Traveling from Bradenton to Jacksonville covers 236.1 miles, making for a straightforward trek across Florida that typically takes about 4 hours and 40 minutes. Because this route is a highway-focused drive, it works perfectly as a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. You should budget approximately $39 for fuel to complete the journey. The path primarily utilizes I-75, US 301, and I-10 to bridge the distance between the Gulf Coast and the First Coast. Whether you are heading north for business or a change of scenery, this direct route is designed for efficiency rather than leisure.
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
118.1 miles from Bradenton, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 14m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
127.6 mi
2h 17m
US 301
75.9 mi
1h 34m
I 10
16.8 mi
19m
Tamiami Trail
3.2 mi
4m
8th Avenue West
1.6 mi
3m
Northwest 70th Street
1.5 mi
2m
FL 326
1.1 mi
1m
U.S. Business 41
1.1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 127.6 mi, about 2h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bradenton, FL and Jacksonville, FL.
1
Start on this road
105 ft·12 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto 14th Street West
0.1 mi·27 sec·14th Street West
3
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue West
0.2 mi·58 sec·3rd Avenue West
4
Turn left onto US 41 Business
0.1 mi·25 sec·9th Street West
5
Continue on US 41 Business
0.7 mi·1 min·Green Bridge
6
Continue on US 41 Business
1.6 mi·3 min·8th Avenue West
7
Continue on US 41 Business
501 ft·9 sec·Valencia Drive
8
Enter roundabout onto US 41 Business
119 ft·2 sec·U.S. Business 41
9
Continue on US 41 Business
1.0 mi·1 min·U.S. Business 41
Use the straight lane.
10
Merge onto US 41
0.3 mi·25 sec·Tamiami Trail
11
Continue on US 41
2.9 mi·3 min·Tamiami Trail
12
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·48 sec
13
Merge onto I 275
0.3 mi·21 sec·I 275
14
Keep slight right at fork
1.4 mi·3 min
Toward I 75 North: Tampa
15
Merge onto I 75
128 mi·2 hr 17 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Exit 358Toward FL 326Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Turn slight right
144 ft·4 sec
18
Turn slight right onto FL 326
1.1 mi·1 min·FL 326
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Continue on FL 326
1.5 mi·2 min·Northwest 70th Street
20
Turn left onto US 301; US 441
5.5 mi·6 min·US 301; US 441
Use the left lane.
21
Turn straight onto US 301
52 mi·1 hr 5 min·US 301
Toward North US 301: StarkeUse the straight lane.
22
Continue on US 301
18 mi·22 min·US 301
23
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 10 East: Jacksonville
24
Merge onto I 10
17 mi·19 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.4 mi·33 sec
Toward I 95 South: Jacksonville Beaches, Daytona Beach
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·56 sec
Toward I 95 North: International Airport, SavannahUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
27
Merge onto I 95
0.7 mi·1 min·I 95
28
Take the exit onto US 17; FL 228
0.2 mi·26 sec·US 17; FL 228
Exit 353BToward Union Street, Beaver Street
29
Turn straight onto US 17; US 23; FL 228
0.7 mi·1 min·Union Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
30
Arrive at destination
US 17
Trip Plan
To ensure your 4 hour and 40 minute trip goes smoothly, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh. Since the route is concentrated on heavy-traffic corridors like I-75 and I-10, try to depart early in the morning to avoid peak congestion. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the long 127.6-mile stretch on I-75, as this is where you will cover the most ground without turning off. Because the entire trip is easily manageable in a single day, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure based on local traffic conditions. Staying alert on these high-speed segments is the best way to ensure a comfortable arrival in Jacksonville.
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 118.1 miles from Bradenton, FL, or about 2h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 127.6 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 52 miles or 1h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 118.1 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 46m
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 Bradenton, 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 Bradenton, FL
This is one driving day of about 236.1 miles and 4h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Bradenton, 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 127.6 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.9 and 235.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
2.9 mi into trip|~7m in|US 41 Business / U.S. Business 41
Enter roundabout onto US 41 Business / U.S. Business 41
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
7.9 mi into trip|~14m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 75 North: Tampa
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 75 North: Tampa
7
136.9 mi into trip|~2h 34m 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
233.8 mi into trip|~4h 36m 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
235.2 mi into trip|~4h 38m 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
$37.58 one way
$75.16 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg83 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$40.88
$81.76
premium
$4.72
$43.90
$87.80
diesel
$5.61
$52.13
$104.26
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
70.8
0
$24.79
$11.33
Efficient EV
59
0
$20.66
$9.44
EV Truck/SUV
94.4
1
$33.05
$15.11
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% 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 Apr 20, 2026
Origin
Bradenton, FL
Late night
in Bradenton on Tuesday
Local time
5:21 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Jacksonville, FL
Late night
in Jacksonville on Tuesday
Local time
5:21 AM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Mostly Clear
NE 2 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 20 at 3:53PM EDT until April 22 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 20 at 3:53PM EDT until April 22 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Miami 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
31 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 40m 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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a high-speed experience, as 94% of this journey is spent on major highways. You will settle into a consistent rhythm behind the wheel, particularly during the longest uninterrupted stretch of 127.6 miles on I-75. While the route feels like a standard interstate grind, the transition between these major arteries keeps the drive moving steadily toward the northeast corner of the state. Because the vast majority of the route consists of high-capacity roads, you can maintain a predictable pace throughout the day. It is a utilitarian drive that prioritizes getting you to Jacksonville with minimal deviation from the main path.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 127.6 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 2.9 miles in near US 41 Business / U.S. Business 41.
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 21 significant decision points across 236.1 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 2.9 miles (US 41 Business / U.S. Business 41): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 7.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 136.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Bradenton is a city on the Florida West Coast. Its economy is based on tourism and agricultural products. Tropicana, the orange juice company, and Bealls are headquartered here.
Top landmarks
•De Soto National Memorial — National Memorial of the United States in Bradenton, United States of America
•Manatee County Courthouse — county courthouse in Bradenton, United States of America
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
•Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville — museum in Jacksonville, Florida
•Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve — wetlands in Florida (U.S.) managed by the National Park Service
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 40m. Total distance: 236.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 127.6 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 29 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 29 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.9 miles (US 41 Business / U.S. Business 41): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 7.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 136.9 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 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Jacksonville, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
