Overview
Savannah, Georgia's oldest city, is a Southern charmer of moss-draped oak avenues, cobbled riverside streets and pastel-painted townhouses. It suits UK travellers as a relaxed long weekend or as part of a fly-drive taking in Charleston and the wider Georgia coast. There are no non-stop flights to Savannah from the UK, but the connecting hop is short, and the reward — a walkable historic core and easy access to Tybee Island's beaches — makes the journey worthwhile.
Best time to fly to Savannah
Spring (March to May) is Savannah at its prettiest, with azaleas in bloom, warm days and the city's famous St Patrick's Day celebrations — book early if travelling in March. Autumn (September to November) brings similarly comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, though it overlaps with hurricane season, which typically peaks in September. Summer is hot and humid, while winter is mild by UK standards but can turn chilly. Check the When to book chart above for the best-value windows to fly.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights to Savannah from the UK, so journeys route through a major US hub before a short connection into Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). Delta and transatlantic partner Virgin Atlantic fly non-stop from London Heathrow to Atlanta, Delta's biggest hub, with frequent onward hops to Savannah of around an hour. American Airlines and British Airways connect via Charlotte, while United offers routings through Newark or Washington Dulles. Budget roughly 12–14 hours door-to-door once the connection is included — see the price charts on this page for live fares across these routings.
Things to do in Savannah
Savannah's compact, tree-lined Historic District, threaded with 22 shaded squares, is one of the most walkable cities in the US. Highlights include:
- Forsyth Park: the city's green heart, known for its tiered fountain and a natural starting point for exploring on foot.
- River Street: a cobbled riverfront of converted cotton warehouses, now home to shops, restaurants and bars above the Savannah River.
- Bonaventure Cemetery: a Spanish moss-draped riverside cemetery made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
- Telfair Museums: three sites spanning Southern art and history, including the striking Jepson Center.
- Tybee Island: a laid-back beach around 20 minutes away, good for a lighthouse climb and fresh seafood.
At Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
The airport sits around 10 miles (16km) north of downtown Savannah, roughly a 15–20 minute drive. Uber, Lyft and taxis operate from the terminal, and all the major car hire firms have desks on site — handy if you're planning to explore the wider Lowcountry or drive up to Charleston. Some hotels run courtesy shuttles, but public transport into the centre is limited, so pre-booking a transfer or hire car is the easiest option.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Savannah
- Book ahead for peak periods: spring fares, especially around St Patrick's Day, sell up early, so book several months out where possible.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend travel on the transatlantic leg.
- Stay flexible with dates: shifting your trip by a few days can unlock better connections — use the When to book chart above to spot the cheapest windows.
- Compare connecting hubs: Atlanta, Charlotte and Newark routings can price very differently, so it's worth checking more than one option.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders don't need a visa for US holidays of up to 90 days but must apply for ESTA authorisation online before travelling, ideally at least 72 hours ahead. The currency is the US Dollar; cards are widely accepted, though cash is useful for tips, which are customary in restaurants and taxis. No specific vaccinations are required, and comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, as UK health cover such as the GHIC doesn't extend to the United States.
