look at the math for a standard car getting 25 miles per gallon. For a 280-mile trip, you're looking at roughly 11 or 12 gallons of gas. At $3.50 a gallon, that’s about $40 one way.
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Then there are the tolls.
Florida loves a toll road. While the main trek from Savannah to Orlando on I-95 and I-4 doesn't require tolls, once you get into the Orlando metro area, you will almost certainly encounter them. The 408, the 417, and the 528 (the Beachline) are all tolled. If you don't have a SunPass or an E-Pass, your rental car company will likely upcharge you significantly for "toll services." It’s worth looking into a portable transponder if you plan on doing this drive often.
Flying vs. Driving
Is it worth flying? Probably not.
Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV) and Orlando International (MCO) are both great airports. But there are rarely direct flights between them. You’d likely have to lay over in Charlotte or Atlanta. By the time you get to the airport two hours early, fly to a hub, wait for your connection, and then land in Orlando, you could have driven the distance twice.
Unless you absolutely loathe driving, the car is the winner here. You’ll need a car in Orlando anyway, as the city is incredibly spread out and public transit is... well, it’s an adventure.
Seasonal Considerations
The time of year changes everything.
In the summer, the drive is fine until about 3:00 PM. That’s when the Florida thunderstorms start. These aren't just sprinkles; they are torrential downpours that drop visibility to zero. Everyone on I-95 will suddenly put their hazard lights on (please don't be that person, it's actually illegal in Florida to drive with hazards on in rain) and slow down to 20 mph.
In the winter, the drive is lovely. The air is crisp, and the car doesn't have to work as hard. However, "Snowbird Season" (January through March) means I-95 is packed with northern plates heading south. Expect more congestion.
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Making the Most of the Journey
If you treat the drive as part of the vacation, it’s actually quite nice. You're moving from the "Lowcountry" into the "Subtropics." The palm trees change. The air gets thicker.
Stop at a Florida Welcome Center right after you cross the border. They still give out free cups of citrus juice—either orange or grapefruit. It’s a small, old-school tradition that makes the 280-mile trek feel a bit more official.
Beyond the Theme Parks
While most people asking how far is Savannah Georgia to Orlando Florida are heading for Disney or Universal, Orlando has a "real" side too. Winter Park is gorgeous. The springs—like Blue Spring State Park—are located just north of the city and offer a chance to see manatees in the winter.
If you're driving down from Savannah, you'll actually pass right by the exit for Blue Spring near Orange City. It’s a fantastic detour that feels a world away from the neon lights of International Drive.
Final Travel Logistics
To ensure the smoothest trip, keep these points in mind:
- Departure Time: Leave Savannah by 8:00 AM to get through Jacksonville before the lunch rush and hit Orlando before the afternoon storm/traffic combo.
- Navigation: Use an app with real-time traffic. I-95 is prone to sudden closures due to accidents.
- The I-4 Exit: When transitioning from I-95 to I-4 in Daytona, stay in the left lanes. The merge can be chaotic during peak hours.
- Vehicle Prep: Check your tire pressure. Georgia and Florida heat can do a number on your rubber, and you don't want a blowout on a bridge in Jacksonville.
Driving from the mossy, quiet squares of Savannah to the high-energy sprawl of Orlando is a classic Southeastern road trip. It’s short enough to do in a morning but long enough to feel like a real escape. Pack some snacks, keep an eye on the Jacksonville traffic, and enjoy the transition from the Old South to the Sunshine State.
Before you put the car in gear, download a few podcasts or a solid audiobook. The 280 miles go by fast, but I-95 has a way of stretching time if you're just staring at the bumper in front of you. Once you pass that "Welcome to Florida" sign, you’re in the home stretch. Just keep your eyes peeled for the Daytona split, and you'll be at the gates of the Kingdom before you know it.