Fruit Cove to Cape Coral is 289.2 miles and takes about 6h 19m via US 17 and I-4, with a fuel budget near $46 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route takes you across Florida, from the northeast region to the southwest. It's a straightforward, highway-focused drive that's well-suited for a single day trip. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates, making it a practical option for reaching your destination efficiently. Plan for a bit over six hours of driving time, not including any stops you might make along the way.
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
144.6 miles from Fruit Cove, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 53m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 17
84.7 mi
1h 59m
I 4
82 mi
1h 35m
I 95
66.4 mi
1h 11m
Tamiami Trail
10.4 mi
12m
Del Prado Boulevard North
6.5 mi
10m
CR 557
6.4 mi
9m
Del Prado Boulevard South
6.2 mi
12m
I 75
5.8 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
US 17
— 84.7 mi, about 1h 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fruit Cove, FL and Cape Coral, FL.
1
Start on Oakvale Road
0.3 mi·1 min·Oakvale Road
2
Turn left onto Fruit Cove Road
1.3 mi·3 min·Fruit Cove Road
3
Continue on Race Track Road
5.3 mi·9 min·Race Track Road
4
Turn right onto CR 2209
1.4 mi·2 min·Saint Johns Parkway
5
Turn left onto Russell Sampson Road
2.0 mi·4 min·Russell Sampson Road
6
Enter roundabout onto Russell Sampson Road
24 ft·0 sec·Russell Sampson Road
7
Continue on Russell Sampson Road
0.4 mi·41 sec·Russell Sampson Road
8
Turn left onto CR 210
0.4 mi·45 sec·County Road 210 West
9
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 95 South: Daytona Beach
10
Merge onto I 95
66 mi·1 hr 11 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Exit 260C-B-A Toward I 4, US 92, FL 400: Daytona Beach, Orlando, International Airport, International SpeedwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on this road
513 ft·12 sec·this road
Exit 260 C B AToward I 4, US 92, FL 400: Daytona Beach, Orlando
13
Keep slight left at fork
1.3 mi·1 min
Toward I 4, FL 400: Orlando, South Daytona
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 260BToward I 4 West: OrlandoUse the slight right lane.
15
Continue on I 4
37 mi·40 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 4
10 mi·13 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 84BToward Ivanhoe BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
18
Continue on this road
0.5 mi·1 min·this road
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
19
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·34 sec·this road
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
20
Merge onto I 4
35 mi·41 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 48Toward CR 557: Lake Alfred, Winter HavenUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Turn slight left onto CR 557
6.4 mi·9 min·CR 557
23
Turn right onto US 17; US 92
0.6 mi·1 min·Shinn Boulevard
24
Continue on US 17; US 92
0.6 mi·1 min·Lake Shore Way
25
Turn straight onto US 17
3.7 mi·6 min·US 17
Use the left / straight lanes.
26
Continue on US 17
2.2 mi·4 min·6th Street Southwest
27
Continue on US 17
39 mi·55 min·US 17
Use the left lane.
28
Continue on US 17
1.1 mi·1 min·US 17
29
Continue on US 17
2.5 mi·2 min·US 17
30
Continue on US 17
39 mi·52 min·US 17
Use the right lane.
31
Turn left
0.4 mi·58 sec
Toward I 75 South: Naples
32
Merge onto I 75
5.8 mi·6 min·I 75
33
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Exit 158Toward CR 762: North Fort Myers, Cape Coral
34
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward CR 762 West, to US 41
35
Turn straight onto CR 762
0.9 mi·1 min·Tuckers Grade
36
Turn left onto US 41
10 mi·12 min·Tamiami Trail
Use the right lane.
37
Turn right onto CR 867A
6.5 mi·10 min·Del Prado Boulevard North
Use the left lane.
38
Continue on CR 867A
6.2 mi·12 min·Del Prado Boulevard South
39
Turn right onto Cape Coral Parkway East
0.3 mi·41 sec·Cape Coral Parkway East
Use the right lane.
40
Turn right
200 ft·14 sec
41
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Starting early from Fruit Cove is a good idea to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic, especially as you approach the Tampa Bay area on I-4. With a duration of just over six hours, this trip is comfortably manageable in one day, so you have flexibility in your departure time. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without significant exits on US 17 is nearly 85 miles. While the $46 fuel cost is an estimate, it’s wise to fuel up before hitting longer highway segments to ensure you have plenty of range.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 144.6 miles from Fruit Cove, FL, or about 2h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 84.7 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 64 miles or 1h 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 144.6 miles or 2h 53m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 3m
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 Fruit Cove, 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 Fruit Cove, FL
This is one driving day of about 289.2 miles and 6h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Fruit Cove, 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 17 for about 84.7 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 77.8 and 264.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
77.8 mi into trip|~1h 33m in
Take the exit toward I 4, US 92, FL 400: Daytona Beach, Orlando, International Airport, International Speedway
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 260C-B-A
Toward I 4, US 92, FL 400: Daytona Beach, Orlan...
8
79.4 mi into trip|~1h 36m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 4 West: Orlando
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 260B
Toward I 4 West: Orlando
7
127 mi into trip|~2h 31m in
Take the exit toward Ivanhoe Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 84B
Toward Ivanhoe Boulevard
8
163.1 mi into trip|~3h 15m in
Take the exit toward CR 557: Lake Alfred, Winter Haven
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 48
Toward CR 557: Lake Alfred, Winter Haven
7
264.7 mi into trip|~5h 39m 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
$46.03 one way
$92.07 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg101 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$50.07
$100.15
premium
$4.72
$53.78
$107.55
diesel
$5.61
$63.85
$127.70
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$46
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 101.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
86.8
1
$30.37
$13.88
Efficient EV
72.3
0
$25.30
$11.57
EV Truck/SUV
115.7
1
$40.49
$18.51
Gas CO2
101 kg
EV CO2
34 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 Apr 19, 2026
Origin
Fruit Cove, FL
Late night
in Fruit Cove on Tuesday
Local time
4:11 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Cape Coral, FL
Late night
in Cape Coral on Tuesday
Local time
4:11 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Mostly Sunny
WNW 2 to 12 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Fire Weather Watch
Fire Weather Watch issued April 19 at 8:20AM EDT until April 20 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 19 at 5:28AM EDT until April 19 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
66°F
Eagle Lake, FL
145 mi in
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
6h 19m 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.
Fort Matanzas National Monument
National Monument
Fort Matanzas National Monument preserves the fortified coquina watchtower, completed in 1742, which defended the southern approach to the Spanish military settlement of St. Augustine. It also protect...
5 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 39.9
Built by the Spanish in St. Augustine to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United Stat...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with an 85% highway share, meaning you'll be on high-speed roads for the majority of the journey. You'll experience a significant stretch of 84.7 miles on US 17, offering a change of pace before merging onto the interstates. The bulk of your travel will be on I-95 and I-4, which are typical interstate highways designed for steady, high-speed travel. Expect a driving experience that prioritizes getting you to your destination quickly rather than offering scenic detours.
85% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
41 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 84.7 mi on US 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 17 and I 4. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 77.8 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 22 significant decision points across 289.2 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 77.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 79.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 127 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Fruit Cove, FL and Cape Coral, FL, road signs point toward Orlando, International Airport, International Speedway, Daytona, Cr 557: Lake Alfred and Winter Haven - among others.
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 6h 19m. Total distance: 289.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 19m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 84.7 miles on US 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 23 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 1 meaningful breaks. There are 23 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 77.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 79.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 127 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Fort Matanzas National Monument and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.3 hours each way, a round trip means 12.6 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.
