Artessence Coffee Shop
Near the end, right off the route
Jacksonville, Florida
Hours: 7 am–3 pm
+19045862085
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 54m
Distance
174.6 mi
281 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hudson, FL
DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ
Jacksonville, FL
Wikimedia Commons
This 174.6-mile drive from Hudson to Jacksonville, Florida, is a straightforward, single-day excursion, taking approximately 3 hours and 54 minutes. The route primarily utilizes FL 121 and Suncoast Boulevard/Commercial Way, with about 48% of the journey on highways. With an estimated fuel cost of $28, this trip is quite budget-friendly. You'll experience a mixed drive, transitioning from more rural Florida landscapes to the busier approach to Jacksonville. It's a manageable distance for a day trip, allowing for a relaxed pace and a single planned stop if desired.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
87.3 miles from Hudson, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 59m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| FL 121 | 39.1 mi | 51m |
| Suncoast Boulevard | 35 mi | 48m |
| Commercial Way | 19.5 mi | 25m |
| US 301 | 18.1 mi | 22m |
| I 10 | 16.8 mi | 19m |
| Waldo Road | 13.1 mi | 18m |
| Sid Martin Highway | 8.8 mi | 11m |
| Starke Bypass | 6.4 mi | 7m |
Step-by-step road directions between Hudson, FL and Jacksonville, FL.
Start on this road
Turn left
Turn left onto Hudson Avenue
Turn left onto US 19
Continue on US 19
Continue on US 19
Turn slight right onto FL 121
Turn left onto US 41; FL 121
Take the ramp onto US 41; FL 121
Merge onto US 41; US 27 Alternate; FL 121
Turn left onto US 27; US 41; FL 121
Turn slight right onto FL 121
Continue on FL 331
Continue on FL 24A; FL 331
Continue on FL 24
Continue on FL 24
Continue on FL 24
Merge onto US 301
Continue on US 301 ALT
Continue on US 301 Alternate
Continue on US 301
Take the exit
Merge onto I 10
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 95
Take the exit onto US 17; FL 228
Turn straight onto US 17; US 23; FL 228
Arrive at destination
For this 3-hour, 54-minute trip, leaving early in the morning is recommended to avoid potential traffic as you approach Jacksonville. With only one stop suggested and a total distance of 174.6 miles, you have plenty of flexibility. Consider breaking up the drive around the 39.1-mile mark on FL 121 if you prefer more frequent pauses. The estimated fuel cost is $28, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before you depart, as services might be more spaced out on certain stretches of FL 121. Keep an eye on your navigation as you transition between the main roads mentioned.
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.
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 38 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 87.3 miles or 1h 59m 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 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jacksonville, FL than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Hudson, 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 Hudson, FL
This is one driving day of about 174.6 miles and 3h 54m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
87 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 87.3 miles from Hudson, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Top Restaurant
Jacksonville, Florida
Near the end, right off the route
Hours: 7 am–3 pm
+19045862085
Wise Guys Deli & Coffee Shop
Inglis, Florida
BREW Five Points
Jacksonville, Florida
Top Coffee Stop
Jacksonville, Florida
Near the end, right off the route
Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm
+19044799975
Birdie Coffee Company
Jacksonville, Florida
Bitty & Beau's Coffee
Jacksonville, Florida
Near the end, right off the route
Jacksonville, Florida
Hours: 7 am–3 pm
+19045862085
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Inglis, Florida
Hours: 8 am–4 pm
+13527810075
Near the end, short detour
Jacksonville, Florida
Hours: 7:30 am–4 pm
+19043745789
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Crystal River, Florida
Hours: 6 am–7 pm
+13522284397
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Crystal River, Florida
Hours: 9 am–3 pm
+13525632697
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Crystal River, Florida
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+13525641500
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, ~10 min detour
Homosassa, Florida
Hours: 8:30 am–5:30 pm
+13524002432
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, ~10 min detour
Crystal River, Florida
Hours: 7 am–2 pm
+13526991917
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Jacksonville, Florida
Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm
+19044799975
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Jacksonville, Florida
Hours: 7 am–3 pm
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Jacksonville, Florida
Hours: 7 am–4 pm
+19046836083
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Hudson, Florida
Hours: 7 am–2 pm
+17278561260
Near the end, short detour
Jacksonville, Florida
Hours: 6:30 am–3:15 pm
+19043980889
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Gainesville, Florida
Hours: 7 am–1:30 pm
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Gainesville, Florida
Hours: 6:20 am–8 pm
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Jacksonville, Florida
Hours: 7 am–4:30 pm
+13529321539
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Jacksonville, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Gainesville, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18889982546
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Gainesville, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Gainesville, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Gainesville, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Gainesville, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Gainesville, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Gainesville, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+13527457777
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Williston, Florida
+13525285770
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Crystal River, Florida
Hours: 1–9 pm
+13522284084
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Jacksonville, Florida
Hours: 11 am–8 pm
+19043566857
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Crystal River, Florida
Hours: 10 am–6 pm
+13522284586
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Gainesville, Florida
Hours: 6:30 am–11:30 pm
+13523938510
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Gainesville, Florida
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+13523718001
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Jacksonville, Florida
Hours: 9 am–6 pm
+19046838447
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Gainesville, Florida
Hours: Closed
+13523724981
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Morriston, Florida
Hours: 8 am–10 pm
+15267044184
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 173.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Turn left onto Hudson Avenue
Navigation decision point
Turn left onto US 41; FL 121 / Southwest 7th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Merge onto I 10
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
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
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
Regular Gas
$27.79 one way
$55.58 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $30.23 | $60.46 |
| premium | $4.72 | $32.47 | $64.93 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $38.55 | $77.10 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 61.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 52.4 | 0 | $18.33 | $8.38 |
| Efficient EV | 43.7 | 0 | $15.28 | $6.98 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 69.8 | 0 | $24.44 | $11.17 |
Gas CO2
61 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (67% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Afternoon in Hudson on Sunday
Local time
1:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Destination
Afternoon in Jacksonville on Sunday
Local time
1:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Mostly Clear
Fire Weather Watch
Fire Weather Watch issued April 17 at 2:19PM EDT until April 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Fire Weather Watch
Fire Weather Watch issued April 17 at 2:19PM EDT until April 20 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee 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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Expect a mixed drive on this route, blending highway speeds with more local road segments. You'll cover 48% of the miles on highways, but much of the journey involves roads like FL 121 and Suncoast Boulevard/Commercial Way, which can feel more connected to the surrounding communities. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 39.1 miles on FL 121, offering a good period of consistent driving. This drive isn't a monotonous interstate experience; instead, it offers a varied driving feel as you progress north through Florida.
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Hudson Avenue.
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 174.6 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 0.1 miles (Hudson Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 80.8 miles (US 41; FL 121 / Southwest 7th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 155.1 miles (I 10): Merge point - match speed before joining. 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.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 54m. Total distance: 174.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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