Everything You Need to Know About How to Get to St. Augustine, Fl

St. Augustine, with its beautiful beaches and historic district, draws visitors from all over to its shores each year. With a rich culture, excellent restaurants, museums, shops, and scenery, there’s always something exciting to dive into.

As you’re preparing for your upcoming getaway, don’t get bogged down in the logistics of trip planning. We’ve got everything you need to know about how to get to St. Augustine, FL, so you can focus on the fun stuff. From the best airports to the fastest routes, it’s all here!

And if you haven’t booked your trip yet, don’t forget to secure your vacation rental directly with Coastal Realty Vacation Rentals! With a local staff and tons of beautiful properties, we can help you find your perfect home away from home.

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Where is St. Augustine, FL?

Located in St. Johns County, the city of St. Augustine lies 40 miles south of Jacksonville on the coast of northeastern Florida. It’s known as the Nation’s Oldest City because it’s the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the United States.

Here, you’ll find Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth, Spanish-inspired architecture, gorgeous lighthouses, and history around every corner. Whether you’re looking for a classic beach vacation or a trip immersed in culture, you’ll find it in St. Augustine.   

Drive to St. Augustine

Most visitors to St. Augustine come from nearby cities and states, and as such, driving is the most popular method of arrival. The main routes will take you down I-95 if you’re coming from Jacksonville or areas to the north of St. Augustine and I-4 if you’re coming from Orlando or southern parts of Florida. 

From Orlando – 107 miles | 1 hour and 40 minutes | Route includes toll roads

• Follow the I-4 Express and I-95 North to FL-207 North in St. John’s County
• Take Exit 311 from I-95 North
• Continue on FL-207 North

From Miami – 310 Miles | 4 hours and 45 minutes | Route includes toll roads

• Get on I-95 from South Miami Ave
• Follow Florida’s Turnpike and I-95 North to US-1 North in St. Johns County.
• Take Exit 298 from I-95 North
• Follow US-1 North into St. Augustine

Travel times may vary depending on the time of day you’re driving, holidays, and the day of the week. For the best chance of beating busy roads, consider traveling on weekdays versus weekends and try to time your route so you miss rush hour traffic in larger cities.

Flying to St. Augustine

The good thing about flying to St. Augustine, Florida, is that there are plenty of airport options near major Florida cities. Below are the most popular:

Northeast Florida Regional Airport (UST)

Ideal for private planes and smaller aircraft, this airport is located a few miles north of the historic city of St. Augustine. Upon arrival, you can rent a car from Avis, Hertz, or Jax Black Car Transportation for the drive into town. 

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)

This is the most popular major airport north of St. Augustine, about an hour away. Once you land, head to the lower level of the terminal building next to baggage claim to find all ground transportation services. Choose from taxis, ride shares like Uber and Lyft, limo services, or rent a car from one of eight different companies.

Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)

About an hour south of St. Augustine, the Daytona Beach airport offers similar proximity at about an hour away. Cabs are available from 4 Leaf Clover, American Taxi, DCSI, Tri-Star, Yellow Cab, and Yellow Taxi and are located at the east end of the terminal just outside of the baggage claim area. Uber and Lyft are also available, as well as limo services and rental cars.

For shuttle services, you can contact DoShuttle, Groome Transportation, Pierre Shuttle Service, or Tropical Transportation to schedule pickup ahead of your arrival time. All contact info can be found here on the DAB website.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

If you’re traveling from farther south or arriving on an international flight, flying into Orlando and then using a car service or renting a car to make the hour and forty-five-minute drive is a popular option. With ten on-site top rental car services, it’s easy to find an affordable option that can accommodate all your luggage and family members.

Exploring St. Augustine without a Car

Exploring downtown St. Augustine without a car is easy, thanks to popular services like the hop-on/hop-off Old Town Trolley Tours. Starting at just under $40 for a day of unlimited re-boarding, you can check out St. George Street and St. Augustine Beach, enjoy free entry to area museums, visit the Alligator Farm, and more! 

Beyond the Trolly, local car services can pick you up right at your Coastal Realty vacation rental and take you anywhere you’d like to go. With a walkable historic district and downtown, getting dropped off so you can wander the city is one of the best ways to explore during your stay.

Tips for Planning a Trip to St. Augustine

As you plan your route to St. Augustine, consider the kinds of activities you’ll want to do while you’re here. If you’re someone who likes to explore nearby areas in addition to your primary destination, renting a car or driving is probably the best option.

If you mostly stick to the beach or prefer hitting the top attractions, you could rely on public transportation or ride shares for most of your stay. There are also shuttle services in St. Augustine that can get you to nearby airports quickly and easily for your return flights.

Pay attention to the part of town you’ll be staying in, as this can add travel time or limit your transportation options. At Coastal Realty, you can choose by community and find a place that puts you close to everything you want to do during your visit.

As you think about how to get to St. Augustine, FL, consider your baggage, too. Is it going to be hard to find one ride share that can accommodate everyone’s luggage? Do you need something larger, like a shuttle van or a rental SUV? If you’re not driving here, those are important logistical factors to keep in mind so you’re not scrambling as soon as you land. 

Note that peak dates will limit your options and likely add to wait times. Planning for these things in advance will make your arrival seamless.

Book Your Getaway Directly with Coastal Realty Today!

Armed with everything you need to know about how to get to St. Augustine, FL, the only thing left to do is find your vacation rental! At Coastal Realty Vacation Rentals, we have a massive selection of some of the best properties in the area. Choose from our complete list of St. Augustine vacation rentals and find your perfect escape.  

Once you’ve made your selection, book directly on this site for the best rate on your stay. Our team of local experts is available to help you with everything from planning transportation to choosing exciting things to do while you’re here. Contact us today to start planning!