Jacksonville, FL to Key West, FL is 502.6 miles and takes about 10 hours 15 minutes via I 95, Florida's Turnpike, and Overseas Highway, with a fuel budget near $87 and a recommended 2 days of travel. This lengthy drive takes you from the northern reaches of Florida all the way down to its southernmost point. It's a significant haul, best tackled over at least two days to avoid burnout. You'll spend a good chunk of time on major interstates before transitioning to a more scenic, island-hopping experience.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
251.3 miles from Jacksonville, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 37m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
219.5 mi
3h 57m
Florida's Turnpike
105.2 mi
1h 56m
Overseas Highway
104.2 mi
2h 42m
Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
47.1 mi
54m
Dixie Highway
19.2 mi
26m
North Roosevelt Boulevard
2.4 mi
5m
US 1
1.1 mi
2m
Okeechobee Road
0.5 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 219.5 mi, about 3h 57m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 71 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,498 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,230
Quietest
2 AM
~274 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.8×
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 Jacksonville, FL and Key West, 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
219 mi·3 hr 57 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.5 mi·58 sec
Exit 129Toward FL 70: Okeechobee, Fort PierceUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork
492 ft·12 sec
Toward FL 70 West: OkeechobeeUse the right lane.
11
Merge onto FL 70
0.5 mi·57 sec·Okeechobee Road
12
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·35 sec
Use the left / uturn lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike SouthUse the left lane.
14
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
105 mi·1 hr 56 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit onto Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
0.2 mi·20 sec·Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll South, HomesteadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
47 mi·54 min·Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
Toward HomesteadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
18
Merge onto US 1
19 mi·26 min·Dixie Highway
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on US 1
104 mi·2 hr 42 min·Overseas Highway
Use the straight lane.
20
Turn right onto US 1
2.4 mi·5 min·North Roosevelt Boulevard
21
Turn left onto George Street
0.3 mi·1 min·George Street
22
Arrive at destination
George Street
Trip Plan
Given the 10 hour 15 minute driving time, this trip is best split over two days. Aim to depart early in the morning to maximize your daylight hours, especially if you choose to drive further on day one. Plan for at least two stops to break up the 502.6 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as services can become less frequent as you get further south into the Keys. Consider making your overnight stop somewhere around South Florida to position yourself for the final push to Key West.
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.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 251.3 miles from Jacksonville, FL, or about 4h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 219.5 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 111 miles or 2h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 251.3 miles or 4h 37m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 251.3 miles or 4h 37m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 8h 39m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Key West, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Jacksonville, FL
Aim for roughly 251 miles and 5.1 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Key West, FL
Aim for roughly 251 miles and 5.1 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 111 miles from Jacksonville, FL.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 95 for about 219.5 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 328.9 — 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
221.9 mi into trip|~4h 3m in
Take the exit toward FL 70: Okeechobee, Fort Pierce
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 129
Toward FL 70: Okeechobee, Fort Pierce
7
222.4 mi into trip|~4h 4m in
Keep slight right at fork toward FL 70 West: Okeechobee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward FL 70 West: Okeechobee
8
223.2 mi into trip|~4h 6m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike South
7
328.9 mi into trip|~6h 3m in|Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
Take the exit onto Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike toward Florida's Turnpike Toll South, Homestead
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.
Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll South, Homestead
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$80.00 one way
$160.00 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg176 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.41
$87.20
$174.41
premium
$4.74
$93.85
$187.70
diesel
$5.35
$105.86
$211.73
Estimated Tolls: $10.18
Florida's Turnpike
(105.2 mi)$7.36
Homestead Extension
(47.1 mi)$2.82
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
$80
Tolls
$10
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$220–$330
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 175.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $53 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
150.8
1
$52.77
$24.12
Efficient EV
125.7
1
$43.98
$20.10
EV Truck/SUV
201
2
$70.36
$32.17
Gas CO2
176 kg
EV CO2
59 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 Jun 2, 2026
Origin
Jacksonville, FL
Evening
in Jacksonville on Wednesday
Local time
5:45 PM
EDT
Current temp
90°F
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
NW 2 to 12 mph66% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued June 2 at 3:13AM CDT until June 6 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued June 2 at 3:46AM EDT until June 3 at 5:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Key West, FL
Evening
in Key West on Wednesday
Local time
5:45 PM
EDT
Current temp
90°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 0 to 5 mph27% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued June 2 at 3:13AM CDT until June 6 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued June 2 at 3:46AM EDT until June 3 at 5:00AM 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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
10h 15m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
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...
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...
Discover a dynamic barrier island shaped by dunes, coastal hammocks, and Mosquito Lagoon. Walk among ancient Timucua shell mounds and connect with thousands of years of human history. Immerse yourself...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
$25
near mile 121.3
Within sight of Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Evidence of 10,000 years of human history is here to...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 364
Established in 1947 as the first national park created for its biodiversity, Everglades National Park protects 1.5 million acres of wetland, forest, and marine habitats and the native plants and anima...
26 mi from route
~65 min detour
$35
near mile 381.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a long-haul drive with 74% of the route on major highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 219.5 miles on I 95. You'll experience significant highway cruising before reaching the Florida Keys. The transition from high-speed interstate to the Overseas Highway will be noticeable as you begin navigating a series of bridges and islands.
74% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 219.5 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and Florida's Turnpike. 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 502.6 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 2.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 221.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 222.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
44 ft3 ft
Total Climb
65 ft
Total Descent
77 ft
Highest Point
44 ft
~35.9 mi in
Elevation Range
41 ft
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 Key West, FL, road signs point toward Fort Pierce, Miami, Florida's Turnpike South, Florida's Turnpike Toll South and Homestead.
Fort Pierce
221.9 mi in|~4h 3m
Miami
223.2 mi in|~4h 6m
Florida's Turnpike South
223.2 mi in|~4h 6m
Florida's Turnpike Toll South
328.9 mi in|~6h 3m|via Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
Homestead
328.9 mi in|~6h 3m|via Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
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
Key West, in the Florida Keys, is a city and an island of the same name. It is the county seat of Monroe County and is considered the southernmost city in the continental United States.
Top landmarks
•Ernest Hemingway House — house and museum in Key West, Florida, USA
The longest stretch is about 219.5 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 251 miles on day one.
Expect about $10.18 in tolls one way, starting with Florida's Turnpike. 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 30 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 Key West, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 30 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 221.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 222.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Fort Matanzas National Monument, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and Canaveral National Seashore (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 10.3 hours each way, a round trip means 20.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Key West, FL before the return drive.
