This long-distance drive from Englewood, Colorado, to Kathleen, Florida, covers 1,846.5 miles and is estimated to take about 33 hours and 30 minutes of driving time. Given the distance, this is definitely not a day trip; plan for at least 4 recommended days to complete it comfortably. You'll be primarily on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, I-24, and the Fall Line Freeway, with a significant 56% of the journey on highways. Expect a fuel cost of around $278 for this cross-country adventure that takes you from the Mountain West region to Florida. With 9 planned stops, you'll have opportunities to break up the journey.
Trip Pace
Best split across 4 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
9 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
923.2 miles from Englewood, CO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 16h 25m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
603 mi
10h 29m
I 24
316 mi
5h 48m
Fall Line Freeway
306.7 mi
5h 28m
I 75
175.5 mi
3h 14m
Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
95.9 mi
1h 39m
I 64
74.7 mi
1h 22m
Kansas Turnpike
54.7 mi
56m
U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
54.4 mi
58m
Longest stretch:
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
— 603 mi, about 10h 29m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 265 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~3,553 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,489
Quietest
2 AM
~601 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.9×
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 Englewood, CO and Kathleen, FL.
1
Start on South Broadway
53 ft·7 sec·South Broadway
2
Continue on South Broadway
0.2 mi·48 sec·South Broadway
3
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·20 sec
4
Merge onto US 285
0.6 mi·1 min·East Jefferson Avenue
5
Continue on US 285
0.3 mi·34 sec·East Hampden Bypass
6
Continue on US 285
2.6 mi·4 min·East Hampden Avenue
Use the straight lane.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward I 25 South
8
Merge onto I 25
0.7 mi·49 sec·South Valley Highway
9
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 200Toward I 225 North: Aurora, LimonUse the straight / right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·28 sec
Toward I 225 North: LimonUse the straight / right lanes.
11
Continue on I 225
8.9 mi·10 min·I 225
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·30 sec
Exit 10AToward US 40, US 287Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork
188 ft·4 sec
Toward US 40, US 287: Colfax Avenue
14
Turn slight right onto I 70 Business; US 40; US 287
32 mi·34 min·U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
30
Keep slight left at fork onto I 70
22 mi·24 min·U.S. Submarine Veterans' Memorial Highway
31
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.8 mi·2 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
32
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.6 mi·1 min·Highway Patrol Sgt. Benjamin Booth Memorial Highway
33
Continue on I 70; US 40
1.9 mi·2 min·Sheriff Roger I. Wilson Memorial Highway
34
Continue on I 70; US 40
111 mi·2 hr 13 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Take the exit
0.3 mi·24 sec
Exit 241AToward Bermuda RoadUse the slight right lane.
36
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·12 sec
Toward I 70 East: Saint LouisUse the slight left lane.
37
Merge onto I 70
6.8 mi·9 min·I 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Continue on I 70
1.5 mi·2 min·Andy Gammon Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
39
Keep slight right at fork onto I 70
0.3 mi·39 sec·Andy Gammon Memorial Highway
Toward IllinoisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
40
Continue on I 70
2.5 mi·3 min·Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge
41
Take the exit
0.6 mi·50 sec
Exit 3Toward I 64 East: LouisvilleUse the slight right lane.
42
Merge onto I 64; IL 3
75 mi·1 hr 22 min·I 64; IL 3
Use the straight / right lanes.
43
Keep slight right at fork onto I 57
47 mi·50 min·Ken Gray Expressway
44
Take the exit
1.4 mi·1 min
Toward I 24 East: Nashville
45
Continue on I 24
175 mi·3 hr 8 min·I 24
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
46
Keep slight right at fork onto I 24
2.3 mi·3 min·I 24
Exit 44AToward I 24 East, I 65 South: NashvilleUse the straight / slight left lanes.
47
Continue on I 24
2.8 mi·3 min·I 24
Exit 86Toward I 24 East: Chattanooga, KnoxvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
48
Keep slight left at fork onto I 24
2.1 mi·2 min·I 24
Exit 50AToward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, ChattanoogaUse the slight left lane.
49
Take the exit onto I 24
134 mi·2 hr 30 min·I 24
Exit 213AToward I 24 East: ChattanoogaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
50
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·49 sec
Exit 185 AToward I 75 South: AtlantaUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
51
Merge onto I 75
111 mi·2 hr 2 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
52
Continue on I 75; I 85
2.3 mi·3 min·James Wendell George Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
53
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
65 mi·1 hr 11 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
54
Keep slight right at fork onto I 475
16 mi·17 min·Larry Justice Highway
Exit 177Toward I 475 South: ValdostaUse the slight right lane.
55
Merge onto I 75; GA 540
307 mi·5 hr 28 min·Fall Line Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
56
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Exit 321Toward FL 470: Sumterville, Lake PanasoffkeeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
57
Turn sharp left onto CR 470
2.6 mi·4 min·CR 470
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
58
At end of road, turn left onto US 301; CR 470
0.3 mi·27 sec·US 301; CR 470
59
Turn right onto FL 471
35 mi·46 min·FL 471
60
Turn left onto US 98
5.1 mi·6 min·US Highway 98 North
61
Turn right onto Rockridge Road
1.4 mi·3 min·Rockridge Road
62
Continue on Old Dade City Road
0.8 mi·1 min·Old Dade City Road
63
At end of road, turn right onto CR 35A
0.5 mi·52 sec·Socrum Loop Road West
64
Continue on CR 35A
3.4 mi·5 min·Kathleen Road
65
Continue on CR 35A
0.1 mi·20 sec·Kathleen Road
66
Arrive at destination
CR 35A
Trip Plan
To best tackle this 1,846.5-mile journey, consider splitting the drive over the recommended 4 days to avoid excessive fatigue. Aim to start your days early to maximize daylight driving and take advantage of the 9 stops to rest and refuel. The longest stretch is 603 miles on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, so be sure to plan your fuel stops strategically before hitting that segment. With an estimated fuel cost of $278, budgeting is straightforward, but always carry a bit extra for unexpected needs.
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 4-day trip.
Plan roughly 9 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 923.2 miles from Englewood, CO, or about 16h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 603 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 220 miles or 3h 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 923.2 miles or 16h 25m 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 461.6 miles or 7h 51m
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 32h 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kathleen, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Englewood, CO 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 4-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Englewood, CO
Aim for roughly 462 miles and 8.4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Keep the middle miles efficient
Aim for roughly 462 miles and 8.4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 3
Keep the middle miles efficient
Aim for roughly 462 miles and 8.4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 4
Finish the approach into Kathleen, FL
Aim for roughly 462 miles and 8.4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 220 miles from Englewood, CO.
This route usually feels better as a 4-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 9 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway for about 603 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 39
5 decision points cluster between mile 4.9 and 1160 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
4.9 mi into trip|~9m in
Take the exit toward I 225 North: Aurora, Limon
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 200
Toward I 225 North: Aurora, Limon
8
14.9 mi into trip|~21m in
Take the exit toward US 40, US 287
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 10A
Toward US 40, US 287
9
602.7 mi into trip|~10h 16m in|I 670; I 70 Alt / Jay B. Dillingham Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 670; I 70 Alt / Jay B. Dillingham Freeway toward I 670 East, I 70 Alternate
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 421B
Toward I 670 East, I 70 Alternate
9
1154.9 mi into trip|~20h 34m in|I 24
Keep slight right at fork onto I 24 toward I 24 East, I 65 South: Nashville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 44A
Toward I 24 East, I 65 South: Nashville
9
1160 mi into trip|~20h 41m in|I 24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 24 toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 50A
Toward I 40 East, I 24 East: Knoxville, Chattan...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$316.23 one way
$632.46 round trip
$4.35/gal25.4 MPG avg646 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.59
$333.68
$667.36
premium
$4.93
$358.47
$716.94
diesel
$5.35
$388.93
$777.86
Estimated Tolls: $2.74
Kansas Turnpike
(54.7 mi)$2.74
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
$316
Tolls
$3
Hotel (3n)
$240–$420
Meals
$100–$200
Total
$659–$939
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 646.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $194 in charging
· 6 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
554
6
$193.88
$88.63
Efficient EV
461.6
5
$161.57
$73.86
EV Truck/SUV
738.6
9
$258.51
$118.18
Gas CO2
646 kg
EV CO2
216 kg (67% less)
This is a long EV road trip requiring 6 charging stops. Plan your route around charger locations and allow extra time for charging.
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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Englewood, CO
Afternoon
in Englewood on Wednesday
Local time
1:10 PM
MDT
Current temp
55°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
WSW 3 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Kathleen, FL
Afternoon
in Kathleen on Wednesday
Local time
3:10 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Cloudy
WSW 5 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued May 31 at 11:16AM EDT until June 2 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.
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
2 hours later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
20 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
33h 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused, long-distance drive, with 56% of the miles covered on interstates. You'll experience the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 603 miles, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of your trip. While largely an interstate experience, the transition to I-24 and then the Fall Line Freeway will offer some variation in the highway character. It's a route designed for covering ground efficiently, allowing you to make steady progress across the country.
56% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
66 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 603 mi on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
At 33h 30m, this is a long-haul route where pacing matters more than any single turn. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.9 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 39 significant decision points across 1846.5 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 4.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 602.7 miles (I 670; I 70 Alt / Jay B. Dillingham Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
High-altitude sections with notable climbs
5,371 ft68 ft
Total Climb
586 ft
Total Descent
5,812 ft
Highest Point
5,371 ft
Elevation Range
5,303 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Englewood, CO and Kathleen, FL, road signs point toward Kansas City, Illinois, Knoxville and Chattanooga.
Englewood is a city of 35,000 people (2019) in the Denver Area of Colorado. Englewood is a full-service city with its own, independent park, library, and public works systems, but little to draw visitors.
Top landmarks
•Hopkins Farm — historic district in Englewood, United States of America
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.
The longest stretch is about 603 miles on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 4-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 462 miles on day one.
Expect about $2.74 in tolls one way, starting with Kansas Turnpike. 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 229 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 Kathleen, 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 9 meaningful breaks. There are 229 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 4.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 602.7 miles (I 670; I 70 Alt / Jay B. Dillingham Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 33.5 hours each way, a round trip means 67.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Kathleen, FL before the return drive.
