Crawfordville to Cape Coral is 372.3 miles and takes about 7h 36m via I 75, Byron Butler Parkway, and US 19, with a fuel budget near $57 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, taking you from the panhandle region down to the southwestern coast. The majority of the drive is on highways, making it a straightforward option for a single-day excursion. You'll want to be prepared for a solid day of driving to cover the distance efficiently.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
186.2 miles from Crawfordville, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 58m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
117.5 mi
2h 5m
Byron Butler Parkway
58.3 mi
1h 14m
US 19
55.2 mi
1h 10m
Suncoast Parkway
48.5 mi
52m
Coastal Highway
42.9 mi
55m
Tamiami Trail
10.4 mi
12m
State Road 54
9.5 mi
13m
Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Road
8 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 117.5 mi, about 2h 5m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 86 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~4,457 veh/hr typical
· worst 5,152
Quietest
2 AM
~396 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
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 Crawfordville, FL and Cape Coral, FL.
1
Start on US 319
79 ft·5 sec·Crawfordville Highway
2
Turn right onto Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Road
8.0 mi·11 min·Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Road
3
At end of road, turn left onto US 98
43 mi·55 min·Coastal Highway
4
Turn right onto US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate; US 221 Truck
58 mi·1 hr 14 min·Byron Butler Parkway
5
Keep slight right at fork onto US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate
55 mi·1 hr 10 min·US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate
Use the left lane.
6
Turn left onto FL 44
0.9 mi·1 min·Northeast 5th Street
Use the left lane.
7
Continue on FL 44
4.7 mi·7 min·Gulf to Lake Highway
8
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·50 sec
Toward FL 589 Toll: Suncoast Parkway
9
Merge onto FL 589 Toll
49 mi·52 min·Suncoast Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 19Toward FL 54: New Port Richey, ZephyrhillsUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Turn straight onto FL 54
9.5 mi·13 min·State Road 54
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on FL 56
0.4 mi·38 sec·State Road 56
Use the left / straight lanes.
13
Continue on FL 56
0.1 mi·8 sec·FL 56
Use the straight lane.
14
Turn slight right
0.2 mi·13 sec
Toward I 75 South: Tampa, Saint Petersburg
15
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward I 75 South: Tampa, Saint Petersburg
16
Merge onto I 75
1.0 mi·1 min·I 75
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
74 mi·1 hr 19 min·I 75
Toward South I 75: NaplesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
42 mi·45 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Exit 158Toward CR 762: North Fort Myers, Cape Coral
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward CR 762 West, to US 41
21
Turn straight onto CR 762
0.9 mi·1 min·Tuckers Grade
22
Turn left onto US 41
10 mi·12 min·Tamiami Trail
Use the right lane.
23
Turn right onto CR 867A
6.5 mi·10 min·Del Prado Boulevard North
Use the left lane.
24
Continue on CR 867A
6.2 mi·12 min·Del Prado Boulevard South
25
Turn right onto Cape Coral Parkway East
0.3 mi·41 sec·Cape Coral Parkway East
Use the right lane.
26
Turn right
200 ft·14 sec
27
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7.5-hour drive, aim for an early morning departure from Crawfordville to avoid afternoon traffic. With only two recommended stops, you can plan them strategically, perhaps one around the halfway point. The longest stretch without an exit is over 100 miles on I 75, so ensure you have sufficient fuel before entering that segment. Considering the $57 fuel cost, it's wise to factor that into your budget. This trip is easily manageable in one day, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider an overnight stop around the central Florida area.
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.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 186.2 miles from Crawfordville, FL, or about 3h 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 117.5 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 82 miles or 1h 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 186.2 miles or 3h 58m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 18m
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 Crawfordville, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Crawfordville, FL
This is one driving day of about 372.3 miles and 7h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 82 miles from Crawfordville, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 75 for about 117.5 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 109.3 and 347.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
109.3 mi into trip|~2h 21m in|US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate
Keep slight right at fork onto US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
219 mi into trip|~4h 33m in
Take the exit toward FL 54: New Port Richey, Zephyrhills
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 19
Toward FL 54: New Port Richey, Zephyrhills
7
231 mi into trip|~4h 51m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward South I 75: Naples
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward South I 75: Naples
6
305.4 mi into trip|~6h 11m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
347.8 mi into trip|~6h 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
$59.86 one way
$119.72 round trip
$4.08/gal25.4 MPG avg130 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.44
$65.11
$130.22
premium
$4.78
$70.03
$140.07
diesel
$6.18
$90.57
$181.14
Estimated Tolls: $2.91
Suncoast Parkway
(48.5 mi)$2.91
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
$60
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$88–$113
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 130.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
111.7
1
$39.09
$17.87
Efficient EV
93.1
1
$32.58
$14.89
EV Truck/SUV
148.9
1
$52.12
$23.83
Gas CO2
130 kg
EV CO2
44 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 Oct 17, 2026
Origin
Crawfordville, FL
Afternoon
in Crawfordville on Saturday
Local time
2:26 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Mostly Cloudy
N 15 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 17 at 3:40AM EDT until October 20 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 17 at 3:10AM EDT until October 18 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Cape Coral, FL
Afternoon
in Cape Coral on Saturday
Local time
2:26 PM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms
SSE 1 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 17 at 3:40AM EDT until October 20 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 17 at 3:10AM EDT until October 18 at 2:00AM 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
15 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
7h 36m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 282.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is mostly highway, with 75% of the driving on faster roads like I 75. You'll experience a stretch of 117.5 miles on I 75 without needing to exit, offering a chance for consistent cruising. The transition to Byron Butler Parkway and US 19 will bring more local traffic and potentially more frequent exits as you approach your destination.
75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 117.5 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Byron Butler Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 109.3 miles in near US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate.
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 20 significant decision points across 372.3 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 109.3 miles (US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 219 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 231 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
105 ft5 ft
Total Climb
143 ft
Total Descent
168 ft
Highest Point
105 ft
~190.7 mi in
Elevation Range
100 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Crawfordville, FL and Cape Coral, FL, road signs point toward Zephyrhills, Saint Petersburg, Cr 762: North Fort Myers, Cr 762 West and To Us 41.
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 7h 36m. Total distance: 372.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 36m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 117.5 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.91 in tolls one way, starting with Suncoast Parkway. 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 11 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 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 11 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 109.3 miles (US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 219 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 231 miles (I 75): 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 7.6 hours each way, a round trip means 15.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Cape Coral, FL before the return drive.
