Melrose Park to Jacksonville is 320 miles and takes about 5 hours 58 minutes via I 95 and Florida's Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $50 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, connecting two points in the same state. The route is predominantly highway driving, suggesting a straightforward path with minimal detours. With a recommended one-day drive, it’s well-suited for a single push, making it a practical option for getting from point A to point B efficiently.
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
160.2 miles from Melrose Park, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 1m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
219.7 mi
3h 57m
Florida's Turnpike
93.2 mi
1h 43m
US 1
1.3 mi
3m
State Road 7
1.1 mi
2m
West Sunrise Boulevard
0.6 mi
1m
Iowa Avenue
0.4 mi
1m
Okeechobee Road
0.3 mi
<1m
East Campus Circle
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 219.7 mi, about 3h 57m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 65 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,449 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,190
Quietest
2 AM
~271 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.7×
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 Melrose Park, FL and Jacksonville, FL.
1
Start on Capri Drive
193 ft·14 sec·Capri Drive
2
Turn left onto East Campus Circle
412 ft·14 sec·East Campus Circle
3
Keep slight left at fork onto East Campus Circle
0.1 mi·22 sec·East Campus Circle
4
Continue on Iowa Avenue
0.4 mi·1 min·Iowa Avenue
5
Continue on Southwest 2nd Court
0.2 mi·30 sec·Southwest 2nd Court
6
Turn right onto US 441
0.2 mi·19 sec·South State Road 7
7
Continue on US 441
1.1 mi·2 min·State Road 7
Use the left lane.
8
Turn left
0.2 mi·46 sec
Use the straight / left lanes.
9
Turn straight onto SR 838
0.6 mi·1 min·West Sunrise Boulevard
10
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·14 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike: Orlando, Miami
11
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·17 sec·this road
Toward Florida's Turnpike: Orlando, Miami
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike Toll NorthUse the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
93 mi·1 hr 43 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.5 mi·53 sec
Exit 152Toward FL 70: Fort Pierce, Vero BeachUse the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork
214 ft·5 sec
Toward FL 70 East: Fort Pierce
16
Merge onto FL 70
0.3 mi·35 sec·Okeechobee Road
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward I 95
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 North: Daytona BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 95
220 mi·3 hr 57 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
Given the 5-hour 58-minute duration, starting early in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. There is only one recommended stop, so plan for a single break roughly halfway through your journey, perhaps after completing the longest stretch on I 95. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 219.7-mile segment on I 95, as exits might be spaced out. The fuel cost is estimated at $50, so budget accordingly before you depart.
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 160.2 miles from Melrose Park, FL, or about 3h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 219.7 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 70 miles or 1h 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 160.2 miles or 3h 1m 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 52m
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 Melrose Park, 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 Melrose Park, FL
This is one driving day of about 320.3 miles and 5h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 70 miles from Melrose Park, 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 219.7 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.1 and 319 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
3.1 mi into trip|~7m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike Toll North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike Toll North
8
96.6 mi into trip|~1h 51m in
Take the exit toward FL 70: Fort Pierce, Vero Beach
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 152
Toward FL 70: Fort Pierce, Vero Beach
7
97.6 mi into trip|~1h 53m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: Daytona Beach
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 North: Daytona Beach
6
317.8 mi into trip|~5h 51m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 90, US 1, FL 13: Downtown, Main Street, Acosta
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 90, US 1, FL 13: Downtown, Main Stree...
8
319 mi into trip|~5h 54m 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
$48.49 one way
$96.97 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg112 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$53.20
$106.41
premium
$4.55
$57.38
$114.75
diesel
$4.80
$60.48
$120.96
Estimated Tolls: $6.52
Florida's Turnpike
(93.2 mi)$6.52
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
$48
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$80–$105
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 112.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
96.1
1
$33.63
$15.37
Efficient EV
80.1
0
$28.03
$12.81
EV Truck/SUV
128.1
1
$44.84
$20.50
Gas CO2
112 kg
EV CO2
37 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Melrose Park, FL
Late night
in Melrose Park on Sunday
Local time
5:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
95°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 6 to 10 mph54% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 3:45AM EDT until July 18 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 2:50AM EDT until July 17 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Destination
Jacksonville, FL
Late night
in Jacksonville on Sunday
Local time
5:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
94°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
E 7 to 12 mph21% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 3:45AM EDT until July 18 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 2:50AM EDT until July 17 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Miami 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
1 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 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.
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...
6 mi from route
~16 min detour
$15
near mile 287.2
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
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 265.1
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...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
$25
near mile 198.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mostly highway experience, as 98% of this drive is on major roadways like I 95 and Florida's Turnpike. You'll encounter a long stretch of 219.7 miles on I 95, which means extended periods of consistent speed. Surface roads will likely appear towards the beginning and end of your trip, making up the remaining 2% of the mileage. The high percentage of highway driving suggests a route with fewer intersections and more continuous travel.
98% 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: 219.7 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 3.1 miles in.
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 23 significant decision points across 320.3 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 3.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 96.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 97.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
59 ft7 ft
Total Climb
99 ft
Total Descent
90 ft
Highest Point
59 ft
~274.6 mi in
Elevation Range
52 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Melrose Park, FL to Jacksonville, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Vero Beach along the way.
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 58m. Total distance: 320.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 219.7 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $6.52 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 28 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 28 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 96.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 97.6 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 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 11.9 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.
