This 247-mile journey from Jacksonville, FL to Cortez, FL will take you about 4 hours and 58 minutes, making it a very manageable day trip. You'll primarily be on I-75 and US 301, with a short section of Sid Martin Highway. With a fuel cost estimated at $39, this is an economical drive across Florida. The route is largely highway-focused, so expect efficient travel. You'll experience a smooth transition through the diverse landscapes of Florida, from its northeastern reaches to the Gulf Coast. This trip is ideal for a single day, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.
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
123.6 miles from Jacksonville, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 33m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
128 mi
2h 17m
Sid Martin Highway
39 mi
48m
US 301
37.5 mi
47m
I 10
17.1 mi
20m
Cortez Road
7.7 mi
14m
Tamiami Trail
6.2 mi
8m
1st Street West
2.5 mi
4m
Northwest 70th Street
1.5 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 128 mi, about 2h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jacksonville, FL and Cortez, FL.
1
Start on US 17
210 ft·12 sec·Union Street
2
Turn left onto US 1; US 17; FL 228
281 ft·15 sec·Ocean Street
3
Turn left onto US 1; US 17; FL 228
0.7 mi·1 min·State Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
4
Continue on US 17; US 23; FL 228
0.3 mi·36 sec·Kings Road
5
Take the ramp onto US 17; FL 228
1.1 mi·1 min·US 17; FL 228
Toward I 95 South: JacksonvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 351AToward I 10 West: Lake CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 10; US 17; FL 228
17 mi·20 min·I 10; US 17; FL 228
Use the straight / slight left / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.5 mi·58 sec
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·37 sec
10
Merge onto US 301
0.1 mi·11 sec·US 301
11
Continue on US 301
37 mi·47 min·US 301
Use the left / straight lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto US 301
39 mi·48 min·Sid Martin Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
13
Turn right onto FL 326
1.5 mi·2 min·Northwest 70th Street
Use the right lane.
14
Continue on FL 326
1.2 mi·2 min·Northwest 77th Street
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 75 South: Tampa
16
Merge onto I 75
83 mi·1 hr 28 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
45 mi·48 min·I 75
Toward South I 75: NaplesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
1.0 mi·2 min
Exit 228Toward I 275 North: Saint PetersburgUse the slight right lane.
19
Continue on I 275
0.7 mi·44 sec·I 275
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 2Toward US 41: Palmetto, BradentonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork
357 ft·11 sec
Toward Palmetto, BradentonUse the left / slight right lanes.
22
Turn left onto US 41
6.2 mi·8 min·Tamiami Trail
23
Continue on US 41; US 301
0.4 mi·37 sec·Hernando DeSoto Bridge
24
Continue on US 41; US 301
1.0 mi·1 min·1st Street West
25
Keep slight right at fork onto US 41
1.5 mi·2 min·1st Street West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Continue on US 41
7.7 mi·14 min·Cortez Road
27
Arrive at destination
FL 684
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4-hour, 58-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Jacksonville to avoid potential afternoon traffic. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 128 miles on I-75, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $39, and plan your refueling accordingly, especially during that long stretch on I-75. The flexibility of this shorter route means you can adjust your pace as needed, perhaps stopping for a quick break or enjoying a more leisurely drive through the varied Florida scenery.
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 123.6 miles from Jacksonville, FL, or about 2h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 128 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 54 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 123.6 miles or 2h 33m 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 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cortez, 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 247.2 miles and 4h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 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 I 75 for about 128 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.1 and 230.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
2.1 mi into trip|~4m in
Take the exit toward I 10 West: Lake City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 351A
Toward I 10 West: Lake City
7
183.1 mi into trip|~3h 37m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward South I 75: Naples
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward South I 75: Naples
7
228.4 mi into trip|~4h 26m in
Take the exit toward I 275 North: Saint Petersburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 228
Toward I 275 North: Saint Petersburg
8
230 mi into trip|~4h 29m in
Take the exit toward US 41: Palmetto, Bradenton
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 2
Toward US 41: Palmetto, Bradenton
8
230.3 mi into trip|~4h 29m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Palmetto, Bradenton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left / slight right lanes.
Toward Palmetto, Bradenton
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.35 one way
$78.70 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg87 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$42.80
$85.61
premium
$4.72
$45.97
$91.93
diesel
$5.61
$54.58
$109.16
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
74.2
0
$25.96
$11.87
Efficient EV
61.8
0
$21.63
$9.89
EV Truck/SUV
98.9
1
$34.61
$15.82
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% 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 20, 2026
Origin
Jacksonville, FL
Morning
in Jacksonville on Tuesday
Local time
9:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Mostly Clear
NE 2 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 20 at 3:53PM EDT until April 22 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 20 at 3:53PM EDT until April 22 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Destination
Cortez, FL
Morning
in Cortez on Tuesday
Local time
9:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
78°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
23 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 58m 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...
5 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 247.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 75% of the route on major roads like I-75. You'll encounter a long, uninterrupted stretch of 128 miles on I-75, offering a chance for steady progress. While the majority is interstate, you'll also navigate sections of Sid Martin Highway and US 301, which may offer a slightly different driving experience with varying speed limits and potentially more local traffic. The overall character is one of efficient travel, designed for covering distance quickly, rather than a winding scenic tour.
75% 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: 128 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Sid Martin Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.1 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 17 significant decision points across 247.2 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 2.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 183.1 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 228.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Cortez, FL, road signs point toward Bradenton and Palmetto.
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 4h 58m. Total distance: 247.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (75%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 128 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 29 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 Cortez, 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 29 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 183.1 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 228.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Cortez, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
