Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) serves the beautiful coastal region of Georgia and South Carolina, but sometimes, exploring airports beyond Savannah offers more convenient or affordable options for your travel plans. This comprehensive guide delves into nearby airports, their advantages, and considerations to help you make the best choice for your next journey.
What are the closest airports to Savannah, Georgia?
Several airports surround Savannah, each with its own strengths and weaknesses depending on your needs and destination. The closest major airports are typically Charleston International Airport (CHS) in South Carolina and Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) in Florida. Smaller regional airports, offering potentially cheaper flights but with fewer destinations, also exist. The best airport for you depends largely on your final destination and budget.
What is the closest major airport to Savannah?
While the distance isn't drastically different, Charleston International Airport (CHS) generally gets considered the closest major airport to Savannah. It offers a wider array of domestic and sometimes international flights compared to SAV, making it a viable alternative for travelers heading to destinations not directly served by Savannah.
Is Jacksonville Airport closer to Savannah than Charleston?
This is a matter of driving time, not just straight-line distance. While Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) might appear further on a map, driving times can be comparable depending on traffic and your specific location within the Savannah area. Charleston (CHS) often proves slightly quicker for many travelers in Savannah.
What are the advantages of flying into a nearby airport instead of Savannah?
Flying into a larger airport like Charleston (CHS) or Jacksonville (JAX) offers several key advantages:
- More Flight Options: Larger airports usually have more airlines and flight frequencies, providing greater flexibility in scheduling and potentially cheaper fares due to competition.
- More Destinations: A wider range of direct flights to national and international destinations is available, minimizing the need for layovers.
- Potentially Lower Airfares: Competition between airlines at larger hubs sometimes leads to lower airfares compared to smaller airports like SAV.
What are the disadvantages of flying into a nearby airport instead of Savannah?
Despite the benefits, using a nearby airport isn't always ideal:
- Increased Travel Time: You'll need to factor in extra driving time to and from the airport, potentially requiring rental cars or ride-sharing services, adding to overall travel expenses and time.
- Additional Transportation Costs: Rental cars, ride-sharing fees, or ground transportation costs can significantly increase the total travel expenditure.
- Less Convenient: The added travel time and potential hassle of ground transportation can make the overall journey less convenient.
How far is Charleston Airport from Savannah?
Charleston International Airport (CHS) is approximately 100-110 miles from Savannah, Georgia. The driving time varies depending on traffic conditions and usually ranges from 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.
How far is Jacksonville Airport from Savannah?
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is approximately 130-140 miles from Savannah. Driving time is typically around 2 to 2.5 hours, again subject to traffic.
Which airport should I choose: SAV, CHS, or JAX?
The optimal choice depends on your specific needs:
- Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV): Ideal for its convenience if your destination is easily accessible from SAV and you prioritize a shorter overall travel time.
- Charleston International (CHS): A better option for access to a wider range of flights and potentially lower fares, despite the increased driving distance.
- Jacksonville International (JAX): Similar to CHS in terms of flight options, but involves a longer driving time from Savannah.
By carefully weighing these factors—flight availability, costs, and overall travel time—you can select the airport best suited to your travel needs, making your trip to the Savannah area as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Remember to check flight prices and schedules well in advance to secure the best deals.
