Navigating Jacksonville Transportation: Professional Drivers Guide to Getting Around Jacksonville, Florida in 2023

Getting Around Jacksonville International Airport

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is the main airport serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. It’s located 12 miles north of downtown Jacksonville along I-95. JAX offers nonstop flights to over 35 major US cities as well as international service to cities in Canada, the Bahamas, Mexico and Europe. It’s one of the busiest airports in Florida, handling over 5 million passengers per year. Click here for an inside look at JAX treminal and the JAX car service pick up area.

Getting To and From the Airport

Jacksonville International Airport is conveniently located right off I-95, making it easy to reach by car or rideshare. However, there are also several public transportation and shuttle options for getting to and from JAX:

Taxi

Taxis are available for hire at the Ground Transportation Center located just outside of the JAX baggage claim area. Fares to downtown Jacksonville run around $40. Be sure to verify the rates before getting into the cab, as some taxi companies charge flat rates while others use meters. The rideshare options below are often cheaper.

Rideshare

Services like Uber and Lyft offer rideshares to and from JAX. The pickup area is located on the third level of the parking garage. Rideshare fares to downtown average $45-$60.

Airport Shuttle

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority operates an airport shuttle bus (Route CT3) that runs between the airport and the Jacksonville Transportation Center in downtown. The bus runs every 30 minutes and costs about $2. Exact change is required.

Car Rental

All the major car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget, etc.) have desks in the airport terminal. Renting a car is ideal if you need transportation for the duration of your Jacksonville stay. One-way rentals are also available if you’re flying into JAX but departing from another airport.

Parking

JAX offers both short-term and long-term parking directly across from the terminal. Hourly parking and daily/weekly rates are available. I’d advise reserving a spot in advance if possible, as the airport parking areas are often full during peak travel times.

Ground Transportation from JAX

While the airport shuttle, taxi, rideshare and rental car options provide easy transportation to downtown Jacksonville or your hotel, I often prefer to arrange a dedicated ground transportation service for my airport pickups. As a frequent business traveler, I value professionalism, reliability and efficiency when I’m arriving at an unfamiliar airport.

Black Car Services: The Best for Getting Around Jacksonville

Over the years I’ve found that black car service provides the best airport transportation experience in Jacksonville. These private sedans or SUVs with professional drivers offer door-to-door service, eliminating the need to wait for a taxi or navigate a crowded shuttle bus with luggage in tow. Unlike rideshares which operate on high demand, black cars focus on individual customers. I can schedule my pickup in advance and expect prompt service upon arrival. My driver meets me outside baggage claim with a sign, assists with luggage, and whisks me directly to my hotel or meeting. The drivers are courteous, knowledgeable locals who know the best routes to avoid traffic. And the sleek black vehicles make for a refined arrival whether I’m headed to a business meeting downtown or a resort vacation on the beach.

While slightly more expensive than a taxi or rideshare, in my opinion the premium service and reliability is well worth the cost of a black car, particularly for business travel. I simply include the service in my transportation expenses. Some companies even provide app-based booking and tracking to follow your vehicle’s progress, for added convenience and peace of mind.

Private Limousine

For ultimate luxury Jacksonville transportation, a limousine service that offers custom sprinter vans is another option worth considering in Jacksonville. These extended vehicles allow you to stretch out and relax after a long flight. Airport limo services include amenities like complimentary drinks, satellite radio and WiFi. While most operate as pre-arranged vehicles, some companies maintain small fleets at JAX to accommodate last-minute reservations. Ideal for VIP arrivals or large travel parties, a private limo ensures the highest quality ride to your hotel or meeting. Expect to pay hourly rates or premium flat-fees, making limos best suited for special occasions rather than daily transportation.

Ussing Public Transportation for Getting Around Jacksonville – All  Options 

While many locals rely on their own vehicles for navigating around Jacksonville, the city does offer several forms of public transportation:

Buses

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority operates a network of bus routes throughout Duval County. The regular fare is $2 per ride, with reduced fares for seniors, students and disabled riders. Buses generally run every 30-60 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, with very limited Sunday service. The buses are equipped with bike racks and wheelchair lifts. I’ve found the buses efficient and affordable for commuting around town, though service can be sporadic at night or on weekends. Be sure to plan your trip in advance using the JTA schedule.

Skyway

JTA’s Skyway is an elevated people mover system serving downtown Jacksonville. The driverless trains run on two routes, making stops at stations in the downtown area. Fares are $2 per ride using the MyJTA mobile ticketing app. With trains departing every 5-10 minutes, Skyway provides quick transportation between downtown destinations like hotels, offices, restaurants, museums and the convention center. It operates weekdays from 6am to 10pm and Saturday 10am to 6pm.

Trolleys

Two free trolley lines operate in Jacksonville Beach and Riverside/Avondale neighborhoods. The Beach Trolley runs along 3rd Street from Beach Plaza to 14th Avenue North, while the Riverside Avondale Trolley connects shops and restaurants in those trendy districts. The vintage-style trolleys run every 15-20 minutes daily. They offer a fun way to explore these popular tourist areas without needing a car.

Water Taxis

Unique to Jacksonville, water taxis ferry passengers across the St. Johns River between landmarks like the Jacksonville Landing, Friendship Fountain and Riverside Arts Market. The water taxis run seven days a week from 10am to 10pm. One-way fares are $5, with discounts for multi-ride passes. The open-air boats provide scenic river views alongside transportation between downtown destinations. It’s a more adventurous option than driving or taking a bus!

Regional Rail and Bus Services

In addition to transportation within Jacksonville, there are also some options for regional travel:

Amtrak

Jacksonville is served by Amtrak Silver Star and Silver Meteor trains running between Miami and New York City. The Jacksonville station is located downtown near the Prime Osborn Convention Center. While limited, the trains do provide long-distance rail connections along the East Coast.

Greyhound

The Greyhound bus station in downtown Jacksonville offers budget bus service to cities throughout Florida and beyond. Buses depart for locations like Orlando, Savannah, and Tallahassee multiple times daily. Greyhound can be useful for cheap regional travel if you have flexible timing.

First Coast Flyer

This JTA bus route connects Jacksonville with St. Augustine and surrounding beaches. Buses run every 2 hours daily, allowing car-free travel between the two cities. Fares start at $1.50 each way based on distance traveled. The scenic coastal route along FL-A1A takes about an hour one-way.

Getting Around Jacksonville by Car

For most residents, driving their own car remains the most convenient way to navigate Jacksonville. The city’s highways and bridges allow access across the extensive metro region. Here’s a quick overview of Jacksonville’s major roadways:

I-95 – Runs north-south through Jacksonville intersecting I-10, allowing access from downtown to the airport and points beyond. Prone to congestion during rush hours.
I-295 Beltway – Circles around the city from south to east to north. Provides an alternate to I-95 with access to suburban neighborhoods and the airport.
I-10 – Crosses the city from west to east. Connects downtown Jacksonville to historic neighborhoods and beach communities to the east.
J. Turner Butler Blvd – Expressway connecting the beaches and Southside to I-95 and the airport. Has a toll of $1.25.
Hart Bridge Expressway – Crosses St. Johns River linking downtown to beaches. Tolls cost $1 cash, $0.75 with local pass.
Fuller Warren Bridge – Spans the St. Johns River on I-95 between downtown and Riverside/Avondale.
Main Street Bridge – Iconic double-decker bridge on Main Street downtown. Upper level open to cars, lower level for the Skyway.
Acosta Bridge – Landmark arch bridge on I-95 crossing from downtown to San Marco. Lit up at night with color changing LEDs.
Heavy traffic is common during rush hours on I-95, I-10 and Butler Boulevard in particular. Allow extra travel time or take alternate routes like I-295 to bypass congestion.

Parking is readily available in most parts of Jacksonville. Metered street parking can be found downtown, though rates are reasonable at $1 per hour. Parking garages serve the downtown business district and hotels. Strip malls and shopping centers have free lots throughout the city.

The Best Options for Visitors

For travelers looking for the best way for getting around Jacksonville on a business trip or vacation, I generally recommend using a black car service from the airport to your hotel. Rental cars are also useful if you’ll need to drive to meetings, restaurants, attractions and other cities during an extended stay.

Once settled, take advantage of the Skyway, water taxi and free trolleys to explore major downtown neighborhoods without a car. The trolleys in particular make it easy to visit shops, dine at restaurants and enjoy attractions in Jacksonville Beach and Riverside/Avondale. If venturing farther afield, on-demand rideshares offer affordable transportation around Jacksonville and between cities like St. Augustine.

For point-to-point trips like airport transfers, I think black car service is the best option. The luxury vehicles, professional drivers and door-to-door convenience provide an optimized arrival experience, especially for business travelers. Jacksonville has a number of excellent black car companies to choose from, allowing you to book reliable transportation for your airport pickup or other transportation needs.

So in condlusion Jacksonville offers a good variety of transportation modes, from the Skyway train to water taxis and everything between. With a bit of planning, you can easily navigate during your visit and get a taste of all that this great Florida city has to offer. I hope this JAX transportation guide helps you in your North Florida travels, and if your choice is to use a private Jacksonville Black car service for getting around Jacksonville we offer an on time guarantee and will get you to your destination safely, at the right price and in style!