Quick Answer
Best Overall Balance: The CAT Express Shuttle to downtown ($8 one-way, ~25 min), then a short walk or free SCAD Bee Line shuttle to your campus. Fastest: Taxi or Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) (20-25 min, $25-$35). Cheapest: Public CAT Bus #17 ($1.50, 60-90+ min with transfers). First-time students with lots of luggage often prefer the directness of a taxi/rideshare.
1. CAT Express Shuttle (The Best Value for Most)
Operated by Chatham Area Transit (CAT), this dedicated airport shuttle is the goldilocks option: not the cheapest nor the fastest, but offers the best balance of cost, speed, and convenience for getting to the heart of SCAD territory.
- Route: Non-stop from SAV Airport to the Savannah Visitors Center in historic downtown.
- Why it's great for SCAD: The Visitors Center is a central hub. SCAD's Arnold Hall, Adler Hall, and many classroom buildings are within a 5-15 minute walk. For farther campuses (like Boundary Village), you can transfer to the free SCAD Bee Line shuttle.
- Frequency: Departs hourly. Check the latest schedule as times vary by day.
Detailed Guide & What to Expect
Pickup Location: Lower level (baggage claim), clearly marked. Fare: $8.00 exact cash or credit/debit card. No change given. Journey: Comfortable coach-style bus with luggage storage underneath. The ride is direct and takes you over the scenic Talmadge Memorial Bridge. Upon Arrival: Get off at the Savannah Visitors Center. Use your phone map to walk to your SCAD destination or locate a SCAD Bee Line stop (signs are visible).
Depth Analysis: This shuttle bypasses all local bus stops, making it significantly faster than the public bus. It's ideal for travelers with 1-2 suitcases. For large groups, note that space is first-come, first-served, though it's rarely full. Its main limitation is the hourly schedule; if you just miss it, you face a long wait.
3. Public Bus (The Budget Champion)
For the ultra-budget traveler or the adventurous student with minimal luggage and time to spare, the Chatham Area Transit (CAT) local bus is your tool. The fare is an unbeatable $1.50.
The Route: #17 Silk Hope
This bus connects the airport to downtown. Critical Note: It does not go into the heart of the historic district where many SCAD buildings are. You will need to transfer.
- From SAV: Board at the lower level. Take Route #17 towards “Silk Hope / Walmart”.
- Key Transfer Point: Get off at the “Oglethorpe Mall” transfer center.
- To Downtown/SCAD: Transfer to a bus heading downtown (e.g., Route #14 Abercorn). Tell the driver you're going to SCAD; they can suggest the best stop.
- Total Time: 60 to 90+ minutes, depending on wait times for the transfer.
Depth Analysis: This option is for the truly frugal. It requires planning, checking the CAT schedule carefully (service is less frequent on evenings/weekends), and managing your luggage on a public bus. The transfer can be confusing for newcomers. However, it immerses you in local life and is the absolute lowest-cost method. Not recommended for first-time arrivals after dark or with more than one suitcase and a backpack.
4. Private & Group Transfers
For families, large groups, or those seeking premium, pre-arranged service, private transfers are available. Companies like SAV-approved providers offer sedan, SUV, and van services.
- Cost: $50 - $120+ depending on vehicle size and service level.
- Process: Book online in advance. Your driver will meet you in baggage claim with a sign.
- Best For: Corporate visits, large student groups, families with small children needing car seats, or travelers wanting absolute certainty and comfort after a long journey.
Depth Analysis: This is not cost-effective for solo travelers. The value proposition is in predictability, comfort, and time efficiency for groups. When split 6-8 ways in a van, the per-person cost rivals a taxi. It also eliminates the stress of finding transport upon arrival, which is valuable for international students or during major move-in weekends when rideshares are in high demand.
5. Using the Free SCAD Bee Line Shuttle
This is not an airport service. It is SCAD's internal, free shuttle system connecting its major campuses, residence halls, and academic buildings in Savannah. You will likely use it after getting downtown via another method.
- Purpose: To transport students between SCAD locations like the historic district, Boundary Village, and Turnington.
- Access: Open to SCAD students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Have your SCAD ID or a visitor pass ready.
- Integration with Airport Travel: If you take the CAT Express Shuttle to the Visitors Center, you can walk to a nearby Bee Line stop (e.g., at Arnold Hall) to complete your journey to a farther campus.
Key Resource: Download the official “SCAD Bee Line” app for real-time tracking, routes, and schedules. This is essential for planning the final leg of your trip from the downtown drop-off point.
Cost & Time Comparison: SAV Airport to Downtown SCAD
Use this table for a quick, data-driven decision.
| Transport Method | Approx. Cost (One Way) | Travel Time | Transfers/Walks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | $28 - $35 | 20-25 min | None (Door-to-Door) | Speed, convenience, groups of 3-4, lots of luggage |
| Uber/Lyft | $22 - $35 (can surge) | 20-30 min | None (Door-to-Door) | Convenience, app users, potentially cheaper than taxi |
| CAT Express Shuttle | $8.00 | 25-30 min | Short walk or SCAD Bee Line transfer downtown | Best overall value, solo travelers, moderate luggage |
| Public Bus (CAT #17 + Transfer) | $1.50 - $3.00 | 60 - 90+ min | 1+ bus transfers, possible walk | Lowest budget, minimal luggage, no time pressure |
| Private Transfer | $50 - $120+ | 20-25 min | None (Door-to-Door) | Groups, premium service, pre-booked certainty |
Traveler Tips & Advice for SCAD Students & Visitors
Luggage Strategy
If you are a moving-in student with multiple large bags, a direct taxi/rideshare is worth the cost. Alternatively, consider shipping boxes to your dorm ahead of time via USPS/UPS to reduce what you carry from the airport.
Arrival Time Matters
If your flight lands after 9:00 PM, public bus options become extremely limited or non-existent. Your reliable options are taxi, rideshare, or a pre-booked private transfer. Plan accordingly.
SCAD Welcome Week/Move-In
During major SCAD arrival periods (late August, early September), the airport and all transport services are extremely busy. Rideshare surge pricing is likely. Book a private transfer well in advance or budget extra for a taxi during these peak times.
Verify Your SCAD Campus
Double-check whether your orientation, housing, or classes are at SCAD Savannah or SCAD Atlanta. This guide is for Savannah. Going to the wrong city is a costly mistake.
Connectivity
SAV offers free WiFi. Connect immediately to download maps, check rideshare apps, or view the CAT bus schedule online before you leave the terminal.
FAQs: Savannah Airport to SCAD Transportation
What is the cheapest way to get from Savannah Airport to SCAD?
The cheapest option is the public Chatham Area Transit (CAT) bus. Route #17 connects the airport to downtown Savannah for a fare of $1.50. From a downtown stop, you can transfer to another CAT bus or use SCAD's free Bee Line shuttle to reach your specific campus. The total journey can cost as little as $1.50-$3.00 but takes 60-90 minutes.
What is the fastest way to get from SAV to SCAD?
A taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is the fastest door-to-door option, taking 20-25 minutes directly to your campus building. The Chatham Area Transit (CAT) Express Shuttle is a close second for speed to the downtown area, taking about 25-30 minutes, after which you may need a short walk or SCAD shuttle transfer.
Is there a direct shuttle from Savannah Airport to SCAD?
No, there is no single dedicated shuttle running directly from SAV airport to all SCAD campuses. However, the CAT Express Shuttle goes directly to the downtown Savannah Visitors Center, which is central to many SCAD buildings. SCAD then operates its own free, internal Bee Line shuttle network connecting major campus locations, which you can use from the downtown area.
How much is a taxi from Savannah Airport to SCAD?
A metered taxi from SAV to a downtown SCAD campus typically costs between $28 and $35, not including tip. Prices are fixed by zone. For trips to the SCAD Atlanta campus, this is not applicable; you would need a flight to Atlanta.
Can I use Uber or Lyft at Savannah Airport?
Yes, both Uber and Lyft operate legally at SAV. They have a designated rideshare pickup area just outside the baggage claim. Fares to downtown SCAD campuses are comparable to taxis, often between $25-$35, but can surge during peak hours or bad weather. It's wise to check both apps for the best rate.
Where do I catch the CAT bus at Savannah Airport?
The Chatham Area Transit (CAT) bus stop is located on the lower level (Arrivals/Baggage Claim) of the airport terminal. Look for signage for "Public Transit" or "CAT Bus". Route #17 (Silk Hope) and the CAT Express Shuttle both depart from here. Schedules are posted at the stop and available on the official CAT website.
Is it safe to take public transit from the airport to SCAD at night?
Generally, yes, Savannah is a safe city for travelers. However, CAT bus service frequency reduces significantly in the evening and night. If you arrive late (after 9 PM), your only reliable public transit option might be the last CAT Express shuttle. For late-night arrivals, a taxi, rideshare, or pre-booked private transfer is recommended for safety, convenience, and certainty.
What if my final destination is SCAD Atlanta, not SCAD Savannah?
This guide is for Savannah Airport (SAV) to SCAD Savannah. If you are going to SCAD Atlanta, you must fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). From ATL, the most efficient way to reach SCAD Atlanta in Midtown is via the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) train. Take the Gold or Red line north to "Midtown" station; SCAD Atlanta is a short walk away.