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Trip from Cape Coral, FL to Cedar Grove, FL

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 22, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

9h 30m

Distance

497.1 mi

800 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

2-day trip

Fuel Cost

$80

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min
4 AM
9h 22m ★
6 AM
9h 30m
8 AM
9h 48m
10 AM
9h 36m
12 PM
9h 35m
3 PM
9h 37m
5 PM
9h 47m
8 PM
9h 25m

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

city in Lee County, Florida, United States

Cape Coral, FL

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Cedar Grove, FL, FL

Cedar Grove, FL

Olga Lioncat

Trip Overview

Cape Coral, FL to Cedar Grove, FL is 497.1 miles and takes about 9h 30m via I-75 and I-10, with a fuel budget near $76 and enough daylight to finish in a day, though it's best broken into two days. This trip primarily travels north through Florida, sticking to major interstates for most of the journey. Given its length and mostly highway profile, it’s a straightforward drive, ideal if you want to cover ground efficiently. Plan for two recommended days to make the most of the drive without feeling rushed.

Trip Pace

Best split across 2 days

Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.

Break Rhythm

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

248.6 miles from Cape Coral, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 4h 41m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 75 276.8 mi 4h 57m
I 10 121.8 mi 2h 10m
FL 20 28.4 mi 39m
US 231 21.3 mi 27m
Bristol Highway 17.7 mi 23m
North Tamiami Trail 10.4 mi 12m
Del Prado Boulevard North 6.5 mi 10m
Del Prado Boulevard South 5.2 mi 10m
Longest stretch: I 75 — 276.8 mi, about 4h 57m

Traffic on I-75

Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 122 FHWA count stations on your route.

Peak

3 PM

~3,429 veh/hr typical · worst 4,332

Quietest

2 AM

~369 veh/hr

Peak-to-quiet ratio

9.3×

busier at peak than in the quiet hours

12a 6a noon 6p 11p

Averaged across 103 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Cape Coral, FL and Cedar Grove, FL.

1

Start on this road

95 ft · 7 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto Cape Coral Parkway East

125 ft · 7 sec · Cape Coral Parkway East
3

Turn right onto Vincennes Boulevard

357 ft · 13 sec · Vincennes Boulevard
Use the right lane.
4

Enter roundabout onto Vincennes Boulevard

61 ft · 2 sec · Vincennes Boulevard
5

Continue on Vincennes Boulevard

0.5 mi · 1 min · Vincennes Boulevard
6

Turn right onto Coronado Parkway

0.6 mi · 1 min · Coronado Parkway
7

Turn left onto CR 867A

5.2 mi · 10 min · Del Prado Boulevard South
8

Continue on CR 867A

6.5 mi · 10 min · Del Prado Boulevard North
Use the left lane.
9

Turn left onto US 41

10 mi · 12 min · North Tamiami Trail
Use the right lane.
10

Turn right onto CR 762

1.1 mi · 2 min · Tuckers Grade
11

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 56 sec
Toward I 75 North: Tampa
12

Merge onto I 75

277 mi · 4 hr 57 min · I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 15 sec
Exit 435 Toward I 10: Jacksonville, Tallahassee Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 30 sec
Toward I 10 West: Tallahassee Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
15

Merge onto I 10

122 mi · 2 hr 10 min · I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 45 sec
Exit 174 Toward FL 12: Gretna, Greensboro Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight left at fork

366 ft · 11 sec
Toward FL `12 South: Greensboro
18

Turn straight onto FL 12

2.4 mi · 3 min · Greensboro Highway
19

Continue on FL 12

0.6 mi · 1 min · Selman Street
20

Turn left onto FL 12

0.4 mi · 57 sec · Green Avenue
21

Continue on FL 12

18 mi · 23 min · Bristol Highway
22

At end of road, turn right onto FL 20

28 mi · 39 min · FL 20
23

Turn left onto US 231

21 mi · 27 min · US 231
24

Turn left onto FL 389

2.0 mi · 4 min · North East Avenue
25

Arrive at destination

FL 389

Trip Plan

With a total driving time of 9 hours and 30 minutes, it's highly recommended to split this trip over two days. Aim to depart Cape Coral in the morning to make good progress on I-75. Your longest stretch without a major change in direction is 276.8 miles on I-75, so factor in a fuel and rest stop before reaching that point. Cedar Grove is in a more rural area, so ensure you have enough fuel before you get too far off the main interstate in the final leg of your drive.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 248.6 miles from Cape Coral, FL, or about 4h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 276.8 miles.

Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 109 miles or 2h 11m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 248.6 miles or 4h 41m in

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

Overnight split

Day 1 wrap after about 248.6 miles or 4h 41m

Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 8h 8m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cedar Grove, FL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Cape Coral, 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.

+

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

+

Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Cape Coral, FL

Aim for roughly 249 miles and 4.8 hours of wheel time on this day.

Day 2

Finish the approach into Cedar Grove, FL

Aim for roughly 249 miles and 4.8 hours of wheel time on this day.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 109 miles from Cape Coral, FL.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 75 for about 276.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Gainesville, FL, FL

Mid-route town

Overnight candidate

Gainesville, FL

249 mi into the route

Best for: Hotel check-in, dinner, and a fresh start

This lines up well with a realistic day-end stop if you are breaking the drive into stages.

Find hotels in Gainesville, FL

Overnight Options

Night 1

Gainesville, FL

249 mi · about 4.8h in

A practical overnight split lands near Gainesville, FL after about 249 miles or 4.8 hours of driving.

Find hotels

Pacing Suggestions

Bradenton, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 109 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Gainesville, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 248.6 miles from Cape Coral, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 276.8 miles.

Overnight split

Hotel stop

For a steadier pace, wrap day one after about 249 miles or 4.8 hours on the road.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop

Perk & Brew

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cape Coral, Florida

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 8 AM–2 PM

+12395426080

Visit website

Jungle Bird Tiki

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cape Coral, Florida

0.3 mi

Bread Pete

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cape Coral, Florida

0.6 mi

Best coffee break · first break window

JB's Corner Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Punta Gorda, Florida

Near the start, short detour

First break · 41min in 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 7:30 AM–4 PM

+19417696900

Visit website

Mudslide Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Punta Gorda, Florida

1.2 mi

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Lutz, Florida

0.8 mi

Perk & Brew

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Cape Coral, Florida

Hours: 8 AM–2 PM

+12395426080

Visit website

Jungle Bird Tiki

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Cape Coral, Florida

Hours: 12–10 PM

+12394714111

Visit website

Bread Pete

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Cape Coral, Florida

Hours: 7 AM–2 PM

+12394717420

Visit website

EggTown - Wesley Chapel

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Wesley Chapel, Florida

Hours: 8 AM–2 PM

+18139949666

Visit website

365 Cafè

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10

Wesley Chapel, Florida

Hours: 10 AM–9 PM

+18139910350

Visit website

Lima.

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30

Tampa, Florida

Hours: 11 AM–8 PM

+18133040205

Visit website

Gather

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour Moderately

Cape Coral, Florida

Hours: 5–10 PM

+12396739939

Visit website

Biscotti's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Fort Myers, Florida

Hours: 7:30 AM–5:30 PM

+12392672691

Visit website

JB's Corner Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Punta Gorda, Florida

Hours: 7:30 AM–4 PM

+19417696900

Visit website

Mudslide Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Punta Gorda, Florida

Hours: 7:30 AM–7 PM

+12154946922

Visit website

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Lutz, Florida

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+18139492428

Visit website

Cafe Barbosso

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30

Sarasota, Florida

Hours: 4–9 PM

+19419227999

Visit website

Green Market Cafe - Wesley Chapel

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Wesley Chapel, Florida

Hours: 10:30 AM–7:30 PM

+18138034590

Visit website

Haraz Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Wesley Chapel, Florida

Hours: 7 am–11 pm

+18139480807

Visit website

Sahara Cafe & Mediterranean Foods

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Sarasota, Florida

Hours: 10 AM–8 PM

+19414878188

Visit website

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Wesley Chapel, Florida

Hours: 7 AM–2:30 PM

+18135288108

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Panama City, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Punta Gorda, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

Lake City, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Hampton Inn Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 3 mi from route ~7 min detour

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour

Bushnell, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Alachua County Rest Area (I-75 northbound)

0 mi from route

10270

0.1 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.1 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.1 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.1 mi from route

Leon County Rest Area Westbound

0.1 mi from route

Leon County Rest Area Eastbound

0.1 mi from route

Jefferson County Rest Area Eastbound

0.1 mi from route

Madison County Rest Area Eastbound

0.1 mi from route

Madison County Rest Area Westbound

0.1 mi from route

Columbia County Rest Area Westbound

0.1 mi from route

Pasco County Rest Area Northbound

0.1 mi from route

Pasco County Rest Area Southbound

0.1 mi from route

Columbia County Rest Area (I-75 southbound)

0.1 mi from route

Alachua County Rest Area (I-75 southbound)

0.1 mi from route

Marion County Rest Area Southbound

0.1 mi from route

Hillsborough County Rest Area Northbound

0.1 mi from route

Charlotte County Truck Stop Northbound

0.1 mi from route

Flying J Travel Center

0.1 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.1 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Petro Stopping Centers

0.2 mi from route

Flying J Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

TA

0.2 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

Columbia County Rest Area (I-75 northbound)

0.2 mi from route

Jefferson County Rest Area Westbound

0.2 mi from route

Sumter County Rest Area Northbound

0.2 mi from route

Columbia County Rest Area (I-75 northbound)

0.2 mi from route

Marion County Rest Area Northbound

0.2 mi from route

Wildwood I-75 Weigh Station Southbound

0.2 mi from route

Hillsborough County Rest Area Southbound

0.2 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.2 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.2 mi from route

Busy Bee Truck Stop

0.2 mi from route

TA

0.2 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.2 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.2 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.2 mi from route

ONE9 Travel Center

0.3 mi from route

Suwannee County Rest Area Eastbound

0.3 mi from route

Wildwood I-75 Weigh Station Northbound

0.3 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.3 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.4 mi from route

Flying J Travel Center

1.5 mi from route

Service Plaza

1.5 mi from route

TA

1.6 mi from route

Tallahassee Automobile Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Tallahassee, Florida

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+18509420137

Visit website

Raining Berries - Lutz / Wesley Chapel

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Lutz, Florida

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+18139498299

Visit website

So SweetVibes Cakes and Desserts

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Tampa, Florida

Hours: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM

+18139194406

Fresh Monkee Wesley Chapel

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Tampa, Florida

Hours: 7 AM–9 PM

+18135758002

Visit website

Destination Panama City

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour

Panama City, Florida

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18502151700

Visit website

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: Closed

+13523724981

Visit website

Scott Springs Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Ocala, Florida

Hours: 9 am–7 pm

+13523685517

Visit website

New Tampa Recreational Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Tampa, Florida

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+18139752794

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 424.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Vincennes Boulevard

Turn right onto Vincennes Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
8
301.7 mi into trip | ~5h 38m in

Take the exit toward I 10: Jacksonville, Tallahassee

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 435 Toward I 10: Jacksonville, Tallahassee
8
301.8 mi into trip | ~5h 38m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 10 West: Tallahassee

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 10 West: Tallahassee
8
424 mi into trip | ~7h 49m in

Take the exit toward FL 12: Gretna, Greensboro

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 174 Toward FL 12: Gretna, Greensboro
6
424.2 mi into trip | ~7h 50m in

Keep slight left at fork toward FL `12 South: Greensboro

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward FL `12 South: Greensboro

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$79.93 one way

$159.85 round trip

$4.08/gal 25.4 MPG avg 174 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.46 $87.19 $174.38
premium $4.78 $93.59 $187.18
diesel $6.28 $122.83 $245.65

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$80

Hotel (1n)

$80–$140

Meals

$50–$100

Total

$210–$320

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 173.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.

Driving Electric?

About $52 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 149.1 1 $52.20 $23.86
Efficient EV 124.3 1 $43.50 $19.88
EV Truck/SUV 198.8 2 $69.59 $31.81

Gas CO2

174 kg

EV CO2

58 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 Oct 19, 2026

Origin

Cape Coral, FL

Morning in Cape Coral on Thursday

Local time

9:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

85°F

Sunny

NE 12 to 17 mph 10% chance Live forecast

Rip Current Statement

Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 7:08AM CDT until October 20 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL

Rip Current Statement

Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

Destination

Cedar Grove, FL

Morning in Cedar Grove on Thursday

Local time

8:58 AM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Sunny

NE 10 to 15 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Rip Current Statement

Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 7:08AM CDT until October 20 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL

Rip Current Statement

Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL

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.

For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.

Time zone

1 hour earlier

The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.

Temperature spread

9 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

9h 30m on the road

This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.

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.

De Soto National Memorial

De Soto National Memorial

National Memorial

In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting...

12 mi from route ~30 min detour Free near mile 85.7
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This trip is mostly highway, with 90% of the route on major roads like I-75 and I-10. You'll experience a significant stretch of 276.8 miles on I-75 before transitioning to I-10. Surface roads will make up the final portion of your drive. Expect a consistent cruising speed for the majority of the trip, with exits becoming more frequent as you approach your destination.

90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 276.8 mi on I 75.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and I 10. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Vincennes Boulevard.

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 15 significant decision points across 497.1 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: near the start (Vincennes Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 301.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 301.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

214 ft 5 ft

Total Climb

295 ft

Total Descent

268 ft

Highest Point

214 ft

~426.1 mi in

Elevation Range

209 ft

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Cape Coral, FL and Cedar Grove, FL, road signs point toward Tallahassee, Greensboro and Fl `12 South: Greensboro.

Tallahassee

301.7 mi in | ~5h 38m

Greensboro

424 mi in | ~7h 49m

Fl `12 South: Greensboro

424.2 mi in | ~7h 50m

About the Cities

Starting 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.

Arriving in Cedar Grove, FL

Full guide →

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 276.8 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 249 miles on day one.

Yes — we found about 50 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.

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 Cedar Grove, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 50 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Vincennes Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 301.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 301.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — De Soto National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 9.5 hours each way, a round trip means 19.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Cedar Grove, FL before the return drive.

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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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