What are the best public transit options for renters in Savannah, GA?

The best public transit options for renters in Savannah, GA, are Chatham Area Transit (CAT) buses, the free dot Express Shuttle and the free Savannah Belles Ferry. Amtrak trains and on-demand rides fill the gaps for regional travel and hard-to-reach spots.

Downtown Savannah is compact and walkable, but once you leave the Historic District, many errands still mean a drive. Knowing which options run near an apartment in Savannah can help you decide whether to bring a car, share one or go car-free. This guide explains where each option goes and how it can shape your search for an apartment.

Why public transit in Savannah matters for renters

CAT runs Savannah’s public transit system: fixed-route buses, a free downtown shuttle, a free ferry and paratransit service across Chatham County. Many routes meet at the Joe Murray Rivers Jr. Intermodal Transit Center on West Oglethorpe Avenue, so downtown is the easiest place to live without a car. Parking near River Street and the squares can be tight. Living near a bus line or dot stop means you can skip the parking hunt.

Chatham Area Transit buses

Chatham Area Transit (CAT) runs the city’s main bus network. It links the Historic District with neighborhoods and job centers across Chatham County. Route 14 Abercorn heads south along Abercorn Street, Route 3 West Chatham connects downtown with Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and Route 5 serves Port Wentworth. Buses also meet at transfer points such as Oglethorpe Mall and Savannah Mall.

Apartments near the transit center or along corridors like Abercorn Street, Waters Avenue and Skidaway Road put you near established bus routes. Most buses have a bike rack. You can buy passes in the Token Transit app, and CAT Tracker shows where buses are in real time. CAT updates fixed-route service three times per year, so make sure you check current schedules., so check current schedules. Riders with disabilities can apply for CAT Mobility, the agency’s paratransit service.

dot Express Shuttle

The dot Express Shuttle is a free downtown service that CAT runs with funding from the City of Savannah. Its Forsyth and Downtown loops stop across the Historic District and connect visitor centers, parking garages, shops, restaurants and attractions. A third route, the 7D-C, extends free service west to Carver Village and Cloverdale.

If you rent in Downtown Savannah, the dot can cover short errands and daily outings without moving your car. If you drive to work downtown, you can park in a city garage and ride the shuttle the rest of the way. For renters in Carver Village and Cloverdale, it’s a free, direct link to downtown, which makes those neighborhoods worth a closer look.

Savannah Belles Ferry

The free Savannah Belles Ferry, run by CAT, carries riders across the Savannah River between downtown and Hutchinson Island. On the downtown side, boats dock along the Riverwalk, including a landing at City Hall. Across the river, they pull in right next to the Savannah Convention Center.

If you’re eyeing a home on Hutchinson Island, the ferry may be the easiest car-free way to reach River Street and the rest of downtown. It’s just as handy in the other direction, especially if you work at the convention center or one of the nearby hotels. You can bring your bike on board, and dogs are welcome too, as long as they’re leashed or in a carrier.

Amtrak

Amtrak serves Savannah from a station on Seaboard Coastline Drive, west of the Historic District. The Palmetto connects Savannah with Charleston, Washington, D.C., and New York City, with Savannah as its southern endpoint. The Silver Meteor serves those same cities to the north and continues south to Jacksonville and Miami. The Floridian runs between Chicago and Miami, taking an inland route through Columbia and Raleigh, with stops in Washington, D.C. Southbound, it serves Jacksonville, Tampa and Miami.

Amtrak is a practical option for longer trips for work or to see family. If you travel by train often, compare how easily you can reach the station from each apartment you’re considering. Check departure and arrival times, too, and plan your ride to and from the station, especially for overnight services.

On-demand rides: CAT SMART Transit

CAT SMART Transit is an on-demand public transit service operated by Chatham Area Transit in a designated zone in West Chatham. You can book a trip through the CAT SMART Transit app, which also helps you plan connections with regular CAT buses.

For renters within the service area, it adds an option for reaching jobs, shops and bus connections beyond an easy walk. When comparing apartments in West Chatham, check whether both your address and your usual destinations fall within the zone and whether the service hours fit your routine.

The bottom line: Savannah public transit

Savannah public transit centers on CAT buses for citywide trips, the free dot shuttle for downtown and the free ferry for river crossings. Amtrak and on-demand rides cover the rest. Living near these options can mean less time hunting for parking, fewer car trips and lower everyday transportation costs. RentCafe’s Cost of Living Calculator and Rent Affordability Calculator can help you plan your budget and compare Savannah with your current city.

Let your commute help guide your search. An apartment near a busy bus route or a dot stop can make everyday life in Savannah much simpler. When you’re ready, browse Savannah apartments on RentCafe and look for listings with public transit close to home.

FAQ