Origin
Jacksonville, FL
Late night in Jacksonville on Friday
Local time
1:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Jacksonville, FL to Cleveland, FL
Compiled by the Trip.ovh editorial team · Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026 · Methodology
Drive Time
5h 35m
Distance
266.7 mi
429 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$42
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 22m
★
6 AM
5h 35m
8 AM
6h 2m
10 AM
5h 44m
12 PM
5h 42m
3 PM
5h 46m
5 PM
6h 0m
8 PM
5h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Jacksonville, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Cleveland, FL
DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ
Trip Overview
This 266.7-mile journey from Jacksonville, FL to Cleveland, FL is designed as a single-day adventure, taking approximately 5 hours and 35 minutes to complete. You'll spend most of your time on major highways, with 97% of the drive on interstates like I-95 and I-4, complemented by US-17. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $42, making it a budget-friendly option. Given its manageable length and highway focus, this route is perfectly suited for a one-day drive, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. The overall feel is a straightforward, efficient transit through Florida.
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
133.3 miles from Jacksonville, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 32m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 35m. Total distance: 266.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with a substantial 97% of the drive taking place on interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 86.4 miles on I-95, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent highway travel. While the route is largely defined by major roads like I-95, US-17, and I-4, the transition between these highways will offer some variety in the driving experience. This profile suggests a drive geared more towards reaching your destination efficiently rather than a winding, scenic exploration.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 31 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 86.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and US 17. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.3 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 266.7 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 2.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 88.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
2.3 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South: Daytona Beach
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 95 South: Daytona Beach
8
88.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 40m in
Take the exit toward I 4, US 92, FL 400: Daytona Beach, Orlando, International Airport, International Speedway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 260C-B-A
Toward I 4, US 92, FL 400: Daytona Beach, Orlan...
8
90.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 43m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 4 West: Orlando
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 260B
Toward I 4 West: Orlando
7
138.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 38m in
Take the exit toward Ivanhoe Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 84B
Toward Ivanhoe Boulevard
8
174.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 22m in
Take the exit toward CR 557: Lake Alfred, Winter Haven
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 48
Toward CR 557: Lake Alfred, Winter Haven
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Jacksonville, FL and Cleveland, FL, road signs point toward Orlando, International Airport, International Speedway, Daytona, Cr 557: Lake Alfred and Winter Haven.
Orlando
88.9 mi in
|
~1h 40m
International Airport
88.9 mi in
|
~1h 40m
International Speedway
88.9 mi in
|
~1h 40m
Daytona
89.3 mi in
|
~1h 41m
Cr 557: Lake Alfred
174.2 mi in
|
~3h 22m
Winter Haven
174.2 mi in
|
~3h 22m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 95 | 86.4 mi | 1h 34m |
| US 17 | 82.2 mi | 1h 55m |
| I 4 | 82 mi | 1h 35m |
| CR 557 | 6.4 mi | 9m |
| 6th Street Southwest | 2.2 mi | 4m |
| US 1 | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| Lake Shore Way | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Shinn Boulevard | 0.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 86.4 mi, about 1h 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jacksonville, FL and Cleveland, FL.
1
Start on US 17
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
Union Street
2
Turn right onto Newnan Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Newnan Street
3
Turn right onto FL 228
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
East Forsyth Street
4
Turn left onto US 1; US 90
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
5
Take the ramp onto US 1; US 90
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
US 1; US 90
Toward I 95 South
6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 1
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
US 1
Toward I 95, US 1 South, FL 5 South: Daytona Beach, Philips Highway
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward I 95 South: Daytona Beach
Use the straight lane.
8
Merge onto I 95
86 mi
·
1 hr 34 min
·
I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 260C-B-A
Toward I 4, US 92, FL 400: Daytona Beach, Orlando, International Airport, International Speedway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on this road
513 ft
·
12 sec
·
this road
Exit 260 C B A
Toward I 4, US 92, FL 400: Daytona Beach, Orlando
11
Keep slight left at fork
1.3 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 4, FL 400: Orlando, South Daytona
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 260B
Toward I 4 West: Orlando
Use the slight right lane.
13
Continue on I 4
37 mi
·
40 min
·
I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 4
10 mi
·
13 min
·
I 4
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 84B
Toward Ivanhoe Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
16
Continue on this road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
this road
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
17
Continue on this road
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
this road
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
18
Merge onto I 4
35 mi
·
41 min
·
I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 48
Toward CR 557: Lake Alfred, Winter Haven
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn slight left onto CR 557
6.4 mi
·
9 min
·
CR 557
21
Turn right onto US 17; US 92
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Shinn Boulevard
22
Continue on US 17; US 92
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Lake Shore Way
23
Turn straight onto US 17
3.7 mi
·
6 min
·
US 17
Use the left / straight lanes.
24
Continue on US 17
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
6th Street Southwest
25
Continue on US 17
39 mi
·
55 min
·
US 17
Use the left lane.
26
Continue on US 17
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
US 17
27
Continue on US 17
2.5 mi
·
2 min
·
US 17
28
Continue on US 17
36 mi
·
48 min
·
US 17
Use the right lane.
29
Take the exit
119 ft
·
8 sec
30
Turn left onto US 17
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
·
US 17
31
Arrive at destination
US 17
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour and 35-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Jacksonville to bypass potential traffic and maximize daylight hours. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 86.4 miles, you can plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or when you need to refuel. The estimated fuel cost of $42 is a good budget to keep in mind, though it's always wise to have a little extra. A specific tip for this route: pay attention to the transition from I-95 onto US-17, as this is where the character of the drive subtly shifts before you merge onto I-4.
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 133.3 miles from Jacksonville, FL, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86.4 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 59 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 133.3 miles or 2h 32m 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 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cleveland, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville, FL
This is one driving day of about 266.7 miles and 5h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Jacksonville, 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 86.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 133.3 mi from Jacksonville, FL · 2h 32m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
133 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 59 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 133.3 miles from Jacksonville, 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 86.4 miles.
Arriving in Cleveland, FL
The final approach into Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, 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
$42.45 one way
$84.90 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
93 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $46.18 | $92.36 |
| premium | $4.72 | $49.59 | $99.18 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $58.88 | $117.77 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$42
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 80 | 0 | $28.00 | $12.80 |
| Efficient EV | 66.7 | 0 | $23.34 | $10.67 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 106.7 | 1 | $37.34 | $17.07 |
Gas CO2
93 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (67% 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
Cleveland, FL
Late night in Cleveland on Friday
Local time
1:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
62°F
Eagle Lake, FL
133 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
4 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 35m 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 Jacksonville, FL to Cleveland, FL covers 266.7 miles and takes about 5h 35m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 95, US 17, I 4. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 133.3 miles from Jacksonville, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $42.45 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 19 significant decision points across 266.7 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: at 2.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 88.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Jacksonville, FL and Cleveland, FL, road signs point toward Orlando, International Airport, International Speedway, Daytona, Cr 557: Lake Alfred and Winter Haven.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
More trips to Cleveland, FL
Explore more options from Jacksonville, FL or browse trips ending in Cleveland, FL.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse FL road trips.