Best route to Shands in Gainesville

[Carla B]

I have to go to Shands and was wondering the best route to take off I-75. The Google GPS suggests getting off at the Micanopy exit and taking 441 north to SW Archer Rd. Would that be better than staying on I-75 and exiting at Hwy 24? Ashamed to say that I've never been there.

I ask, because Google doesn't always take the best route, i.e., it wants to go to Mt. Dora downtown through downtown Tavares. Very slow.

We'll be traveling mid morning.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[Northwoods]

I have to go to Shands and was wondering the best route to take off I-75. The Google GPS suggests getting off at the Micanopy exit and taking 441 north to SW Archer Rd. Would that be better than staying on I-75 and exiting at Hwy 24? Ashamed to say that I've never been there.

I ask, because Google doesn't always take the best route, i.e., it wants to go to Mt. Dora downtown through downtown Tavares. Very slow.

We'll be traveling mid morning.

Thanks for any suggestions.

I'm sure people will have better advice. I've been to the UF Small Animal Hospital (excellent by the way). Archer Road can be busy. It's a main thoroughfare. We have taken Williston Road (one exit before Archer). You sort of come in the back way. I would do that and let your GPS recalculate. Micanopy is out of the way in my opinion.

[Doctor Who]

We travel to Shands frequently. Although Archer Rd. is busy we make it from the 75 exit to the hospital in about 10 minutes to the parking garage.

[deano_hoosier]

Though 441 is usually noted as 10 minutes slower that I-75 route the traffic is less hectic. I you go I-75 the Micanopy exit works really well, but be aware they are working on 441 in the Payne's Prairie Preserve area which you'll drive through. Also resurfacing 441 down to the Marion county line.

For parking at main Shands (1600 Archer) I use the parking garage at intersection of Newell Road and Archer. It's no charge for patients and they also do valet parking for $5 extra charge if you want.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

We travel to Shands frequently. Although Archer Rd. is busy we make it from the 75 exit to the hospital in about 10 minutes to the parking garage. as you say lol

[Topspinmo]

Though 441 is usually noted as 10 minutes slower that I-75 route the traffic is less hectic. I you go I-75 the Micanopy exit works really well, but be aware they are working on 441 in the Payne's Prairie Preserve area which you'll drive through. Also resurfacing 441 down to the Marion county line.

For parking at main Shands (1600 Archer) I use the parking garage at intersection of Newell Road and Archer. It's no charge for patients and they also do valet parking for $5 extra charge if you want.


Just traveled that last week and work was affecting it still, not bad but, not 60 MPH or so. Still beats 24 traffic. I usually up to 24 and come back 441 and cross over to 75.

[Doctor Who]

English ....second language? Have no idea of your travel experiences.

[asianthree]

Make the trip 3 weeks. 1-75 exit at Archer. Depending on time of day, Archer can be busy, but it’s still the quickest route. Plus you have Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and a multitude of restaurants

[Carla B]

English ....second language? Have no idea of your travel experiences.

And to whom is your question directed? That's what the "Reply with Quote" button is used for.

[Carla B]

Thanks for all your replies. I hate traveling the Interstates. When they were first built they were great. Now they are clogged with truck traffic. Nevertheless, by the time we got near Micanopy we had made excellent time so we got off at that exit and took 441. There was no work going on that day and the traffic was extremely light. It only took about 12 minutes to the destination, the "Circle of Hope." Finding the particular Shands Bldg. and the nearest parking garage was a bit hard, but there was plenty of time left. The parking garage emptied out a few feet from 441 so we had another easy trip home.

Next time we will go to SW Archer, if they are working on 441.

[rjm1cc]

Which location are you going too? There are several. Parking should be easy but can be confusing so leave some extra time.

[IndianaJones]

I drive up there every say during the week (work) - I always take the Micanopy exit, go up 441 to Archer & you’re there. As noted, some construction is happening on 441 but it’s not bad. Parking can be a challenge, there’s a large garage on the north side of the road after the Children’s hospital.

[HIgolfers]

We travel to Shands frequently. Although Archer Rd. is busy we make it from the 75 exit to the hospital in about 10 minutes to the parking garage.

Agree with this. Archer Road more direct in my opinion.