Embarking on a journey from Buckhead Ridge to Jacksonville, Florida, covers approximately 265 miles and will take about 4 hours and 8 minutes of driving time. This route is well-suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. With an estimated fuel cost of $44, it's an economical choice for a road trip within the state. The drive primarily utilizes local roads and Florida's Turnpike North, offering a consistent travel experience. This trip is a straightforward way to connect two points within the Sunshine State.
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
128 miles from Buckhead Ridge, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 34m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
86.1 mi
1h 34m
Florida's Turnpike
65.6 mi
1h 10m
I 4
54.7 mi
1h 2m
US 441
31.8 mi
40m
FL 78
6.5 mi
9m
Parrott Avenue
4.3 mi
8m
US 1
1.3 mi
3m
FL 60
0.4 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 86.1 mi, about 1h 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Buckhead Ridge, FL and Jacksonville, FL.
1
Start on Lake Drive West
0.4 mi·1 min·Lake Drive West
2
At end of road, turn right onto FL 78
6.5 mi·9 min·FL 78
3
Turn left onto Parrott Avenue
4.3 mi·8 min·Parrott Avenue
4
Continue on US 441
0.6 mi·1 min·US 441
5
Continue on US 441
31 mi·39 min·US 441
6
Turn sharp right onto FL 60
0.4 mi·49 sec·FL 60
Use the left lane.
7
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Use the left lane.
8
Continue on this road
295 ft·7 sec·this road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·57 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike North: OrlandoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
66 mi·1 hr 10 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi·54 sec
Exit 259Toward I 4: Orlando, TampaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward I 4 East: Downtown Orlando
13
Merge onto I 4
55 mi·1 hr 2 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·14 sec
Toward I 95: Miami, Jacksonville
15
Keep slight left at fork
1.2 mi·2 min
Toward I 95 North, US 92 North: Jacksonville
16
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 North: JacksonvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 95
86 mi·1 hr 34 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork
1.1 mi·2 min
Toward US 90, US 1, FL 13: Downtown, Main Street, Acosta
19
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
20
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.
21
Turn left
132 ft·11 sec
22
Turn right
121 ft·14 sec
23
At end of road, turn left onto US 90
104 ft·4 sec·Beaver Street
24
Turn right
175 ft·13 sec
25
At end of road, turn right
124 ft·11 sec
26
Turn right onto US 17
22 ft·0 sec·Union Street
27
Arrive at destination
US 17
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour duration, starting your drive from Buckhead Ridge earlier in the day is advisable to maximize daylight and avoid potential evening traffic. With only one recommended stop and no particularly long stretches without turns, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you transition onto Florida's Turnpike, as services can sometimes be spaced out. The approximate fuel cost of $44 means you should budget accordingly. A practical tip for this route: familiarize yourself with the specific turn sequences indicated by your navigation system before you depart to ensure a smoother experience through the many local road segments.
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 128 miles from Buckhead Ridge, FL, or about 2h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86.1 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 56 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 128 miles or 2h 34m 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 6m
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 Buckhead Ridge, 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 Buckhead Ridge, FL
This is one driving day of about 256.1 miles and 5h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Buckhead Ridge, 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 86.1 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 43.3 and 254.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
43.3 mi into trip|~1h 1m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
43.5 mi into trip|~1h 1m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Florida's Turnpike North: Orlando
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Florida's Turnpike North: Orlando
8
109.6 mi into trip|~2h 12m in
Take the exit toward I 4: Orlando, Tampa
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 259
Toward I 4: Orlando, Tampa
7
166.5 mi into trip|~3h 19m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: Jacksonville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 North: Jacksonville
8
254.7 mi into trip|~4h 56m 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,...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.76 one way
$81.53 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg90 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$44.34
$88.69
premium
$4.72
$47.62
$95.24
diesel
$5.61
$56.54
$113.09
Estimated Tolls: $4.59
Florida's Turnpike
(65.6 mi)$4.59
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
$41
Tolls
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
76.8
0
$26.89
$12.29
Efficient EV
64
0
$22.41
$10.24
EV Truck/SUV
102.4
1
$35.85
$16.39
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Buckhead Ridge, FL
Late night
in Buckhead Ridge on Sunday
Local time
5:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Jacksonville, FL
Late night
in Jacksonville on Sunday
Local time
5:59 AM
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
3 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 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.
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 210.3
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
~14 min detour
$15
near mile 228.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This particular drive is characterized by a high number of turns, making it feel more like a local navigation challenge than a high-speed highway cruise, as evidenced by its 0% highway share. You'll be engaging with Parrott Avenue and Florida's Turnpike for the majority of your travel. While there isn't a designated 'longest stretch' provided, the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile suggests a route where you'll be frequently adjusting your direction rather than maintaining a steady speed on long, straightaways. Expect a dynamic driving experience that keeps you actively involved.
96% 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: 86.1 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 43.3 miles in.
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 23 significant decision points across 256.1 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 43.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 43.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 109.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Buckhead Ridge, FL and Jacksonville, FL, road signs point toward Florida's Turnpike North: Orlando and Tampa.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h. Total distance: 256.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 86.1 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $4.59 in tolls one way, starting with Florida's Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 43.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 43.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 109.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Fort Matanzas National Monument and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Jacksonville, FL before the return drive.
