Sunshine Ranches, FL to Jacksonville, FL is 330.9 miles and takes about 6h 13m via I 95 and Florida's Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $53 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, starting in the southern part of the state and heading north towards Jacksonville. With 96% of the route on highways, expect a fairly direct and efficient drive. It's a straightforward, primarily highway trip well-suited for a single day of travel.
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
165.4 miles from Sunshine Ranches, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 10m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
219.7 mi
3h 57m
Florida's Turnpike
98.1 mi
1h 48m
Stirling Road
4.8 mi
9m
Griffin Road
2.3 mi
4m
South University Drive
1.3 mi
2m
US 1
1.3 mi
3m
Okeechobee Road
0.3 mi
<1m
Southwest 136th Avenue
0.1 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 Sunshine Ranches, FL and Jacksonville, FL.
1
Start on Southwest 136th Avenue
0.1 mi·33 sec·Southwest 136th Avenue
2
Turn left onto Stirling Road
4.8 mi·9 min·Stirling Road
Use the left lane.
3
Turn left onto SR 817
1.3 mi·2 min·South University Drive
Use the left lane.
4
Turn right onto SR 818
2.3 mi·4 min·Griffin Road
Use the right lane.
5
Turn left
269 ft·6 sec
Use the straight / left lanes.
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike North: OrlandoUse the straight / left lanes.
7
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
98 mi·1 hr 48 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.5 mi·53 sec
Exit 152Toward FL 70: Fort Pierce, Vero BeachUse the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork
214 ft·5 sec
Toward FL 70 East: Fort Pierce
10
Merge onto FL 70
0.3 mi·35 sec·Okeechobee Road
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward I 95
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 North: Daytona BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 95
220 mi·3 hr 57 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
1.1 mi·2 min
Toward US 90, US 1, FL 13: Downtown, Main Street, Acosta
15
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
16
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.
17
Turn left
132 ft·11 sec
18
Turn right
121 ft·14 sec
19
At end of road, turn left onto US 90
104 ft·4 sec·Beaver Street
20
Turn right
175 ft·13 sec
21
At end of road, turn right
124 ft·11 sec
22
Turn right onto US 17
22 ft·0 sec·Union Street
23
Arrive at destination
US 17
Trip Plan
Given the 6h 13m estimated drive time, starting in the morning is your best bet to avoid driving after dark. You have one recommended stop, so plan it strategically along the 219.7-mile stretch on I 95 to break up the longest segment. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially before entering longer stretches of highway where services might be less frequent. The $53 fuel cost is an estimate, so having a little extra buffer is always wise. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility in your departure time.
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 165.4 miles from Sunshine Ranches, FL, or about 3h 10m 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 73 miles or 1h 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 165.4 miles or 3h 10m 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 5m
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 Sunshine Ranches, 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 Sunshine Ranches, FL
This is one driving day of about 330.9 miles and 6h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 73 miles from Sunshine Ranches, 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 6.3 and 329.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
6.3 mi into trip|~12m in|SR 818 / Griffin Road
Turn right onto SR 818 / Griffin Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
8
107.1 mi into trip|~2h 6m 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
108.2 mi into trip|~2h 8m 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
328.4 mi into trip|~6h 6m 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
329.6 mi into trip|~6h 9m 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
$50.09 one way
$100.18 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg116 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$54.96
$109.93
premium
$4.55
$59.28
$118.55
diesel
$4.80
$62.48
$124.96
Estimated Tolls: $6.87
Florida's Turnpike
(98.1 mi)$6.87
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
$50
Tolls
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$82–$107
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 115.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
99.3
1
$34.74
$15.88
Efficient EV
82.7
0
$28.95
$13.24
EV Truck/SUV
132.4
1
$46.33
$21.18
Gas CO2
116 kg
EV CO2
39 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
Sunshine Ranches, FL
Late night
in Sunshine Ranches on Sunday
Local time
3:13 AM
EDT
Current temp
94°F
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
SW 3 to 9 mph63% 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
3:13 AM
EDT
Current temp
94°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NE 6 to 12 mph37% 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
6h 13m 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.
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 296.7
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...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 273.8
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...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
$25
near mile 205.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll be on highways for about 96% of this 330.9-mile drive. The longest continuous stretch on a major highway is 219.7 miles on I 95, meaning you'll have long periods of consistent cruising. Surface roads will likely come into play near your start and end points, particularly around Stirling Road. Be prepared for the high volume of exits and potential traffic merging as you navigate these busier highway sections.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 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 6.3 miles in near SR 818 / Griffin Road.
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 21 significant decision points across 330.9 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 6.3 miles (SR 818 / Griffin Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 107.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 108.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
43 ft5 ft
Total Climb
47 ft
Total Descent
35 ft
Highest Point
43 ft
~283.6 mi in
Elevation Range
38 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 Sunshine Ranches, 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 6h 13m. Total distance: 330.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 13m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
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 $6.87 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 6.3 miles (SR 818 / Griffin Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 107.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 108.2 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 6.2 hours each way, a round trip means 12.4 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.
