Lehigh Acres to Jacksonville is 298 miles and takes about 6 hours 10 minutes via US 27 and I-95, with a fuel budget near $47 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, connecting two distinct regions of the state. It's a straightforward drive that's mostly on major highways, making it an efficient choice for a single-day journey. You'll spend most of your time on interstate driving, so pack accordingly for comfort and entertainment.
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
149.1 miles from Lehigh Acres, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 19m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 27
97.1 mi
2h 6m
I 95
86.1 mi
1h 34m
I 4
76.2 mi
1h 27m
North Bridge Street
14 mi
18m
Palm Beach Boulevard
11.6 mi
15m
Joel Boulevard
4.5 mi
7m
East 12th Street
1.7 mi
4m
US 1
1.3 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
US 27
— 97.1 mi, about 2h 6m
Traffic on I-4
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 58 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 Lehigh Acres, FL and Jacksonville, FL.
1
Start on Richmond Avenue North
1.2 mi·3 min·Richmond Avenue North
2
Turn right onto East 12th Street
1.7 mi·4 min·East 12th Street
3
Turn left onto CR 884
4.5 mi·7 min·Joel Boulevard
4
Turn right onto FL 80
12 mi·15 min·Palm Beach Boulevard
Use the left lane.
5
Turn left onto FL 29
14 mi·18 min·North Bridge Street
Use the left lane.
6
Take the ramp
125 ft·3 sec
7
Merge onto US 27
26 mi·31 min·US 27
8
Continue on US 27
0.2 mi·19 sec·US 27
Use the left lane.
9
Continue on US 27
10 mi·12 min·US 27
Use the left lane.
10
Continue on US 27
42 mi·55 min·US 27
Use the left / straight lanes.
11
Continue on US 27
19 mi·26 min·US 27
Use the left lane.
12
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 4 East: Orlando
13
Merge onto I 4
6.0 mi·6 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 4
13 mi·16 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 4
57 mi·1 hr 4 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·14 sec
Toward I 95: Miami, Jacksonville
17
Keep slight left at fork
1.2 mi·2 min
Toward I 95 North, US 92 North: Jacksonville
18
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 North: JacksonvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 95
86 mi·1 hr 34 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork
1.1 mi·2 min
Toward US 90, US 1, FL 13: Downtown, Main Street, Acosta
21
Keep slight right at fork onto US 1; US 90
287 ft·6 sec·US 1; US 90
Toward US 90, US 1: Main Street, Ocean Street, Newnan Street, Prudential Drive
22
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 90
1.2 mi·3 min·US 1; US 90
Toward US 90, US 1: Main Street, Ocean Street, Newnan StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Turn left
132 ft·11 sec
24
Turn right
121 ft·14 sec
25
At end of road, turn left onto US 90
104 ft·4 sec·Beaver Street
26
Turn right
175 ft·13 sec
27
At end of road, turn right
124 ft·11 sec
28
Turn right onto US 17
22 ft·0 sec·Union Street
29
Arrive at destination
US 17
Trip Plan
For this 6-hour drive, leaving in the morning is recommended to give you plenty of daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. With only one recommended stop, plan to break up the longest stretch on US 27 or use the services along I-95. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $47 estimated cost is based on consistent driving. Since this is easily a one-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time or stop duration as needed.
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 149.1 miles from Lehigh Acres, FL, or about 3h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 97.1 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 66 miles or 1h 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 149.1 miles or 3h 19m 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 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jacksonville, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lehigh Acres, 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 Lehigh Acres, FL
This is one driving day of about 298.1 miles and 6h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 66 miles from Lehigh Acres, 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 US 27 for about 97.1 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 7.4 and 296.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
7.4 mi into trip|~15m in|FL 80 / Palm Beach Boulevard
Turn right onto FL 80 / Palm Beach Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
19 mi into trip|~30m in|FL 29 / North Bridge Street
Turn left onto FL 29 / North Bridge Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
136.9 mi into trip|~3h 4m in|I 4
Keep slight left at fork onto I 4
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
208.5 mi into trip|~4h 28m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: Jacksonville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 North: Jacksonville
8
296.8 mi into trip|~6h 6m in|US 1; US 90
Keep slight left at fork onto US 1; US 90 toward US 90, US 1: Main Street, Ocean Street, Newnan Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 90, US 1: Main Street, Ocean Street,...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.13 one way
$90.25 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg104 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$49.52
$99.03
premium
$4.55
$53.40
$106.80
diesel
$4.80
$56.29
$112.57
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 104.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
89.4
1
$31.30
$14.31
Efficient EV
74.5
0
$26.08
$11.92
EV Truck/SUV
119.2
1
$41.73
$19.08
Gas CO2
104 kg
EV CO2
35 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
Lehigh Acres, FL
Evening
in Lehigh Acres on Monday
Local time
8:55 PM
EDT
Current temp
92°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
WSW 7 mph37% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 5:24PM EDT until July 17 at 6:00PM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 5:18PM EDT by NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
Destination
Jacksonville, FL
Evening
in Jacksonville on Monday
Local time
8:55 PM
EDT
Current temp
94°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SE 10 mph25% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 5:24PM EDT until July 17 at 6:00PM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 5:18PM EDT by NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
96°F
Eagle Lake, FL
149 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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 10m 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.
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
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 246.7
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...
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 87% of the 298 miles on interstates like I-95 and I-4. You'll encounter a long stretch of US 27 for 97.1 miles before transitioning to faster highway speeds. Expect frequent exits and services as you near and pass through populated areas on the interstates.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 97.1 mi on US 27.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 27 and I 95. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7.4 miles in near FL 80 / Palm Beach Boulevard.
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 298.1 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 7.4 miles (FL 80 / Palm Beach Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 19 miles (FL 29 / North Bridge Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 136.9 miles (I 4): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 10m. Total distance: 298.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 10m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 97.1 miles on US 27. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 19 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 Jacksonville, 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 19 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 7.4 miles (FL 80 / Palm Beach Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 19 miles (FL 29 / North Bridge Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 136.9 miles (I 4): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Fort Matanzas National Monument and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.2 hours each way, a round trip means 12.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Jacksonville, FL before the return drive.
