How Far Is Jacksonville from Atlanta? Distance, Drive Time, and Travel Tips

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and thinking about a trip to Jacksonville, Florida, the first thing you probably want to know is: how far is it, and how long will it take to get there?

Here’s a clear breakdown of the distance from Atlanta to Jacksonville, plus what to expect if you’re driving, flying, or taking a bus.

How Far Is Jacksonville from Atlanta?

The distance from Atlanta to Jacksonville depends on your starting point in the metro area and your exact route, but in general:

• Driving distance: About 345–360 miles
• Typical driving time: Around 5–6 hours in normal traffic
• Straight-line (flight) distance: About 285–300 miles

Most travelers use the main I‑75 and I‑16/I‑95 or I‑75/I‑10 routes, which are fast and familiar to Atlanta drivers.

Driving from Atlanta to Jacksonville

For many people in Atlanta, driving is the most convenient way to get to Jacksonville, especially for weekend trips, beach getaways, Jags/Falcons games, or visiting friends and family.

Main Driving Routes

Two common routes connect the Atlanta metro area with Jacksonville:

1. I‑75 South → I‑16 East → I‑95 South

   • Approximate distance: 350–360 miles
   • Typical time: 5–6 hours
   • General path:
     • Start on I‑75 South from Atlanta
     • Take I‑675 (optional) to bypass some congestion, then rejoin I‑75
     • Near Macon, take I‑16 East toward Savannah
     • Merge onto I‑95 South and continue to Jacksonville
   • Pros: Mostly interstate driving, predictable, plenty of gas and food options

2. I‑75 South → I‑10 East

   • Approximate distance: 345–355 miles
   • Typical time: 5–6 hours
   • General path:
     • Take I‑75 South out of Atlanta
     • Continue into south Georgia
     • Connect to I‑10 East toward Jacksonville
   • Pros: Also straightforward; preferred by some for fewer coastal detours

Both routes are fairly similar in time. Traffic and construction often matter more than a few miles’ difference.

Where You Start in Atlanta Matters

Your drive time will change depending on which part of the Atlanta area you’re leaving from:

• Downtown / Midtown / Georgia State Capitol area:
  Typically around 5.5–6 hours door to door in average traffic.
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) area:
  Slightly shorter, often 5–5.5 hours, because you’re already on the south side near I‑75.
• Northern suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs):
  Add 20–45 minutes to get through or around the city, especially during rush hour.

Quick Travel Comparison: Atlanta to Jacksonville

Here’s a simple overview of your options from the Atlanta region to Jacksonville:

*Times are approximate and depend on traffic, weather, and schedules.

Best Time of Day to Drive from Atlanta to Jacksonville

Traffic around Atlanta and along the I‑75 corridor can affect your travel time.

Heavier traffic times near Atlanta:

• Weekday morning rush: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
• Weekday evening rush: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.
• Holiday weekends and major events (sports, festivals) can add delays.

To make the drive smoother from Atlanta:

• 🚗 Leave early morning (before 6:30 a.m.) to get ahead of rush hour.
• Or leave late morning/midday after the morning peak.
• If possible, avoid starting your trip during Friday afternoon/evening rush, especially on I‑75 South.

Flying from Atlanta to Jacksonville

If you prefer speed and don’t mind airports, flying from Atlanta to Jacksonville is very straightforward.

Distance and Flight Time

• Air distance: Around 285–300 miles
• Nonstop flight time: Usually around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes in the air
• Total door-to-door time from Atlanta: Often 3–4+ hours once you add:
  • Getting to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Security lines and boarding
  • Taxiing, deplaning, and getting from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) into the city

Airports Involved

• Departure:
  Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

• Arrival:
  Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
  2400 Yankee Clipper Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32218

From most neighborhoods in Atlanta, it takes about 20–45 minutes to reach ATL by car or transit during non-rush hours, longer during peak traffic.

Bus and Other Ground Transportation

If you’d rather not drive yourself and prefer a budget option, bus services commonly operate routes between Atlanta and Jacksonville.

Typical bus trip details:

• Distance: Similar to the driving distance (around 345–360 miles)
• Travel time: Around 6.5–9 hours, depending on:
  • Number of stops
  • Route selected
  • Time of day and traffic
• Departure points in Atlanta:
  Often near Downtown, Midtown, or other central transportation hubs.
• Arrival points in Jacksonville:
  Typically bus stations or central city stops.

For travelers based in Atlanta without a car, this can be an economical way to get to Jacksonville, with the tradeoff of a bit more time on the road and fixed schedules.

What Atlanta Travelers Should Know About the Trip

If you’re heading from Atlanta to Jacksonville, here are a few practical tips specific to starting in the Atlanta area:

Weather and Seasonal Considerations

• Summer (Atlanta & Jacksonville):

  • Expect heat and humidity in both cities.
  • Afternoon thunderstorms are common along the route, especially in south Georgia.

• Hurricane season (mainly late summer to fall):

  • Jacksonville’s coastal location means storms and heavy rain can affect I‑95 and nearby areas.
  • If you’re driving from Atlanta, it’s wise to check weather and road conditions ahead of time, especially during active storm periods.

Rest Stops and Breaks

On the main routes from Atlanta to Jacksonville, you’ll find:

• Multiple rest areas along I‑75, I‑16, I‑10, and I‑95
• Numerous gas stations and fast-food options near exits
• Larger cities along the way (such as Macon or Valdosta) for longer stops

Many Atlanta travelers plan one or two short breaks during the roughly 5–6 hour drive to stay rested and alert.

Is the Trip from Atlanta to Jacksonville a Day Trip?

Most people in Atlanta treat Jacksonville as more of a weekend or overnight trip rather than a same-day out-and-back journey.

• Same-day round trip by car:
  • You’d likely spend 10–12 hours driving total.
  • That’s possible but tiring, especially with Atlanta traffic at the start or end.
• More realistic for Atlanta residents/visitors:
  • Drive or fly down, stay at least one night, and return the next day or later.

If you’re in Atlanta for business or a short stay and need to reach Jacksonville quickly, flying is usually the most time-efficient option.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

• Driving distance from Atlanta to Jacksonville: roughly 345–360 miles, usually 5–6 hours.
• Flight distance: about 285–300 miles, roughly 1–1.25 hours in the air, plus airport time.
• Best driving times from Atlanta: outside major rush hours; early morning or midday departures work well.
• Travel options: drive yourself, fly between ATL and JAX, or take a bus if you prefer not to drive.

If you’re starting in Atlanta, Georgia, Jacksonville is close enough for a manageable road trip and frequent enough a route that you’ll find multiple ways to get there, depending on your schedule, budget, and comfort level.