Coral Gables to Tampa is 280.4 miles and takes about 5h 9m via I 75 and Express Lanes, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Florida, making it a straightforward trip between two major South Florida and Central Florida hubs. With 93% of the drive on highways, expect a predominantly high-speed transit experience. This is a solid option if you're looking for an efficient way to get from South Florida up the peninsula, with most of your time spent on the interstate.
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
140.2 miles from Coral Gables, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 36m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
251.3 mi
4h 30m
Express Lanes
10.9 mi
12m
Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
7.8 mi
9m
Palmetto Expressway
2.9 mi
3m
Southwest 40th Street
2.7 mi
5m
University Drive
0.8 mi
2m
East Kennedy Boulevard
0.4 mi
1m
Granada Boulevard
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 251.3 mi, about 4h 30m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 142 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,881 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,531
Quietest
2 AM
~247 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Coral Gables, FL and Tampa, 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 NorthUse 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 DriveUse 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
238 mi·4 hr 15 min·I 75
Toward Alligator Alley, NaplesUse the slight left / straight lanes.
12
Take the exit
2.4 mi·2 min
Exit 256Toward FL 618 Toll West, Selmon Expressway West: Tampa, Port of TampaUse the slight right lane.
13
Continue on FL 618 Toll
7.8 mi·9 min·Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 8Toward FL 60: Kennedy Boulevard, Downtown - EastUse the slight right lane.
15
Turn straight onto US 41 Business; FL 60
0.4 mi·1 min·East Kennedy Boulevard
16
Arrive at destination
FL 60
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour drive, consider leaving Coral Gables early in the morning to avoid the heaviest traffic, especially if you're traveling on a weekday. Since the majority of the route is on I 75, you can cover a lot of ground quickly. Plan for one stop to break up the 251.3-mile stretch on I 75, perhaps around the Fort Myers area, where you'll find ample services. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $44 estimated cost suggests a full tank will be necessary for the 280.4-mile 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 140.2 miles from Coral Gables, FL, or about 2h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 251.3 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 62 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 140.2 miles or 2h 36m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 13m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tampa, 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 280.4 miles and 5h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 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 I 75 for about 251.3 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 12
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 279.8 — 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
269.6 mi into trip|~4h 56m in
Take the exit toward FL 618 Toll West, Selmon Expressway West: Tampa, Port of Tampa
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 256
Toward FL 618 Toll West, Selmon Expressway West...
8
279.8 mi into trip|~5h 8m in
Take the exit toward FL 60: Kennedy Boulevard, Downtown - East
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 8
Toward FL 60: Kennedy Boulevard, Downtown - Eas...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.45 one way
$84.89 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg98 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$46.58
$93.15
premium
$4.55
$50.23
$100.46
diesel
$4.80
$52.94
$105.89
Estimated Tolls: $0.78
Selmon Expressway
(7.8 mi)$0.78
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
$42
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 98.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
84.1
1
$29.44
$13.46
Efficient EV
70.1
0
$24.54
$11.22
EV Truck/SUV
112.2
1
$39.26
$17.95
Gas CO2
98 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (66% 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Coral Gables, FL
Late night
in Coral Gables on Monday
Local time
3:19 AM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Partly Cloudy
S 3 to 7 mph10% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 9:53PM EDT until July 17 at 11:15PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 3:45AM EDT until July 18 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Tampa, FL
Late night
in Tampa on Monday
Local time
3:19 AM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms
ESE 3 mph13% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 9:53PM EDT until July 17 at 11:15PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 3:45AM EDT until July 18 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee 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.
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
3 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
5h 9m 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.
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...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 241.7
Within sight of Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Evidence of 10,000 years of human history is here to...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is heavily highway-focused, with 93% of the 280.4 miles spent on major roads like I 75 and the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway. You'll experience a long stretch of 251.3 miles on I 75, meaning extended periods of consistent speed. Surface roads will likely be encountered primarily at the beginning and end of your trip, particularly around the urban areas of Coral Gables and Tampa. Expect significant merging and lane changes as you navigate the express lanes and interstate interchanges.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 251.3 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Express Lanes. 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 Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 280.4 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 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
52 ft-2 ft
Total Climb
96 ft
Total Descent
89 ft
Highest Point
52 ft
~220.3 mi in
Elevation Range
54 ft
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 Tampa, FL, road signs point toward Alligator Alley and Naples.
Coral Gables is a city in Greater Miami, in Florida.
Just south of downtown Miami is beautiful Coral Gables, or simply "The Gables" as it is known to natives. The city is perhaps best known as the home of the University of Miami, one of the nation's leading private universities.
Top landmarks
•Biltmore Hotel — luxury hotel and historic place in Coral Gables near Miami, Florida, USA
•Venetian Pool — historic swimming pool in Coral Gables, Florida, U.S.A.
•Coral Gables Congregational Church — church building in Coral Gables, Florida
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 9m. Total distance: 280.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 251.3 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.78 in tolls one way, starting with Selmon Expressway. 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.
Yes — we found about 15 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 Tampa, 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. There are 15 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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.
Yes — De Soto National Memorial and Biscayne National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Tampa, FL before the return drive.
