Driving into Savannah
We are from the UK and planning a post cruise trip to Charleston & Savannah late March. We will have a car. We are finding hotels in Savannah quite expensive along with additional parking costs. We are thinking of staying on Tybee and driving into Savannah. We wanted to see the beaches anyway. Any comments on parking in Savannah while we visit the sights. We believe there is no public transport to Tybee ? Possibility of Uber ? Many thanks for any help
Your plan to stay on Tybee Island and drive into Savannah is a great option, especially if you're looking to experience the beaches while also visiting the historic sights of Savannah. Here's some detailed information to help with your decision-making:
- Parking in Savannah: Savannah's historic district does have parking, but it can be pricey, especially near the popular tourist spots. There are several parking garages and street parking options. The city operates metered parking in the downtown area, and you can use apps like ParkMobile to pay for parking. Many of the hotels in the historic district also charge additional fees for parking, which can add up. You can often find parking on the outskirts of the historic district and walk a short distance to the main sights, which can save on both parking fees and traffic congestion.
- Alternative Parking Options: Some visitors choose to park at one of the larger public parking lots in Savannah, such as the one near the Visitor Center or near the Savannah Convention Center. These lots typically charge a flat daily rate, which can be more economical for a full day of sightseeing. Additionally, some hotels just outside the historic district offer free or lower-cost parking with easy access to the downtown area via a quick drive or public transportation.
- Public Transport to Tybee Island: While there is no direct public transportation from Savannah to Tybee Island, it’s only about a 20-30 minute drive, so you can easily access it by car. Public buses do run from Savannah to Tybee Island, but they are infrequent and may not be the most convenient option for tourists. Given that you have a car, driving is the most straightforward way to get there.
- Uber/Taxi Services: If you’d prefer not to drive into Savannah, using an Uber or taxi service is certainly an option. It’s quite easy to get an Uber from Tybee Island to Savannah, although it will be more expensive than public transport. However, if you’re just planning to spend a day in Savannah and don’t want to deal with parking, this could be a more relaxing alternative. The cost of an Uber from Tybee to downtown Savannah can range from $20-30 depending on the time of day and traffic.
In summary, staying on Tybee Island gives you the benefit of beach access and a more relaxed atmosphere while still being close enough to Savannah for day trips. Parking in Savannah can be a bit pricey, but there are options like public lots or hotel parking slightly outside the historic district that can save you money. If you prefer not to drive into the city, Uber is a good option, but it might be more expensive compared to parking and driving yourself. Enjoy your trip to Charleston and Savannah!
