Jacksonville, FL to Lely, FL is 332.8 miles and takes about 6h 55m via I 95 and I 4, with a fuel budget near $58 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive keeps you within Florida for its entirety, transitioning from the northern part of the state down towards the southwest. Given its mostly highway profile, it's a straightforward trip that can be completed in a single day if you get an early start. Factor in the estimated 7 hours of driving time when planning your departure, and you'll arrive in Lely with plenty of daylight left.
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
166.4 miles from Jacksonville, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 13m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
86.4 mi
1h 34m
I 4
82 mi
1h 35m
US 17
60.6 mi
1h 24m
I 75
38.5 mi
41m
Hog Bay Avenue
36.3 mi
46m
CR 557
6.4 mi
9m
Collier Boulevard
3.3 mi
5m
Palm Beach Boulevard
2.5 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 86.4 mi, about 1h 34m
Traffic on I-4
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 29 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~4,918 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~548 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9×
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 Lely, 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
35 mi·41 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 48Toward CR 557: Lake Alfred, Winter HavenUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn slight left onto CR 557
6.4 mi·9 min·CR 557
21
Turn right onto US 17; US 92
0.6 mi·1 min·Shinn Boulevard
22
Continue on US 17; US 92
0.6 mi·1 min·Lake Shore Way
23
Turn straight onto US 17
3.7 mi·6 min·US 17
Use the left / straight lanes.
24
Continue on US 17
2.2 mi·4 min·6th Street Southwest
25
Continue on US 17
39 mi·55 min·US 17
Use the left lane.
26
Continue on US 17
1.1 mi·1 min·US 17
27
Continue on US 17
2.5 mi·2 min·US 17
28
Continue on US 17
15 mi·17 min·US 17
29
Turn left onto Dickhaut Street
0.1 mi·21 sec·Dickhaut Street
30
Turn right onto North Mills Avenue
1.1 mi·2 min·North Mills Avenue
31
Turn left onto FL 70
0.2 mi·25 sec·East Magnolia Street
32
Continue on FL 70
1.0 mi·1 min·East Oak Street
33
Turn right onto FL 31
36 mi·46 min·Hog Bay Avenue
34
Turn right onto FL 80
2.5 mi·3 min·Palm Beach Boulevard
Use the right lane.
35
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 75 SouthUse the straight lane.
36
Merge onto I 75
39 mi·41 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Exit 101Toward CR 951: Naples, Marco IslandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Keep slight right at fork
439 ft·14 sec
39
Turn straight onto SR 951
3.3 mi·5 min·Collier Boulevard
Use the left lane.
40
Turn right onto CR 864
2.2 mi·3 min·Rattlesnake Hammock Road
Use the right lane.
41
Turn slight left
417 ft·25 sec
42
Turn sharp left onto CR 864
0.2 mi·19 sec·Rattlesnake Hammock Road
43
Turn right onto Augusta Boulevard
1.0 mi·2 min·Augusta Boulevard
44
At end of road, turn left onto Forest Hills Boulevard
372 ft·15 sec·Forest Hills Boulevard
45
Turn left
176 ft·15 sec
46
At end of road, turn left
19 ft·3 sec
47
Turn right
102 ft·7 sec
48
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6-hour, 55-minute drive, consider leaving Jacksonville early in the morning to avoid potential afternoon traffic. With a single day recommended, pacing yourself is key; plan for one comfortable stop around the halfway point. The longest stretch without a major exit is 86.4 miles on I 95, so ensure you're fueled up before embarking on that section. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you move from the interstate to US 17, as services might be less frequent on the latter part of the route.
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 166.4 miles from Jacksonville, FL, or about 3h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86.4 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 73 miles or 1h 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 166.4 miles or 3h 13m 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 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lely, 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 332.8 miles and 6h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 73 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 95 for about 86.4 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 34
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.3 and 325.5 — 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
8
174.2 mi into trip|~3h 22m in
Take the exit toward CR 557: Lake Alfred, Winter Haven
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 48
Toward CR 557: Lake Alfred, Winter Haven
8
325.5 mi into trip|~6h 41m in
Take the exit toward CR 951: Naples, Marco Island
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 101
Toward CR 951: Naples, Marco Island
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$50.38 one way
$100.76 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg116 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$55.28
$110.56
premium
$4.55
$59.62
$119.23
diesel
$4.80
$62.84
$125.68
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$50
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$75–$100
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 116.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
99.8
1
$34.94
$15.97
Efficient EV
83.2
0
$29.12
$13.31
EV Truck/SUV
133.1
1
$46.59
$21.30
Gas CO2
116 kg
EV CO2
39 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
Jacksonville, FL
Late night
in Jacksonville on Sunday
Local time
5:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
94°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NE 6 to 12 mph37% 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
Lely, FL
Late night
in Lely on Sunday
Local time
5:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
92°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 5 to 12 mph30% 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
96°F
Eagle Lake, FL
166 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
2 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 55m 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.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
National Monument
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...
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...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 57.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is primarily a highway drive, with 83% of the route on major roads like I 95 and I 4. You'll experience an 86.4-mile stretch on I 95, so expect consistent cruising speeds for a significant portion. The transition to surface roads will occur after the highway segments conclude, likely around the 278-mile mark, offering a change of pace as you approach your destination. Be prepared for a higher density of exits and potentially more local traffic as you get closer to Lely.
83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
48 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 86.4 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and I 4. 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 Effort10/10
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 34 significant decision points across 332.8 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
163 ft7 ft
Total Climb
196 ft
Total Descent
206 ft
Highest Point
163 ft
~190.2 mi in
Elevation Range
157 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 Lely, FL, road signs point toward Orlando, International Airport, International Speedway, Daytona, Cr 557: Lake Alfred and Winter Haven.
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 55m. Total distance: 332.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 55m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 86.4 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 24 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 Lely, 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 24 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 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 — Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and Fort Matanzas National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.9 hours each way, a round trip means 13.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Lely, FL before the return drive.
