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.
Table of Contents
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.
Photo credit – Wikimedia
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.
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.
Photo credit – Wikimedia
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.
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
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.
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.
Additional Jacksonville & Destin Posts
My son and I enjoying the beach near Crab Island in Destin. ☀️
You May Be Interested In These Related Posts:
Destin vs Miramar Beach: Which Is Better For Your Vacation
35 Free And Cheap Things To Do In Destin, Florida
Motels In Destin Florida – 7 Amazing Places To Stay
15 Fun Indoor Actiivties In Destin Florida!
Highest Rated Destin Dolphin & Sunset Cruises
15 Fun Indoor Activities In Destin Florida
Motels In Destin Florida- 7 Amazing Places To Stay!
15 Awesome Miramar Beach Restaurants To Try!
Is Destin Safe? Everything To Know Before You Visit In 2023
Always On The Shore contains affiliate links and if you make a purchase, we make a small commission at no cost to you.
For more information, please read the disclaimer page.
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! 🚗