Jacksonville to Medulla is 200.8 miles and takes about 3h 58m via I 95 and I 4, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Florida, traversing the state from northeast to central. Expect a driving experience that is predominantly on major highways, making for a straightforward trip. With a recommended one-day drive, you can anticipate a relatively quick transit time, allowing for flexibility in your schedule.
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
100.4 miles from Jacksonville, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 54m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 4
99.5 mi
1h 54m
I 95
86.4 mi
1h 34m
Harden Boulevard
3.6 mi
6m
Kathleen Road
2.5 mi
4m
Sikes Boulevard
1.9 mi
3m
US 1
1.1 mi
2m
Old Road 37
0.5 mi
1m
Main Street
0.5 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 4
— 99.5 mi, about 1h 54m
Traffic on I-4
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 70 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~4,450 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~521 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.5×
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 Medulla, 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
52 mi·1 hr·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·47 sec
Exit 31Toward FL 539: Kathleen, LakelandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn left onto FL 539
2.5 mi·4 min·Kathleen Road
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on FL 563
1.9 mi·3 min·Sikes Boulevard
Use the left lane.
22
Continue on FL 563
3.6 mi·6 min·Harden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
23
Turn right onto West Pipkin Road
0.2 mi·42 sec·West Pipkin Road
24
Turn left onto Old Road 37
0.5 mi·1 min·Old Road 37
Use the left lane.
25
Arrive at destination
Old Road 37
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of under 4 hours, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Aim to depart Jacksonville in the morning to take advantage of daylight hours and avoid potential afternoon traffic. With only one stop recommended, you have the flexibility to decide when and where to take a break, though planning for fuel on I 4 is wise. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch on I 4 is nearly 100 miles, so it's best to refuel before entering that segment if you're running low.
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 100.4 miles from Jacksonville, FL, or about 1h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.5 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 44 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 100.4 miles or 1h 54m 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 9m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Medulla, 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 200.8 miles and 3h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 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 4 for about 99.5 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 191.6 — 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
191.6 mi into trip|~3h 40m in
Take the exit toward FL 539: Kathleen, Lakeland
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 31
Toward FL 539: Kathleen, Lakeland
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.40 one way
$60.79 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg70 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$33.35
$66.71
premium
$4.55
$35.97
$71.94
diesel
$4.80
$37.91
$75.83
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 70.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
60.2
0
$21.08
$9.64
Efficient EV
50.2
0
$17.57
$8.03
EV Truck/SUV
80.3
1
$28.11
$12.85
Gas CO2
70 kg
EV CO2
23 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.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Jacksonville, FL
Late night
in Jacksonville on Monday
Local time
1:54 AM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
S 5 to 10 mph25% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 7:40PM EDT until July 17 at 8:45PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 6:19PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Destination
Medulla, FL
Late night
in Medulla on Monday
Local time
1:54 AM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
SW 3 mph19% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 7:40PM EDT until July 17 at 8:45PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 6:19PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
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
4 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
3h 58m on the road
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.
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...
6 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 55.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly highway, with 93% of the 200.8 miles spent on major interstates like I 95 and I 4. You'll experience a long stretch of 99.5 miles on I 4 without needing to exit. The transition to Harden Boulevard marks the end of the highway portion of your trip, indicating a shift to surface streets as you near Medulla. Be prepared for frequent exits as you approach your destination after extended highway cruising.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 99.5 mi on I 4.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 4 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 200.8 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
162 ft16 ft
Total Climb
201 ft
Total Descent
55 ft
Highest Point
162 ft
~200.8 mi in
Elevation Range
146 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 Medulla, FL, road signs point toward Orlando, International Airport, International Speedway and Daytona.
Orlando
88.9 mi in|~1h 40m
International Airport
88.9 mi in|~1h 40m
International Speedway
88.9 mi in|~1h 40m
Daytona
89.3 mi in|~1h 41m
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
Lakeland is the largest city in Polk County, Florida. It is home to Florida Southern College, which has the largest collection of buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright at a single site in the world.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 58m. Total distance: 200.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 99.5 miles on I 4. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 23 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 Medulla, 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 23 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Medulla, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
