Goulding, FL to Jacksonville, FL is 356.5 miles and takes about 6h 28m via I 10, Reubin O'Donovan Askew Parkway, and Union Street, with a fuel budget near $56 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the state of Florida, offering a straightforward drive across the panhandle and into the northeast. Given it's a single-day trip, it's ideal for those looking to cover ground efficiently. The majority of the route is on the interstate, so expect a consistent pace.
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
178.2 miles from Goulding, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 14m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 10
348.4 mi
6h 15m
Reubin O'Donovan Askew Parkway
3.3 mi
3m
Union Street
0.7 mi
1m
I 95
0.7 mi
1m
Marcus Drive
0.4 mi
1m
North Guillemard Street
0.2 mi
<1m
US 17
0.2 mi
<1m
East Fairfield Drive
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 348.4 mi, about 6h 15m
Traffic on I-10
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 60 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,194 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,673
Quietest
2 AM
~148 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Goulding, FL and Jacksonville, FL.
1
Start on North Guillemard Street
0.2 mi·39 sec·North Guillemard Street
2
At end of road, turn left onto East Texar Drive
0.1 mi·25 sec·East Texar Drive
3
Turn left onto Marcus Drive
0.4 mi·1 min·Marcus Drive
4
Turn right onto FL 295
0.2 mi·20 sec·East Fairfield Drive
5
Turn right onto FL 291
0.1 mi·12 sec·North Davis Highway
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward I 110 North
7
Merge onto I 110
3.3 mi·3 min·Reubin O'Donovan Askew Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·28 sec
Exit 6Toward I 10 East, FL 291: Tallahassee, Davis HighwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 10 East: Tallahassee
10
Merge onto I 10
348 mi·6 hr 15 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi·33 sec
Toward I 95 South: Jacksonville Beaches, Daytona Beach
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·56 sec
Toward I 95 North: International Airport, SavannahUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 95
0.7 mi·1 min·I 95
14
Take the exit onto US 17; FL 228
0.2 mi·26 sec·US 17; FL 228
Exit 353BToward Union Street, Beaver Street
15
Turn straight onto US 17; US 23; FL 228
0.7 mi·1 min·Union Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
16
Arrive at destination
US 17
Trip Plan
Starting early from Goulding is a good idea, aiming to get on I 10 before mid-morning to maximize daylight. With a drive time of around 6.5 hours, you could technically do this in one go, but a single stop might be beneficial for stretching your legs. Consider factoring in extra time for potential traffic as you enter the Jacksonville area, especially if you're arriving during peak hours. Since most of the drive is on I 10, keep an eye on your fuel gauge; while the average cost is estimated at $56, it's always wise to top off when you see stations, especially in more rural stretches.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 178.2 miles from Goulding, FL, or about 3h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 348.4 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 78 miles or 1h 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 178.2 miles or 3h 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 5h 22m
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 Goulding, 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 Goulding, FL
This is one driving day of about 356.5 miles and 6h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 78 miles from Goulding, 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 10 for about 348.4 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 355.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.2 mi into trip|~0m in|East Texar Drive
At end of road, turn left onto East Texar Drive
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
5
1.2 mi into trip|~3m in|I 110 / Reubin O'Donovan Askew Parkway
Merge onto I 110 / Reubin O'Donovan Askew Parkway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
4.4 mi into trip|~6m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 10 East, FL 291: Tallahassee, Davis Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 6
Toward I 10 East, FL 291: Tallahassee, Davis Hi...
8
354.2 mi into trip|~6h 24m 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
355.6 mi into trip|~6h 26m 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
$53.97 one way
$107.93 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg125 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$59.22
$118.43
premium
$4.55
$63.86
$127.72
diesel
$4.80
$67.31
$134.63
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$54
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$79–$104
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 124.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
107
1
$37.43
$17.11
Efficient EV
89.1
1
$31.19
$14.26
EV Truck/SUV
142.6
1
$49.91
$22.82
Gas CO2
125 kg
EV CO2
42 kg (66% 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Goulding, FL
Late night
in Goulding on Sunday
Local time
3:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Mostly Clear
W 5 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 3:45AM EDT until July 18 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 2:50AM EDT until July 17 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Destination
Jacksonville, FL
Late night
in Jacksonville on Sunday
Local time
4:15 AM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Mostly Clear
W 3 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 3:45AM EDT until July 18 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 2:50AM EDT until July 17 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
89°F
Quincy, FL
178 mi in
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
1 hour later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
1 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
6h 28m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
National Seashore
Millions of visitors are drawn to the Gulf of America for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. Come explore with...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
$25
Park Closure: Fort Pickens Campground Restroom A Loop Closure
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend virtually all of your time on highways, with a 99% highway share. The longest continuous stretch is 348.4 miles on I 10. After this extended highway cruising, you'll transition to Reubin O'Donovan Askew Parkway and then Union Street as you approach Jacksonville. Be prepared for a higher volume of exits and potential merging traffic as you get closer to the city.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 348.4 mi on I 10.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and Reubin O'Donovan Askew Parkway. 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 East Texar Drive.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 356.5 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 (East Texar Drive): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 1.2 miles (I 110 / Reubin O'Donovan Askew Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 4.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
169 ft16 ft
Total Climb
345 ft
Total Descent
402 ft
Highest Point
169 ft
~127.3 mi in
Elevation Range
153 ft
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Vagabond Coffee
Cafe
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Urban Grind
Cafe
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
JL Trent's Downtown Cafe
Cafe
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.5 mi from route
~1 min detour
Court Yard Cafe
Cafe
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.5 mi from route
~1 min detour
Appetite Cafe
Cafe
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Good Dough
Cafe
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.7 mi from route
~4 min detour
Jacksonville, FL
Cuisine: donut
Hours: Mo-Th 07:00-14:00; Fr 07:00-16:00; Sa 08...
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 6h 28m. Total distance: 356.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 28m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 348.4 miles on I 10. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 31 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 31 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (East Texar Drive): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 1.2 miles (I 110 / Reubin O'Donovan Askew Parkway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 4.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Gulf Islands National Seashore. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.5 hours each way, a round trip means 13.0 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.
