Madeira Beach to Jacksonville is 225.5 miles and takes about 4h 36m via I-75, I-275, and US-301, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Florida, moving from the coastal areas near St. Petersburg inland. Expect a predominantly highway experience for most of the trip. With a recommended one-day duration, this route is ideal if you're looking for a straightforward transfer between two points in the state without extensive detours.
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
112.7 miles from Madeira Beach, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 16m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
82.3 mi
1h 28m
US 301
75.9 mi
1h 34m
I 275
32.3 mi
40m
I 10
16.8 mi
19m
Park Boulevard North
6.1 mi
11m
Seminole Boulevard
1.5 mi
2m
Northwest 70th Street
1.5 mi
2m
Gandy Boulevard
1.4 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 82.3 mi, about 1h 28m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 40 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,204 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,885
Quietest
2 AM
~334 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9.6×
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 Madeira Beach, FL and Jacksonville, FL.
1
Start on this road
65 ft·10 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto 146th Avenue
69 ft·5 sec·146th Avenue
3
Turn right onto FL 699
0.3 mi·40 sec·Gulf Boulevard
4
Turn right onto FL 666
1.2 mi·2 min·Tom Stuart Causeway
Use the right lane.
5
Continue on FL 666
0.4 mi·46 sec·Welch Causeway
Toward Seminole, Clearwater
6
Turn straight onto US-19 ALT
43 ft·0 sec·Bay Pines Boulevard North
Toward ALT US 19: Seminole, Clearwater
7
Continue on US-19 ALT
1.5 mi·2 min·Seminole Boulevard
8
Turn right onto CR 694
6.1 mi·11 min·Park Boulevard North
Use the right lane.
9
Continue on FL 694
1.4 mi·2 min·Gandy Boulevard
Use the left lane.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward I 275: Tampa, Saint Petersburg
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 275 North: TampaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 275
32 mi·40 min·I 275
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 75
82 mi·1 hr 28 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Exit 358Toward FL 326Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Turn slight right
144 ft·4 sec
16
Turn slight right onto FL 326
1.1 mi·1 min·FL 326
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Continue on FL 326
1.5 mi·2 min·Northwest 70th Street
18
Turn left onto US 301; US 441
5.5 mi·6 min·US 301; US 441
Use the left lane.
19
Turn straight onto US 301
52 mi·1 hr 5 min·US 301
Toward North US 301: StarkeUse the straight lane.
20
Continue on US 301
18 mi·22 min·US 301
21
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 10 East: Jacksonville
22
Merge onto I 10
17 mi·19 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.4 mi·33 sec
Toward I 95 South: Jacksonville Beaches, Daytona Beach
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·56 sec
Toward I 95 North: International Airport, SavannahUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
25
Merge onto I 95
0.7 mi·1 min·I 95
26
Take the exit onto US 17; FL 228
0.2 mi·26 sec·US 17; FL 228
Exit 353BToward Union Street, Beaver Street
27
Turn straight onto US 17; US 23; FL 228
0.7 mi·1 min·Union Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
28
Arrive at destination
US 17
Trip Plan
Given the 4.5-hour duration, starting your drive in the morning is recommended to allow ample time for any unexpected delays. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility, but aim to complete the 82.3-mile stretch on I-75 before needing a significant break. Keep an eye on your fuel; the estimated cost is $36, so plan your fill-ups accordingly, especially before embarking on longer highway segments. There's only one recommended stop, so consider if you'd prefer to break it up into two shorter driving periods or power through.
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 112.7 miles from Madeira Beach, FL, or about 2h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.3 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 50 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 112.7 miles or 2h 16m 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 44m
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 Madeira Beach, 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 Madeira Beach, FL
This is one driving day of about 225.5 miles and 4h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Madeira Beach, 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 82.3 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.3 and 223.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.3 mi into trip|~0m in|FL 666 / Tom Stuart Causeway
Turn right onto FL 666 / Tom Stuart Causeway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
3.3 mi into trip|~6m in|CR 694 / Park Boulevard North
Turn right onto CR 694 / Park Boulevard North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
11 mi into trip|~20m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 275 North: Tampa
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 275 North: Tampa
7
126.3 mi into trip|~2h 30m in
Take the exit toward FL 326
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 358
Toward FL 326
8
223.2 mi into trip|~4h 32m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: International Airport, Savannah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 North: International Airport, Savan...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.14 one way
$68.27 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg79 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$37.46
$74.91
premium
$4.55
$40.39
$80.79
diesel
$4.80
$42.58
$85.16
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67.7
0
$23.68
$10.82
Efficient EV
56.4
0
$19.73
$9.02
EV Truck/SUV
90.2
1
$31.57
$14.43
Gas CO2
79 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Madeira Beach, FL
Morning
in Madeira Beach on Monday
Local time
6:40 AM
EDT
Current temp
89°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
S 16 mph44% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 2:57PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Jacksonville, FL
Morning
in Jacksonville on Monday
Local time
6:40 AM
EDT
Current temp
95°F
Sunny
SW 10 mph6% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 2:57PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee 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 36m 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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is 93% highway, meaning you'll spend the vast majority of your time on interstates. The longest continuous stretch on a single highway is 82.3 miles on I-75. You'll transition from interstate cruising to US-301, which will likely feel more like surface roads with more frequent intersections and traffic signals as you approach your destination. Be prepared for a high volume of exits and potential merging traffic.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 82.3 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and US 301. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near FL 666 / Tom Stuart Causeway.
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 20 significant decision points across 225.5 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 0.3 miles (FL 666 / Tom Stuart Causeway): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.3 miles (CR 694 / Park Boulevard North): Lane positioning matters here; at 11 miles: 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 4h 36m. Total distance: 225.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 36m 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 82.3 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 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (FL 666 / Tom Stuart Causeway): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.3 miles (CR 694 / Park Boulevard North): Lane positioning matters here; at 11 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Jacksonville, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
