Skip to main content

Trip from North River Shores, FL to Jacksonville, 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 35m

Distance

242.5 mi

390 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$39

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 23m ★
6 AM
4h 36m
8 AM
5h 3m
10 AM
4h 45m
12 PM
4h 43m
3 PM
4h 47m
5 PM
5h 1m
8 PM
4h 28m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown North River Shores, FL, FL

North River Shores, FL

DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ

city in Duval County, and largest city in State of Florida, United States

Jacksonville, FL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

North River Shores to Jacksonville is 242.5 miles and takes about 4h 35m via I 95, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, moving from the southern part of the state up to the northeast. It's a straightforward drive, largely on major highways, making it a convenient option for a single-day journey. Given its duration and highway focus, it’s a practical choice if you need to get from point A to point B efficiently 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

121.3 miles from North River Shores, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 21m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 95 219.7 mi 3h 57m
Florida's Turnpike 9 mi 9m
Southeast Port Saint Lucie Boulevard 3.3 mi 5m
Northwest Federal Highway 2 mi 3m
Federal Highway 1.5 mi 2m
US 1 1.3 mi 3m
Southwest Port Saint Lucie Boulevard 0.8 mi 1m
US Highway 1 0.6 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 95 — 219.7 mi, about 3h 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between North River Shores, FL and Jacksonville, FL.

1

Start on Northwest Spruce Ridge Drive

0.3 mi · 1 min · Northwest Spruce Ridge Drive
2

Turn right onto Northwest River Shores Street

0.2 mi · 50 sec · Northwest River Shores Street
3

At end of road, turn left onto US 1

2.0 mi · 3 min · Northwest Federal Highway
Use the right lane.
4

Continue on US 1

1.5 mi · 2 min · Federal Highway
Use the left lane.
5

Continue on US 1

0.6 mi · 1 min · US Highway 1
6

Turn left onto FL 716

3.3 mi · 5 min · Southeast Port Saint Lucie Boulevard
Use the left lane.
7

Continue on FL 716

0.8 mi · 1 min · Southwest Port Saint Lucie Boulevard
8

Turn left onto Southwest Bayshore Boulevard

0.1 mi · 21 sec · Southwest Bayshore Boulevard
9

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll
10

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 45 sec
Toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North Use the slight right lane.
11

Merge onto Florida's Turnpike

9.0 mi · 9 min · Florida's Turnpike
12

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 53 sec
Exit 152 Toward FL 70: Fort Pierce, Vero Beach Use the slight right lane.
13

Keep slight right at fork

214 ft · 5 sec
Toward FL 70 East: Fort Pierce
14

Merge onto FL 70

0.3 mi · 35 sec · Okeechobee Road
15

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Toward I 95
16

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 95 North: Daytona Beach Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Merge onto I 95

220 mi · 3 hr 57 min · I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Keep slight left at fork

1.1 mi · 2 min
Toward US 90, US 1, FL 13: Downtown, Main Street, Acosta
19

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
20

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 Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Turn left

132 ft · 11 sec
22

Turn right

121 ft · 14 sec
23

At end of road, turn left onto US 90

104 ft · 4 sec · Beaver Street
24

Turn right

175 ft · 13 sec
25

At end of road, turn right

124 ft · 11 sec
26

Turn right onto US 17

22 ft · 0 sec · Union Street
27

Arrive at destination

US 17

Trip Plan

For this 4h 35m drive, an early morning departure from North River Shores is recommended to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. With only one planned stop suggested and a longest stretch of nearly 220 miles on I 95, be sure to fuel up before you hit that extended highway segment, as services can be more spread out. The $39 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always check current prices. Since this is a manageable one-day trip, you have flexibility, but planning your fuel stops around the 219.7-mile stretch on I 95 is key to a smooth journey.

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 121.3 miles from North River Shores, FL, or about 2h 21m 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 53 miles or 1h 7m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 121.3 miles or 2h 21m 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 45m

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 North River Shores, 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 North River Shores, FL

This is one driving day of about 242.5 miles and 4h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from North River Shores, 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.

Downtown Bithlo, FL, FL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bithlo, FL

121 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

Palm Bay, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 53 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

New Smyrna Beach, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 121.3 miles from North River Shores, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 219.7 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 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 9.4 and 241.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
9.4 mi into trip | ~18m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike 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 North
8
18.7 mi into trip | ~28m 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
19.8 mi into trip | ~30m 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
240 mi into trip | ~4h 29m 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
241.2 mi into trip | ~4h 31m 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

$38.60 one way

$77.20 round trip

$4.04/gal 25.4 MPG avg 85 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.40 $41.99 $83.98
premium $4.72 $45.09 $90.18
diesel $5.61 $53.54 $107.08

Estimated Tolls: $0.63

Florida's Turnpike (9 mi) $0.63

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

$64–$89

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 84.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 72.8 0 $25.46 $11.64
Efficient EV 60.6 0 $21.22 $9.70
EV Truck/SUV 97 1 $33.95 $15.52

Gas CO2

85 kg

EV CO2

28 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 Apr 15, 2026

Origin

North River Shores, FL

Morning in North River Shores on Sunday

Local time

9:40 AM

EDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Jacksonville, FL

Morning in Jacksonville on Sunday

Local time

9:40 AM

EDT

Current temp

60°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

8 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

4h 35m 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

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 193.1
Park Closure: Beach Access Ramp Closure
View on nps.gov
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

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 ~15 min detour $15 near mile 209.9
View on nps.gov
Canaveral National Seashore

Canaveral National Seashore

National Seashore

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 126
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This is a highway-focused drive, with 95% of the route utilizing major roadways like I 95 and Florida's Turnpike. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 219.7 miles primarily on I 95, which means consistent speeds and minimal traffic lights for a significant portion of your journey. While the majority is high-speed highway, the initial segment involves local roads like Southeast Port Saint Lucie Boulevard, offering a brief transition before merging onto faster routes. Expect a predictable driving experience geared towards covering distance.

95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 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 9.4 miles in.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 242.5 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 9.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

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 North River Shores, FL to Jacksonville, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Vero Beach along the way.

Vero Beach

18.7 mi in | ~28m

About the Cities

Arriving 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 35m. Total distance: 242.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). 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 $0.63 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.

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 9.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 18.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

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 9.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Jacksonville, 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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from North River Shores, FL or browse trips ending in Jacksonville, FL.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse FL road trips.