Origin
Buenaventura Lakes, FL
Afternoon in Buenaventura Lakes on Sunday
Local time
12:32 PM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Buenaventura Lakes, FL to Gainesville, FL
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 17m
Distance
120.7 mi
194 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$19
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 8m
★
6 AM
2h 18m
8 AM
2h 37m
10 AM
2h 24m
12 PM
2h 22m
3 PM
2h 25m
5 PM
2h 36m
8 PM
2h 12m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Buenaventura Lakes, FL
Matt Fitz Gibaud
Trip Overview
Buenaventura Lakes to Gainesville is 120.7 miles and takes about 2h 17m via Florida's Turnpike and I 75, with a fuel budget near $19 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip is a straightforward drive within Florida, connecting two points in the same state. You'll primarily be on well-maintained highways, making it a practical choice for a quick connection between these two areas. Expect a mostly highway-focused experience, ideal for those prioritizing efficiency over a leisurely exploration. With a total duration under three hours, this route is easily manageable as a single-day journey.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
60.4 miles from Buenaventura Lakes, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 7m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Florida's Turnpike | 59.4 mi | 1h 3m |
| I 75 | 46.1 mi | 49m |
| US 441 | 8 mi | 9m |
| South Main Street | 2.4 mi | 4m |
| Southeast County Road 234 | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| East Osceola Parkway | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| Buenaventura Boulevard | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Southwest Williston Road | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Florida's Turnpike
— 59.4 mi, about 1h 3m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Buenaventura Lakes, FL and Gainesville, FL.
1
Start on Gardenia Road
466 ft
·
22 sec
·
Gardenia Road
2
Turn right onto Kumquat Lane
260 ft
·
16 sec
·
Kumquat Lane
3
Turn left onto Florida Parkway
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
Florida Parkway
4
Turn right onto Buenaventura Boulevard
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Buenaventura Boulevard
5
Turn left onto CR 522
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
East Osceola Parkway
Use the left lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
Toward Ocala, Florida's Turnpike Toll North
Use the right lane.
7
Continue on this road
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
this road
Toward Florida's Turnpike North: Ocala
8
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
59 mi
·
1 hr 3 min
·
Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto Florida's Turnpike
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
Florida's Turnpike
Toward I 75 North: Ocala
Use the straight lane.
10
Merge onto I 75
46 mi
·
49 min
·
I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 374
Toward CR 234: Micanopy
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Turn right onto CR 234
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Southeast County Road 234
13
Turn left
421 ft
·
15 sec
Use the left lane.
14
Turn straight onto US 441
8.0 mi
·
9 min
·
US 441
Use the straight lane.
15
Turn right onto FL 331
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Southwest Williston Road
Use the right lane.
16
Turn left onto CR 329
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
South Main Street
17
Enter roundabout onto CR 329
92 ft
·
1 sec
·
South Main Street
18
Continue on CR 329
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
South Main Street
19
Enter roundabout onto CR 329
177 ft
·
3 sec
·
South Main Street
20
Continue on CR 329
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Arrive at destination
CR 329
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 2h 17m, this trip from Buenaventura Lakes to Gainesville is best enjoyed as a single-day outing. Aim to depart in the morning to take advantage of ample daylight. With a fuel cost estimated at $19, you won't need to worry too much about frequent refueling stops, though it's always wise to keep an eye on your gauge. The longest stretch without an exit is nearly 60 miles on Florida's Turnpike, so plan for any necessary stops before entering that segment. Enjoy the flexibility of a shorter drive where you can easily adjust your departure time.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 60.4 miles from Buenaventura Lakes, FL, or about 1h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 59.4 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 27 miles or 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 60.4 miles or 1h 7m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gainesville, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Buenaventura Lakes, 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 Buenaventura Lakes, FL
This is one driving day of about 120.7 miles and 2h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Buenaventura Lakes, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Florida's Turnpike for about 59.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
60 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 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 60.4 miles from Buenaventura Lakes, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 175 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 108.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Kumquat Lane
Turn right onto Kumquat Lane
Navigation decision point
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Florida Parkway
Turn left onto Florida Parkway
Navigation decision point
6
2.1 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the ramp toward Ocala, Florida's Turnpike Toll North
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward Ocala, Florida's Turnpike Toll North
7
61.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 9m in
|
Florida's Turnpike
Keep slight left at fork onto Florida's Turnpike toward I 75 North: Ocala
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 75 North: Ocala
7
108.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 58m in
Take the exit toward CR 234: Micanopy
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 374
Toward CR 234: Micanopy
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.21 one way
$38.42 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
42 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $20.90 | $41.80 |
| premium | $4.72 | $22.44 | $44.89 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $26.65 | $53.30 |
Estimated Tolls: $4.14
Florida's Turnpike
(59.2 mi)
$4.14
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$19
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 42.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 36.2 | 0 | $12.67 | $5.79 |
| Efficient EV | 30.2 | 0 | $10.56 | $4.83 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 48.3 | 0 | $16.90 | $7.72 |
Gas CO2
42 kg
EV CO2
14 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
Gainesville, FL
Afternoon in Gainesville on Sunday
Local time
12:32 PM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
82°F
Wildwood, FL
60 mi in
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
19 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 17m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 95% of the journey on major roads. You'll spend most of your time on Florida's Turnpike and I 75, which are designed for efficient travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 59.4 miles on Florida's Turnpike. This means you can settle in for a good amount of driving without frequent exits or significant changes in speed. The character of the drive remains consistent, offering a predictable and smooth experience for the majority of the trip.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 59.4 mi on Florida's Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Florida's Turnpike and I 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Kumquat Lane.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 120.7 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 0.1 miles (Kumquat Lane): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (Florida Parkway): Navigation decision point; at 2.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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.
On the drive from Buenaventura Lakes, FL to Gainesville, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Cr 234: Micanopy along the way.
Cr 234: Micanopy
108.2 mi in
|
~1h 58m
About the Cities
Arriving in Gainesville, FL
Full guide →Gainesville is in North Central Florida. It is home to the University of Florida, and Santa Fe College.
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 2h 17m. Total distance: 120.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 59.4 miles on Florida's Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $4.14 in tolls one way, starting with Florida's Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
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 Gainesville, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Kumquat Lane): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (Florida Parkway): Navigation decision point; at 2.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Gainesville, FL before heading back.
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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