Ellianos Coffee
Around the midpoint, short detour
Lake City, Florida
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+13867520202
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
8h 35m
Distance
460.6 mi
741 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
2-day trip
Fuel Cost
$73
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.
Lake Alfred, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Brent, FL
DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ
Spanning 460.6 miles across Florida, this drive from Lake Alfred to Brent typically takes about 8 hours and 35 minutes of travel time. Because of the duration, splitting the journey over two days is the most comfortable approach rather than attempting a single long haul. You will rely heavily on major thoroughfares, including I-75, I-10, and Commonwealth Avenue North, which make up 90% of your travel. Budgeting approximately $77 for fuel is a smart way to prepare for the costs ahead. While the route remains within Florida, you are traversing a significant portion of the state, moving from the central region toward the panhandle. Use this itinerary if you prefer a predictable, highway-focused path over winding backroads.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
230.3 miles from Lake Alfred, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 4h 26m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 10 | 283.4 mi | 5h 3m |
| I 75 | 106.9 mi | 1h 54m |
| Commonwealth Avenue North | 26.5 mi | 34m |
| Florida's Turnpike | 19.1 mi | 20m |
| Howey Road | 5.2 mi | 7m |
| CR 557A | 4.6 mi | 8m |
| North Buena Vista Drive | 3.5 mi | 5m |
| US 27 | 2.8 mi | 3m |
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Alfred, FL and Brent, FL.
Start on East Haines Boulevard
Turn right onto US 17; US 92
Turn left onto CR 557
Continue on CR 557
Turn left onto CR 557A
Turn right onto CR 557A
Continue on FL 559
Turn right onto FL 33
Enter roundabout onto FL 33
Continue on FL 33
Turn left onto FL 50; FL 33
Turn right onto FL 19
Turn left onto Independence Boulevard
At end of road, turn left onto US 27
Take the exit
Continue on this road
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
Keep slight left at fork onto Florida's Turnpike
Merge onto I 75
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 10
Take the exit
Merge onto I 110
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Turn right onto FL 296
Continue on East Brent Lane
Turn left onto Sycamore Drive
Turn left onto East Brent Lane
Arrive at destination
To manage this 8-hour and 35-minute drive effectively, plan for at least two designated stops to break up the monotony of the long highway stretches. Given the significant distance, departing early in the morning is the best way to avoid peak congestion and ensure you reach your destination before fatigue sets in. Since nearly the entire trip is on high-speed roads, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during that 283.4-mile stretch on I-10 to avoid any unnecessary stops in remote areas. If you decide to split the trip over two days, look for lodging options near the halfway point to keep your driving segments balanced. Flexibility is key here, so prioritize regular breaks to stay alert while navigating the heavy interstate 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.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 101 miles or 2h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 230.3 miles or 4h 26m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 230.3 miles or 4h 26m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 7h 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brent, FL than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Lake Alfred, 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.
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Lake Alfred, FL
Aim for roughly 230 miles and 4.3 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Brent, FL
Aim for roughly 230 miles and 4.3 hours of wheel time on this day.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Overnight candidate
230 mi into the route
Best for: Hotel check-in, dinner, and a fresh start
This lines up well with a realistic day-end stop if you are breaking the drive into stages.
Find hotels in Lake City, FLNight 1
230 mi · about 4.3h in
A practical overnight split lands near Lake City, FL after about 230 miles or 4.3 hours of driving.
Find hotelsA short stop after about 101 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 230.3 miles from Lake Alfred, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 10 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 283.4 miles.
Overnight split
Hotel stopFor a steadier pace, wrap day one after about 230 miles or 4.3 hours on the road.
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 Restaurant
Lake City, Florida
Around the midpoint, short detour
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+13867520202
Two Cuban Guy's Home of Garcia's Place
Lake City, Florida
Top Coffee Stop
Lake City, Florida
Around the midpoint, short detour
Hours: 6 am–7 pm
+13867529875
Opus Coffee - UF Health Springhill
Gainesville, Florida
BW Blacksmith Coffee Drive-Thru | HWY 47
Lake City, Florida
Around the midpoint, short detour
Lake City, Florida
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+13867520202
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Lake City, Florida
Hours: 11 am–6 pm
+13057755055
Around the midpoint, short detour
Lake City, Florida
Hours: 6 am–8 pm
+13864388064
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: 6 am–2 pm
+18503090044
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: 5 am–8 pm
+18507590355
Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+18502962809
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, ~11 min detour
Alachua, Florida
Hours: 7 am–7 pm
+13865883188
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: 4:30 am–10 pm
+18508947005
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Lake City, Florida
Hours: 6 am–7 pm
+13867529875
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Gainesville, Florida
Hours: 7:30 am–4 pm
+13522268512
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Lake City, Florida
Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm
+13864388553
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Lake City, Florida
Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm
+13864388553
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Lake City, Florida
Hours: 5 am–1 pm
+13864388426
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~9 min detour
Bonifay, Florida
Hours: 7 am–4 pm
+18506587002
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: 7 am–6 pm
+18507653807
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Lake City, Florida
Hours: 7 am–4 pm
+13864388720
Visit websiteLater in the drive, right off the route
Marianna, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteLater in the drive, right off the route
Marianna, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18774943833
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Pensacola, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Pensacola, Florida
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
+18887584389
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Wildwood, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+13523523155
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Gainesville, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Pensacola, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18336322778
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Lake City, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: 8 am–5 pm
+18509420137
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Gainesville, Florida
Hours: 9 am–3 pm
+13523955633
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Pensacola, Florida
Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm
+18504665220
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Gainesville, Florida
Hours: Closed
+13523955381
Visit websiteNear the end, ~10 min detour
Pensacola, Florida
Hours: 12–5 pm
+18779376377
Visit websiteNear the end, ~10 min detour
Pensacola, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18503619306
Visit websiteNear the end, ~11 min detour
Pensacola, Florida
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+18505955993
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~12 min detour
Marianna, Florida
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+18506951144
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 66.5 and 458.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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 I 10: Jacksonville, Tallahassee
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight left at fork toward I 10 West: Tallahassee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward I 110 South: Pensacola, Pensacola Beach
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit toward FL 750, FL 296: Airport Boulevard, Brent Lane
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Regular Gas
$73.32 one way
$146.63 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $79.75 | $159.51 |
| premium | $4.72 | $85.65 | $171.29 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $101.69 | $203.39 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.32
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
$73
Tolls
$1
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$205–$315
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 161.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $48 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 138.2 | 1 | $48.36 | $22.11 |
| Efficient EV | 115.2 | 1 | $40.30 | $18.42 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 184.2 | 2 | $64.48 | $29.48 |
Gas CO2
161 kg
EV CO2
54 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 Lake Alfred on Sunday
Local time
3:53 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Destination
Late night in Brent on Sunday
Local time
2:53 AM
CDT
Current temp
59°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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
Time zone
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
National Seashore
Millions of visitors are drawn to the Gulf of America for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. Come explore with...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
This trip is defined by its high-speed interstate efficiency, as 90% of your time behind the wheel is spent on major highways. You should prepare for a substantial stretch of driving, with your longest uninterrupted segment covering 283.4 miles along I-10. The experience is largely a functional, highway-focused grind that prioritizes speed and directness over rural scenery or technical turns. As you transition between the interstate systems, the character of the road remains consistent, offering a steady rhythm suitable for those who want to cover ground quickly. Expect a straightforward driving profile that demands focus on long-distance travel rather than navigating complex local infrastructure.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and I 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 66.5 miles in near Florida's Turnpike.
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 22 significant decision points across 460.6 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 66.5 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 173.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 173.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Lake Alfred, FL and Brent, FL, road signs point toward Florida's Turnpike North: Ocala and Tallahassee.
Florida's Turnpike North: Ocala
Tallahassee
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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