Origin
Jacksonville, FL
Morning in Jacksonville on Sunday
Local time
8:01 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Jacksonville, FL to Ridge Wood Heights, FL
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 58m
Distance
254.9 mi
410 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$41
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 45m
★
6 AM
4h 59m
8 AM
5h 26m
10 AM
5h 8m
12 PM
5h 6m
3 PM
5h 10m
5 PM
5h 25m
8 PM
4h 51m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Jacksonville, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Ridge Wood Heights, FL
DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ
Trip Overview
Jacksonville, FL to Ridge Wood Heights, FL is 254.9 miles and takes about 4h 58m via I 75 and US 301, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This one-day trip stays within Florida, taking you from the northeast part of the state down through the interior. Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience, making it a straightforward drive for those looking to cover ground efficiently. With a recommended one-day duration, you can plan to depart in the morning and arrive by late afternoon.
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
127.4 miles from Jacksonville, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 38m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 149.2 mi | 2h 39m |
| Sid Martin Highway | 39 mi | 48m |
| US 301 | 37.5 mi | 47m |
| I 10 | 17.1 mi | 20m |
| Bee Ridge Road | 4 mi | 7m |
| Northwest 70th Street | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| Northwest 77th Street | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| US 17 | 1.1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 149.2 mi, about 2h 39m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jacksonville, FL and Ridge Wood Heights, 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: Jacksonville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 351A
Toward I 10 West: Lake City
Use 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
67 mi
·
1 hr 11 min
·
I 75
Toward South I 75: Naples
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 207
Toward FL 758: Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota
19
Keep slight right at fork
345 ft
·
10 sec
Use the right lane.
20
Turn straight onto FL 758
4.0 mi
·
7 min
·
Bee Ridge Road
21
Turn left onto Swift Road
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Swift Road
22
Turn left onto Grand Cayman Street
344 ft
·
15 sec
·
Grand Cayman Street
23
Arrive at destination
Grand Cayman Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 58m drive time, starting your journey in Jacksonville, FL, in the morning is ideal to ensure you arrive in Ridge Wood Heights, FL, with plenty of daylight. The route is designed for a single day, so you won't need to worry about overnight stays. Keep an eye on your fuel level, especially as you approach the 149.2-mile stretch on I 75, where services might be less frequent than on other parts of the drive. The $41 fuel cost is an estimate, so it's wise to factor in a little extra for unexpected detours or longer stops.
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 127.4 miles from Jacksonville, FL, or about 2h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 149.2 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 56 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 127.4 miles or 2h 38m 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 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ridge Wood Heights, 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 254.9 miles and 4h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 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 149.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
127 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 56 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 127.4 miles from Jacksonville, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 149.2 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 175 decision points cluster between mile 2.1 and 250 — 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
6
58.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 15m in
|
US 301 / Sid Martin Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 301 / Sid Martin Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
6
97.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 3m in
|
FL 326 / Northwest 70th Street
Turn right onto FL 326 / Northwest 70th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
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
250 mi into trip
|
~4h 49m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.57 one way
$81.15 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
89 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $44.14 | $88.27 |
| premium | $4.72 | $47.40 | $94.79 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $56.28 | $112.56 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 76.5 | 0 | $26.76 | $12.24 |
| Efficient EV | 63.7 | 0 | $22.30 | $10.20 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 102 | 1 | $35.69 | $16.31 |
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 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.
Destination
Ridge Wood Heights, FL
Morning in Ridge Wood Heights on Sunday
Local time
8:01 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°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
4 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...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 228.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is largely a highway-focused drive, with 80% of the journey on major roads like I 75 and US 301. You'll experience long stretches of consistent speed, including a significant 149.2-mile segment on I 75, which means fewer turns and more time cruising. While the primary roads are efficient, you will transition to local highways like Sid Martin Highway, offering a slight change of pace. The overall feel is practical and direct, designed for covering the distance with minimal fuss.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 149.2 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 Effort
9/10
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 254.9 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 58.2 miles (US 301 / Sid Martin Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 97.2 miles (FL 326 / Northwest 70th Street): Lane positioning matters here.
About the Cities
Starting in Jacksonville, FL
Full guide →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.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 58m. Total distance: 254.9 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 (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 149.2 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Ridge Wood Heights, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 58.2 miles (US 301 / Sid Martin Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 97.2 miles (FL 326 / Northwest 70th Street): 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 10.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Ridge Wood Heights, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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