Traveling from Key West to Cape Coral covers 297.7 miles and typically takes about 6 hours and 37 minutes of driving time. Because this route fits into a single day, you can comfortably complete the journey without an overnight stay. Expect to spend roughly $50 on fuel to make the trek across the Florida landscape. You will traverse the iconic Overseas Highway and the New Seven Mile Bridge before transitioning toward the mainland. This drive is ideal for those who enjoy a mix of coastal transitions and inland transit, serving as a straightforward connection between these two Florida destinations.
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
148.8 miles from Key West, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 43m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Alligator Alley
106.6 mi
1h 54m
New Seven Mile Bridge
68.1 mi
1h 46m
Overseas Highway
36.1 mi
56m
Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
34.8 mi
41m
Dixie Highway
19.4 mi
26m
Okeechobee Road
17.6 mi
22m
Daniels Parkway
4.8 mi
8m
College Parkway
3.2 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
Alligator Alley
— 106.6 mi, about 1h 54m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Key West, FL and Cape Coral, FL.
1
Start on George Street
367 ft·21 sec·George Street
2
At end of road, turn left onto Flagler Avenue
2.1 mi·5 min·Flagler Avenue
3
At end of road, turn left onto FL A1A
0.3 mi·40 sec·South Roosevelt Boulevard
4
Turn right onto US 1
36 mi·56 min·Overseas Highway
5
Continue on US 1
68 mi·1 hr 46 min·New Seven Mile Bridge
Use the straight lane.
6
Continue on US 1
19 mi·26 min·Dixie Highway
Use the straight lane.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward Miami, Orlando, Florida's Turnpike NorthUse the straight / right lanes.
8
Continue on Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
13 mi·15 min·Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
Toward Miami, Orlando, Florida's Turnpike NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
3.6 mi·4 min·Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
2.5 mi·3 min·Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
16 mi·17 min·Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 35Toward US 27: Okeechobee RoadUse the right lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·15 sec
Toward US 27: Okeechobee Road
14
Merge onto US 27
18 mi·22 min·Okeechobee Road
Use the right lane.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward I 75: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 75 North: Naples
17
Merge onto I 75
107 mi·1 hr 54 min·Alligator Alley
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 131Toward CR 876: Cape CoralUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
524 ft·16 sec
Toward CR 876 West: Lee County Sports Complex, Florida SouthWestern State College, Cape CoralUse the left lane.
20
Turn left
116 ft·5 sec
Toward CR 876 West
21
Turn left onto CR 876
4.8 mi·8 min·Daniels Parkway
Use the left lane.
22
Turn right onto US 41
0.7 mi·1 min·South Cleveland Avenue
23
Turn left onto College Parkway
3.2 mi·5 min·College Parkway
Use the left lane.
24
Continue on Cape Coral Bridge Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Cape Coral Bridge Road
25
Continue on Cape Coral Parkway East
1.0 mi·2 min·Cape Coral Parkway East
26
Turn right
200 ft·14 sec
27
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a full-day commitment, aim to depart early to avoid peak traffic and ensure you reach Cape Coral before dark. You have the flexibility to plan one major stop to break up the nearly 7-hour drive, which helps keep fatigue at bay on the longer segments. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge before entering the stretches of Alligator Alley, as services can be spaced out. Utilizing your single planned stop effectively will make the transition between the local keys roads and the faster highway portions much smoother. Prioritize steady pacing to handle the variety of road conditions you will face throughout the 297.7-mile journey.
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 148.8 miles from Key West, FL, or about 3h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106.6 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 65 miles or 1h 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 148.8 miles or 3h 43m 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 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cape Coral, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Key West, 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 Key West, FL
This is one driving day of about 297.7 miles and 6h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Key West, 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 Alligator Alley for about 106.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 125.9 and 287.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
125.9 mi into trip|~3h 16m in
Take the exit toward Miami, Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward Miami, Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North
6
139.5 mi into trip|~3h 32m in|Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
Keep slight right at fork onto Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
161.1 mi into trip|~3h 58m in
Take the exit toward US 27: Okeechobee Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 35
Toward US 27: Okeechobee Road
7
286.8 mi into trip|~6h 17m in
Take the exit toward CR 876: Cape Coral
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 131
Toward CR 876: Cape Coral
8
287.1 mi into trip|~6h 18m in
Keep slight left at fork toward CR 876 West: Lee County Sports Complex, Florida SouthWestern State College, Cape Coral
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward CR 876 West: Lee County Sports Complex,...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.39 one way
$94.77 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg104 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$51.55
$103.09
premium
$4.72
$55.36
$110.71
diesel
$5.61
$65.73
$131.46
Estimated Tolls: $2.09
Homestead Extension
(34.8 mi)$2.09
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
$47
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$74–$99
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 104.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
89.3
1
$31.26
$14.29
Efficient EV
74.4
0
$26.05
$11.91
EV Truck/SUV
119.1
1
$41.68
$19.05
Gas CO2
104 kg
EV CO2
35 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.
Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Key West, FL
Night
in Key West on Saturday
Local time
10:48 PM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Cape Coral, FL
Night
in Cape Coral on Saturday
Local time
10:48 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°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
14 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
6h 37m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention, particularly during the initial stretches through the Keys. With only 15% of the trip spent on highways, you will spend most of your time navigating local roads rather than cruising on interstates. The character of the route shifts significantly once you reach the mainland, where you encounter the longest uninterrupted stretch of 106.6 miles along Alligator Alley. This transition from narrow coastal passages to wide, high-speed corridors defines the rhythm of your trip. Be prepared for a varied experience that balances technical steering with long, steady miles.
Only 15% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 106.6 mi on Alligator Alley.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 125.9 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 297.7 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 125.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 139.5 miles (Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 161.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
24 ft3 ft
Total Climb
38 ft
Total Descent
36 ft
Highest Point
24 ft
~285.3 mi in
Elevation Range
21 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Key West, FL and Cape Coral, FL, road signs point toward Miami, Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North, Fort Lauderdale and Naples.
Cape Coral is a city in Southwest Florida. Visitors are drawn by its beaches, nature trails and sea kayaking opportunities on Black Island in Lovers Key State Park.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 37m. Total distance: 297.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 37m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 106.6 miles on Alligator Alley. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.09 in tolls one way, starting with Homestead Extension. 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.
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 Cape Coral, 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 125.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 139.5 miles (Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 161.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.6 hours each way, a round trip means 13.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Cape Coral, FL before the return drive.
