Origin
Jacksonville, FL
Afternoon in Jacksonville on Sunday
Local time
4:42 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Jacksonville, FL to Lake Alfred, FL
Drive Time
3h 34m
Distance
181.6 mi
292 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 22m
★
6 AM
3h 35m
8 AM
4h 0m
10 AM
3h 44m
12 PM
3h 41m
3 PM
3h 45m
5 PM
3h 58m
8 PM
3h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Jacksonville, FL
Mike Jones
Lake Alfred, FL
Matt Fitz Gibaud
Trip Overview
Traveling from Jacksonville to Lake Alfred covers 181.6 miles and takes approximately 3 hours and 34 minutes behind the wheel. Because this journey is manageable in a single day, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay unless you prefer a slower pace. Budgeting about $30 for fuel should be sufficient to get you from Northeast Florida down to the central part of the state. You will rely primarily on I-95 and I-4 to complete the trip, making it a very straightforward transit across the region. It is a practical, efficient route that serves as a direct link between these two Florida locations.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
90.8 miles from Jacksonville, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a high-speed experience, as 97% of your travel occurs on major highways. The road is defined by an interstate-focused profile, with your longest uninterrupted stretch lasting 86.4 miles while you navigate I-95. Transitioning from the coastal corridor onto I-4 creates a shift in traffic density, eventually leading you to the final leg on CR 557. While the drive is largely a functional, fast-paced grind, the character of the road changes once you exit the primary interstates. You will spend the vast majority of your time focused on highway cruising rather than technical or winding local roads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 23 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 I 4. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2 miles in near US 1.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 181.6 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: at 2 miles (US 1): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; 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.
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 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
US 1
Keep slight right at fork onto US 1 toward I 95, US 1 South, FL 5 South: Daytona Beach, Philips Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward I 95, US 1 South, FL 5 South: Daytona Be...
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
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 Along This Route
Between Jacksonville, FL and Lake Alfred, FL, road signs point toward Orlando, International Airport, International Speedway and Daytona.
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
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 95 | 86.4 mi | 1h 34m |
| I 4 | 82 mi | 1h 35m |
| CR 557 | 6.6 mi | 10m |
| US 1 | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| Main Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Newnan Street | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| East Haines Boulevard | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| East Forsyth Street | 0.1 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 Lake Alfred, 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
Use the none lane.
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
Use the none lane.
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 none / 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 none / straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 4
10 mi
·
13 min
·
I 4
Use the straight / slight left / none 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
Use the none lane.
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 none lane.
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
6.6 mi
·
10 min
·
CR 557
Use the none lane.
21
At end of road, turn right onto North Rochelle Avenue
478 ft
·
26 sec
·
North Rochelle Avenue
22
Turn left onto East Haines Boulevard
0.2 mi
·
52 sec
·
East Haines Boulevard
23
Arrive at destination
East Haines Boulevard
Trip Plan
Planning your departure is key to avoiding peak congestion on the busy I-4 corridor. Since the total travel time is under four hours, you have the flexibility to leave in the morning or early afternoon without feeling rushed. You should comfortably plan for one primary stop to stretch your legs and refuel, which fits well within your $30 gas budget. Keep in mind that the final portion of the trip involves transitioning onto CR 557, so stay alert for changing speed limits as you exit the highway system. Preparing for a single, well-timed break will help you maintain focus during the longest stretches of the drive.
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 90.8 miles from Jacksonville, FL, or about 1h 43m 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 80 miles or 1h 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 90.8 miles or 1h 43m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lake Alfred, 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 181.6 miles and 3h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 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 90.8 mi from Jacksonville, FL · 1h 43m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
91 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 90.8 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 Lake Alfred, FL
The final approach into Lake Alfred, 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 Lake Alfred, 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
$30.34 one way
$60.67 round trip
$4.24/gal
25.4 MPG avg
64 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $32.86 | $65.72 |
| premium | $4.90 | $35.00 | $70.01 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $40.35 | $80.69 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 63.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 54.5 | 0 | $19.07 | $8.72 |
| Efficient EV | 45.4 | 0 | $15.89 | $7.26 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 72.6 | 0 | $25.42 | $11.62 |
Gas CO2
64 kg
EV CO2
21 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Lake Alfred, FL
Afternoon in Lake Alfred on Sunday
Local time
4:42 PM
EDT
Current temp
89°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
23 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
3h 34m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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 Lake Alfred, FL covers 181.6 miles and takes about 3h 34m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 95, I 4, CR 557. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 90.8 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 $30.34 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 181.6 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: at 2 miles (US 1): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; 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.
Between Jacksonville, FL and Lake Alfred, FL, road signs point toward Orlando, International Airport, International Speedway and Daytona.
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