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How to Get to Jacksonville

How to Get to Jacksonville

Jacksonville Florida, USA Travel Guide

Public Transportation in Jax

Jacksonville features a public transportation system, mainly its bus network and an unique automated people mover in Downtown.

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) Bus System contains extensive bus services throughout Duval County. The Jacksonville Skyway is an elevated, automated monorail, serving Downtown Jacksonville and adjacent areas. This system is free to ride.

Features

  • JTA Bus Network: Extensive coverage across Duval County.
  • Jacksonville Skyway: Free elevated monorail in The central business district.
  • No Metro or Tram: Jacksonville lacks underground metro or traditional tram services.
  • Extensive Coverage: Connects most neighborhoods and points of interest.

JTA Bus Routes

The JTA operates an extensive network with hubs at Rosa Parks Transit Station and Jacksonville Beach. Route maps are situated on the JTA website (jtafla.com).

Jacksonville Skyway

Connects Northbank, Southbank, and LaVilla. Stops include Rosa Parks, Jefferson, FSCJ, Central, San Marco, and Kings Avenue. Offers efficient downtown movement.

Accessibility Information

JTA buses meet ADA standards; they accommodate riders with disabilities. The Skyway system is fully accessible with elevators at all stations.

Ticketing Systems & Fare Options

JTA Bus Fares
  • Single Ride: $1.75
  • 1-Day Pass: $4.00
  • 3-Day Pass: $10.00
Payment & Skyway
  • Payment: Exact cash on the bus (drivers make no change).
  • My JTA App: Use for convenient mobile ticketing and real-time tracking.
  • Skyway: Free to ride for all passengers.

Hours of Operation & Frequency

JTA Bus Hours

Vary by route, generally early morning until late evening (some journeys until midnight).

JTA Bus Frequency

Typically every 15-60 minutes, depending on route and time of day.

Skyway Hours

Mon-Fri: 6 AM - 9 PM, Sat-Sun: 10 AM - 8 PM.

Skyway Frequency

Every 6-8 minutes, offers frequent downgetting around town.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services are convenient, on-demand transportation, especially when public transit routes are limited or for direct door-to-door service.

Taxi Services

  • Licensed Taxis: Clearly marked with company names and fare information.
  • Call for Pickup: Less common to hail directly on the street outside major hubs.
  • Meter-based Fares: Expect a flag-drop fee plus per-mile charges.
  • Payment: Most taxis accept cash and major credit cards.

Ride-Sharing Uber/Lyft

  • Widely Available: Popular throughout Jacksonville via handheld device apps.
  • Fares Vary: Rates change based on distance, time of day, and demand.
  • In-app Payment: Processed securely through the ride-sharing application.
  • Verify Driver: Always match driver and vehicle details with the app.

Safety & Airport Arrangements

  • Safety Practices: Ride in licensed taxis, verify ride-share details, share trip info.
  • Never enter a ride-share vehicle if details do not match your app.
  • Airport/Station Services: Designated taxi stands and ride-share pickup zones at JAX.
  • Follow signs for "Ground Transportation" at the airport.
  • Call local taxi companies for pickups outside major hubs.
  • Consider ride-shares for reaching beach areas or specific neighborhoods efficiently.

Rental Options

Car Rental

Offers flexibility for exploring. Major companies at JAX and city locations. Book in advance for best rates. DiscoverCars.com

Motorcycle & Scooter

Motorcycle rentals are specialty. Scooter rentals are frequent in beach areas for local community travel.

Bicycle Rentals

Available in several shops, specifically near beach areas. No city-wide sharing program.

Walking & Cycling in Jacksonville

Jacksonville includes various pedestrian and cyclist-friendly areas, especially in its historic neighborhoods and along the coast.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

  • Downtown Jacksonville: St. Johns Riverwalk offers kilometers of scenic paths.
  • Riverside/Avondale: Historic districts with tree-lined streets and shops.
  • San Marco Square: Charming, walkable area with boutiques, restaurants.
  • Beaches: Wide sidewalks and oceanfront promenades for walking.

Cycling Routes & Infrastructure

  • Dedicated Bike Lanes: Available in newer developments and around parks.
  • Jacksonville Baldwin Rail Trail: Paved 14.5-mile route.
  • Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park: Features mountain biking trails.
  • Safety: Always wear a Helmet and follow traffic laws.

Safety and No-Go Zones

Walking Tour Options

Self-guided brochures for old city centers from visitor centers. Check local tour operators for guided historical or ghost tours.

Explore at your pace.

Cycling Safety

Follow traffic laws (stop signs, lights). Stay aware of vehicle traffic on shared roads. Sidewalk riding is often prohibited in business districts.

Prioritize road safety.

No-Go Areas

Major highways, interstates (I-95, I-10), and high-speed arterial roads are unsuitable for pedestrians or cyclists.

Avoid high-traffic areas.

Specialized Transportation

Tour & Water Services
  • Limited hop-on-hop-off bus services available.
  • Local companies offer guided bus tours (history, architecture).
  • St. Johns River Ferry: Car and passenger ferry service.
Unique Transport & Accessibility
  • Jacksonville Skyway: Free elevated monorail in The city center.
  • JTA Paratransit: Connexion services for eligible individuals with disabilities.
  • ADA Compliance: Many attractions and public transit options meet ADA standards.

Further Accessibility Details

Individual Attractions
  • Websites for individual attractions often detail accessibility features.
  • Direct contact for specific needs is advisable.
  • Check hotel accessibility features when booking.
Public Services
  • JTA buses and Skyway are built for accessibility.
  • Some parks and trails feature accessible paths.
  • Always ask if unsure about specific accessibility options.

Tips for Navigating Public Transit

Download the My JTA app for real-time bus tracking and convenient mobile ticketing. Use Google Maps or the JTA website to plan routes in advance.

For moving around Downtown, the Skyway is efficient and free, connecting many attractions and business centers.