This 292.8-mile journey from Jacksonville, FL to Alva, FL is a solid day trip, estimated to take around 6 hours of driving time. The route predominantly sticks to highways, with a 94% highway share, making it a straightforward drive. You can expect to spend approximately $47 on fuel for this trip. With only one recommended stop, it's designed for efficiency. This drive is entirely within Florida, moving from the northern part of the state down towards the southern interior.
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
146.4 miles from Jacksonville, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 49m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 27
97.8 mi
2h 7m
I 95
86.4 mi
1h 34m
I 4
75.8 mi
1h 28m
FL 29
14 mi
18m
Hickpochee Avenue
12.1 mi
16m
US 1
1.1 mi
2m
Main Street
0.5 mi
1m
Broadway Street
0.5 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
US 27
— 97.8 mi, about 2h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jacksonville, FL and Alva, FL.
1
Start on US 17
0.1 mi·20 sec·Union Street
2
Turn right onto Newnan Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Newnan Street
3
Turn right onto FL 228
0.1 mi·23 sec·East Forsyth Street
4
Turn left onto US 1; US 90
0.5 mi·1 min·Main Street
5
Take the ramp onto US 1; US 90
0.9 mi·2 min·US 1; US 90
Toward I 95 South
6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 1
0.2 mi·28 sec·US 1
Toward I 95, US 1 South, FL 5 South: Daytona Beach, Philips Highway
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward I 95 South: Daytona BeachUse the straight lane.
8
Merge onto I 95
86 mi·1 hr 34 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Exit 260C-B-A Toward I 4, US 92, FL 400: Daytona Beach, Orlando, International Airport, International SpeedwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on this road
513 ft·12 sec·this road
Exit 260 C B AToward I 4, US 92, FL 400: Daytona Beach, Orlando
11
Keep slight left at fork
1.3 mi·1 min
Toward I 4, FL 400: Orlando, South Daytona
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 260BToward I 4 West: OrlandoUse the slight right lane.
13
Continue on I 4
37 mi·40 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 4
10 mi·13 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 84BToward Ivanhoe BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
16
Continue on this road
0.5 mi·1 min·this road
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
17
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·34 sec·this road
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
18
Merge onto I 4
29 mi·34 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 55Toward US 27: Haines City, ClermontUse the straight / right lanes.
20
Turn right onto US 27
3.8 mi·5 min·US 27
Use the right lane.
21
Continue on US 27
0.4 mi·36 sec·US 27
22
Continue on US 27
0.2 mi·18 sec·US 27
Use the left lane.
23
Continue on US 27
2.7 mi·3 min·US 27
24
Continue on US 27
0.9 mi·1 min·US 27
25
Continue on US 27
39 mi·50 min·US 27
Use the left lane.
26
Continue on US 27; US 98
10 mi·14 min·US 27; US 98
Use the left lane.
27
Continue on US 27; US 98
41 mi·50 min·US 27; US 98
Use the left lane.
28
Turn right onto FL 29
14 mi·18 min·FL 29
29
Turn right onto FL 29; FL 80
12 mi·16 min·Hickpochee Avenue
Use the left lane.
30
Turn right onto Broadway Street
0.5 mi·48 sec·Broadway Street
31
Arrive at destination
Broadway Street
Trip Plan
Starting your 6-hour drive from Jacksonville early in the morning will help you beat potential traffic and maximize daylight for the 292.8-mile trek to Alva. With a fuel cost estimated at $47, it's wise to fill up before departing. The longest stretch without a major interruption is 97.8 miles on US 27, so plan your stops accordingly, keeping in mind only one is generally recommended. Given this is a single-day drive, you have flexibility, but staying on schedule is key to arriving in Alva at a reasonable hour.
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 146.4 miles from Jacksonville, FL, or about 2h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 97.8 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 64 miles or 1h 13m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 146.4 miles or 2h 49m 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 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Alva, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville, FL
This is one driving day of about 292.8 miles and 6h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Jacksonville, 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 US 27 for about 97.8 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.3 and 167.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
2.3 mi into trip|~5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South: Daytona Beach
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 95 South: Daytona Beach
8
88.9 mi into trip|~1h 40m in
Take the exit toward I 4, US 92, FL 400: Daytona Beach, Orlando, International Airport, International Speedway
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 260C-B-A
Toward I 4, US 92, FL 400: Daytona Beach, Orlan...
8
90.5 mi into trip|~1h 43m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 4 West: Orlando
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 260B
Toward I 4 West: Orlando
7
138.1 mi into trip|~2h 38m in
Take the exit toward Ivanhoe Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 84B
Toward Ivanhoe Boulevard
8
167.9 mi into trip|~3h 15m in
Take the exit toward US 27: Haines City, Clermont
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 55
Toward US 27: Haines City, Clermont
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.61 one way
$93.21 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg102 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$50.70
$101.40
premium
$4.72
$54.44
$108.89
diesel
$5.61
$64.65
$129.29
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$47
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
87.8
1
$30.74
$14.05
Efficient EV
73.2
0
$25.62
$11.71
EV Truck/SUV
117.1
1
$40.99
$18.74
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (67% 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 Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Jacksonville, FL
Late night
in Jacksonville on Sunday
Local time
3:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
90°F
Patchy Fog then Sunny
SW 3 to 8 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Alva, FL
Late night
in Alva on Sunday
Local time
3:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
62°F
Eagle Lake, FL
146 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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
27 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 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.
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
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 50.5
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 6-hour trip, as 94% of the route utilizes major roadways like US 27 and I-4. The majority of your time will be spent on these faster roads, with one significant stretch of 97.8 miles on US 27 where you'll cover considerable ground without needing to exit. While primarily highway, the transition between these main arteries will offer a change of pace, but the overall character remains geared towards covering distance efficiently.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 97.8 mi on US 27.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 27 and I 95. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.3 miles in.
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 18 significant decision points across 292.8 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 2.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 88.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Jacksonville, FL and Alva, FL, road signs point toward Orlando, International Airport, International Speedway, Daytona and Clermont.
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 6h. Total distance: 292.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 97.8 miles on US 27. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Alva, 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 2.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 88.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 12.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Alva, FL before the return drive.
