JAX to Amelia Island

Staying at Ritz Carlton on Amelia Island for 2 nights for a work trip. Only there 1.5 days basically and no time to explore unfortunately so not planning to rent a car.

I looked into car service but $115 plus tip is too much one way. Is there a taxi line outside the airport?

I know taxis/Ubers etc aren’t plentiful but I really don’t want to deal with a rental car and parking just to get to the hotel and back.

Flying into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) and traveling to Amelia Island without renting a car is definitely doable, though options are somewhat limited. The drive from JAX to the Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island is about 30–35 miles and takes roughly 45–50 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

Taxi Options:

  • There is a taxi stand outside the main terminal at JAX. You can queue there for a cab to Amelia Island. Keep in mind that taxis in Jacksonville are not very common for longer distances, so the ride may be slightly more expensive than the base fare. Expect around $100–$130 for a one-way trip to Amelia Island, excluding tip.
  • It’s a good idea to call ahead and see if a taxi company can provide a confirmed pickup to avoid waiting at the airport. Some local taxi services servicing Amelia Island include Yellow Cab Jacksonville and Amelia Taxi.

Ride-Share Options:

  • Uber and Lyft are available at JAX and are often slightly cheaper or comparable to a traditional taxi for the 45-minute ride. You can request a ride from the designated ride-share pickup area outside the terminal.
  • Make sure to check pricing in advance; fares can surge depending on time of day, especially if arriving in the evening or during peak business travel hours.

Other Options:

  • Shuttle services or private car services: While some options charge $115–$150 one-way, sharing a ride with other passengers (if your schedule aligns) can reduce costs. Some hotels also partner with car services, so it’s worth asking the Ritz-Carlton concierge for recommendations or discounted rates.
  • Bus services are limited and not convenient for direct airport-to-hotel transfers, so they are generally not recommended if time and ease are priorities.

In summary, for a short stay with minimal hassle, taking a taxi or ride-share from JAX to Amelia Island is the simplest choice. Taxis are available at the airport, and Ubers/Lyfts offer a convenient alternative, allowing you to skip renting a car entirely for your 2-night stay.


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