Jacksonville To Destin: Best Routes & Stops To Make!

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 From Jacksonville To Destin: Airlines & Travel Time

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.

These two cities are just under 5 hours apart and flying can sometimes be easier than getting on the open road.

If you’d like to fly, you’ll fly into and out of the Jacksonville International Airport and the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.

Depending on which flight you’re able to book, the times vary from 4 hours of travel time to 8 hours.

This means that it isn’t the fastest way to get between the two locations, and you’ll oftentimes have layovers.

Layovers are usually in large cities like Atlanta or Dallas.

Airlines that fly between Destin and Jacksonville include American, Delta, and Southwest, with American Airlines being the most common.

Flights typically cost around $200-500, so it also isn’t the most cost-effective way to travel between these two locations.

So if you’re looking to save money or time, flying from Jacksonville to Destin won’t really do much for you.

Driving Between Jacksonville And Destin

The best way to get between these destinations and also the fastest, cheapest, and most convenient way, is to drive.

There are a few different routes that you can choose from, but the fastest option follow Interstate 10 which will take you around 4 hours and 45 minutes to drive the distance.

This driving distance is about 320 miles and does have a few tolls. It also crosses through time zones.

But when comparing the travel time to flying, this is the best way to get from Destin to Jacksonville or vice versa.

Routes To Take from Jacksonville To Destin

There’s one main route between Jacksonville and Destin, and then a few side roads that you can take which will help you avoid tolls.

Both routes are similar in travel time, and I’ll highlight them below.

Via I-10 & Mid-Bay Toll Bridge (Fastest Option)

If you’re hoping to get between these Florida cities in the fastest way possible, then follow this main route. It stretches along Interstate 10 from Jacksonville to Destin.

You’ll follow I-10 from the city that you’re starting in, and take it all the way through Lake City, Tallahassee, and into Destin. 

You’ll cross the Mid-Bay Toll Bridge in Bluewater Bay, where you’ll pay a small fee and then you’ll be brought right into Destin.

The cost for the toll is cheap, at just around $4 one way for a 2-axel vehicle.

Via I-10 & Highway 331 Bridge (Avoid Tolls)

If you’re someone who doesn’t like to pay tolls, then this route is going to be best for you.

It follows basically the same route as the one above but takes a slightly different turn into Destin.

Follow I-10 until you’ve reached Defuniak Springs, where you’ll turn onto Highway 331 and continue along that until you’ve reached the Highway 331 Bridge.

Take this bridge across the Choctawhatchee Bay. This brings you into Santa Rosa Beach, through Miramar Beach, and into Destin.

There are no tolls along this route, so you can avoid paying that fee.

Are There Any Tolls On The Driving Routes?

Yes, 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.

When you cross the bridge, you’ll be charged a small fee that can be paid either when you’re driving through or it will be sent to your address.

The fee is small at just $4 one way for a 2-axle vehicle and gets a little more expensive for vehicles with more axles.

To avoid this toll, cross the Highway 331 Bridge into Santa Rosa Beach.

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.

Stops To Make Between Destin And Jacksonville

While you’re driving between these two Florida cities, you might want to make a few stops to make it more interesting.

Here are a few of the best places to add to your trip.

Camp Milton Historic Reserve

Found just outside of Jacksonville, the Camp Milton Historic Reserve allows you to learn about the history of the Civil War in Florida.

There are trails that lead through the reserve with informational signs that showcase one of the largest and strongest fields for Florida in the Civil War.

You can also see what remains of the encampment.

Tallahassee

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.

Tallahassee is known for its great food scene and rich history.

During a visit, wander Downtown, enjoy the nightlife, grab a bite to eat, and check out some of the museums to learn about Tallahassee’s history.

Lake Jackson Mounds State Park

Just outside of Tallahassee, the Lake Jackson Mounds State Park is a unique place to visit during your drive.

This 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.

You can wander along the trails and check out the mounds for yourself, of which there are seven.

Miramar Beach

Your last stop before Destin should be Miramar Beach. This popular beach town is located along the Gulf Coast and features some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the state.

Miramar Beach is just a few miles from Destin and is the perfect charming beach town to add to your visit.

There are beaches to swim at or relax on the shore, charming streets to walk down, and seaside restaurants to enjoy.

You might also want to wander down to Seaside, Panama City, or Santa Rosa Beach.

✓ Here are the best Dolphin Tours In Miramar Beach! 👈

Jacksonville To Destin – FAQs

Why Is Destin, Florida So Popular?

Destin is popular for its white sand beaches and beautiful teal water. Many Florida tourists visit for their beach vacations.

Which Airport Do You Fly Into For Destin, Florida?

The closest airport to Destin, Florida is the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.

Is Jacksonville Close To Destin?

Jacksonville is just under 5 hours, or around 320 miles, away from Destin.

What Is The Closest Major City To Destin, Florida?

The closest major city to Destin is Tallahassee, being just around 3 hours away. Pensacola is another large city nearby.

Wrap-Up: Jacksonville To Destin

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

Many tourists add these two destinations to their Florida vacation itinerary, and luckily, they aren’t too far apart!

Whether you choose to drive, fly, or take a bus between the two, there are many great ways to get from Jacksonville to Destin and enjoy the two cities.

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