[tophcfa]

As many other Villagers are aware, there is no real good and easy way to drive to I-95 North of Jacksonville. Most GPS tell you to take 301 to 10 to 295 to 95. We have gone that way a couple of times and I will never go that way again, between the traffic lights, slow speed limits, and speed traps, 301 is an absolute nightmare. We once tried to go 301 to 75 to 10 to 295 but that adds a lot of miles and 75 and 10 are notorious for traffic. Our go to route has been to go 42 to Altoona, then take 19 north through the Ocala National Forest to Palatka, then cut across 207 and catch 95 near St. Augustine, take 95 to the 295 east loop around Jacksonville and get back on 95 north of Jacksonville. This is a nice scenic route, but it is slow and there is constant construction on the 295 loop making for a stressful section of driving. I am thinking of trying a new route, again taking 42 to Altoona and taking 19 north to Palatka, but then continuing on 19 north of Palatka to 17 north to 10 to 295 to 95.

Has anyone taken the route I am thinking of trying and if so, how was it? Also, can anyone recommend a different and better route than the options I have already listed? I am always open to trying something different, but am interested in getting from the Villages to north of Jacksonville as fast as possible, since it is the first leg of a nearly 1,400 mile drive.

Thanks : )

[coralway]

Many years ago while heading south, I hit 301 in GA around midnight and got stopped for speeding. Paid the GA cop $50 and was on my way, my speeding ticket having magically disappeared. 301 was a way to go before 95. Not any more

[Hape2Bhr]

Our last two trips we've stayed on 301 until you get north of Jacksonville There are two bypasses now that avoid some of the small town business centers. Yes you will hit some traffic lights here and there, but it is not bad with the bypasses.

[JMintzer]

Depending on what part of TV you live, we take 44W to 75N, pick up 301N (North of most of Ocala) to 10 to 295 to Jacksonville.

Minimal traffic, the lights aren't really a problem and yes, you have to slow down once in while, but my GPS has never shown a speed trap...

Of course, we leave @ Zero Dark '30 in the morning, so that helps...

We've tried several different routes over the last 6 months (5 trips) and this seems to be the best way to go...

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I did the i75 to 10 to 95 many many times tried the other once to slow and boring

[dewilson58]

Me??...............75 to 326 to 301 to 10 to 295. Seems like the easiest drive.

[Mrprez]

Stay on 301 north of I10. There is a new section of road up there that bypasses several small towns. Follow the signs for I95. Sorry, can’t remember the road numbers. It will dump you out on to I95 well north of Jville.

[Nucky]

Whatever way you pick just have a safe trip. Take Care.

[sam&rog]

301 to Callahan then 200 east to 95. Caution in Lawtey and Starke about the speed limit.

[Garywt]

We do the 301 route all the way taking the new bypass. Speeds up to 70 in some areas. We cross 10 and stay on the road. We have done 75 up to 10 which is long. Last time we took 75 and jumped on 301 up the road. Coming down we have 17 hours on the highway but the last 3 hours are terrible. Maybe someday...

[KAM+6]

Our last trip back we took 301, crossed 10 , continuing on 301 which turns to 200 , follow signs to 95. This I think is the best route. They have done a lot of construction to 301, including bypassing towns and widening the road.

We have taken every way, over 10 years , and I think this is the route we will stick with.

[KAM+6]

Originally Posted by sam&rog

301 to Callahan then 200 east to 95. Caution in Lawtey and Starke about the speed limit.

Starke is now bypassed. I don't remember if Lawrey is.

[CTgolfer]

We take this route. Much more relaxing drive and it bypasses 10 and Jacksonville.

I 75 to 301
Stay on 301 and go under I 10
Follow signs to 95

[l2ridehd]

I spent some time commuting to Jacksonville for medical reasons. I drove up Monday AM and returned Friday PM for many weeks. The easiest and most consistent time wise with very little traffic was: 301 to Bellview, 25 to Silver Springs, 40 to 315 through Ft McCoy, Interluchen, to 315C to 21to Middleburg, to 23 a toll road to 10 to Jacksonville. From my home to Shands Jacksonville was consistently under 2 hours. More small towns, mostly 2 lanes, some lights, but almost no traffic until I hit 10. No speed traps, lots of passing places more scenic and a much more pleasant drive then any other way. And I tried them all.

[mike234]

yup....pick up 301, north of Ocala. go under I 10......through Callahan out to i95 north.... very boring but no traffic. once on 95 you are about 8 minutes from Georgia...