Belleair Bluffs to Jacksonville is 223.5 miles and takes about 4h 34m via I-75, US-301, and I-275, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Florida, taking you north from the Gulf Coast towards the Atlantic. It's a straightforward, highway-focused journey that's well-suited for a single day of travel. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates, making it an efficient way to cover the distance. Consider this route if you prioritize speed and directness over a more meandering, scenic experience.
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
111.7 miles from Belleair Bluffs, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 14m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
82.3 mi
1h 28m
US 301
75.9 mi
1h 34m
I 275
28.9 mi
36m
I 10
16.8 mi
19m
Ulmerton Road
9.2 mi
15m
Northwest 70th Street
1.5 mi
2m
Seminole Boulevard
1.4 mi
2m
FL 326
1.1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 82.3 mi, about 1h 28m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 40 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,810 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,573
Quietest
2 AM
~287 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 103 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Belleair Bluffs, FL and Jacksonville, FL.
1
Start on Jewel Road
0.2 mi·37 sec·Jewel Road
2
At end of road, turn left onto North Indian Rocks Road
0.2 mi·34 sec·North Indian Rocks Road
3
Turn right onto Mehlenbacher Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Mehlenbacher Road
4
Continue on 8th Avenue Northwest
0.4 mi·1 min·8th Avenue Northwest
5
Turn right onto Clearwater Largo Road North
0.5 mi·1 min·Clearwater Largo Road North
6
Turn left onto CR 416
0.5 mi·43 sec·West Bay Drive
Use the left lane.
7
Turn right onto 1st Street Southwest
0.2 mi·14 sec·1st Street Southwest
8
Turn straight onto US-19 ALT
1.4 mi·2 min·Seminole Boulevard
9
Turn left onto FL 688
8.3 mi·13 min·Ulmerton Road
Use the left lane.
10
Take the ramp onto FL 688
0.9 mi·1 min·Ulmerton Road
Toward I 275 North: Tampa
11
Merge onto I 275
29 mi·36 min·I 275
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 75
82 mi·1 hr 28 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Exit 358Toward FL 326Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Turn slight right
144 ft·4 sec
15
Turn slight right onto FL 326
1.1 mi·1 min·FL 326
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Continue on FL 326
1.5 mi·2 min·Northwest 70th Street
17
Turn left onto US 301; US 441
5.5 mi·6 min·US 301; US 441
Use the left lane.
18
Turn straight onto US 301
52 mi·1 hr 5 min·US 301
Toward North US 301: StarkeUse the straight lane.
19
Continue on US 301
18 mi·22 min·US 301
20
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 10 East: Jacksonville
21
Merge onto I 10
17 mi·19 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.4 mi·33 sec
Toward I 95 South: Jacksonville Beaches, Daytona Beach
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·56 sec
Toward I 95 North: International Airport, SavannahUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto I 95
0.7 mi·1 min·I 95
25
Take the exit onto US 17; FL 228
0.2 mi·26 sec·US 17; FL 228
Exit 353BToward Union Street, Beaver Street
26
Turn straight onto US 17; US 23; FL 228
0.7 mi·1 min·Union Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
27
Arrive at destination
US 17
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 4h 34m duration, starting your drive from Belleair Bluffs in the morning offers plenty of flexibility. You'll want to plan for one stop to break up the 223.5-mile journey, perhaps around the halfway point where services are readily available along the main highways. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 82.3-mile stretch on I-75, as it's easy to get settled into a rhythm and overlook the need to refuel. The $36 estimated fuel cost is a good baseline for your budget. With 92% of the drive on highways, you can maintain a consistent speed and arrive in Jacksonville with ample daylight remaining.
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 111.7 miles from Belleair Bluffs, FL, or about 2h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.3 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 49 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.7 miles or 2h 14m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 42m
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 Belleair Bluffs, 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 Belleair Bluffs, FL
This is one driving day of about 223.5 miles and 4h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Belleair Bluffs, 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 75 for about 82.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 222.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.2 mi into trip|~0m in|North Indian Rocks Road
At end of road, turn left onto North Indian Rocks Road
Navigation decision point
6
1.9 mi into trip|~4m in|CR 416 / West Bay Drive
Turn left onto CR 416 / West Bay Drive
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
124.3 mi into trip|~2h 28m in
Take the exit toward FL 326
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 358
Toward FL 326
8
221.2 mi into trip|~4h 29m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: International Airport, Savannah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 North: International Airport, Savan...
6
222.6 mi into trip|~4h 31m in|US 17; FL 228
Take the exit onto US 17; FL 228 toward Union Street, Beaver Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 353B
Toward Union Street, Beaver Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.94 one way
$71.87 round trip
$4.08/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$39.20
$78.40
premium
$4.78
$42.08
$84.16
diesel
$6.28
$55.22
$110.45
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67.1
0
$23.47
$10.73
Efficient EV
55.9
0
$19.56
$8.94
EV Truck/SUV
89.4
1
$31.29
$14.30
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 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.
Forecast as of Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Belleair Bluffs, FL
Morning
in Belleair Bluffs on Saturday
Local time
7:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Sunny
NE 15 to 20 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 7:08AM CDT until October 20 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Destination
Jacksonville, FL
Morning
in Jacksonville on Saturday
Local time
7:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Mostly Sunny
N 16 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 7:08AM CDT until October 20 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
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
8 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
4h 34m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
De Soto National Memorial
National Memorial
In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting...
26 mi from route
~65 min detour
Free
near mile 7.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 92% of the route utilizing major roadways. You'll encounter stretches of I-75, I-275, and US-301, suggesting a consistent pace for much of the trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans 82.3 miles on I-75, offering a significant period of steady driving. Expect the character of the road to be predominantly interstate, designed for efficient travel between these two Florida cities. It’s a route that prioritizes getting you there reliably.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 82.3 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and US 301. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near North Indian Rocks Road.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 223.5 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 0.2 miles (North Indian Rocks Road): Navigation decision point; at 1.9 miles (CR 416 / West Bay Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 124.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Jacksonville occupies one of the most coveted spots on the Atlantic coast. Set amongst abundant beaches and possessing an ideal subtropical climate, its crown jewel is the unique habitat and natural beauty of the St. Johns River. For this reason and more, "The River City" is a popular destination for vacationers looking for a laid-back Sunshine State escape.
Top landmarks
•Fort Caroline — fort in Florida managed by the National Park Service
•Downtown Jacksonville — central business district of Jacksonville, Florida, United States
•Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville — museum in Jacksonville, Florida
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 34m. Total distance: 223.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 82.3 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 25 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Jacksonville, FL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 25 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (North Indian Rocks Road): Navigation decision point; at 1.9 miles (CR 416 / West Bay Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 124.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — De Soto National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Jacksonville, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
