Regular bus , free shuttle trolley or car

Question

Hi everyone, We will be staying at the Best Western on Eisenhower drive for a few nights in June and will have a hire car .

I am wondering if it’s worth the expense and hassle of trying to get parked downtown .

Could driving to Forsyth park and possibly getting the free shuttle from there would be a good option or maybe getting the city bus from near the hotel . All thoughts and advice appreciated. Thank you

Answer

Staying at the Best Western on Eisenhower Drive gives you a great base to explore Savannah, especially with a hire car. However, parking in the historic district can be challenging and expensive, especially during peak tourist seasons like June. Here are some options and considerations for getting around without the hassle of downtown parking:

Driving and Parking Downtown:

Parking in Savannah's historic district can be tricky. There are a few paid parking garages and street meters, but they can fill up quickly, especially during busy times. If you decide to drive into downtown and park, expect to pay for parking, and be prepared to walk a bit to reach popular spots like River Street, Forsyth Park, or Broughton Street. The parking rates are usually around $1.50 to $2 per hour, with some areas offering free parking after 8 PM or on Sundays, but overall, it's not the most convenient option for visitors who want to avoid the hassle of finding a spot.

Using the Free Shuttle Trolley:

One great option for getting around downtown without worrying about parking is to use the free shuttle trolley service. The trolley offers a convenient way to get from Forsyth Park to popular spots like River Street, the Historic District, and more. There are several trolley stops around the city, and if you drive to Forsyth Park, you can park in the nearby lot and hop on the shuttle, avoiding the need to drive and park in the busy historic district.

Taking the City Bus:

The city bus system in Savannah is another affordable way to get around. There’s a bus stop near your hotel on Eisenhower Drive, and you can catch a ride downtown. The cost is generally very low (around $1-$2 per ride). The buses can take you to various parts of the city, including the Historic District, and it's a good budget-friendly option if you don't mind the occasional wait for the bus to arrive.

Alternatives to Driving:

Walking: Savannah’s historic district is very walkable. If you don’t mind walking, you can easily get from Forsyth Park to downtown attractions like the River Street area, historic homes, and squares.
Bikes or Scooters: If you're comfortable with it, renting a bike or an electric scooter is a fun way to zip around Savannah. There are rental stations for bikes and scooters throughout the city, and it’s a great way to explore without having to drive or park.
Taxi or Rideshare: Another option is to use a taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft to get downtown. If you're planning on staying out late or don't want to deal with the parking altogether, ridesharing might be your best bet.

Final Thoughts:

If you're staying at the Best Western on Eisenhower Drive, I would recommend driving to Forsyth Park and using the free shuttle trolley from there. It's a convenient and low-stress way to get into the heart of Savannah. Alternatively, taking the city bus is a budget-friendly option if you don't mind a slightly slower pace. If you'd rather not deal with parking at all, using rideshare or taxis is always an easy choice. Whatever you decide, Savannah is a very walkable city, so once you get to the Historic District, you’ll be able to explore a lot on foot without the need for a car!

Regular bus , free shuttle trolley or car

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