[thekeithfan]

I've taken all roads to the Villages from 95 N/S and here is the the best: 295 around Jacksonville take 17 South at Orange Park, then take 19 South at Palatka then 42 over to the Villages. When I take it I take 314 from Salt Springs to Ocklawaha and get 25 down to TV but you wouldnt want them lost in the Ocala Forest! The only stop and go you have is in Orange Park and Palatka. The 301 has been built up over the years and can be very slow. 17 and 19 are beautiful roads and you can stay 55 or 60 most of the way. This is the quickest way to Jacksonville too.

[tommy steam]

Originally Posted by Wing-nut2

I-95 to I-295 around Jacksonville
I-295 to U.S. 301 south (watch for the speed traps on 301)
301 to 441 then cut over to I-75 just south of Gainsville or stay on 441 and end up almost in Spanish Springs.

good info thanks

[ricthemic]

Originally Posted by ijusluvit

While I admit I dislike the 301 route, I also would never take again it since I've found a much less traveled and faster route to the northern part of The Villages:

I-95 past Jacksonville to St Augustine. Hwy 207 West to Palatka, Hwy 19 South to Salt Springs, Rt 314 West, to Hwy 35 South, to Hwy 441. A real pleasure compared to 301.

After driving 10 hours for the second day I am totally cooked and two plus hours on 301 is too much and i am sick of it. I hv stayed on 10 to 75 south just to avoid 301.
is your route mostly divided highways and
is this the route that takes you through the ocala national forest?
one time we took the route through the ocala forest. unfortunitly for us it was around 1:00AM well it was pretty weird and scary even our dogs were howling. I wd that route again just not after dark. thanks

[Shimpy]

Originally Posted by Virtual Geezer

You can make this a little shorter by taking S. Fairview Ave off RT-40 just before Astor Park. Also depending on where in TV you are headed you can take a left on CR-25 at Weirsdale and that will take you right to the RaceTrac gas station on 441.
VG

I agree. This is the way to go. S. Fairview Ave will take you to 19. Turn left(south) and then turn right at the light (west) on RT 42. If you are going to the north part of TV then stay on 42. If you are going south then take CR 25 left to 441 which will bring you out just north of 466.

[tommy steam]

Originally Posted by TomSpasm

I have friends coming from the Raleigh, NC area Labor Day weekend, and I'm not sure what the best route is to advise they take coming down I-95 thru Jacksonville to get to the Villages. You northern commuters, what's the best route?

Looking to get to the TVs taking major highways ....I am not looking to go the scenic route.....just the quickest way to get to the villages..any ideas? I will be driving down from charleston SC tomorrow. Will be looking to buy a new home already built and to move in right away! thanks....

[jtdraig]

Just make sure to tell them if they take 301 to never go even one MPH over the limit in Lawtey, Waldo, or Starke....it is so bad that there are signs warning of speed traps for the first two towns.

[Finallyfree]

My daughter made this trip this weekend from James Island, she took 301 out of Jacksonville and was at our door in Charlotte (far south in the villages) 6 hours after leaving her home in charleston. Have a safe trip, lots of homes ready for an owner on the south end.

[sukismom]

The KEITHFAN has it right. Commuted to Jacksonville from The Villages for a year. BEst route, shortest time. "295 around Jacksonville take 17 South at Orange Park, then take 19 South at Palatka then 42 over to the Villages. When I take it I take 314 from Salt Springs to Ocklawaha and get 25 down to TV"

[downeaster]

TomSpasm, I sent you a PM.