Serving All of Jacksonville, FL

Public Transportation and Major Highways in Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville, Florida, features a diverse transportation network that serves residents and visitors across America's largest city by land area. The city's transportation infrastructure combines public transit options with an extensive highway system to connect its widespread communities and neighboring regions.

Public Transportation:

Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA):

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is the city's primary public transit provider, operating an extensive network of bus routes throughout Jacksonville and surrounding areas. JTA's regular bus service includes multiple routes connecting major employment centers, shopping districts, and residential areas. The system features express routes, community shuttles, and the First Coast Flyer Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service, which provides enhanced, frequent service along major corridors.

First Coast Flyer:

This premium Bus Rapid Transit service operates on several routes: Blue Line (Southeast), Green Line (North), Red Line (Southwest), and Purple Line (East). The First Coast Flyer features modern buses, limited stops, and enhanced stations, providing faster and more reliable service than traditional bus routes.

Skyway:

The Jacksonville Skyway is an automated monorail system serving downtown Jacksonville. This fare-free service connects key downtown locations including the Northbank, Southbank, and medical complex. While primarily serving the downtown area, the Skyway provides convenient transportation for employees, residents, and visitors in the urban core.

St. Johns River Ferry:

Operating between Mayport Village and Fort George Island, the St. Johns River Ferry (also known as the Mayport Ferry) provides a crucial water connection for coastal communities. This ferry service is particularly important for commuters and visitors accessing Mayport Naval Station and the beaches area.

Ride-Sharing Services and Taxis:

Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxi services operate throughout Jacksonville, providing on-demand transportation options. These services are particularly useful for areas not directly served by public transit and for connections to transportation hubs.

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX):

Jacksonville International Airport serves as the region's primary airport, offering domestic and international flights. The airport is accessible via JTA buses, shuttle services, and ride-sharing options, providing various transportation choices for travelers.

Greyhound:

The Greyhound station in Jacksonville offers intercity bus service connecting to destinations throughout Florida and beyond, providing an affordable option for regional travel.

Amtrak:

Jacksonville's Amtrak station serves the Silver Service/Palmetto route, connecting the city to destinations along the East Coast, including Miami, Orlando, and New York City. The station is located northwest of downtown, offering both long-distance travel options and connections to local transit.

Major Highways:

Interstate 95 (I-95):

I-95 is Jacksonville's primary north-south interstate highway, running through the heart of the city. This major artery connects Jacksonville to cities along the East Coast, from Miami to Maine, and serves as a crucial route for both local and long-distance travel.

Interstate 10 (I-10):

Beginning in Jacksonville, I-10 runs west across the southern United States to Santa Monica, California. This major east-west route connects Jacksonville to Lake City, Tallahassee, and points westward, serving as an important corridor for regional traffic.

Interstate 295 (I-295):

I-295 forms a beltway around Jacksonville, providing a bypass around the city center and connecting various suburban communities. This highway is particularly important for commuters and serves as a crucial link between residential and commercial areas.

Butler Boulevard (SR 202):

J. Turner Butler Boulevard is a major east-west expressway connecting southeast Jacksonville to the beaches area. This limited-access highway serves as a primary route for beach communities and provides access to major commercial centers.

Arlington Expressway (SR 115):

This highway connects downtown Jacksonville to the Arlington area and provides access to Jacksonville University and the Regency area. It serves as an important commuter route for residents in the Arlington neighborhood.

Beach Boulevard (US 90):

Beach Boulevard is a major east-west arterial road connecting downtown Jacksonville to Jacksonville Beach. This heavily traveled corridor serves numerous residential and commercial areas along its route.

Atlantic Boulevard (SR 10):

Atlantic Boulevard serves as another major east-west corridor, connecting the Arlington area to the beaches. It provides access to many residential neighborhoods and commercial districts.

Wonderwood Connector (SR 116):

The Wonderwood Connector serves the Jacksonville beaches area, providing an alternative route between Atlantic Boulevard and Mayport Road. This expressway helps alleviate traffic congestion in the beaches area.

Main Street Bridge (John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge):

This iconic blue bridge crosses the St. Johns River, connecting downtown Jacksonville's Northbank to the Southbank. It serves as one of several crucial river crossings in the downtown area.

Jacksonville's transportation infrastructure, while different from more transit-oriented cities, is designed to serve its unique geographic spread and population distribution. The combination of highways, public transit options, and water crossings provides residents and visitors with various options for navigating America's largest city by land area.