How to Get Around Savannah: Free Shuttles, Ferries, Buses & More

Savannah’s Historic District charms with its walkable squares, riverfront vibrancy, and moss-draped oaks, but smart transportation choices make exploration effortless. This guide details free shuttles, affordable buses, scenic ferries, rideshares, biking options, driving tips, and pedestrian paths to cover the city’s 2.5-square-mile core and outskirts without stress.

Free Downtown Shuttles: The DOT System

The Downtown Transportation (DOT) system stands out as Savannah’s premier free service, designed specifically for visitors hopping between landmarks. It eliminates parking woes in the bustling center, connecting key sites like Forsyth Park, City Market, and riverfront spots.

• Downtown Route: Loops through upper Historic District squares, City Market, and parking garages; ideal for shoppers and sightseers.
• Forsyth Park Route: Targets the iconic park and southern attractions, linking seamlessly with the Downtown loop.
• Frequency: Every 10 minutes for quick access.
• Hours: Monday-Friday 7am-7pm; Saturday 10am-7pm; Sunday 10am-6pm; holidays 10am-6:30pm (excludes major closures).
• Features: Free Wi-Fi, ADA-accessible, 18-20 stops; service animals only.

Spot purple-and-green buses or DOT signs at stops—avoid mixing with paid CAT markers. Download route maps for precise planning, ensuring you hit must-sees like the Cathedral Basilica or factors row houses efficiently.

Savannah Belles Ferry: River Crossings Made Scenic

For a breezy alternative to bridges, the Savannah Belles Ferry glides across the Savannah River, linking downtown to Hutchinson Island’s hotels and convention center. These modern vessels evoke 19th-century harbor boats, offering 10-20 minute journeys with harbor views.

• Landings: City Hall (behind City Hall, near Hyatt Regency), Waving Girl (Morrell Park, by Florence Martus statue), and Hutchinson Island.
• Schedule: Daily 7am-10pm (Waving Girl until 6pm); every 20-30 minutes.
• Perks: Pet-friendly (leashed or carried), free, weather-dependent but reliable.

Perfect for convention-goers or island diners, it integrates with DOT shuttles for full coverage. Check schedules for peak times to avoid waits.

Chatham Area Transit (CAT): Budget Bus Network

Beyond free options, CAT’s 16 routes span Savannah and Chatham County, reaching suburbs and the airport (note: 100X express may vary). It’s a practical choice for extended trips.

Purchase at Joe Murray Rivers, Jr. Intermodal Transit Center (610 W Oglethorpe Ave, near Visitor Center). Use Google Maps for routes; services like 29 W Gwinnett hit downtown reliably. Pandemic adjustments may apply—verify via app.

Rideshares and Electric Shuttles: On-Demand Flexibility

Uber and Lyft thrive in Savannah’s compact layout, surging during events but affordable for short hops ($5-15 downtown). For eco-friendly nights out:

• GEST Savannah: Electric vehicles in Historic District; $5 flat rate.
• Hours: Wed 6:30pm-11:30pm; Thu-Sat to 1:30am; Sun 4pm-9pm.

Ideal for bar crawls on River Street or late Forsyth Park returns, complementing daytime freebies.

Walking and Biking: Embrace the Pedestrian City

Savannah shines for foot traffic—most attractions lie within a 2-mile radius. Paved sidewalks, 22 shaded squares, and flat terrain make strolling supreme from Visitor Center (301 MLK Jr. Blvd) to River Street.

• Pro Tips: Wear comfy shoes for cobblestones; hydrate in humid summers.
• Bike Rentals: Available near squares; e-bikes handle longer jaunts to Tybee Island beaches (20 miles away).

Combine with trolleys for hybrid days, maximizing immersion in architecture and live oaks.

Driving and Parking Strategies

If arriving by car, prioritize garages over street spots to dodge congestion. Key hubs:

Download the parking app for meters (first hour cheap, daily max ~$20). Avoid peak events; electric charging spots grow. Airport (SAV) links via CAT or rideshare (15-20 min downtown).

Tourist Trolleys and Hop-On-Hop-Offs

Old Town Trolley offers narrated overviews, contrasting free DOT’s no-frills efficiency. Stops mirror shuttles but add history tidbits—great for first-timers ($30+ day pass).

Accessibility and Pet Policies

DOT and CAT prioritize inclusivity: low-floor buses, priority seating, paratransit. Service animals welcome everywhere; leashed pets on ferries only. Audio announcements aid navigation.

Planning Your Route: Sample Itineraries

1. Full Day Historic Core: Start Visitor Center (park/trolley), DOT to Forsyth Park (picnic), ferry to island lunch, evening River Street walk.
2. Airport to Downtown: CAT 100X or Uber; transfer to DOT for sights.
3. Night Out: GEST from squares to bars; Uber home.

Frequently Asked Questions

With layered options from free loops to on-demand rides, Savannah rewards flexible planners. Prioritize DOT for value, layer rideshares for gaps, and walk to savor the Southern essence.