Atlanta to Savannah and Charleston without a car

Question

Hi! We will be in Atlanta this September and were thinking of taking some more days to travel to Savannah and Charleston (SC). What is the best way to get there if we don’t have a driver’s license? I have seen that there are buses from Atlanta to Savannah, and trains from Savannah to Charleston, but how do we get back to Atlanta then? We can also consider reaching some other international airport for our flight back home, if that is easier from Charleston... What do you suggest? Thanks!

Answer

If you're looking to travel from Atlanta to Savannah and Charleston without a car, there are several good options for public transportation. Below are some travel suggestions that will allow you to enjoy these beautiful cities without the need for a driver's license:

Atlanta to Savannah: There are a few options for getting from Atlanta to Savannah, which is about a 4-hour drive away:

Bus: One of the easiest and most affordable ways to travel from Atlanta to Savannah is by bus. Greyhound, Megabus, and Southeastern Stages all offer routes between the two cities. The trip typically takes about 4 to 5 hours, and buses are relatively affordable, with prices varying depending on when you book.
Train: Amtrak also offers a route from Atlanta to Savannah. The train ride is a bit longer (around 5 hours), but it can be a more relaxing and scenic way to travel. The Amtrak station in Savannah is located near downtown, making it convenient for getting to your hotel or exploring the city.

Savannah to Charleston: Once you're in Savannah, there are convenient ways to get to Charleston, which is about 2 hours away:

Bus: The best way to get from Savannah to Charleston without a car is by bus. Greyhound, Megabus, and Palmetto Breeze operate services between the two cities, and the journey takes around 2 hours. The buses are generally comfortable and affordable.
Train: While Amtrak does operate a route between Savannah and Charleston, the trip is slower (about 2.5 to 3 hours) and less frequent. Still, it's an option if you prefer train travel over buses.

Getting back to Atlanta: Once you're done exploring Savannah and Charleston, you have a few options to return to Atlanta:

Bus: You can return to Atlanta via bus with services from Greyhound, Megabus, or Southeastern Stages. The trip will take about 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic and which route you choose.
Train: Amtrak offers trains from both Savannah and Charleston back to Atlanta. The trip takes about 5 to 6 hours, and trains are typically comfortable with amenities like free Wi-Fi and restrooms. The Amtrak stations are conveniently located in the city center of both Savannah and Charleston.
Flight: If you're open to flying, you can take a short flight from Charleston International Airport (CHS) back to Atlanta (ATL). Flights are typically under an hour, but you’ll need to factor in the time for airport security and travel to the airport. This option may be a bit pricier compared to bus or train travel.

Alternative Flight Option from Charleston: If you are considering flying out from Charleston instead of Atlanta, Charleston International Airport (CHS) is a smaller airport but still offers plenty of options for domestic flights. If you're flying internationally, you may have more options out of Atlanta, so make sure to check flight prices and schedules. Charleston is also well-connected to other major cities on the East Coast, so it might be worth considering if your flight home is from there.

Overall, I’d recommend taking the bus or train for ease of travel, especially since they’re affordable and convenient. If you're looking for the fastest return to Atlanta, flying back from Charleston could be an option, but it might add additional costs. Whatever you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy your time in these two beautiful Southern cities without the stress of driving!

Atlanta to Savannah and Charleston without a car

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