Best driving route south... (Jacksonville, Gainesville: hotels, restaurants, to move)

[tagylyn]

What is the best driving route to Fort Myers coming from the north along 95?
Google maps states - 95 to 295 (jacksonville) to 10 to 301 to 75.
My mom said stay on 10 all the way to 75.
Then it was suggested 95 to 4 to 75.

There will be a Uhaul truck and 2 cars following, we are looking for the easiest way. We will be arriving/driving through Fla on Friday.

And it was my bright idea that chose this weekend to move not realizing it was a holiday weekend!

[121804]

95-4-75

[firemed]

I would stay away from I-4! 95 to 295 (jacksonville) to 10 to 301 to 75 is your best route. I-4 will be jammed packed with people that have no clue. You will have a few speed traps but its still the best way to go.

[Donna-50]

I think I-4 is less miles but do agree with firemed as it is usually backed up. I would go the 10 route.

[Compression]

I have never travelled I 4, without regreting it. I 4 is only useful if your going to see the mouse, or you enjoy idling your fuel away.
I'd personally go the I 10 route, if sticking to the interstate is mandatory.
If you're feeling a little adventurous, want to see some sights(alot of very FLAT land) another alternative, would be to stay on I 95, south, into West Palm Beach, where you can pick up SR 80 west bound. That will bring you south of Lake Okechobee, and strait into the east side of Ft Myers. You will hit I 75 before you get into the "bad" part of town, so you can jump on there, and head south a few miles to whatever exit you need from there. SR 80 is a two lane highway, but generally moves along quite well. There are some small towns you will pass thru, where the speed limit will fall to 35-40 for some short stretches. Ft Myers from West Palm is roughly 2.5 hours on SR 80. And all things considered, might be your fastest, most direct route.
Travel safely

[rusty78]

Originally Posted by tagylyn

What is the best driving route to Fort Myers coming from the north along 95?
Google maps states - 95 to 295 (jacksonville) to 10 to 301 to 75.
My mom said stay on 10 all the way to 75.
Then it was suggested 95 to 4 to 75.

There will be a Uhaul truck and 2 cars following, we are looking for the easiest way. We will be arriving/driving through Fla on Friday.

And it was my bright idea that chose this weekend to move not realizing it was a holiday weekend!

Have you considered getting a GPS unit...most of them come with real time traffic and can route you around it...but the best part...you can find gas stations, restaurants, hotels, etc... and you can call ahead to secure an over night stay......I've seen them at Costco for $199 and up...you don't need an expensive one...and I am sure you will be able to use it down in Florida....

[tagylyn]

Thanks everyone! We head out tomorrow morning.
Soooo excited!!

[ChrisA70]

I agree with the GPS 200%. I bought a Garmin nuvi 200 for $169. The best thing I have ever bought... It routes you the fastest routes, you can select avoidances like tolls, heavy traffic, etc. Plus like Rusty78 says, you can pull up pretty much everything you need(food, gas, hotels). I love it, I will be using it in 3 weeks on my way to Massachusetts. I would not part with it.

Otherwise. I would go 95 to highway 60 in Vero/Fort Pierce heading west, there is an exit right off 95. Gas up right there off the highway. Then go to 27 south to 80. No traffic, long straight roads of nothingness, cow pastures.

Originally Posted by rusty78

Have you considered getting a GPS unit...most of them come with real time traffic and can route you around it...but the best part...you can find gas stations, restaurants, hotels, etc... and you can call ahead to secure an over night stay......I've seen them at Costco for $199 and up...you don't need an expensive one...and I am sure you will be able to use it down in Florida....

[thebigr]

I am sure you already left but if not this is the easiest, and shortest route. 95 to exit 373 north of Jacksonville. That will run into 301. Take that south to Hyw 24 in Waldo Fl. Then south through Gainesville. You will run into 75, exit382 and go south to Fort Myers.

I own a trucking company and this is the route all our trucks travel. All other routes are very much out of the way. And I-4 is one of the worst highways in Florida.

[Compression]

Just checking on ya, hope you all made it safely and on time....