Last Updated on May 14, 2024

Are you trying to plan a trip to Florida and are planning a trip from Jacksonville to Destin? These two destinations are popular with travelers!

There are multiple ways to get between the two, depending on how you like to travel.

You can either choose to fly, drive, or take a bus, but driving is the easiest and fastest choice.

And if you drive, there are a few great stops to add to your itinerary.

In this post, I’ll go over the best transportation methods between these cities, the best places to stop, and a few other important pieces of information for traveling between Destin and Jacksonville.

 

 

Flying is one of the most convenient ways to get between places, and you can do so between Jacksonville and Destin if you’d like.

 

 

 

 

If you plan to take the main route from Jacksonville to Destin, you will come across one toll road on the Mid-Bay Toll Bridge.

 

 

Is There A Shuttle From Jacksonville To Destin?

 

Unfortunately, there is no shuttle that brings you between Destin to Jacksonville, but there is a way around having to use a car or plane if you’d prefer.

You can take a Greyhound bus between these two destinations for a one-way fee. The buses take off from Downtown Jacksonville and stop at Fort Walton Beach.

There are typically two options, both leaving in the morning. The first option takes about 8 hours and the other around 14 hours.

The cost is around $80 to $115 one-way. One important thing to note is that the bus stops in Fort Walton Beach, so you’ll need to find transportation for the 9-mile drive from there to Destin.

While you’re driving between Jacksonville and Destin, you might want to make a few stops to make it more interesting.

Photo credit – Wikimedia

About the halfway point between Jacksonville and Destin is Lake City, which is well known for its springs and state park.

Lake City

About the halfway point between Jacksonville and Destin is Lake City, which is well known for its springs and state park.

A visit to Lake City wouldn’t be complete without seeing Ichetucknee State Park, which is home to great scuba diving, swimming holes, and getting on the water.

You can also visit O’Leno State Park, which was one of the first state parks in Florida.

Here you’ll find sinkholes and hiking trails around the Santa Fe River.

Within Lake City, check out the charming Downtown area and do some shopping and eating. 

As Florida’s capital and the largest major city near Destin, you’ll definitely want to stop in Tallahassee on your way from Jacksonville to Destin.

Photo credit – Wikimedia

Lake Jackson Mound State Park is home to multiple Native American temple mounds, which are believed to have been part of some spiritual or religious importance to a native tribe.
This unique state park, you can take a tour into the underground caverns, where you can learn about stalagmites and stalactites that hang from the cavern ceilings.

Florida Caverns State Park

There aren’t many places where you can walk underground in Florida, so be sure to check out Florida Caverns State Park.

In this unique state park, you can take a tour into the underground caverns, where you can learn about stalagmites and stalactites that hang from the cavern ceilings.

Be sure to book your tour in advance, because tickets do sell out sometimes!

Photo credit – Unsplash by gerhard crous

This popular beach town is located along the Gulf Coast and features some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the state.
rear view of cars in the road along the Atlantic Beach in Jacksonville Florida

 

 

Jacksonville and Destin are two of the Sunshine State’s most popular destinations, both being located along the beautiful ocean coastline.

 

 

Additional Jacksonville & Destin Posts

My son and I enjoying the beach near Crab Island!

My son and I enjoying the beach near Crab Island in Destin. ☀️

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Booking a last-minute trip to Jacksonville or Destin?  

If so, we have you covered.  Here are some top recommended tours and hotels!

Top Tours in Jacksonville

CraigCat Boat Tour From Fernandina Beach (Explore Amelia Island And Wildlife)

Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure (Kayaking In The Wetlands of Jacksonville)

Half-day City Tour In Downtown Jacksonville (Explore The History & Architecture of Downtown Jacksonville)

Top Tours In Destin

Crab Island Sandbar Adventure (Crab Island has been my favorite experience in Destin!)

Crab Island 12 Passenger Pontoon Boat Rentals (Half or full-day rentals)

Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise (one of the most beautiful cities to catch a sunset)

Top Hotels & Accommodations In Jacksonville

Sheraton Jacksonville Hotel – (Highly-Rated Luxury Hotel In Jacksonville)

Aloft Jacksonville Airport – (Top Rated Hotel With Excellent Location)

Top Hotels & Accommodations In Destin

Hyatt Place Sandestin – (Hotel Near Miramar Beach Destin)

Holiday Inn Express Destin E – (Highly Rated Budget To Mid-Range Hotel)

Looking To Get Around In Jacksonville and Destin

Check out rental car rates here! 🚗