You’re standing on a slushy corner in Manhattan, and suddenly, the idea of Spanish moss and 70-degree breezes feels like a medical necessity. I get it. The jump from the Concrete Jungle to the Hostess City of the South is one of the most popular coastal escapes for a reason. But booking new york to savannah flights isn't always as straightforward as clicking the first "deal" you see on a search engine.
Most travelers default to JFK because, well, it’s JFK. Honestly? That might be your first mistake. Depending on where you live in the city and how much you value your sanity, the airport you choose changes everything from the price of your Uber to how many hours you actually spend in Savannah's Historic District.
The Three-Airport Toss Up
New York is a beast when it comes to options. You've got John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty (EWR) all vying for your attention.
LGA is the sweetheart for anyone living in Manhattan or western Queens. Since the massive renovations, it doesn't feel like a bus terminal from 1974 anymore. Delta runs a tight ship here with frequent nonstops to Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV). If you can snag a flight out of LGA, you’re looking at about 2 hours and 30 minutes in the air. Easy.
Then there’s Newark. If you’re looking for the absolute basement-bottom prices on new york to savannah flights, EWR is usually where the gold is buried.
Spirit and United often dominate the Newark routes. I’ve seen one-way fares as low as $34 or $36 on Spirit recently, though you've gotta watch those baggage fees like a hawk. United is the more "grown-up" choice at EWR, offering a massive domestic hub that makes connections—if you absolutely have to take one—way smoother.
JFK is the JetBlue stronghold. If you want free Wi-Fi and enough legroom to actually move your knees, JetBlue’s T5 is your go-to. They run several non-stops daily that usually hover around the $60 to $90 mark for a one-way ticket if you book a few weeks out.
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Timing the Southern Escape
When should you go? Everyone wants to be in Savannah for St. Patrick’s Day. Don't. Unless you love paying $400 for a flight that normally costs $80 and sharing a sidewalk with half a million people.
September is actually the "sweet spot" for flight prices. Data from travel platforms like Kayak and Expedia shows a significant dip in fares during the early fall. The humidity starts to break—kinda—and the crowds thin out. April is the opposite. It’s peak "azalea season," and flight prices reflect that. You’ll likely pay a 30% to 40% premium to see the flowers in bloom.
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Still the champions of low fares.
- The 6 AM Flight: It’s brutal, but the first flight out of JFK or LGA is the least likely to be delayed by the inevitable "traffic jams" on the tarmac.
- Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV): It’s a small, gorgeous airport. You’ll be off the plane and through baggage claim in twenty minutes. It’s that fast.
Nonstop vs. The Layover Trap
You’ll see some "deals" that involve a stop in Charlotte (CLT) or Atlanta (ATL).
Be careful.
A nonstop flight is about 2.5 hours. A "cheap" connecting flight via American through Charlotte can easily turn into a 6-hour odyssey. Is saving $20 worth losing four hours of your vacation? Probably not.
If you do go the connecting route, Atlanta is the more reliable hub for this specific path. Delta has so many "puddle jumpers" between ATL and SAV that even if you miss your connection, you’re usually only an hour away from the next one.
Getting from SAV to the Spanish Moss
Once you land at Savannah/Hilton Head International, you aren't quite "there" yet. The airport is about 15 miles northwest of the Historic District.
You have a few solid choices:
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are very active here. A ride to a hotel on Bay Street or near Forsyth Park usually runs between $30 and $50 depending on the time of day. The pickup area is right outside the north end of baggage claim.
Taxis: They have a flat-rate system for certain zones. It's old school, reliable, and sometimes faster than waiting for a driver to find you in the rideshare app maze.
Shuttles: There are private van services like "Shuttle to Savannah" that you can book for around $50 per person, but honestly, if you’re traveling with even one other person, a private Uber is cheaper.
The Secret of the "Other" Airport
Here is a pro tip most people miss: Check flights into Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH).
It’s about 45 minutes from Savannah. Occasionally, United or American will run a sale into Hilton Head that is so deep it makes the extra drive worth it. This is especially true if you’re planning to split your time between the city and the beach anyway.
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Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
To get the best value on new york to savannah flights, start by comparing EWR and LGA prices side-by-side. If the difference is less than $40, take the airport closest to your house; the NYC traffic cost will eat that "savings" alive.
Book your tickets at least 21 days out to avoid the business-traveler price hikes. If you're flying a budget carrier like Spirit or Allegiant, pay for your bags at the moment of booking—doing it at the counter in the terminal can cost nearly double.
Finally, download the airline's app before you leave for the airport. Savannah's weather can be fickle, and knowing about a delay before you leave your apartment in Brooklyn can save you a very long, very expensive wait at the gate.