Planning a trip from Rock Island to Jacksonville? This drive covers 317.8 miles and will take you approximately 5 hours and 56 minutes. You'll primarily be on I-95, Florida's Turnpike, and State Road 7, with about 98% of the journey on highways. Given the duration and distance, this route is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip, with an estimated fuel cost of around $51. The drive is focused on efficient travel across Florida, making it a straightforward option for getting from point A to point B.
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
158.9 miles from Rock Island, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 56m. Total distance: 317.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for nearly the entire 317.8 miles. With a 98% highway share, the character of this route is largely about covering ground efficiently. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 219.7 miles on I-95, so be prepared for sustained driving on major roadways. While the specific scenery isn't detailed, this profile suggests a focus on speed and directness rather than winding backroads or frequent stops for views.
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 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 2.3 miles in near US 441 / State Road 7.
Driving Effort9/10
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 23 significant decision points across 317.8 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 (US 441 / State Road 7): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 94 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
2.3 mi into trip|~5m in|US 441 / State Road 7
Turn right onto US 441 / State Road 7
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
8
4.4 mi into trip|~9m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Florida's Turnpike North, Orlando
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Florida's Turnpike North, Orlando
8
94 mi into trip|~1h 49m 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
7
95.1 mi into trip|~1h 51m 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
8
316.5 mi into trip|~5h 52m 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 straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 90, US 1: Main Street, Ocean Street,...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Rock Island, FL to Jacksonville, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Vero Beach along the way.
Vero Beach
94 mi in|~1h 49m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
219.7 mi
3h 57m
Florida's Turnpike
89.3 mi
1h 38m
State Road 7
1.5 mi
2m
US 1
1.3 mi
3m
West Oakland Park Boulevard
1 mi
1m
Northwest 26th Street
0.6 mi
1m
Northwest 31st Avenue
0.5 mi
1m
West Commercial Boulevard
0.4 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 219.7 mi, about 3h 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rock Island, FL and Jacksonville, FL.
1
Start on Northwest 26th Avenue
0.2 mi·55 sec·Northwest 26th Avenue
2
Turn left onto Northwest 26th Street
0.6 mi·1 min·Northwest 26th Street
3
Turn right onto Northwest 31st Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·Northwest 31st Avenue
4
Turn left onto SR 816
1.0 mi·1 min·West Oakland Park Boulevard
Use the left lane.
5
Turn right onto US 441
1.5 mi·2 min·State Road 7
Use the right lane.
6
Turn left onto SR 870
0.4 mi·1 min·West Commercial Boulevard
Use the left lane.
7
Take the exit
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward Miami, Orlando, Florida's Turnpike
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike North, OrlandoUse the slight right lane.
9
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
89 mi·1 hr 38 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.5 mi·53 sec
Exit 152Toward FL 70: Fort Pierce, Vero BeachUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork
214 ft·5 sec
Toward FL 70 East: Fort Pierce
12
Merge onto FL 70
0.3 mi·35 sec·Okeechobee Road
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward I 95
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 North: Daytona BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 95
220 mi·3 hr 57 min·I 95
Use the 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
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 StreetUse the 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
For this 5-hour and 56-minute drive, starting your journey earlier in the day is advisable to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach Jacksonville. With a highway share of 98%, you'll want to ensure you're comfortable with sustained driving. Plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and refuel, as the longest stretch without a break is substantial at 219.7 miles on I-95. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $51, and major highways can sometimes have longer distances between services.
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 158.9 miles from Rock Island, FL, or about 3h 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 70 miles or 1h 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 158.9 miles or 3h 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 50m
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 Rock Island, 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 Rock Island, FL
This is one driving day of about 317.8 miles and 5h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 70 miles from Rock Island, 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 158.9 mi from Rock Island, FL
· 3h into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Fort Matanzas National Monument
National Monument
Fort Matanzas National Monument preserves the fortified coquina watchtower, completed in 1742, which defended the southern approach to the Spanish military settlement of St. Augustine. It also protect...
Built by the Spanish in St. Augustine to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United Stat...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
$15
near mile 284.9
Discover a dynamic barrier island shaped by dunes, coastal hammocks, and Mosquito Lagoon. Walk among ancient Timucua shell mounds and connect with thousands of years of human history. Immerse yourself...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
$25
near mile 197.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$50.59 one way
$101.17 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg111 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$55.03
$110.05
premium
$4.72
$59.09
$118.19
diesel
$5.61
$70.17
$140.33
Estimated Tolls: $6.25
Florida's Turnpike
(89.3 mi)$6.25
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
$51
Tolls
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$82–$107
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 111.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
95.3
1
$33.37
$15.25
Efficient EV
79.5
0
$27.81
$12.71
EV Truck/SUV
127.1
1
$44.49
$20.34
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 as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Rock Island, FL
Evening
in Rock Island on Thursday
Local time
7:04 PM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Jacksonville, FL
Evening
in Jacksonville on Thursday
Local time
7:04 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°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
9 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 56m 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 Rock Island, FL to Jacksonville, FL covers 317.8 miles and takes about 5h 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 95, Florida's Turnpike, State Road 7. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 158.9 miles from Rock Island, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $50.59 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 23 significant decision points across 317.8 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 (US 441 / State Road 7): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 94 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Rock Island, FL to Jacksonville, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Vero Beach along the way.
