# Savannah Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)

> Savannah, US · 8 mi (13 km) northwest of downtown Savannah

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/sav
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/sav.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: SAV
- **ICAO**: KSAV
- **Timezone**: America/New_York
- **Runways**: 2
- **Terminals**: 1
- **Passengers**: 3.5M/yr
- **Official site**: https://savannahairport.com

## Overview

## Welcome

Savannah Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is more akin to a polished regional hotel lobby than a bustling international gateway. With its intimate size and curated food offerings, the airport appeals to those traveling to Savannah for its Lowcountry charm rather than for the scale. The airport's efficient arrivals experience stands out amidst the typically heavy tourist traffic, complemented by its strategic location just 8 miles northwest of downtown Savannah. Despite the limited number of gates, the airport retains a calm, clean, and efficient character.

## At a glance

SAV sees about 3.5 million passengers a year passing through its single terminal. Sitting at the confluence of I-16 and I-95, the airport is a preferred choice for travelers heading to nearby destinations like Hilton Head. Its two runways efficiently handle flights for carriers including Air Canada, Allegiant Air, and American Airlines. For those driving, the airport offers a variety of parking from $7 a day in the Economy lots to $18 for nearby hourly parking.

## Terminals & layout

The Main terminal at SAV combines check-in, security, and boarding areas in a compact and easy-to-navigate layout. With just ten restaurants and two small lounges, this is not the hub for long layovers spent dining or shopping. Instead, consider it a swift conduit between the breezy squares of downtown and far-off destinations. Security lines generally move quickly, but during peak tourist times like spring weekends, check-in and bag-drop can back up noticeably.

## Getting to and from the city

It's about a 20-25 minute drive to downtown Savannah, with Uber and Lyft services averaging $20-$30 pre-surge. Metered taxis range from $25-$35. For public transportation, the Chatham Area Transit Route 100X Airport Express can take you downtown in 25-35 minutes for $1.50-$2.00, although the Route 3 West Chatham is also an option if you’re okay with a longer journey and a transfer.

## Traveller essentials

Parking lots range from close, convenience-priced options to cheaper, more distant Economy Red and Blue Lots at $7 per day. For those returning rental cars, it's advisable to refuel in-town to avoid inflated airport gas prices. The Main terminal hosts grassy pet-relief areas for travelers with dogs, making quick pre-flight walks easy and convenient.

## Dining & shopping highlights

The airport boasts several key spots including Leopold's Ice Cream—an airside jewel that brings a touch of Savannah's famous local dessert scene right to your gate. Another favorite is the Southbound Taphouse, where you can find an impressive selection of local brews. For something quicker, Great American Bagel is a reliable breakfast stop with shorter lines compared to other outlets like Starbucks, notorious for early-morning congestion. Expect compact stores such as River Street Sweets and The Salt Table offering a taste of local flavor.

## Lounges

Travelers largely bank on the Passport Club Lounge, available at $5, as a preliminary haven since SAV lacks big-name or credit-card lounges. This makes the airport ideal for efficiency rather than prolonged stays. Closer to closing hours, one may find food options reduced, highlighting the importance of pre-flight dining in Savannah.

## Insider tips

- **Time:** During peak tourist waves like spring weekends, check-in lines can back up past queue ropes. Security usually moves fast outside of these peaks, but budget extra time just in case.

- **Money:** The Economy Red and Blue Lots offer better value at $7/day and are worth considering over the more expensive garages during busy times.

- **Avoid:** Avoid the rideshare pickup zone congestion by requesting your Uber or Lyft pickup further down at the rental car area curb.

- **Local:** Leopold's Ice Cream airside is a must-try if you missed visiting their flagship store downtown—it’s a sweet piece of Savannah right before you board.

- **Quiet:** The Stella Bar near the main gate area is a pleasantly calm spot for a cocktail, away from the hustle of larger chain bars in the concourse.

- **Insider:** Send one person to the car rental counter while another waits for bags—this can save you time during busy arrivals.

- **Time:** Check weekend traffic on I-95 if heading to Hilton Head post-flight; peak beach times can extend drives significantly.

## Terminals (1)

- **Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport Terminal** — Air Canada, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines
  The terminal offers a range of amenities for travelers.

## Dining (9)

- **Charley’s Grilled Subs**
- **Moe’s Southwest Grill**
- **Panda Express**
- **Panera Bread**
- **Savannah Square Pops**
- **Sbarro**
- **Starbucks** — Main · Coffee · Café · $
- **Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen**
- **Willy’s Mexicana Grill**

## Lounges (2)

- **Passport Club** — Main · Main Terminal, independent lounge · $5
- **Passport Club** — Main · Membership · $5

## Shops (26)

- **Auntie Anne’s** — Main · Food
- **Bijoux Terner**
- **Brighton Collectibles**
- **Burger King** — Main · Food
- **Charming Charlie**
- **Duty Free Americas**
- **Georgia To Go**
- **Great American Bagel** — Main · Food
- **Hudson News**
- **InMotion Entertainment**
- **Leopold’s Ice Cream** — Main · Food
- **Lowcountry Market**
- **Paradies Lagardère Travel Essentials**
- **PGA Tour Grill** — Main · Food
- **PGA Tour Grill To-Go** — Main · Food
- **River Street Sweets**
- **Savannah Bee Company**
- **Savannah Square**
- **Service Station Bar** — Main · Food
- **Southbound Taphouse** — Main · Food
- **Starbucks** — Main · Coffee
- **Sweet Savannah**
- **Tech on the Go**
- **The Salt Table**
- **The Stella Bar** — Main · Food
- **Torn Basil Pizzeria** — Main · Food

## Parking (5)

- **Daily Parking** — Garage · 1/hr
- **Economy Blue Lot** — Surface lot · $7/day, 1/hr
- **Economy Red Lot** — Surface lot · $7/day, 1/hr
- **Hourly Parking** — Garage · $18/day, 1/hr
- **Long Term Parking** — Surface lot

## Ground transport (8)

- **Chatham Area Transit Route 100X Airport Express** — Bus · 25-35 min to downtown (if traffic light) · $1.50-2.00 · About every 60 min · Daytime only
- **Chatham Area Transit Route 3 West Chatham** — Bus · 40-60+ min to downtown with transfer · $1.50-2.00 · Roughly every 30-60 min (route-dependent)
- **Hilton Head Shuttle Services** — Private shuttle · 1-1.25 hours to most Hilton Head resorts · $40-60 per person (typical shared shuttle, per forum reports) · By reservation · Scheduled around flight times
- **Hotel Courtesy Shuttles** — Van · 5-10 min to nearby airport hotels · $0 (for registered hotel guests) · On-demand or every 20-30 min · Hotel-dependent · Limited hours
- **Intercity Charter Coaches** — Private coach · By reservation only
- **Lyft** — Rideshare · 20-25 min to downtown · $20-30 to downtown (typical, pre‑surge, per Reddit reports) · On-demand · 24/7 (subject to driver availability)
- **Taxi Stand** — Metered taxis · 20-25 min to downtown in normal traffic · $25-35 to downtown (flat zones reported) · On-demand when flights arrive
- **Uber** — Rideshare · 20-25 min to downtown · $20-30 to downtown (typical, pre‑surge, per Reddit reports) · On-demand · 24/7 (subject to driver availability)

## Insider tips

- _Time_: During peak tourist waves like spring weekends, check-in lines can back up past queue ropes. Security usually moves fast outside of these peaks, but budget extra time just in case.
- _Money_: The Economy Red and Blue Lots offer better value at $7/day and are worth considering over the more expensive garages during busy times.
- _Avoid_: Avoid the rideshare pickup zone congestion by requesting your Uber or Lyft pickup further down at the rental car area curb.
- _Local_: Leopold's Ice Cream airside is a must-try if you missed visiting their flagship store downtown—it’s a sweet piece of Savannah right before you board.
- _Quiet_: The Stella Bar near the main gate area is a pleasantly calm spot for a cocktail, away from the hustle of larger chain bars in the concourse.
- _Insider_: Send one person to the car rental counter while another waits for bags—this can save you time during busy arrivals.
- _Time_: Check weekend traffic on I-95 if heading to Hilton Head post-flight; peak beach times can extend drives significantly.