Jacksonville to Stuart is 244 miles and takes about 4h 38m via I 95 and Florida's Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, taking you from the northern part of the state down towards the Atlantic coast. The majority of this drive is on major highways, making it a straightforward option for a single-day trip. You'll spend most of your time on well-maintained interstates, so it's a predictable and efficient way to cover the distance.
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
122 miles from Jacksonville, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 15m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
219.5 mi
3h 57m
Florida's Turnpike
9.4 mi
10m
Southeast Port Saint Lucie Boulevard
3.3 mi
5m
Northwest Federal Highway
2.4 mi
4m
Federal Highway
1.4 mi
2m
US 1
1.1 mi
2m
Roosevelt Bridge
0.9 mi
1m
Southwest Port Saint Lucie Boulevard
0.8 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 219.5 mi, about 3h 57m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 52 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,070 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,770
Quietest
2 AM
~272 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.3×
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 Stuart, 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
9.4 mi·10 min·Florida's Turnpike
15
Take the exit
1.0 mi·2 min
Exit 142Toward Port Saint Lucie
16
Continue on Southwest Bayshore Boulevard
483 ft·15 sec·Southwest Bayshore Boulevard
17
Turn right onto FL 716
0.8 mi·1 min·Southwest Port Saint Lucie Boulevard
Use the right lane.
18
Continue on FL 716
3.3 mi·5 min·Southeast Port Saint Lucie Boulevard
19
Turn right onto US 1
0.6 mi·58 sec·US Highway 1
Use the right lane.
20
Continue on US 1
1.4 mi·2 min·Federal Highway
21
Continue on US 1
2.4 mi·4 min·Northwest Federal Highway
Use the right lane.
22
Continue on US 1
0.9 mi·1 min·Roosevelt Bridge
23
Continue on US 1
0.1 mi·16 sec·Southwest Federal Highway
24
Turn left onto Southwest Joan Jefferson Way
0.1 mi·26 sec·Southwest Joan Jefferson Way
25
Enter roundabout onto Southwest Saint Lucie Avenue
149 ft·25 sec·Southwest Saint Lucie Avenue
26
Continue on Southwest Saint Lucie Avenue
140 ft·8 sec·Southwest Saint Lucie Avenue
27
Turn right onto Southwest Flagler Avenue
0.2 mi·40 sec·Southwest Flagler Avenue
28
Turn right onto South Colorado Avenue
69 ft·3 sec·South Colorado Avenue
29
Enter roundabout onto South Colorado Avenue
8 ft·1 sec·South Colorado Avenue
30
Continue on South Colorado Avenue
23 ft·0 sec·South Colorado Avenue
31
Continue on South Colorado Avenue
30 ft·0 sec·South Colorado Avenue
32
Arrive at destination
South Colorado Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 38m estimated drive time and 244 miles, leaving Jacksonville in the morning should allow you to reach Stuart with plenty of daylight to spare. The longest continuous stretch is over 200 miles on I 95, so plan for a fuel stop before you depart or be aware of the limited options once you're deep into that segment. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility; however, consider a brief stop around the halfway point to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as highway services can be spaced out on interstates.
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 122 miles from Jacksonville, FL, or about 2h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 219.5 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 54 miles or 1h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122 miles or 2h 15m 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 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Stuart, 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 244 miles and 4h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 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 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 2 and 223.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
2 mi into trip|~5m in|US 1
Keep slight right at fork onto US 1 toward I 95, US 1 South, FL 5 South: Daytona Beach, Philips Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 95, US 1 South, FL 5 South: Daytona Be...
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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.84 one way
$77.68 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg85 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.41
$42.33
$84.67
premium
$4.74
$45.56
$91.13
diesel
$5.35
$51.39
$102.79
Estimated Tolls: $0.66
Florida's Turnpike
(9.4 mi)$0.66
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
$39
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73.2
0
$25.62
$11.71
Efficient EV
61
0
$21.35
$9.76
EV Truck/SUV
97.6
1
$34.16
$15.62
Gas CO2
85 kg
EV CO2
29 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.
Forecast as of May 25, 2026
Origin
Jacksonville, FL
Evening
in Jacksonville on Wednesday
Local time
8:15 PM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SE 6 mph22% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued May 25 at 1:35AM CDT until May 29 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued May 25 at 1:40AM EDT until May 26 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Destination
Stuart, FL
Evening
in Stuart on Wednesday
Local time
8:15 PM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
SE 15 mph16% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued May 25 at 1:35AM CDT until May 29 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued May 25 at 1:40AM EDT until May 26 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville 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.
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
6 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 38m 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.
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...
5 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 50.5
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...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
$25
near mile 117.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is primarily highway driving, with 94% of the 244 miles on major roads like I 95 and Florida's Turnpike. You'll experience a long stretch of 219.5 miles on I 95 before transitioning to surface roads for the final segment. Expect frequent exits and traffic merging as you navigate through populated areas, especially as you approach your destination.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 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?
8/10
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 miles in near US 1.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 244 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 miles (US 1): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
45 ft12 ft
Total Climb
49 ft
Total Descent
53 ft
Highest Point
45 ft
~34.9 mi in
Elevation Range
33 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 Stuart, 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
Stuart, dubbed the "Sailfish Capital of the World", is a small city about 100 miles north of Miami, considered a hidden gem by its residents. With development restrictions and little tourism, Stuart has everything that you would expect for a Florida destination, just without all the tourists.
Top landmarks
•Krueger House — historic house in Stuart, Florida
•Golden Gate Building — Historic Building
•Lyric Theatre — movie theater in Stuart, Florida, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 38m. Total distance: 244 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 219.5 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.66 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 Stuart, 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 miles (US 1): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; 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.
Yes — Fort Matanzas National Monument, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and Canaveral National Seashore. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Stuart, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
