Spanning 228 miles from Cape Canaveral to Cape Coral, this Florida trek takes approximately 3 hours and 59 minutes to complete. Because the duration is manageable for a single day, you can easily handle the drive in one go without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate using George J King Boulevard, FL 528, and the Bennett Causeway to transition between these two coastal regions. Expect to spend about $37 on fuel for the journey, making it a relatively affordable excursion. Whether you are heading south for business or a change of scenery, this trip offers a straightforward way to cross the state while keeping your travel budget in check.
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
102.8 miles from Cape Canaveral, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 9m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 17
84.7 mi
1h 59m
Beachline Expressway
29.8 mi
32m
Central Florida GreeneWay
18.3 mi
20m
I 4
12.5 mi
13m
Tamiami Trail
10.4 mi
12m
Southern Connector Extension
8.2 mi
9m
Bennett Causeway
8 mi
10m
Del Prado Boulevard North
6.5 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
US 17
— 84.7 mi, about 1h 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cape Canaveral, FL and Cape Coral, FL.
1
Start on Intermodal Gate
156 ft·15 sec·Intermodal Gate
2
At end of road, turn right onto George J King Boulevard
0.8 mi·1 min·George J King Boulevard
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward FL 528, SR A1A North: Terminals 5-10, Orlando
4
Merge onto SR A1A
8.0 mi·10 min·Bennett Causeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Continue on FL 528
30 mi·32 min·Beachline Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 16Toward FL 417: Orlando, Tampa, Disney World, SanfordUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
1.3 mi·2 min
Toward FL 417 Toll South: Tampa, Disney WorldUse the slight left lane.
8
Merge onto FL 417 Toll
18 mi·20 min·Central Florida GreeneWay
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 417 Toll
8.2 mi·9 min·Southern Connector Extension
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 4
12 mi·13 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 48Toward CR 557: Lake Alfred, Winter HavenUse 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 158Toward 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
Since this is a one-day trip, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh during the nearly four-hour journey. Because the route is entirely composed of local roads, departure timing is critical; try to avoid peak local traffic hours to keep your travel time closer to the estimated four-hour mark. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $37 estimated cost can fluctuate based on your driving habits and local traffic conditions. Given the turn-heavy nature of this specific route, ensure your GPS is updated before you head out from Cape Canaveral. Taking advantage of that single planned stop will help you maintain focus as you wind your way toward Cape Coral.
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 102.8 miles from Cape Canaveral, FL, or about 2h 9m 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 45 miles or 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.8 miles or 2h 9m 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 41m
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 Cape Canaveral, 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 Cape Canaveral, FL
This is one driving day of about 205.5 miles and 4h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Cape Canaveral, 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 39 and 181.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
39 mi into trip|~45m in
Take the exit toward FL 417: Orlando, Tampa, Disney World, Sanford
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 16
Toward FL 417: Orlando, Tampa, Disney World, Sa...
8
39.2 mi into trip|~45m in
Keep slight left at fork toward FL 417 Toll South: Tampa, Disney World
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward FL 417 Toll South: Tampa, Disney World
6
58.8 mi into trip|~1h 8m in|FL 417 Toll / Southern Connector Extension
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 417 Toll / Southern Connector Extension
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
79.5 mi into trip|~1h 32m 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
181.1 mi into trip|~3h 57m 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
$32.71 one way
$65.42 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg72 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$35.58
$71.16
premium
$4.72
$38.21
$76.42
diesel
$5.61
$45.37
$90.74
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
61.7
0
$21.58
$9.86
Efficient EV
51.4
0
$17.98
$8.22
EV Truck/SUV
82.2
1
$28.77
$13.15
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 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
Cape Canaveral, FL
Morning
in Cape Canaveral on Sunday
Local time
7:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Cape Coral, FL
Morning
in Cape Coral on Sunday
Local time
7:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
62°F
Eagle Lake, FL
103 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
1 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 36m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Canaveral National Seashore
National Seashore
Discover a dynamic barrier island shaped by dunes, coastal hammocks, and Mosquito Lagoon. Walk among ancient Timucua shell mounds and connect with thousands of years of human history. Immerse yourself...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
$25
near mile 21.3
Caution: Pavement Project- Playalinda District
Park Closure: Limited Access to Apollo District Parking Lots 2 and 3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate haul, as this route features zero percent highway travel. Navigating these local roads requires your full attention, as there are no long, uninterrupted stretches; in fact, the longest segment on George J King Boulevard is zero miles. The personality of this drive is defined by constant adjustments and local road maneuvers, which keeps the experience active. Since the route avoids major highways, you will encounter a more intimate, street-level view of the Florida landscape. Be prepared to stay engaged at the wheel as you navigate the frequent transitions throughout the 228-mile trip.
68% 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?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 17 and Beachline Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 39 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 205.5 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 39 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.8 miles (FL 417 Toll / Southern Connector Extension): 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.
Between Cape Canaveral, FL and Cape Coral, FL, road signs point toward Tampa, Disney World, Sanford, Cr 557: Lake Alfred, Winter Haven and Cr 762: North Fort Myers - among others.
Cape Canaveral is a city in Brevard County, Florida, most famous for being the home of America's spaceport, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS).
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 36m. Total distance: 205.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
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 39 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 39.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.8 miles (FL 417 Toll / Southern Connector Extension): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Canaveral National Seashore. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Cape Coral, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
