How to Get from Savannah Airport to Historic District

Shared and private shuttles are the most recommended option for tourists due to their balance of cost, convenience, and reliability. They provide a seamless transition from your flight to your hotel doorstep.

Types of Services & Key Providers:

• Shared-Ride Shuttles: You share a van with other passengers heading to various downtown hotels. It's cost-effective but may involve multiple stops.
  • Savannah Shuttle: A major provider with a ticket counter in baggage claim. Fares ~$20-$25 per person one-way. Official Site.
  • GO Airport Shuttle: A national network serving SAV. Offers both shared and private options. Official Site.
• Private Transfers: A vehicle (sedan, SUV, van) is reserved exclusively for your party. Ideal for families, groups, or those with lots of luggage.
  • Services: Bookable via Viator, TripAdvisor, or directly with local companies like Savannah Black Cab.
  • Price: Starts around $65-$85 for a standard sedan to the historic district.

Booking & Experience:

Booking in advance is highly advised, especially during peak seasons (St. Patrick's Day, spring, summer). Upon landing, proceed to baggage claim and look for the shuttle provider's desk or meet your driver in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. Drivers assist with luggage.

For direct, on-demand service, taxis and rideshares are the most flexible options. They are readily available but price can fluctuate.

Taxi Service:

• Availability: A taxi stand is located just outside the baggage claim area.
• Fare: A flat rate to the Historic District is typically $35-$45. Always confirm the flat rate before getting in. The rate is for the vehicle, not per person.
• Providers: Yellow Cab and other local companies.

Rideshare (Uber & Lyft):

• Pickup Location: Designated zone on the outer curb of the Commercial Lane (follow signs from baggage claim).
• Fare Estimate: $25 to $40 to downtown, depending on demand (surge pricing), vehicle type, and exact destination. Generally cheaper than a taxi.
• Tip: Wait until you have your luggage before requesting a ride. The app will provide precise pickup instructions.

Decision Factor: Taxi vs. Rideshare

Choose a taxi if you prefer a fixed rate, pay with cash, or if rideshare prices are surging heavily. Choose Uber/Lyft for potentially lower cost, upfront pricing, and cashless payment.

The most budget-friendly option by far. CAT's Airport Express (Route 100X) connects SAV directly to downtown Savannah.

Route & Schedule Details:

• Route: 100X ‘Airport Express’.
• Frequency: Runs approximately every 75 minutes. Check the current schedule on the CAT website as hours are limited (typically early morning to early evening).
• Travel Time: About 40-50 minutes to the final downtown stop (Joe Murray Rivers, Jr. Intermodal Transit Center).
• Fare: Only $1.50 per person. Exact change required. Transfers to other local CAT buses may be available.

How to Use It:

1. Collect your luggage and exit the terminal.
2. Find the public bus stop located on the outer commercial curb, adjacent to the rideshare pickup zone.
3. Have $1.50 in exact change ready.
4. The bus terminates at the downtown transit center. From there, you can walk, take the free downtown DOT shuttle, or call a rideshare to your final hotel.

Best for: Solo travelers or pairs on a very tight budget, those with minimal luggage, and those arriving during its operating hours.

Renting a car is only recommended if you plan to explore beyond Savannah's walkable historic core. For a stay focused solely on the Historic District, a car is more of a burden than a benefit.

The Rental Process & Costs:

• Location: The Rental Car Pavilion is a short, complimentary shuttle ride from the terminal. Follow signs to “Rental Car Shuttles.”
• Major Companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, etc.
• Daily Rate: Varies widely from $40-$100+ per day, depending on season and vehicle type.

The Major Drawback: Parking in the Historic District

Parking Type	Cost	Considerations
Hotel Valet/Parking	$25 - $40+ / night	Convenient but expensive. Some hotels have limited or no parking.
Street Metered Parking	$1/hour (Mon-Sat)	Time-limited (2-3 hours). Hard to find. Free on Sundays.
City Parking Garages	$10 - $20 / day	More reliable. Walk from garage to hotel (e.g., Whitaker Street Garage).

Verdict: Skip the rental car unless your itinerary includes day trips to Tybee Island, Hilton Head, or the Lowcountry plantations.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Arrival:

• Book Ahead in Peak Season: During events like St. Patrick's Day (March) or the summer peak, shuttles and rentals sell out, and rideshare prices skyrocket. Book transfers weeks in advance.
• Download Essential Apps: Have the Uber/Lyft and CAT (Savannah’s transit) apps installed before you land for real-time info and booking.
• Use the Free Downtown DOT Shuttle: Once downtown, forget your car. The free, hop-on/hop-off Downtown Transportation (DOT) shuttle has multiple routes covering the entire Historic District and waterfront.
• Walking is the Best Way: Savannah's Historic District is a 2.5 square mile walking paradise. Your most used “transport” will be your feet. Pack comfortable shoes.
• Luggage Note for Early/Late Flights: If you arrive before hotel check-in or have a late flight out, many larger hotels will store your luggage for you. Alternatively, use a luggage storage service like Savannah Luggage Storage.
• Consider a Rideshare from the Bus Terminal: If you take the CAT bus to save money, consider taking a short, cheap Uber/Lyft ride ($5-$8) from the downtown transit center to your specific hotel, especially if you have bags.