Getting Around Jacksonville
Jacksonville is a sprawling city, and getting around requires understanding the different transportation options available. Most of the city's popular destinations are not within walking distance of each other, with the exception of the downtown area. Unless you plan to stay primarily at the beaches or downtown, having access to a car is practically necessary to explore the city fully.
Public Transit: Buses
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) operates a regional bus network throughout the city. The system includes regular bus service on multiple routes, as well as express bus service with once-daily early morning routes that travel directly to their destination with no intermediate stops, then return in late afternoon. Trolley-replica buses are available for local transportation on Bay Street, Beaver Street, Riverside, and Beach routes, with some routes being free and others charging a minimal fee.
Bus frequency varies between 30 minutes and an hour depending on the route. However, be aware that buses do not run past midnight, and many routes stop operating around 8 or 9 PM. On-time performance can be inconsistent. All buses are equipped with bicycle racks, and stops are well-marked throughout the city.
Rosa Parks Transit Station serves as the main transit hub for JTA services, where nearly all bus lines stop and allow for transfers between systems.
The Skyway: Downtown People Mover
The Skyway is a free automated people mover system located in downtown Jacksonville. The system connects the Northbank central business district, a downtown campus, the Convention Center, and Southbank locations through eight stations across two lines. The Skyway is open to commuters Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 9 PM, with extended hours varying for special events. This system provides an excellent way to navigate downtown and cross between the north and south banks of the river.
JTA is in the process of securing funding for an extension of the Skyway into Brooklyn, a neighborhood just south of LaVilla.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxi services are available in Jacksonville, though they tend to be expensive due to the city's sprawl. Taxis are not readily available in every part of town, but they can be found at Jacksonville International Airport, some downtown tourist destinations, and central hotels. Hailing a taxi outside these areas typically requires a phone call in advance.
Lyft and Uber are both well established in Jacksonville and authorized to pick up and drop off at the airport. For visitors without a car, ride-hailing services are generally more practical and affordable than traditional taxis for exploring the city beyond downtown.
Walkability and Biking
Jacksonville's low population density and sprawling geography make cohesive walking options difficult. Many suburbs lack sidewalks, often forcing pedestrians to navigate narrow road shoulders near high-speed automobile traffic. However, biking has become popular in some of Jacksonville's central neighborhoods, particularly Riverside, Avondale, Murray Hill, San Marco, and downtown.
The downtown core offers the best walkability, with the Riverwalk providing a pleasant pedestrian route. From Riverside, you can walk or bike down the Riverwalk to the Main Street Bridge and access downtown and San Marco.
Cars and Rental Options
Given Jacksonville's size and sprawl, a car is the most practical way to explore beyond downtown and the immediate beach areas. Multiple car rental companies operate at Jacksonville International Airport, including both national chains and local providers. National chains offer convenience with flexible return policies, while local companies may offer better prices.
Additionally, Lyft and Uber are well established throughout the city and offer an alternative to renting a car if you have a smartphone.
Getting from Jacksonville International Airport to the City
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is the primary commercial airport serving Northeast Florida. Several options exist for traveling between the airport and downtown Jacksonville:
- JTA Route 1-A North Main: Public transit service runs Monday through Friday every half-hour, and Saturday and Sunday hourly, from early morning to late evening. The bus picks up at the north end of the terminal outside Baggage Carousel 1 on the lower level. Travel to downtown takes approximately one hour. Cash only; the current fare is $1.75.
- Taxis: Gator City Taxi and other local taxi services operate at the airport with no reservation needed for arriving passengers.
- Ride-hailing: Both Lyft and Uber are authorized to pick up and drop off at JAX.
- Shared shuttle services: Super Shuttle offers shared ride, non-stop, and black car service options to and from the airport.
- Private black car services: Several companies including ExecuCar and TxBlackCarservices provide private transportation to and from the airport and around the city.
- Ground transportation areas: The airport has two designated areas: the center front for taxis and hotel shuttles, and the north end for arranged ground transportation, rental cars, intercity buses, and local JTA buses.
Regional and Intercity Connections
Jacksonville's Rosa Parks Transit Station also serves as an intermodal hub where various intercity bus companies terminate. Amtrak operates passenger rail service from Jacksonville Station, located northwest of downtown, providing daily service to major cities throughout North America, including Florida destinations like Orlando and Miami, as well as cities as far north as New York.
Greyhound and other intercity bus services operate from a downtown station, providing connections to destinations throughout Florida and beyond, including Tallahassee, Miami, and Savannah.