Ocala to Jacksonville, FL
Drive Time, Distance & Day Trip Guide
The drive from Ocala to Jacksonville is 121 miles and takes approximately 2 hours via I-75 North to I-10 East under normal traffic conditions.
Distance
121 miles
Drive Time
~2h
Main Route
I-75 North to I-10 East
Best Time
Early morning
How to Get from Ocala to Jacksonville
Primary Route: I-75 North to I-10 East
From Ocala, take I-75 North toward Gainesville, then continue north. You can either stay on I-75 North all the way to the I-10 interchange and take I-10 East into Jacksonville, or follow US-301 North for a more scenic inland route.
Best Time to Drive
Morning departure to avoid Jacksonville afternoon rush hour (4–6 PM)
What to Do in Jacksonville
Top attractions worth the drive from Ocala.
Jacksonville Beach
Beautiful Atlantic Ocean beach with a boardwalk, restaurants, surf shops, and a laid-back coastal vibe.
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
One of Florida's finest art museums, featuring European masters and stunning formal gardens along the St. Johns River.
Riverside & Avondale
Historic neighborhoods lined with bungalows, galleries, boutique shops, and acclaimed restaurants.
Riverside Arts Market
Saturday outdoor market under the Fuller Warren Bridge — one of Florida's best farmers and arts markets.
Timucuan Ecological Preserve
One of the last large, unspoiled coastal marshes on the East Coast, with hiking and historic sites.
EverBank Stadium
Home of the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team, located along the St. Johns River in downtown.
Jacksonville vs. Ocala
How the two cities compare across key factors.
| Factor | Ocala | Jacksonville |
|---|---|---|
Population | 62,000 | 950,000+ |
Cost of Living | Below FL average | Average |
Traffic | Light | Moderate |
Top Attractions | Springs, horses, state parks | Atlantic beaches, river, NFL team |
Sample Day Trip Itinerary: Ocala to Jacksonville
A suggested schedule to make the most of your day trip.
7:00 AM
Depart Ocala via I-75 North
9:00 AM
Arrive Jacksonville — coffee and breakfast in Riverside
10:00 AM
Explore Riverside and Avondale historic neighborhoods
12:00 PM
Lunch at Five Points or Riverside Arts Market (Saturdays)
1:30 PM
Visit Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
3:30 PM
Head to Jacksonville Beach boardwalk
5:00 PM
Dinner on the beach or in Atlantic Beach
7:00 PM
Depart for Ocala via I-10 West / I-75 South
9:00 PM
Arrive home in Ocala
Frequently Asked Questions — Ocala to Jacksonville
Quick answers to common questions about this route.
How long is the drive from Ocala to Jacksonville?
The drive from Ocala to Jacksonville is approximately 121 miles and takes about 2 hours via I-75 North under normal traffic conditions.
What is the best route from Ocala to Jacksonville?
The most direct route is I-75 North from Ocala to I-10 East, then follow I-10 into Jacksonville. You can also take US-301 North through Putnam County for a more scenic drive.
Can you do Ocala to Jacksonville as a day trip?
Yes, Jacksonville is a very doable day trip from Ocala at 121 miles / 2 hours. Depart by 7 AM to arrive by 9 AM and you'll have a full day to explore the city and beach before returning by evening.
Is Jacksonville worth visiting from Ocala?
Absolutely. Jacksonville offers Atlantic beaches, the St. Johns River, world-class museums like the Cummer, historic neighborhoods like Riverside and Avondale, and excellent dining — all within a 2-hour drive from Ocala.
How far is Jacksonville Beach from Ocala?
Jacksonville Beach is approximately 130 miles from Ocala, about 2 hours 15 minutes by car. You'll take I-75 North, then head east toward the Atlantic coast via I-10 East and Beach Boulevard.
Before You Go — Explore Ocala
Check out what's happening in Ocala. You might find the perfect reason to stay local.