Jacksonville to Palm Beach Shores is 276.4 miles and takes about 5h 11m via I 95 and Florida's Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Florida, taking you south along the Atlantic coast. You'll spend most of your time on major highways, making it a straightforward trip. Plan for a single day of driving to reach your destination comfortably.
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
138.2 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 95
229.7 mi
4h 8m
Florida's Turnpike
36.2 mi
38m
West Blue Heron Boulevard
2.8 mi
5m
US 1
1.1 mi
2m
East Blue Heron Boulevard
1.1 mi
2m
Okeechobee Road
0.5 mi
<1m
Main Street
0.5 mi
1m
Newnan Street
0.4 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 229.7 mi, about 4h 8m
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
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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 Palm Beach Shores, 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
36 mi·38 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 116Toward FL 706: JupiterUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn left onto FL 706
499 ft·19 sec·Indiantown Road
17
Take the ramp
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 South: West Palm Beach
18
Merge onto I 95
10 mi·11 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·50 sec
Exit 76Toward FL 708: Blue Heron BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn left onto FL 708
2.8 mi·5 min·West Blue Heron Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on SR A1A
1.1 mi·2 min·East Blue Heron Boulevard
Use the left lane.
22
Turn right onto Park Avenue
0.2 mi·28 sec·Park Avenue
23
At end of road, turn left onto Bamboo Road
0.1 mi·16 sec·Bamboo Road
24
Turn right onto Atlantic Avenue
0.2 mi·38 sec·Atlantic Avenue
25
Turn right onto Edwards Lane
144 ft·6 sec·Edwards Lane
26
Arrive at destination
Edwards Lane
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour drive, leaving in the morning will give you plenty of daylight to arrive. With only one recommended stop, you can be flexible with your timing, but consider a break around the halfway point. Keep an eye on fuel prices, as your estimated cost is $44. Since most of the route is highway, you can maintain a steady pace, but be prepared for increased traffic density as you get closer to Palm Beach Shores.
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 138.2 miles from Jacksonville, FL, or about 2h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 229.7 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 61 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 138.2 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 4h 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Palm Beach Shores, 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 276.4 miles and 5h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 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 229.7 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.3 and 259.9 — 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
259.9 mi into trip|~4h 46m in
Take the exit toward FL 706: Jupiter
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 116
Toward FL 706: Jupiter
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.00 one way
$87.99 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg97 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.41
$47.96
$95.91
premium
$4.74
$51.61
$103.23
diesel
$5.35
$58.22
$116.44
Estimated Tolls: $2.54
Florida's Turnpike
(36.2 mi)$2.54
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
$44
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
82.9
1
$29.02
$13.27
Efficient EV
69.1
0
$24.19
$11.06
EV Truck/SUV
110.6
1
$38.70
$17.69
Gas CO2
97 kg
EV CO2
32 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 Jun 3, 2026
Origin
Jacksonville, FL
Evening
in Jacksonville on Wednesday
Local time
5:49 PM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
NE 20 mph30% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued June 2 at 10:11PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued June 2 at 8:51PM CDT until June 2 at 11:45PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Destination
Palm Beach Shores, FL
Evening
in Palm Beach Shores on Wednesday
Local time
5:49 PM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
W 6 mph42% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued June 2 at 10:11PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued June 2 at 8:51PM CDT until June 2 at 11:45PM 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
5 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
5h 11m 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.
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
~15 min detour
Free
near mile 47.7
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...
10 mi from route
~24 min detour
$25
near mile 123.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is primarily highway, with 97% of the route on major roads like I 95 and Florida's Turnpike. You'll experience a long stretch of 229.7 miles on I 95 before transitioning to West Blue Heron Boulevard. Expect a consistent flow of traffic and numerous exits, especially as you approach South Florida.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 229.7 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 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 22 significant decision points across 276.4 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
46 ft9 ft
Total Climb
43 ft
Total Descent
50 ft
Highest Point
46 ft
~39.5 mi in
Elevation Range
37 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 Palm Beach Shores, FL, road signs point toward Fort Pierce, Miami and Florida's Turnpike South.
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 5h 11m. Total distance: 276.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 229.7 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.54 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 26 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 Palm Beach Shores, 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 26 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 — Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Fort Matanzas National Monument and Canaveral National Seashore. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Palm Beach Shores, FL before the return drive.
