Origin
Arcadia, FL
Afternoon in Arcadia on Sunday
Local time
4:46 PM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Arcadia, FL to Jacksonville, FL
Drive Time
5h 3m
Distance
245.6 mi
395 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$41
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 50m
★
6 AM
5h 3m
8 AM
5h 30m
10 AM
5h 12m
12 PM
5h 10m
3 PM
5h 14m
5 PM
5h 29m
8 PM
4h 55m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Arcadia, FL
DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ
Jacksonville, FL
Mike Jones
Trip Overview
Traveling from Arcadia to Jacksonville covers 245.6 miles, a journey that typically takes about 5 hours and 3 minutes. Because this is a highway-focused drive, it works perfectly as a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $41 for fuel to complete the trip comfortably. Navigating through the heart of Florida, the route utilizes a combination of US 17, I-4, and I-95 to move you efficiently between the two cities. Whether you are traveling for business or a quick getaway, the direct nature of this path makes it a straightforward transit across the state.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
122.8 miles from Arcadia, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 42m into the drive .
Drive Character
With 89% of this route consisting of highway driving, you can expect a fast-paced experience centered on major thoroughfares. You will spend a significant portion of your time on the interstate, including a longest uninterrupted stretch of 86.1 miles while navigating I-95. The character of the road is highly efficient, prioritizing speed and directness over local detours. While the transition between US 17 and the major interstates changes the rhythm of your drive, the overall feel remains consistent and focused on getting you to Jacksonville with minimal deviation. Prepare for a steady, high-speed pace that defines this transit-heavy corridor.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 95 is the longest continuous segment at about 86.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and I 4. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 17 / Brevard Avenue.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 245.6 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 17 / Brevard Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 154.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 156 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 17 / Brevard Avenue
Turn right onto US 17 / Brevard Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
8
154.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 18m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North, US 92 North: Jacksonville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward I 95 North, US 92 North: Jacksonville
7
156 mi into trip
|
~3h 21m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: Jacksonville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 North: Jacksonville
8
243.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 56m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 90, US 1, FL 13: Downtown, Main Street, Acosta
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward US 90, US 1, FL 13: Downtown, Main Stree...
8
244.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 59m in
|
US 1; US 90
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 90 toward US 90, US 1: Main Street, Ocean Street, Newnan Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 90, US 1: Main Street, Ocean Street,...
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 95 | 86.1 mi | 1h 34m |
| I 4 | 82.9 mi | 1h 35m |
| US 17 | 49.3 mi | 1h 13m |
| Brevard Avenue | 15.5 mi | 19m |
| North Buena Vista Drive | 6.1 mi | 9m |
| US 1 | 1.3 mi | 3m |
| Pomelo Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| Beaver Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 86.1 mi, about 1h 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Arcadia, FL and Jacksonville, FL.
1
Start on FL 70
41 ft
·
5 sec
·
East Hickory Street
2
Turn right onto US 17
16 mi
·
19 min
·
Brevard Avenue
Use the none lane.
3
Continue on US 17
2.5 mi
·
2 min
·
US 17
Use the none lane.
4
Continue on US 17
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
US 17
Use the none lane.
5
Continue on US 17
46 mi
·
1 hr 9 min
·
US 17
Use the none lane.
6
Turn left onto CR 557
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
Pomelo Street
7
Continue on CR 557
6.1 mi
·
9 min
·
North Buena Vista Drive
Use the none lane.
8
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
9
Merge onto I 4
13 mi
·
14 min
·
I 4
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 4
13 mi
·
16 min
·
I 4
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 4
57 mi
·
1 hr 4 min
·
I 4
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
Toward I 95: Miami, Jacksonville
13
Keep slight left at fork
1.2 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 95 North, US 92 North: Jacksonville
Use the none lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 95 North: Jacksonville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 95
86 mi
·
1 hr 34 min
·
I 95
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
1.1 mi
·
2 min
Toward US 90, US 1, FL 13: Downtown, Main Street, Acosta
Use the none lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto US 1; US 90
287 ft
·
6 sec
·
US 1; US 90
Toward US 90, US 1: Main Street, Ocean Street, Newnan Street, Prudential Drive
18
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 90
1.2 mi
·
3 min
·
US 1; US 90
Toward US 90, US 1: Main Street, Ocean Street, Newnan Street
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn left
132 ft
·
11 sec
20
Turn right
121 ft
·
14 sec
21
At end of road, turn left onto US 90
104 ft
·
4 sec
·
Beaver Street
22
Turn right
175 ft
·
13 sec
23
At end of road, turn right
124 ft
·
11 sec
24
Turn right onto US 17
22 ft
·
0 sec
·
Union Street
25
Arrive at destination
US 17
Trip Plan
To keep your drive smooth, plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the five-hour duration. Because the route is dominated by high-traffic interstates like I-4 and I-95, try to avoid peak rush hours in major hubs to maintain your momentum. Since the total distance is manageable in one go, you have the flexibility to depart early in the morning to arrive in Jacksonville by the afternoon. Keep your fuel gauge in mind during the 86.1-mile stretch on I-95, as service exits can become spread out. Prioritize your comfort by utilizing that single planned break to stretch, ensuring you remain alert for the final leg of your journey.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 122.8 miles from Arcadia, FL, or about 2h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86.1 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 80 miles or 1h 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.8 miles or 2h 42m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jacksonville, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Arcadia, FL so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Arcadia, FL
This is one driving day of about 245.6 miles and 5h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Arcadia, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 95 for about 86.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 122.8 mi from Arcadia, FL · 2h 42m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
123 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 122.8 miles from Arcadia, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 86.1 miles.
Arriving in Jacksonville, FL
The final approach into Jacksonville, FL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Jacksonville, FL.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.03 one way
$82.05 round trip
$4.24/gal
25.4 MPG avg
86 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $44.44 | $88.88 |
| premium | $4.90 | $47.34 | $94.68 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $54.56 | $109.13 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 73.7 | 0 | $25.79 | $11.79 |
| Efficient EV | 61.4 | 0 | $21.49 | $9.82 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 98.2 | 1 | $34.38 | $15.72 |
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Jacksonville, FL
Afternoon in Jacksonville on Sunday
Local time
4:46 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
63°F
Eagle Lake, FL
123 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
3 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 3m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Arcadia, FL to Jacksonville, FL covers 245.6 miles and takes about 5h 3m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 95, I 4, US 17. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 122.8 miles from Arcadia, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $41.03 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 245.6 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 17 / Brevard Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 154.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 156 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Arcadia, FL to Jacksonville, FL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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