Fanning Springs to Cape Coral is 263 miles and takes about 5 hours 15 minutes via US 19 and I-75, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Florida, taking you from the northern part of the state down towards the Gulf Coast. With 84% of the drive on highways, you'll experience a mostly straightforward trip. It's a feasible one-day drive, so you can depart at your leisure and arrive in the evening.
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
131.6 miles from Fanning Springs, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 40m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
117.5 mi
2h 5m
US 19
55.3 mi
1h 10m
Suncoast Parkway
48.5 mi
52m
Tamiami Trail
10.4 mi
12m
State Road 54
9.5 mi
13m
Del Prado Boulevard North
6.5 mi
10m
Del Prado Boulevard South
6.2 mi
12m
Gulf to Lake Highway
4.7 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 117.5 mi, about 2h 5m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 43 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~4,468 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~393 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.4×
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 Fanning Springs, FL and Cape Coral, FL.
1
Start on US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate
0.2 mi·21 sec·US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate
2
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.
3
Turn left onto FL 44
0.9 mi·1 min·Northeast 5th Street
Use the left lane.
4
Continue on FL 44
4.7 mi·7 min·Gulf to Lake Highway
5
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·50 sec
Toward FL 589 Toll: Suncoast Parkway
6
Merge onto FL 589 Toll
49 mi·52 min·Suncoast Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 19Toward FL 54: New Port Richey, ZephyrhillsUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Turn straight onto FL 54
9.5 mi·13 min·State Road 54
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on FL 56
0.4 mi·38 sec·State Road 56
Use the left / straight lanes.
10
Continue on FL 56
0.1 mi·8 sec·FL 56
Use the straight lane.
11
Turn slight right
0.2 mi·13 sec
Toward I 75 South: Tampa, Saint Petersburg
12
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward I 75 South: Tampa, Saint Petersburg
13
Merge onto I 75
1.0 mi·1 min·I 75
14
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.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
42 mi·45 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Exit 158Toward CR 762: North Fort Myers, Cape Coral
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward CR 762 West, to US 41
18
Turn straight onto CR 762
0.9 mi·1 min·Tuckers Grade
19
Turn left onto US 41
10 mi·12 min·Tamiami Trail
Use the right lane.
20
Turn right onto CR 867A
6.5 mi·10 min·Del Prado Boulevard North
Use the left lane.
21
Continue on CR 867A
6.2 mi·12 min·Del Prado Boulevard South
22
Turn right onto Cape Coral Parkway East
0.3 mi·41 sec·Cape Coral Parkway East
Use the right lane.
23
Turn right
200 ft·14 sec
24
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 5 hour 15 minute estimated drive time, leaving in the morning is recommended to allow for flexibility and potential stops. With only one recommended stop, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 117.5-mile stretch on I-75 where services might be less frequent. The $41 fuel estimate is a good starting point for budgeting. As this is a relatively short, same-day drive, you have the advantage of not needing to rush.
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 131.6 miles from Fanning Springs, FL, or about 2h 40m 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 58 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 131.6 miles or 2h 40m 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 11m
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 Fanning Springs, 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 Fanning Springs, FL
This is one driving day of about 263.2 miles and 5h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Fanning Springs, 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 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 238.8 — 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|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
109.9 mi into trip|~2h 12m 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
122 mi into trip|~2h 30m 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
196.3 mi into trip|~3h 50m 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
238.8 mi into trip|~4h 35m 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
$39.84 one way
$79.69 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg92 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$43.72
$87.44
premium
$4.55
$47.15
$94.30
diesel
$4.80
$49.70
$99.39
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
$40
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 92.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
79
0
$27.64
$12.63
Efficient EV
65.8
0
$23.03
$10.53
EV Truck/SUV
105.3
1
$36.85
$16.84
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Fanning Springs, FL
Morning
in Fanning Springs on Sunday
Local time
6:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Patchy Fog
SE 1 mph7% chanceLive forecast
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
Cape Coral, FL
Morning
in Cape Coral on Sunday
Local time
6:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
78°F
Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms
SE 5 mph18% chanceLive forecast
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
5 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
5h 15m 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...
9 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 172.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is heavily highway-based, with 84% of the 263 miles on major roads like I-75 and US 19. You'll encounter a significant 117.5-mile stretch on I-75 without needing to exit. The transition to surface roads will likely occur as you approach your destination in Cape Coral. Expect a steady cruising pace for most of your drive, with frequent exits on the interstate.
84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 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 US 19. 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 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 17 significant decision points across 263.2 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 (US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 109.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 122 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
110 ft5 ft
Total Climb
127 ft
Total Descent
153 ft
Highest Point
110 ft
~75.2 mi in
Elevation Range
105 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Fanning Springs, FL and Cape Coral, FL, road signs point toward Zephyrhills, Saint Petersburg, Cr 762: North Fort Myers, Cr 762 West and To Us 41.
Fanning Springs is on the Big Bend Coast of Florida. It's in two counties, Gilchrist and Levy, and is home to a population of approximately 1,000 in 2019. Attractions include the Nature Coast State Trail, Fanning Springs State Park, and Fort Fanning State Park.
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 5h 15m. Total distance: 263.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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.
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 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 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 (US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 109.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 122 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 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.5 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.
