Origin
Hialeah, FL
Late night in Hialeah on Tuesday
Local time
4:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hialeah, FL to Lakeland, 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
4h 37m
Distance
217.7 mi
350 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$35
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 24m
★
6 AM
4h 38m
8 AM
5h 4m
10 AM
4h 47m
12 PM
4h 44m
3 PM
4h 48m
5 PM
5h 3m
8 PM
4h 30m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hialeah, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Lakeland, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 217.7-mile drive from Hialeah to Lakeland, Florida, is best tackled in a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 37 minutes. You'll primarily be on US 27 and I-75, with a bit of FL 60 mixed in, making it a highway-focused journey. With a fuel cost estimated around $35, it's an economical trip. The route feels like a straightforward transit through Florida, connecting two points without extensive detours. Consider this a practical option if you're looking for a direct way to get from South Florida towards the central part of the state.
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
108.8 miles from Hialeah, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 14m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 27 | 161.3 mi | 3h 22m |
| I 75 | 22.4 mi | 24m |
| FL 60 | 14.7 mi | 18m |
| Bartow Road | 10.7 mi | 16m |
| Gratigny Parkway | 2.2 mi | 2m |
| Palm Avenue | 1.6 mi | 3m |
| West 4th Avenue/Red Road | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Van Fleet Drive | 0.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
US 27
— 161.3 mi, about 3h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hialeah, FL and Lakeland, FL.
1
Start on East 39th Street
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
East 39th Street
2
Turn right onto Palm Avenue
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Palm Avenue
3
Turn left onto West 65th Street
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
·
West 65th Street
Use the left lane.
4
Turn straight onto West 2nd Court
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
West 2nd Court
5
Continue on West 68th Street
447 ft
·
12 sec
·
West 68th Street
6
Turn right onto SR 823
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
West 4th Avenue/Red Road
7
Turn left
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
Toward SR 924 Toll West
8
Merge onto SR 924 Toll
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Gratigny Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 75
16 mi
·
17 min
·
I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
6.4 mi
·
6 min
·
I 75
Toward Alligator Alley, Naples
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 23
Toward US 27: Hialeah, South Bay
Use the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
Toward US 27 North: South Bay
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto US 27
0.9 mi
·
59 sec
·
US 27
14
Continue on US 27
62 mi
·
1 hr 17 min
·
US 27
Use the left lane.
15
Continue on US 27; FL 80
51 mi
·
1 hr 2 min
·
US 27; FL 80
Use the left lane.
16
Continue on US 27
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
US 27
Use the left lane.
17
Continue on US 27
10 mi
·
12 min
·
US 27
Use the left lane.
18
Continue on US 27
37 mi
·
49 min
·
US 27
Use the left / straight lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Use the left lane.
20
Merge onto FL 60
15 mi
·
18 min
·
FL 60
Use the straight lane.
21
Turn left onto US 98; FL 60
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Van Fleet Drive
Use the left lane.
22
Turn right onto US 98
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Broadway Avenue
Use the right lane.
23
Continue on US 98
11 mi
·
16 min
·
Bartow Road
Use the left lane.
24
Turn left onto East Lime Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
East Lime Street
Use the left lane.
25
Turn left onto South Lake Avenue
269 ft
·
13 sec
·
South Lake Avenue
26
Turn right onto East Walnut Street
279 ft
·
12 sec
·
East Walnut Street
27
Arrive at destination
East Walnut Street
Trip Plan
For this 4-and-a-half-hour drive, starting early in the morning from Hialeah can help you avoid some of the heavier local traffic. You'll have one primary stretch of 161.3 miles on US 27, so plan your first stop shortly after that if you need to stretch your legs or refuel. Given the manageable duration, this trip is well-suited for a single day, so you won't need to worry about overnight accommodations. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer US 27 segment, as services can be more spread out than on I-75.
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 108.8 miles from Hialeah, FL, or about 2h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 161.3 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 48 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 108.8 miles or 2h 14m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lakeland, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hialeah, 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 Hialeah, FL
This is one driving day of about 217.7 miles and 4h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Hialeah, 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 27 for about 161.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
109 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 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 108.8 miles from Hialeah, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 27 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 161.3 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 165 decision points cluster between mile 3.4 and 190.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
3.4 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Turn left toward SR 924 Toll West
Navigation decision point
Toward SR 924 Toll West
8
21.9 mi into trip
|
~27m in
|
I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward Alligator Alley, Naples
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward Alligator Alley, Naples
8
28.3 mi into trip
|
~34m in
Take the exit toward US 27: Hialeah, South Bay
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 23
Toward US 27: Hialeah, South Bay
7
28.6 mi into trip
|
~35m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 27 North: South Bay
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 27 North: South Bay
6
190.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 58m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.65 one way
$69.30 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
76 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $37.69 | $75.39 |
| premium | $4.72 | $40.48 | $80.96 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $48.07 | $96.13 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 65.3 | 0 | $22.86 | $10.45 |
| Efficient EV | 54.4 | 0 | $19.05 | $8.71 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 87.1 | 1 | $30.48 | $13.93 |
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Lakeland, FL
Late night in Lakeland on Tuesday
Local time
4:48 AM
EDT
Current temp
91°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
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
4h 37m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway experience on this route, with 92% of the drive taking place on major roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 161.3 miles along US 27, offering a consistent pace. While much of the drive will be on faster highways, the inclusion of US 27 provides a slightly different feel than pure interstate travel. You'll likely experience a mix of varying speed limits and traffic conditions as you transition between these main arteries, giving you a sense of steady progress across the state.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 161.3 mi on US 27.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 27 and I 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.4 miles in.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 217.7 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 3.4 miles: Navigation decision point; at 21.9 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 28.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 Hialeah, FL and Lakeland, FL, road signs point toward Alligator Alley, Naples and Bay.
Alligator Alley
21.9 mi in
|
~27m
|
via I 75
Naples
21.9 mi in
|
~27m
|
via I 75
Bay
28.3 mi in
|
~34m
About the Cities
Arriving in Lakeland, FL
Full guide →Founded 1875
Lakeland is the largest city in Polk County, Florida. It is home to Florida Southern College, which has the largest collection of buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright at a single site in the world.
Top landmarks
- • Child of the Sun — Florida
- • Polk Theatre — movie theater and theater in Lakeland, Florida
- • Beacon Hill-Alta Vista Residential District — historic district in Florida, United States
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 4h 37m. Total distance: 217.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 161.3 miles on US 27. 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 Lakeland, 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 3.4 miles: Navigation decision point; at 21.9 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 28.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Lakeland, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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