Origin
Gateway, FL
Late night in Gateway on Tuesday
Local time
4:47 AM
EDT
Current temp
88°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Gateway, FL to Tallahassee, FL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
7h 21m
Distance
399.4 mi
643 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$64
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 12m
★
6 AM
7h 22m
8 AM
7h 43m
10 AM
7h 29m
12 PM
7h 27m
3 PM
7h 30m
5 PM
7h 42m
8 PM
7h 16m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Gateway, FL
Arian Fernandez
Tallahassee, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 399.4-mile drive from Gateway, FL to Tallahassee, FL takes approximately 7 hours and 21 minutes, making it a feasible day trip. The route is primarily highway-focused, with a 97% highway share, so expect a brisk pace. With an estimated fuel cost of $64 and two recommended stops, you can comfortably complete this journey in a single day. This trip stays within the state of Florida, traversing its diverse landscapes. Plan for a straightforward drive that prioritizes reaching your destination efficiently.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
199.7 miles from Gateway, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 40m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 296.9 mi | 5h 19m |
| I 10 | 87.7 mi | 1h 34m |
| Mahan Drive | 6.7 mi | 11m |
| FL 82 | 3.4 mi | 5m |
| Gateway Boulevard | 1.7 mi | 3m |
| East Tennessee Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Mahogany Run | 0.6 mi | 2m |
| North Franklin Boulevard | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 296.9 mi, about 5h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gateway, FL and Tallahassee, FL.
1
Start on Persimmon Court
210 ft
·
14 sec
·
Persimmon Court
2
Turn left onto Bent Pine Drive
0.1 mi
·
28 sec
·
Bent Pine Drive
3
Turn right onto Mahogany Run
0.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Mahogany Run
4
Continue on Mahogany Run
145 ft
·
6 sec
·
Mahogany Run
5
Turn left onto Gateway Boulevard
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Gateway Boulevard
6
At end of road, turn left onto FL 82
3.4 mi
·
5 min
·
FL 82
Use the left lane.
7
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
Toward I 75 North: Tampa
8
Merge onto I 75
297 mi
·
5 hr 19 min
·
I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 435
Toward I 10: Jacksonville, Tallahassee
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
Toward I 10 West: Tallahassee
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 10
88 mi
·
1 hr 34 min
·
I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Turn left onto US 90
6.7 mi
·
11 min
·
Mahan Drive
Use the left lane.
13
Continue on US 90
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Tennessee Street
14
Turn left onto CR 1555
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North Franklin Boulevard
Use the left lane.
15
Turn right onto East Pensacola Street
0.2 mi
·
40 sec
·
East Pensacola Street
16
Turn left onto CR 1559
210 ft
·
9 sec
·
South Calhoun Street
17
Turn right onto US 27
339 ft
·
12 sec
·
Apalachee Parkway
18
Turn right onto US 27; FL 61
31 ft
·
1 sec
·
South Monroe Street
19
Arrive at destination
US 27; FL 61
Trip Plan
To maximize your time, consider an early morning departure from Gateway, FL, to ensure you arrive in Tallahassee with daylight to spare. The longest stretch without a major break is nearly 300 miles on I-75, so plan your first stop strategically before you feel the need. With a 7-hour drive time, you'll want to utilize your two designated stops for fuel and a quick stretch. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer, uninterrupted sections of I-75, to avoid any unnecessary delays.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 199.7 miles from Gateway, FL, or about 3h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 296.9 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 88 miles or 1h 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 199.7 miles or 3h 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 6h 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tallahassee, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Gateway, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Gateway, FL
This is one driving day of about 399.4 miles and 7h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 88 miles from Gateway, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 75 for about 296.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
200 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 88 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 199.7 miles from Gateway, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 296.9 miles.
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 and 303.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Bent Pine Drive
Turn left onto Bent Pine Drive
Navigation decision point
5
2.4 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
FL 82
At end of road, turn left onto FL 82
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
6.2 mi into trip
|
~12m in
|
I 75
Merge onto I 75
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
303.2 mi into trip
|
~5h 31m in
Take the exit toward I 10: Jacksonville, Tallahassee
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 435
Toward I 10: Jacksonville, Tallahassee
8
303.3 mi into trip
|
~5h 31m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 10 West: Tallahassee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 10 West: Tallahassee
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$63.57 one way
$127.15 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
140 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $69.16 | $138.31 |
| premium | $4.72 | $74.27 | $148.53 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $88.18 | $176.36 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$64
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$89–$114
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 139.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $42 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 119.8 | 1 | $41.94 | $19.17 |
| Efficient EV | 99.9 | 1 | $34.95 | $15.98 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 159.8 | 1 | $55.92 | $25.56 |
Gas CO2
140 kg
EV CO2
47 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.
Destination
Tallahassee, FL
Late night in Tallahassee on Tuesday
Local time
4:47 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
2 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
7h 21m 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.
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
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 96.4
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused journey for nearly its entirety, with 97% of the drive on interstates. The bulk of your travel, a significant 296.9 miles, will be on I-75, offering a consistent driving experience. Mahan Drive serves as the final approach into Tallahassee. While largely characterized by its high-speed highway nature, the transition into the capital city will offer a change of pace. This route is designed for covering distance effectively.
97% 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: 296.9 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and I 10. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Bent Pine Drive.
Driving Effort
6/10
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 399.4 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: near the start (Bent Pine Drive): Navigation decision point; at 2.4 miles (FL 82): Lane positioning matters here; at 6.2 miles (I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
About the Cities
Arriving in Tallahassee, FL
Full guide →Tallahassee is the capital city of Florida, in the Florida Panhandle region of the state. In addition to housing the state government, it is a university town home to Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee Community College. Tallahassee has a good selection of restaurants for a city of its size. The universities' theater, art, and music programs, in addition to an active Council of Culture and Arts, also make for an unusually vibrant arts scene.
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 7h 21m. Total distance: 399.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 21m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 296.9 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Tallahassee, 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Bent Pine Drive): Navigation decision point; at 2.4 miles (FL 82): Lane positioning matters here; at 6.2 miles (I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. 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 7.4 hours each way, a round trip means 14.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Tallahassee, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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