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What to Pack for Jacksonville

What to Pack for Jacksonville

Jacksonville Florida, USA Travel Guide

Air Travel

Jacksonville International Airport JAX

This is the main airport serving the city, situated approximately 13 miles north of downtown Jacksonville. It presents direct ways to many major U.S. Hubs and connecting flights worldwide. Dollar Flight Club Skyscanner

Airlines & Routes

  • Major Carriers: American, Delta, Southwest, United, JetBlue, Spirit, Allegiant, Frontier.
  • Domestic Hubs: Direct flights to ATL, CLT, DFW, ORD, LGA, MIA, MCO, WAS, PHL, BOS, DEN, HOU.
  • International Connections: Typically via main U.S..S. Gateway hubs like ATL, MIA, MCO.

Seasonal Travel & Facilities

Flight prices generally rise during peak travel seasons like Spring Break (March), summer holidays (June-August), and major fall events. Reduced prices appear during the low season. JAX features dining, retail, rental car counters, ground transport, and free Wifi-Fi.

Airport Transfers

  • Taxis: Readily available outside baggage claim.
  • Ride-sharing: Uber and Lyft operate with designated pickup zones.
  • Shuttle Services: Shared-ride and private options to various locations.
  • Public Transit (JTA): Route 1 (AirJAX) to Downtown Rosa Green spaces Transit Station.

Taxi Services

Taxis are accessible but less common to hail on the street outside of key hubs.

Ride-Sharing

Uber and Lyft operate widely with designated airport pickup zones.

Shuttle Services

Shared-ride and private transport services offer transfers to city and the vicinity.

JTA Bus Airport Connection

JTA Route 1 AirJAX

  • Connects JAX to Rosa Public gardens Transit Station in Downtown Jacksonville.
  • Cost-effective option for budget-conscious travelers.
  • Requires transfers to other JTA bus routes for your final destination.
  • Generally takes longer than services without transfers like taxis or ride-shares.

Considerations

  • Check JTA schedules in advance for timing and connections.
  • Utilize the My JTA app for real-time tracking and mobile ticketing.
  • Consider luggage size; large items might be cumbersome on public transit.
  • Direct connections (taxi/ride-share) are quicker but at higher cost.

Airport Facilities & Services

Dining & Retail

A range of restaurants, cafes, snack bars, newsstands, gift shops, and specialty stores for travelers.

Ground Transport

Rental car counters on the ground floor, taxi stands, ride-share pickup zones, and shuttle services.

Connectivity & Lounges

Free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal. Airline-specific lounges also present.

Land Transportation

Train Connections Amtrak

Jacksonville hosts an Amtrak station at 3573 Clifford Ln, Jacksonville, FL 32209. Routes contain the Silver Meteor and Silver Star, connecting to cities like Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Savannah, Charleston, Washington D.C., and New York. This grants a comfortable way to travel, especially for longer distances.

Amtrak Routes & Station

  • East Coast Connections: Silver Meteor and Silver Star routes.
  • Downtown Station: Located at 3573 Clifford Ln.
  • Comfortable Travel: A relaxed way for long-distance journeys.

Long-Distance Bus Greyhound

Greyhound operates a station at 10 N Pearl St, Jacksonville, FL 32202 (Downtown), linking Jacksonville to a lot of cities throughout Florida and across the U.S. FlixBus also offers routes to select cities, providing another budget-friendly bus travel option.

Bus Services & Locations

  • Greyhound Downtown: Station at 10 N Pearl St.
  • Extensive Network: Connects to many Florida and U.S. Cities.
  • FlixBus Options: Another budget-friendly travel choice.

Car Rental & Requirements

A valid driver's license (U.S. or international with AN an international driver's permit if not in English) and a major credit card are needed. Car rental age typically 21; a surcharge often applies for drivers under 25. Major companies operate at JAX and city locations. DiscoverCars.com

Rental Car Essentials

  • Valid Driver's License: National or International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Credit Card: In the driver's name for deposit and how to pay.
  • Age Requirements: Minimum 21, surcharge for those YOUNGER than 25.

Driving Laws & Safety

Drive on the right. Speed limits are enforced. Seat belt use is mandatory. Texting while driving is prohibited. Right turn on red after stop, unless posted. Be aware of aggressive taxi drivers and weather conditions. Florida has toll roads; consider SunPass.

Road Conditions & Tolls

  • Well-maintained Roads: Generally good the situation in and around Jacksonville.
  • Peak Hour Traffic: Can be heavy on major highways and bridges.
  • Toll Road Info: Florida features various; SunPass transponder recommended.

Safety & Regulations

  • Drive on the right-right-hand side of the road.
  • Speed limits are strictly enforced.
  • Seat belt use is mandatory for all occupants.
  • Texting while driving is prohibited.
  • A right turn on red after stopping is permitted unless posted otherwise.
  • Be aware of aggressive drivers, notably on expressways.

Sea/River Arrivals

St. Johns River Ferry

This car and passenger ferry links Mayport Village (south side of the St. Johns River) with Fort George Island (north side). It operates daily, charges per vehicle, and has a scenic route to northern beaches and Talbot Islands State Parks, bypassing a longer drive.

Ferry Details

  • Connects Mayport Village and Fort George Island.
  • Operates daily for ways of getting around and passengers.
  • Scenic route to northern beaches and state parks.

River Transportation

Public river transit for daily transit is limited beyond the St. Johns River Ferry. Exclusive boat trips and charters are available for sightseeing and recreation on the St. Johns River, often departing from downtown marinas.

Other Water Options

  • Limited public river transport beyond the ferry.
  • Exclusive boat journeys and charters to recreation.
  • Tours often depart from downtown marinas.

Land Connections

From JAXPORT areas or ferry landings, neighborhood streets connect to the wider road network.

Cruise Terminal Status

Cruise operations from JAXPORT have been suspended indefinitely as of 2024.

Immigration Notes

Not a main international seaport for individual passengers. Cruise passengers undergo standard U.S. CBP procedures.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

No specific exit fees or taxes apply upon departure beyond those included in your airline ticket. For domestic flights, arrive at JAX 1.5-2 hours before departure. For international connections, arrive 2-3 hours prior.

Departure Times

  • No Exit Fees: Taxes already part of ticket price.
  • Domestic Flights: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before scheduled departure.
  • International Connections: Arrive 2-3 hours before first leg.

Airport Facilities

JAX offers dining, retail, lounges, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations. Amtrak and Greyhound stations contain basic waiting areas, restrooms, and ticket windows, with limited dining nearby.

Station Amenities

  • JAX Facilities: Dining, retail, lounges, free Wi-Fi, charging.
  • Amtrak/Greyhound Amenities: Basic waiting areas, restrooms, box offices.
  • TSA PreCheck/CLEAR: Services for expedited security screening at JAX.

Smooth Departure Tips

Confirm luggage allowances and security guidelines. Arrive with ample time to complete check-in and security procedures. Consider expedited screening services like TSA PreCheck or CLEAR.