🏆 The Gathering Cafe Downtown Ocala
Later in the drive, short detour
Ocala, Florida
Hours: 7 am–2 pm
+13524219810
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 58m
Distance
374.6 mi
603 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$60
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hialeah, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Watertown, FL
Samuel Etienne
Embarking on a journey from Hialeah, Florida, to Watertown, Florida, covers 374.6 miles and will take approximately 6 hours and 58 minutes of driving time. This drive is primarily highway-focused, with 97% of the route utilizing major roadways, making it a feasible one-day trip. You can expect a fuel cost of around $60 for this journey. The route mainly follows Florida's Turnpike and I-75, with a segment on Southwest State Road 47. Given its manageable duration and highway-centric profile, this trip is well-suited for a single day, allowing for minimal disruption to your schedule.
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
187.3 miles from Hialeah, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 31m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Florida's Turnpike | 264.1 mi | 4h 47m |
| I 75 | 95.2 mi | 1h 41m |
| Southwest State Road 47 | 3.6 mi | 5m |
| SR 9 | 2.6 mi | 4m |
| Southwest Main Boulevard | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| Northwest 42nd Avenue-37th Avenue Connector | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| West Duval Street | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| Northwest 135th Street | 1 mi | 2m |
Step-by-step road directions between Hialeah, FL and Watertown, FL.
Start on East 39th Street
Turn right onto East 2nd Avenue
Turn right onto East 41st Street
Turn left onto East 4th Avenue
Turn right onto SR 932
Turn left onto SR 953
Keep slight right at fork onto Northwest 42nd Avenue-37th Avenue Connector
Turn right onto SR 916
Turn left onto SR 9
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 9
Turn straight onto US 441
Take the ramp
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
Keep slight left at fork onto Florida's Turnpike
Merge onto I 75
Take the exit
Turn straight onto FL 47
Turn straight onto US 41; US 441 Truck
Turn right onto US 90; US 441
Turn left onto Northeast Jacksonvile Loop
Turn left onto Northeast Milton Terrace
At end of road, turn right onto Northeast Washington Street
Arrive at destination
For this 6-hour and 58-minute drive, departing early in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and minimize traffic. With only one recommended stop and the longest stretch being over 264 miles on Florida's Turnpike, plan your refueling and rest breaks accordingly. The $60 fuel cost is an estimate, so keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is wise, especially during the long stretches. Consider packing snacks and drinks to make the most of the limited stop, ensuring a more comfortable and efficient journey to Watertown.
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.
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 82 miles or 1h 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 187.3 miles or 3h 31m 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 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Watertown, FL than in the middle of the route.
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 374.6 miles and 6h 58m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
187 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.
A short stop after about 82 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 187.3 miles from Hialeah, 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 264.1 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Top Coffee Stop
Lake City, Florida
Near the end, short detour
Hours: 7 am–4 pm
+13864388720
SAGE Coffee
Lake City, Florida
BW Blacksmith Coffee | Hwy 90
Lake City, Florida
Later in the drive, short detour
Ocala, Florida
Hours: 7 am–2 pm
+13524219810
Visit websiteNear the end, ~9 min detour
Lake City, Florida
Hours: 11 am–6 pm
+13057755055
Near the end, ~10 min detour
Lake City, Florida
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+13867520202
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Kissimmee, Florida
Hours: 8 am–3 pm
+14072012627
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Kissimmee, Florida
Hours: 8 am–3 pm
+14079351384
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Lake City, Florida
Hours: 7 am–4 pm
+13864388720
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Lake City, Florida
Hours: 6 am–7 pm
+13867529875
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Lake City, Florida
Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm
+13864388553
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Ocala, Florida
Hours: 9 am–6 pm
+13525812650
Visit websiteNear the end, ~10 min detour
High Springs, Florida
Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm
+13864542364
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~9 min detour
Ocala, Florida
Hours: 7 am–3 pm
+13522991294
Visit websiteNear the end, ~11 min detour
Alachua, Florida
Hours: 8 am–2 pm
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~11 min detour
Oakland, Florida
Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm
+14079060330
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Ocala, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Ocala, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Wildwood, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887518560
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Clermont, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Clermont, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18336322778
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Ocala, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18889982546
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~9 min detour
Wildwood, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteNear the end, ~9 min detour
Lake City, Florida
+18336322778
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Jupiter, Florida
Hours: 7 am–7 pm
+15617411359
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Orlando, Florida
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+14078555496
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Ocala, Florida
Hours: 9 am–7 pm
+13523685517
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Hialeah, Florida
+13056858389
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Jupiter, Florida
Hours: 7 am–7 pm
+15617412400
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Hours: 4–10:30 pm
+17726266655
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~9 min detour
Ocala, Florida
Later in the drive, ~9 min detour
Ocala, Florida
Hours: 6 am–6 pm
+13526298447
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.1 and 374.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Keep slight right at fork onto Northwest 42nd Avenue-37th Avenue Connector
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 9
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight left at fork onto Florida's Turnpike toward I 75 North: Ocala
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward FL 47: Fort White, Lake City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
At end of road, turn right onto Northeast Washington Street
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
Regular Gas
$59.63 one way
$119.25 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $64.86 | $129.72 |
| premium | $4.72 | $69.65 | $139.31 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $82.71 | $165.41 |
Estimated Tolls: $18.47
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
$60
Tolls
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$103–$128
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 131.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 112.4 | 1 | $39.33 | $17.98 |
| Efficient EV | 93.7 | 1 | $32.78 | $14.98 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 149.8 | 1 | $52.44 | $23.97 |
Gas CO2
131 kg
EV CO2
44 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Late night in Hialeah on Sunday
Local time
2:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Sunny
Destination
Late night in Watertown on Sunday
Local time
2:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
National Park
Within sight of Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Evidence of 10,000 years of human history is here to...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with an impressive 97% of the journey on major roadways. You'll experience long stretches of uninterrupted travel, including a significant 264.1-mile segment on Florida's Turnpike. While the majority of the drive involves consistent highway speeds, the inclusion of I-75 and Southwest State Road 47 offers some variation in the road's character as you progress through Florida. Expect a smooth, albeit generally consistent, driving experience for most of the 374.6 miles.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Florida's Turnpike and I 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.1 miles in near Northwest 42nd Avenue-37th Avenue Connector.
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 374.6 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 2.1 miles (Northwest 42nd Avenue-37th Avenue Connector): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 4.8 miles (SR 9): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 272.3 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 58m. Total distance: 374.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 58m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
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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