Gandy to Jacksonville is 211.4 miles and takes about 4h 14m via I 75 and US 301, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward drive entirely within Florida, connecting two major points in the state. Most of the route is on highways, making for efficient travel. Plan for a single day of driving to cover the 211.4 miles.
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
105.7 miles from Gandy, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 1m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
82.3 mi
1h 28m
US 301
75.9 mi
1h 34m
I 10
16.8 mi
19m
I 275
16.5 mi
20m
Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
6.9 mi
9m
Gandy Boulevard
5.1 mi
7m
Northwest 70th Street
1.5 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 Gandy, FL and Jacksonville, FL.
1
Start on San Fernando Drive Northeast
523 ft·19 sec·San Fernando Drive Northeast
2
Turn right onto US 92
5.1 mi·7 min·Gandy Boulevard
3
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 618 Toll
6.9 mi·9 min·Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
Use the straight lane.
4
Take the exit
429 ft·18 sec
Exit 6A; 6BToward Downtown East, Downtown West
5
Continue on this road
399 ft·11 sec·this road
Exit 6BToward Downtown-East, Channelside Drive
6
Turn slight left onto Channelside Drive
392 ft·13 sec·Channelside Drive
7
Turn left onto South Jefferson Street
0.7 mi·1 min·South Jefferson Street
Use the left lane.
8
Continue on North Orange Avenue
0.2 mi·41 sec·North Orange Avenue
9
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward North I 275
10
Merge onto I 275
17 mi·20 min·I 275
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 75
82 mi·1 hr 28 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Exit 358Toward FL 326Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Turn slight right
144 ft·4 sec
14
Turn slight right onto FL 326
1.1 mi·1 min·FL 326
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Continue on FL 326
1.5 mi·2 min·Northwest 70th Street
16
Turn left onto US 301; US 441
5.5 mi·6 min·US 301; US 441
Use the left lane.
17
Turn straight onto US 301
52 mi·1 hr 5 min·US 301
Toward North US 301: StarkeUse the straight lane.
18
Continue on US 301
18 mi·22 min·US 301
19
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 10 East: Jacksonville
20
Merge onto I 10
17 mi·19 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi·33 sec
Toward I 95 South: Jacksonville Beaches, Daytona Beach
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·56 sec
Toward I 95 North: International Airport, SavannahUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
23
Merge onto I 95
0.7 mi·1 min·I 95
24
Take the exit onto US 17; FL 228
0.2 mi·26 sec·US 17; FL 228
Exit 353BToward Union Street, Beaver Street
25
Turn straight onto US 17; US 23; FL 228
0.7 mi·1 min·Union Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
26
Arrive at destination
US 17
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 14m duration, leaving Gandy in the morning is ideal to arrive in Jacksonville with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop and a 211.4-mile distance, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel as you approach the transition from I 75 to US 301, as this is a good point to refuel if needed. The estimated fuel cost is around $33.
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 105.7 miles from Gandy, FL, or about 2h 1m 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 47 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 105.7 miles or 2h 1m 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 25m
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 Gandy, 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 Gandy, FL
This is one driving day of about 211.4 miles and 4h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Gandy, 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 5.2 and 209.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
5.2 mi into trip|~7m in|FL 618 Toll / Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 618 Toll / Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
12.1 mi into trip|~16m in
Take the exit toward Downtown East, Downtown West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 6A; 6B
Toward Downtown East, Downtown West
6
12.3 mi into trip|~17m in|South Jefferson Street
Turn left onto South Jefferson Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
112.3 mi into trip|~2h 8m 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
209.1 mi into trip|~4h 10m 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...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.99 one way
$67.98 round trip
$4.08/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$37.08
$74.16
premium
$4.78
$39.80
$79.60
diesel
$6.28
$52.23
$104.47
Estimated Tolls: $0.69
Selmon Expressway
(6.9 mi)$0.69
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
$34
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.4
0
$22.20
$10.15
Efficient EV
52.9
0
$18.50
$8.46
EV Truck/SUV
84.6
1
$29.60
$13.53
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Gandy, FL
Night
in Gandy on Thursday
Local time
9:23 PM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Sunny
NE 14 to 17 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
Destination
Jacksonville, FL
Night
in Jacksonville on Thursday
Local time
9:23 PM
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
10 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 14m 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?
You'll spend about 95% of your 4h 14m drive on highways. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is 82.3 miles on I 75. After this, you'll transition to US 301 and then I 10. Expect a mostly highway experience for the majority of the trip.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 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?
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 5.2 miles in near FL 618 Toll / Lee Roy Selmon Expressway.
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 19 significant decision points across 211.4 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 5.2 miles (FL 618 Toll / Lee Roy Selmon Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 12.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.3 miles (South Jefferson Street): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
163 ft4 ft
Total Climb
228 ft
Total Descent
216 ft
Highest Point
163 ft
~151 mi in
Elevation Range
159 ft
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 Gandy, FL to Jacksonville, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Downtown-East along the way.
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 14m. Total distance: 211.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). 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.
Expect about $0.69 in tolls one way, starting with Selmon Expressway. 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.
Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza 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 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.2 miles (FL 618 Toll / Lee Roy Selmon Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 12.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.3 miles (South Jefferson Street): 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 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Jacksonville, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
