Turkey Lake Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Gainesville, FL to North Miami Beach, FL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 4m
Distance
326.9 mi
526 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$53
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 51m
★
6 AM
6h 4m
8 AM
6h 30m
10 AM
6h 13m
12 PM
6h 11m
3 PM
6h 14m
5 PM
6h 29m
8 PM
5h 56m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Gainesville, FL
Wikimedia Commons
North Miami Beach, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Gainesville to North Miami Beach is 326.9 miles and takes about 6 hours 4 minutes via Florida's Turnpike, I 75, and US 441, with a fuel budget near $51 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive keeps you within Florida the entire time, starting in the north and heading south toward the Miami metropolitan area. Most of the route is on highways, making it a straightforward trip for a single day. With a recommended one-day drive, you can expect to cover a significant distance without needing an overnight stop.
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
163.4 miles from Gainesville, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 2m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Florida's Turnpike | 264.8 mi | 4h 47m |
| I 75 | 46.2 mi | 49m |
| US 441 | 8 mi | 9m |
| South Main Street | 2.5 mi | 5m |
| SR 826 | 1.7 mi | 3m |
| Southeast County Road 234 | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| Northeast 167th Street | 0.8 mi | 2m |
| Southwest Williston Road | 0.5 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Florida's Turnpike
— 264.8 mi, about 4h 47m
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 North Miami Beach, 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
265 mi
·
4 hr 47 min
·
Florida's Turnpike
Exit 328
Toward Florida's Turnpike South, Orlando
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
15
Continue on SR 826
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
SR 826
Use the straight lane.
16
Continue on Northeast 167th Street
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Northeast 167th Street
Use the left lane.
17
Turn left onto Northeast 15th Avenue
0.2 mi
·
42 sec
·
Northeast 15th Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Turn right onto Northeast 171st Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Northeast 171st Street
19
Arrive at destination
Northeast 171st Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a 6-hour drive, leaving Gainesville early in the morning is your best bet to arrive in North Miami Beach before evening. You'll want to plan for at least one fuel stop, as covering over 300 miles will likely require a refill. The longest stretch without a major change in road type is 264.8 miles on Florida's Turnpike, so be sure to have entertainment or a co-pilot for that part. With a fuel cost estimated around $51, factor that into your budget. Given it’s a single-day trip, you have flexibility to adjust your departure time slightly based on traffic.
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 163.4 miles from Gainesville, FL, or about 3h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 264.8 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 72 miles or 1h 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 163.4 miles or 3h 2m 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 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near North Miami Beach, 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 326.9 miles and 6h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 72 miles from Gainesville, 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 Florida's Turnpike for about 264.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
163 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 72 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 163.4 miles from Gainesville, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Florida's Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 264.8 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
West Palm Beach Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Canoe Creek Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Fort Drum Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Pompano Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Marion County Rest Area Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Okahumpka Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Port Saint Lucie - Fort Pierce Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Marion County Rest Area Southbound
0.2 mi from route
Wildwood I-75 Weigh Station Northbound
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
Wildwood I-75 Weigh Station Southbound
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.4 mi from route
40392
0.8 mi from route
40391
1 mi from route
Alachua County Rest Area (I-75 northbound)
1.4 mi from route
Alachua County Rest Area (I-75 southbound)
1.5 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.6 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.7 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 125 decision points cluster between mile 0.5 and 326.1 — 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
5
2.9 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
South Main Street
Turn left onto South Main Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
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
6
326.1 mi into trip
|
~6h 2m in
|
Northeast 15th Avenue
Turn left onto Northeast 15th Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$52.56 one way
$105.12 round trip
$4.08/gal
25.4 MPG avg
114 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.44 | $57.17 | $114.34 |
| premium | $4.78 | $61.49 | $122.99 |
| diesel | $6.18 | $79.52 | $159.05 |
Estimated Tolls: $18.54
Florida's Turnpike
(264.8 mi)
$18.54
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
$53
Tolls
$19
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$96–$121
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 114.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 98.1 | 1 | $34.32 | $15.69 |
| Efficient EV | 81.7 | 0 | $28.60 | $13.08 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 130.8 | 1 | $45.77 | $20.92 |
Gas CO2
114 kg
EV CO2
38 kg (67% 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.
Origin
Gainesville, FL
Evening in Gainesville on Monday
Local time
5:02 PM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Mostly Sunny
N 13 to 17 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:26AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Destination
North Miami Beach, FL
Evening in North Miami Beach on Monday
Local time
5:02 PM
EDT
Current temp
84°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
NE 16 to 21 mph
18% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:26AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville 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
8 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
6h 4m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is almost entirely highway driving, with a 98% highway share. You'll experience a long stretch of 264.8 miles on Florida's Turnpike, which means you'll be on high-speed, limited-access roads for the vast majority of your travel. Expect to encounter a high density of exits along the Turnpike as you approach South Florida. The final segment will likely involve transitioning to surface roads as you reach your destination.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 264.8 mi on Florida's Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
4/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Florida's Turnpike and I 75. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near CR 329 / South Main Street.
Driving Effort
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
The route itself is not hard, but at 6h 4m, endurance matters. Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. The 12 decision points are all manageable with basic attention.
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 2.9 miles (South Main Street): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
178 ft
10 ft
Total Climb
27 ft
Total Descent
195 ft
Highest Point
178 ft
Elevation Range
168 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 North Miami Beach, FL, road signs point toward Florida's Turnpike South and Orlando.
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
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 North Miami Beach, FL
Full guide →North Miami Beach is a city in Florida.
Top landmarks
- • St. Bernard de Clairvaux Church — historic church in North Miami Beach, Florida, USA
- • Fulford-By-The-Sea Monument — historic fountain in Florida, USA
- • Arch Creek — early settlement near Miami, Florida, USA
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 6h 4m. Total distance: 326.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 4m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Straightforward navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 264.8 miles on Florida's Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $18.54 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 — we found about 30 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 is a long drive, so arriving tired and in the dark compounds. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at North Miami Beach, 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 30 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 2.9 miles (South Main Street): Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.1 hours each way, a round trip means 12.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at North Miami Beach, FL before the return drive.
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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