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Trip from Coral Gables, FL to Lakeland, FL

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

Drive Time

4h 50m

Distance

227.7 mi

366 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

Good

5 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 37m ★
6 AM
4h 50m
8 AM
5h 17m
10 AM
5h 0m
12 PM
4h 57m
3 PM
5h 1m
5 PM
5h 16m
8 PM
4h 42m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States

Coral Gables, FL

Wikimedia Commons

city in Polk County, Florida, United States

Lakeland, FL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 227.7-mile journey from Coral Gables, FL to Lakeland, FL is best tackled as a single-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes to complete. With a fuel cost estimated at $38, it's an economical option for exploring Florida. The route primarily utilizes local roads, indicated by its high 'turn-heavy' profile and zero highway share, suggesting a more engaging driving experience than a typical interstate cruise. You'll navigate through Granada Boulevard, Pisano Avenue, and University Drive, offering a more intimate feel for the communities you pass through. This drive is ideal for those who prefer a hands-on approach to their road trips, allowing for flexibility and a closer look at the Florida landscape.

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

113.8 miles from Coral Gables, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 21m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 27 161.3 mi 3h 22m
I 75 20 mi 21m
FL 60 14.7 mi 18m
Express Lanes 10.9 mi 12m
Bartow Road 10.7 mi 16m
Palmetto Expressway 2.9 mi 3m
Southwest 40th Street 2.7 mi 5m
University Drive 0.8 mi 2m
Longest stretch: US 27 — 161.3 mi, about 3h 22m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Coral Gables, FL and Lakeland, FL.

1

Start on US 1

0.2 mi · 25 sec · South Dixie Highway
2

Turn right onto Granada Boulevard

0.2 mi · 37 sec · Granada Boulevard
Use the right lane.
3

Turn left onto Pisano Avenue

0.1 mi · 18 sec · Pisano Avenue
4

Turn right onto University Drive

0.8 mi · 2 min · University Drive
5

At end of road, turn left onto SR 976

2.7 mi · 5 min · Southwest 40th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
6

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Toward SR 826 North Use the straight / right lanes.
7

Merge onto SR 826

2.9 mi · 3 min · Palmetto Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight left at fork onto Express Lanes

11 mi · 12 min · Express Lanes
Use the slight left lane.
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 13 sec
Toward SR 860: Northwest 186th Street, Miami Gardens Drive Use the slight right lane.
10

Merge onto I 75

14 mi · 14 min · I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75

6.4 mi · 6 min · I 75
Toward Alligator Alley, Naples Use the slight left / straight lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 28 sec
Exit 23 Toward US 27: Hialeah, South Bay Use the slight right lane.
13

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 51 sec
Toward US 27 North: South Bay Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
14

Merge onto US 27

0.9 mi · 59 sec · US 27
15

Continue on US 27

62 mi · 1 hr 17 min · US 27
Use the left lane.
16

Continue on US 27; FL 80

51 mi · 1 hr 2 min · US 27; FL 80
Use the left lane.
17

Continue on US 27

0.2 mi · 19 sec · US 27
Use the left lane.
18

Continue on US 27

10 mi · 12 min · US 27
Use the left lane.
19

Continue on US 27

37 mi · 49 min · US 27
Use the left / straight lanes.
20

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Use the left lane.
21

Merge onto FL 60

15 mi · 18 min · FL 60
Use the straight lane.
22

Turn left onto US 98; FL 60

0.6 mi · 1 min · Van Fleet Drive
Use the left lane.
23

Turn right onto US 98

0.6 mi · 1 min · Broadway Avenue
Use the right lane.
24

Continue on US 98

11 mi · 16 min · Bartow Road
Use the left lane.
25

Turn left onto East Lime Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · East Lime Street
Use the left lane.
26

Turn left onto South Lake Avenue

269 ft · 13 sec · South Lake Avenue
27

Turn right onto East Walnut Street

279 ft · 12 sec · East Walnut Street
28

Arrive at destination

East Walnut Street

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour and 50-minute estimated duration and the highly local nature of this 227.7-mile drive, starting your journey in the morning will allow ample time for any spontaneous stops or to simply enjoy the varied scenery without feeling rushed. The estimated fuel cost of $38 is quite reasonable, so you won't need to budget heavily for gas. Pay close attention to your navigation, as the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile means you'll be making frequent turns, particularly on roads like Granada Boulevard and University Drive. Since this is a single-day trip with no extensive highway stretches, you have the flexibility to set your own pace and make the most of the 1 stop suggested along the way.

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 113.8 miles from Coral Gables, FL, or about 2h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 161.3 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 50 miles or 1h 2m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 113.8 miles or 2h 21m 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 52m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Coral Gables, 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 Coral Gables, FL

This is one driving day of about 227.7 miles and 4h 50m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Coral Gables, 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 27 for about 161.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Punta Gorda, FL, FL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Punta Gorda, FL

114 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

Coral Springs, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 50 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lehigh Acres, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 113.8 miles from Coral Gables, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 27 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 161.3 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Coffee Stop

Black & Brew

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lakeland, Florida

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 227.7

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+18635009500

Visit website

Concord Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lakeland, Florida

0.8 mi

Pressed Books & Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lakeland, Florida

0.6 mi

Black & Brew

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 227.7

Lakeland, Florida

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+18635009500

Visit website

Concord Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 227.7

Lakeland, Florida

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Pressed Books & Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 227.7

Lakeland, Florida

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+18636033166

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 178.9

Avon Park, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Tesla Destination Charger

2.6 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 162.6

Sebring, Florida

+18633861000

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 211.4

Bartow, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 162.6

Sebring, Florida

+18636557200

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 211.4

Bartow, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

Bonnet Springs Park

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 227.7

Lakeland, Florida

Hours: 6 am–7:30 pm

+18637327000

Visit website

iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Fort Lauderdale

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 32.5

Davie, Florida

Hours: 10 am–5:30 pm

+19542804359

Visit website

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Coral Gables, Florida

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13056671651

Visit website

Volunteer Park Community Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 32.5

Plantation, Florida

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+19544522558

Visit website

Amelia Earhart Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 16.3

Hialeah, Florida

+13056858389

Visit website

Little Havana Tours

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour

Miami, Florida

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

Visit website

Sebring International Raceway

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 162.6

Sebring, Florida

+18636551442

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 20

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 38.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | Granada Boulevard

Turn right onto Granada Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
7
18.1 mi into trip | ~25m in

Take the exit toward SR 860: Northwest 186th Street, Miami Gardens Drive

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward SR 860: Northwest 186th Street, Miami Ga...
8
31.9 mi into trip | ~40m in | I 75

Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward Alligator Alley, Naples

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Toward Alligator Alley, Naples
8
38.3 mi into trip | ~47m in

Take the exit toward US 27: Hialeah, South Bay

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 23 Toward US 27: Hialeah, South Bay
7
38.6 mi into trip | ~47m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 27 North: South Bay

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward US 27 North: South Bay

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$36.24 one way

$72.49 round trip

$4.04/gal 25.4 MPG avg 80 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.40 $39.43 $78.85
premium $4.72 $42.34 $84.68
diesel $5.61 $50.27 $100.55

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$36

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$61–$86

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 79.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 68.3 0 $23.91 $10.93
Efficient EV 56.9 0 $19.92 $9.11
EV Truck/SUV 91.1 1 $31.88 $14.57

Gas CO2

80 kg

EV CO2

27 kg (66% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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

Coral Gables, FL

Morning in Coral Gables on Sunday

Local time

10:24 AM

EDT

Current temp

69°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lakeland, FL

Morning in Lakeland on Sunday

Local time

10:24 AM

EDT

Current temp

62°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

7 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 50m 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 dynamic driving experience on this route, characterized by frequent turns and a complete absence of highway travel. The 'turn-heavy local drive' profile means you'll be actively engaged with the road, navigating through a series of local streets and boulevards like Granada Boulevard, Pisano Avenue, and University Drive. With a 0% highway share, this isn't a trip for cruising at high speeds. Instead, prepare for a more deliberate pace as you traverse the 227.7 miles, with no single 'longest stretch' indicated, implying a continuous series of turns and intersections. This road's personality is one of constant redirection, offering a unique perspective on the local environment.

87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 161.3 mi on US 27.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 27 and I 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near Granada Boulevard.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 20 significant decision points across 227.7 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 0.2 miles (Granada Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 18.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.9 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

Between Coral Gables, FL and Lakeland, FL, road signs point toward Alligator Alley, Naples and Bay.

Alligator Alley

31.9 mi in | ~40m | via I 75

Naples

31.9 mi in | ~40m | via I 75

Bay

38.3 mi in | ~47m

About the Cities

Arriving in Lakeland, FL

Full guide →

Lakeland is the largest city in Polk County, Florida. It is home to Florida Southern College, which has the largest collection of buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright at a single site in the world.

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 50m. Total distance: 227.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 161.3 miles on US 27. 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 Lakeland, 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 0.2 miles (Granada Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 18.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.9 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Lakeland, 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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