Origin
Alafaya, FL
Morning in Alafaya on Tuesday
Local time
6:44 AM
EDT
Current temp
90°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Alafaya, FL to Cape Coral, FL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 1m
Distance
172.8 mi
278 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 49m
★
6 AM
4h 2m
8 AM
4h 28m
10 AM
4h 11m
12 PM
4h 8m
3 PM
4h 12m
5 PM
4h 27m
8 PM
3h 54m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Alafaya, FL
Arian Fernandez
Cape Coral, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 172.8-mile drive from Alafaya, FL to Cape Coral, FL is a solid day trip, taking about 4 hours and 1 minute to complete. With 81% of the route on highways, it's a straightforward journey across Florida, designed for efficient travel. Your estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $28. You'll primarily be on US 17 and I-4, with a final stretch on Tamiami Trail. This route focuses on getting you from point A to point B, making it a practical choice for a single-day excursion rather than requiring an overnight stop.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
86.4 miles from Alafaya, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 59m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 17 | 84.7 mi | 1h 59m |
| I 4 | 33.2 mi | 39m |
| Tamiami Trail | 10.4 mi | 12m |
| East-West Expressway | 10.2 mi | 11m |
| Del Prado Boulevard North | 6.5 mi | 10m |
| CR 557 | 6.4 mi | 9m |
| Del Prado Boulevard South | 6.2 mi | 12m |
| I 75 | 5.8 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
US 17
— 84.7 mi, about 1h 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alafaya, FL and Cape Coral, FL.
1
Start on O'Berry Hoover Road
0.2 mi
·
54 sec
·
O'Berry Hoover Road
2
Turn right onto FL 50
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
East Colonial Drive
3
Turn right onto Alafaya Trail
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Alafaya Trail
Use the right lane.
4
Continue on North Alafaya Trail
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
·
North Alafaya Trail
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward FL 408 Toll West: Orlando, Ocoee
Use the right lane.
6
Merge onto FL 408 Toll
10 mi
·
11 min
·
East-West Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
171 ft
·
4 sec
Exit 10A
Toward I 4: Tampa, Daytona Beach
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on this road
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
this road
Exit 10
Toward I 4: Tampa, Daytona Beach
9
Keep slight left at fork
1.1 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 4
33 mi
·
39 min
·
I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 48
Toward CR 557: Lake Alfred, Winter Haven
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Turn slight left onto CR 557
6.4 mi
·
9 min
·
CR 557
13
Turn right onto US 17; US 92
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Shinn Boulevard
14
Continue on US 17; US 92
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Lake Shore Way
15
Turn straight onto US 17
3.7 mi
·
6 min
·
US 17
Use the left / straight lanes.
16
Continue on US 17
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
6th Street Southwest
17
Continue on US 17
39 mi
·
55 min
·
US 17
Use the left lane.
18
Continue on US 17
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
US 17
19
Continue on US 17
2.5 mi
·
2 min
·
US 17
20
Continue on US 17
39 mi
·
52 min
·
US 17
Use the right lane.
21
Turn left
0.4 mi
·
58 sec
Toward I 75 South: Naples
22
Merge onto I 75
5.8 mi
·
6 min
·
I 75
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Exit 158
Toward CR 762: North Fort Myers, Cape Coral
24
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward CR 762 West, to US 41
25
Turn straight onto CR 762
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Tuckers Grade
26
Turn left onto US 41
10 mi
·
12 min
·
Tamiami Trail
Use the right lane.
27
Turn right onto CR 867A
6.5 mi
·
10 min
·
Del Prado Boulevard North
Use the left lane.
28
Continue on CR 867A
6.2 mi
·
12 min
·
Del Prado Boulevard South
29
Turn right onto Cape Coral Parkway East
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
Cape Coral Parkway East
Use the right lane.
30
Turn right
200 ft
·
14 sec
31
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4-hour drive, consider departing Alafaya in the morning to arrive in Cape Coral by early afternoon, allowing for a full day at your destination. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 84.7 miles, you can comfortably complete most of the journey before needing to pull over. Your fuel cost is estimated at $28, so ensure your tank is full before leaving Alafaya to minimize any mid-drive refueling needs. The route's highway focus means you can maintain a steady pace, but always stay aware of your surroundings, especially as you transition onto different main roads.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 86.4 miles from Alafaya, FL, or about 1h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 84.7 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 38 miles or 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 86.4 miles or 1h 59m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cape Coral, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Alafaya, FL so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Alafaya, FL
This is one driving day of about 172.8 miles and 4h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Alafaya, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 17 for about 84.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
86 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 86.4 miles from Alafaya, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 17 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 84.7 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 195 decision points cluster between mile 1.5 and 148.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.5 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Take the ramp toward FL 408 Toll West: Orlando, Ocoee
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward FL 408 Toll West: Orlando, Ocoee
8
12.1 mi into trip
|
~15m in
Take the exit toward I 4: Tampa, Daytona Beach
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 10A
Toward I 4: Tampa, Daytona Beach
7
12.3 mi into trip
|
~16m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 4 West: Tampa
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
8
46.7 mi into trip
|
~58m in
Take the exit toward CR 557: Lake Alfred, Winter Haven
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 48
Toward CR 557: Lake Alfred, Winter Haven
7
148.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 22m in
Keep slight right at fork toward CR 762 West, to US 41
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward CR 762 West, to US 41
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.51 one way
$55.01 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
61 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $29.92 | $59.84 |
| premium | $4.72 | $32.13 | $64.26 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $38.15 | $76.30 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 60.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 51.8 | 0 | $18.14 | $8.29 |
| Efficient EV | 43.2 | 0 | $15.12 | $6.91 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 69.1 | 0 | $24.19 | $11.06 |
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Cape Coral, FL
Morning in Cape Coral on Tuesday
Local time
6:44 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
5 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 1m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this trip, with 81% of the route utilizing major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 84.7 miles along US 17, offering a consistent pace. While the journey is largely on fast-paced highways like I-4, the inclusion of US 17 and Tamiami Trail suggests a potential for varied scenery and road conditions as you traverse the state. This profile generally means smooth sailing and minimal traffic delays, especially outside of peak commuting hours.
81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 84.7 mi on US 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 17 and I 4. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.5 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 172.8 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Alafaya, FL and Cape Coral, FL, road signs point toward Daytona Beach, Cr 557: Lake Alfred, Winter Haven, Cr 762: North Fort Myers, Cr 762 West and To Us 41.
Daytona Beach
12.1 mi in
|
~15m
Cr 557: Lake Alfred
46.7 mi in
|
~58m
Winter Haven
46.7 mi in
|
~58m
Cr 762: North Fort Myers
148 mi in
|
~3h 21m
Cr 762 West
148.3 mi in
|
~3h 22m
To Us 41
148.3 mi in
|
~3h 22m
About the Cities
Arriving in Cape Coral, FL
Full guide →Founded 1957
Cape Coral is a city in Southwest Florida. Visitors are drawn by its beaches, nature trails and sea kayaking opportunities on Black Island in Lovers Key State Park.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 1m. Total distance: 172.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (81%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 84.7 miles on US 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Cape Coral, FL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Cape Coral, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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