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Trip from Buenaventura Lakes, FL to Harlem, FL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 7m

Distance

146.4 mi

236 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
2h 56m ★
6 AM
3h 7m
8 AM
3h 31m
10 AM
3h 16m
12 PM
3h 13m
3 PM
3h 17m
5 PM
3h 29m
8 PM
3h 0m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Buenaventura Lakes, FL, FL

Buenaventura Lakes, FL

Matt Fitz Gibaud

neighborhood in Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States

Harlem, FL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Buenaventura Lakes to Harlem is 146.4 miles and takes about 3h 7m via Florida's Turnpike and FL 78, with a fuel budget near $23 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Florida, moving from the central region towards the north. It's a straightforward trip primarily on highways, making it an efficient option for getting between these two points. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on Florida's Turnpike, so expect a consistent driving experience. This route is best suited for those prioritizing speed and directness over extensive sightseeing.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

73.2 miles from Buenaventura Lakes, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 25m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Florida's Turnpike 54.7 mi 58m
FL 78 34.4 mi 46m
Kenansville Road 31.2 mi 39m
US 27 15.9 mi 20m
US 441 4.8 mi 9m
East Osceola Parkway 1.2 mi 2m
Lewis Boulevard 1.1 mi 2m
Buenaventura Boulevard 0.7 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Florida's Turnpike — 54.7 mi, about 58m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Buenaventura Lakes, FL and Harlem, 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

1.2 mi · 2 min · East Osceola Parkway
Use the left lane.
6

Turn left

0.4 mi · 59 sec
Toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike Toll South Use the left lane.
7

Merge onto Florida's Turnpike

55 mi · 58 min · Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min
Exit 193 Toward US 441, FL 60: Yeehaw Junction Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight right at fork

245 ft · 6 sec
Use the slight right lane.
10

Merge onto FL 60

0.4 mi · 45 sec · FL 60
11

Turn sharp left onto US 441

31 mi · 39 min · Kenansville Road
Use the left lane.
12

Continue on US 441

4.8 mi · 9 min · US 441
13

Turn right onto FL 78

4.4 mi · 6 min · FL 78
Use the left lane.
14

Continue on FL 78

30 mi · 39 min · FL 78
15

Turn right onto US 27; FL 78

0.3 mi · 23 sec · US 27; FL 78
16

Continue on US 27; FL 78

0.4 mi · 35 sec · US 27; FL 78
17

Merge onto US 27; FL 78

0.2 mi · 18 sec · US 27; FL 78
18

Turn slight right

338 ft · 4 sec
19

Continue on US 27

15 mi · 19 min · US 27
20

Turn right onto Lewis Boulevard

1.1 mi · 2 min · Lewis Boulevard
Use the right lane.
21

Turn right onto 13th Street

0.1 mi · 22 sec · 13th Street
22

Turn left onto Harlem Academy Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · Harlem Academy Avenue
23

Turn left onto 10th Street

89 ft · 3 sec · 10th Street
24

Arrive at destination

10th Street

Trip Plan

Given the 3h 7m duration and 146.4 miles, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Departing in the morning will allow you to reach Harlem with plenty of time to spare. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing; consider a brief break around the halfway point to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch is 54.7 miles on Florida's Turnpike, and plan your refueling accordingly before embarking on that segment. The $23 fuel cost estimate suggests this is an economical journey.

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 73.2 miles from Buenaventura Lakes, FL, or about 1h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54.7 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 32 miles or 37m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 73.2 miles or 1h 25m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 30m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Harlem, 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 146.4 miles and 3h 7m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Buenaventura Lakes, 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 Florida's Turnpike for about 54.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

seat of Okeechobee County in Florida, USA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Okeechobee, FL

73 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

Haines City, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Okeechobee, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 73.2 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 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 2.2 and 144.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
2.2 mi into trip | ~5m in

Turn left toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike Toll South

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike Toll South
8
57.4 mi into trip | ~1h 4m in

Take the exit toward US 441, FL 60: Yeehaw Junction

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 193 Toward US 441, FL 60: Yeehaw Junction
6
57.8 mi into trip | ~1h 5m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane.
7
58.2 mi into trip | ~1h 6m in | US 441 / Kenansville Road

Turn sharp left onto US 441 / Kenansville Road

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
144.7 mi into trip | ~3h 3m in | Lewis Boulevard

Turn right onto Lewis Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$23.30 one way

$46.61 round trip

$4.04/gal 25.4 MPG avg 51 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.40 $25.35 $50.70
premium $4.72 $27.22 $54.44
diesel $5.61 $32.32 $64.65

Estimated Tolls: $3.83

Florida's Turnpike (54.7 mi) $3.83

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

$23

Tolls

$4

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 51.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 43.9 0 $15.37 $7.03
Efficient EV 36.6 0 $12.81 $5.86
EV Truck/SUV 58.6 0 $20.50 $9.37

Gas CO2

51 kg

EV CO2

17 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Buenaventura Lakes, FL

Morning in Buenaventura Lakes on Sunday

Local time

8:05 AM

EDT

Current temp

62°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Harlem, FL

Morning in Harlem on Sunday

Local time

8:05 AM

EDT

Current temp

79°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

17 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

3h 7m 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 is largely a highway-focused drive, with 76% of the route utilizing major roads like Florida's Turnpike and FL 78. You'll encounter a 54.7-mile stretch on Florida's Turnpike without needing to exit, offering a period of uninterrupted travel. The introduction of Kenansville Road adds a different feel, potentially offering a slight change of pace compared to the main highway sections. Overall, expect a driving experience characterized by efficient travel on well-maintained roads.

76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 54.7 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 FL 78. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.2 miles in.

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 146.4 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 2.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 57.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 57.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 7m. Total distance: 146.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 7m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 54.7 miles on Florida's Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $3.83 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.

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 Harlem, 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 2.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 57.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 57.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Harlem, 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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