Origin
Gainesville, FL
Evening in Gainesville on Friday
Local time
5:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Gainesville, FL to Alafaya, FL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Sep 4, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 23m
Distance
123.9 mi
199 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$19
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 13m
★
6 AM
2h 23m
8 AM
2h 43m
10 AM
2h 30m
12 PM
2h 28m
3 PM
2h 31m
5 PM
2h 42m
8 PM
2h 17m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Gainesville, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Alafaya, FL
Arian Fernandez
Trip Overview
Gainesville, FL to Alafaya, FL is 123.9 miles and takes about 2h 23m via I 75 and Florida's Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $19 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, connecting two points in the state. The route is predominantly highway driving, making it a straightforward and efficient way to travel between these two locations. Given the relatively short duration, it's ideal for a single-day excursion. Plan for this drive to be mostly on major roadways.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
62 miles from Gainesville, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 11m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 46.2 mi | 49m |
| Florida's Turnpike | 42.3 mi | 45m |
| East-West Expressway | 18.9 mi | 22m |
| US 441 | 8 mi | 9m |
| South Main Street | 2.5 mi | 5m |
| Spessard L. Holland East-West Expressway | 1.8 mi | 2m |
| Southeast County Road 234 | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| North Alafaya Trail | 0.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 46.2 mi, about 49m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 24 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
11 AM
~2,799 veh/hr typical · worst 3,759
Quietest
2 AM
~427 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 100 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 Gainesville, FL and Alafaya, FL.
1
Start on CR 329
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
2
Enter roundabout onto CR 329
148 ft
·
3 sec
·
South Main Street
3
Continue on CR 329
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
·
South Main Street
4
Enter roundabout onto CR 329
57 ft
·
1 sec
·
South Main Street
5
Continue on CR 329
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
South Main Street
6
Turn right onto FL 331
0.5 mi
·
54 sec
·
Southwest Williston Road
7
Turn left onto South Main Street
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
South Main Street
Use the left lane.
8
Turn straight onto US 441
0.4 mi
·
33 sec
·
US 441
Use the straight / left lanes.
9
Continue on US 441
7.0 mi
·
8 min
·
US 441
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 441
0.6 mi
·
47 sec
·
US 441
Use the straight lane.
11
Turn right onto CR 234
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Southeast County Road 234
Use the right lane.
12
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward I 75 South: Tampa
13
Merge onto I 75
46 mi
·
49 min
·
I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit onto Florida's Turnpike
42 mi
·
45 min
·
Florida's Turnpike
Exit 328
Toward Florida's Turnpike South, Orlando
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
15
Take the exit onto FL 408 Toll
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Spessard L. Holland East-West Expressway
Exit 265
Toward FL 408 Toll East: Orlando, Titusville
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on FL 408 Toll
19 mi
·
22 min
·
East-West Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 21
Toward Alafaya Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Turn left onto North Alafaya Trail
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
North Alafaya Trail
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on Alafaya Trail
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Alafaya Trail
20
Turn left onto FL 50
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
East Colonial Drive
21
Turn left onto O'Berry Hoover Road
0.2 mi
·
54 sec
·
O'Berry Hoover Road
22
Arrive at destination
O'Berry Hoover Road
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short drive of just over two hours, you have flexibility with your departure time. Leaving Gainesville in the morning allows you to arrive in Alafaya with plenty of daylight. The route is mostly highway, so you won't need to plan for frequent stops for navigation. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $19 fuel cost estimate suggests you won't need to stop for gas, but it's always wise to fill up before heading out. The longest stretch without an exit is 46.2 miles on I 75, so ensure you have everything you need before embarking on that segment.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 62 miles from Gainesville, FL, or about 1h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 46.2 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 27 miles or 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 62 miles or 1h 11m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Alafaya, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Gainesville, 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 Gainesville, FL
This is one driving day of about 123.9 miles and 2h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Gainesville, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 75 for about 46.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
62 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 62 miles from Gainesville, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 145 decision points cluster between mile 0.5 and 121.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.5 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
CR 329 / South Main Street
Enter roundabout onto CR 329 / South Main Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
0.8 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
CR 329 / South Main Street
Enter roundabout onto CR 329 / South Main Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
8
58.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 8m in
|
Florida's Turnpike
Take the exit onto Florida's Turnpike toward Florida's Turnpike South, Orlando
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 328
Toward Florida's Turnpike South, Orlando
8
101.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 53m in
|
FL 408 Toll / Spessard L. Holland East-West Expressway
Take the exit onto FL 408 Toll / Spessard L. Holland East-West Expressway toward FL 408 Toll East: Orlando, Titusville
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 265
Toward FL 408 Toll East: Orlando, Titusville
7
121.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 18m in
Take the exit toward Alafaya Trail
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 21
Toward Alafaya Trail
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.16 one way
$38.32 round trip
$3.93/gal
25.4 MPG avg
43 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.30 | $20.98 | $41.97 |
| premium | $4.63 | $22.57 | $45.13 |
| diesel | $5.60 | $27.31 | $54.62 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.96
Florida's Turnpike
(42.3 mi)
$2.96
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
$19
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 43.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-08-31.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 37.2 | 0 | $13.01 | $5.95 |
| Efficient EV | 31 | 0 | $10.84 | $4.96 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 49.6 | 0 | $17.35 | $7.93 |
Gas CO2
43 kg
EV CO2
14 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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.
Destination
Alafaya, FL
Evening in Alafaya on Friday
Local time
5:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
74°F
Wildwood, FL
62 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
3 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
2h 23m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is overwhelmingly highway, with 95% of the 123.9 miles on major roads like I 75 and Florida's Turnpike. You'll experience a long stretch of 46.2 miles on I 75 without needing to exit. Expect frequent exits as you approach your destination in Alafaya, indicating a transition from the open highway to more developed areas. The profile is mostly highway, so prepare for consistent cruising speeds for the majority of your trip.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 46.2 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Florida's Turnpike. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near CR 329 / South Main Street.
Driving Effort
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 123.9 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (CR 329 / South Main Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 0.8 miles (CR 329 / South Main Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 58.8 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
229 ft
63 ft
Total Climb
331 ft
Total Descent
428 ft
Highest Point
229 ft
~88.5 mi in
Elevation Range
166 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Gainesville, FL and Alafaya, FL, road signs point toward Florida's Turnpike South, Orlando and Titusville.
Florida's Turnpike South
58.8 mi in
|
~1h 8m
|
via Florida's Turnpike
Orlando
58.8 mi in
|
~1h 8m
|
via Florida's Turnpike
Titusville
101.1 mi in
|
~1h 53m
|
via FL 408 Toll
About the Cities
Starting in Gainesville, FL
Full guide →Founded 1853
Gainesville is in North Central Florida. It is home to the University of Florida, and Santa Fe College.
Top landmarks
- • Hippodrome State Theatre — theater in Gainesville, Florida, United States
- • Anderson Hall — historic building on the campus of the University of Florida, USA
- • Buckman Hall — University of Florida campus
Arriving in Alafaya, FL
Full guide →City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 23m. Total distance: 123.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 46.2 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.96 in tolls one way, starting with Florida's 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, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (CR 329 / South Main Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 0.8 miles (CR 329 / South Main Street): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 58.8 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Alafaya, FL before heading back.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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