Trip from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Jacksonville, FL

Drive Time

5h 59m

Distance

318.5 mi

513 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$53

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min

4 AM

5h 47m ★

6 AM

6h 0m

8 AM

6h 26m

10 AM

6h 9m

12 PM

6h 6m

3 PM

6h 10m

5 PM

6h 24m

8 PM

5h 52m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Fort Lauderdale, FL

Kelly

Jacksonville, FL

Mike Jones

Trip Overview

Traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Jacksonville covers 326.3 miles of Florida terrain, taking approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes of driving time. Because this route relies on local roads like Northwest 9th Avenue and Powerline Road rather than high-speed interstates, it functions best as a focused, single-day excursion. You should budget roughly $53 for fuel to complete the journey. Given the turn-heavy nature of this path, you will want to remain alert throughout the trek. It is a straightforward trek across the state that avoids major highway corridors, allowing you to experience the road at a more local pace.

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

159.3 miles from Fort Lauderdale, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 3m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a very different experience than your typical interstate cruise, as this route features zero highway miles. Instead, you will be navigating a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. The path utilizes South Powerline Road and Northwest 9th Avenue, creating a driving profile that feels more like a series of interconnected local stretches than a fast-paced transit. Because you are staying off the major highways, the road character remains consistent and technical throughout the 326.3-mile distance. Prepare for frequent adjustments as you navigate the local street grid from South Florida up to the Jacksonville area.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 26 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 219.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and Florida's Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 miles in near Northwest 9th Avenue.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 318.5 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: at 0.6 miles (Northwest 9th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 94.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 95.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 22 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

0.6 mi into trip | ~1m in | Northwest 9th Avenue

Turn right onto Northwest 9th Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

94.7 mi into trip | ~1h 52m in

Take the exit toward FL 70: Fort Pierce, Vero Beach

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 152 Toward FL 70: Fort Pierce, Vero Beach

95.8 mi into trip | ~1h 54m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: Daytona Beach

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 95 North: Daytona Beach

316 mi into trip | ~5h 53m 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...

317.2 mi into trip | ~5h 55m 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,...

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Jacksonville, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Vero Beach along the way.

Vero Beach

94.7 mi in | ~1h 52m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 95	219.7 mi	3h 57m
Florida's Turnpike	84.6 mi	1h 33m
Northwest 9th Avenue	2.9 mi	5m
South Powerline Road	2.4 mi	4m
US 1	1.3 mi	3m
Powerline Road	1.1 mi	2m
South Pompano Parkway	1 mi	1m
Northwest 31st Avenue	1 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 95 — 219.7 mi, about 3h 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fort Lauderdale, FL and Jacksonville, FL.

Start on SR 842

0.6 mi · 1 min · East Broward Boulevard

Use the none lane.

Turn right onto Northwest 9th Avenue

2.9 mi · 5 min · Northwest 9th Avenue

Use the none lane.

Continue on SR 845

1.1 mi · 2 min · Powerline Road

Use the none lane.

Continue on SR 845

2.4 mi · 4 min · South Powerline Road

Use the none lane.

Continue on SR 845

1.0 mi · 1 min · South Pompano Parkway

Use the left / none lanes.

Turn left onto SR 814

0.6 mi · 1 min · West Atlantic Boulevard

Use the none lane.

Turn right onto Northwest 31st Avenue

1.0 mi · 1 min · Northwest 31st Avenue

Use the right lane.

Continue on this road

0.1 mi · 16 sec · this road

Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll, Miami, Orlando Use the straight / left lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 42 sec

Toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North

Merge onto Florida's Turnpike

85 mi · 1 hr 33 min · Florida's Turnpike

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 53 sec

Exit 152 Toward FL 70: Fort Pierce, Vero Beach Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

214 ft · 5 sec

Toward FL 70 East: Fort Pierce

Merge onto FL 70

0.3 mi · 35 sec · Okeechobee Road

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec

Toward I 95

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min

Toward I 95 North: Daytona Beach Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 95

220 mi · 3 hr 57 min · I 95

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

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.

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

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.

Turn left

132 ft · 11 sec

Turn right

121 ft · 14 sec

At end of road, turn left onto US 90

104 ft · 4 sec · Beaver Street

Turn right

175 ft · 13 sec

At end of road, turn right

124 ft · 11 sec

Turn right onto US 17

22 ft · 0 sec · Union Street

Arrive at destination

US 17

Trip Plan

Since this is a 4 hour and 40 minute drive, planning your departure is key to avoiding unnecessary congestion on local roads. You should build in at least one stop to break up the drive, as the constant turning can be more taxing than a straight highway shot. Keep your $53 fuel budget handy, and ensure your vehicle is ready for a trip that stays entirely off the highway system. If you find yourself getting fatigued by the local traffic, prioritize finding a safe place to pull over early in the journey. A concrete tip for this specific route is to double-check your GPS frequently, as the reliance on local roads like Powerline Road means you will encounter many more intersections than a standard highway route.

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 159.3 miles from Fort Lauderdale, FL, or about 3h 3m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 219.7 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 36m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 159.3 miles or 3h 3m 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 54m

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 Fort Lauderdale, 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL

This is one driving day of about 318.5 miles and 5h 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Fort Lauderdale, 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 219.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 159.3 mi from Fort Lauderdale, FL · 3h 3m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Port Saint Lucie, FL

159 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

Port Saint Lucie, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Palm Bay, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 159.3 miles from Fort Lauderdale, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 219.7 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.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$53.20 one way

$106.41 round trip

$4.24/gal 25.4 MPG avg 111 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.60	$57.63	$115.26
premium	$4.90	$61.39	$122.79
diesel	$5.64	$70.76	$141.52

Estimated Tolls: $5.92

Florida's Turnpike (84.6 mi) $5.92

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$53

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$84–$109

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 111.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	95.6	1	$33.44	$15.29
Efficient EV	79.6	0	$27.87	$12.74
EV Truck/SUV	127.4	1	$44.59	$20.38

Gas CO2

111 kg

EV CO2

37 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Afternoon in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday

Local time

4:40 PM

EDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Jacksonville, FL

Afternoon in Jacksonville on Sunday

Local time

4:40 PM

EDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

4 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

5h 59m 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL to Jacksonville, FL covers 318.5 miles and takes about 5h 59m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 95, Florida's Turnpike, Northwest 9th Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 159.3 miles from Fort Lauderdale, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $53.20 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.

On the drive from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Jacksonville, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Vero Beach along the way.

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Return Trip

Jacksonville, FL to Fort Lauderdale, FL

Plan the drive back the other way.

321.6 mi 6h 1m

Explore more options from Fort Lauderdale, FL or browse trips ending in Jacksonville, FL.

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Trip from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Jacksonville, FL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Jacksonville, FL

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Jacksonville, FL

Same local time

4 degrees cooler at arrival

5h 59m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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