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Trip from Lake Clarke Shores, FL to Cape Coral, FL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 12m

Distance

135.2 mi

218 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
3h 1m ★
6 AM
3h 13m
8 AM
3h 36m
10 AM
3h 21m
12 PM
3h 19m
3 PM
3h 22m
5 PM
3h 35m
8 PM
3h 6m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Lake Clarke Shores, FL, FL

Lake Clarke Shores, FL

Matt Fitz Gibaud

city in Lee County, Florida, United States

Cape Coral, FL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 135.2-mile drive from Lake Clarke Shores to Cape Coral, Florida, will take you approximately 3 hours and 12 minutes, making it a manageable day trip. You'll primarily travel on FL 80, Southern Boulevard, and Forest Hill Boulevard. With a fuel cost estimated at $22, this route offers a straightforward journey across Florida. The mixed drive profile suggests a varied experience, and with only one recommended stop, you can easily complete this trip in a single day without needing an overnight stay.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

67.6 miles from Lake Clarke Shores, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 36m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
FL 80 69.5 mi 1h 34m
Southern Boulevard 29.2 mi 37m
Forest Hill Boulevard 7.7 mi 13m
Main Street 5.2 mi 9m
I 75 4.3 mi 4m
Colonial Boulevard 3.9 mi 6m
College Parkway 2.3 mi 4m
State Road 7 2 mi 3m
Longest stretch: FL 80 — 69.5 mi, about 1h 34m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lake Clarke Shores, FL and Cape Coral, FL.

1

Start on West Lake Drive

0.1 mi · 31 sec · West Lake Drive
2

Turn left onto Gregory Road

0.3 mi · 1 min · Gregory Road
3

At end of road, turn right onto Florida Mango Road

0.3 mi · 39 sec · Florida Mango Road
4

Turn left onto FL 882

7.7 mi · 13 min · Forest Hill Boulevard
Use the left lane.
5

Turn right onto US 441; FL 7

2.0 mi · 3 min · State Road 7
Use the right lane.
6

Take the ramp onto US 441

0.5 mi · 40 sec · US 441
Use the left lane.
7

Merge onto US 98; US 441; FL 80

29 mi · 37 min · Southern Boulevard
Use the left / uturn lanes.
8

Turn left onto FL 15; FL 80

5.2 mi · 9 min · Main Street
Use the left lane.
9

Continue on FL 80

1.7 mi · 3 min · East Palm Beach Road
10

Take the exit onto FL 80

23 mi · 29 min · FL 80
11

Continue on US 27; FL 80

2.0 mi · 2 min · US 27; FL 80
12

Take the exit onto FL 80

0.4 mi · 50 sec · FL 80
Toward FL 80 West: La Belle, Fort Myers
13

Turn left onto FL 80

47 mi · 1 hr 3 min · FL 80
Use the left lane.
14

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 75 South Use the straight lane.
15

Merge onto I 75

4.3 mi · 4 min · I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Exit 136 Toward FL 884: Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight right at fork

510 ft · 14 sec
Toward SR 884: Colonial Blvd Use the right lane.
18

Merge onto FL 884

3.9 mi · 6 min · Colonial Boulevard
Use the right lane.
19

Turn left onto Fowler Street

1.3 mi · 2 min · Fowler Street
Use the left lane.
20

Continue on Boy Scout Drive

0.5 mi · 50 sec · Boy Scout Drive
21

Turn straight onto CR 869

1.5 mi · 2 min · Summerlin Road
22

Turn slight right

0.2 mi · 45 sec
23

Keep slight right at fork

167 ft · 6 sec
24

Keep slight right at fork

147 ft · 5 sec
25

Turn straight onto College Parkway

2.3 mi · 4 min · College Parkway
Use the left lane.
26

Continue on Cape Coral Bridge Road

0.7 mi · 1 min · Cape Coral Bridge Road
27

Continue on Cape Coral Parkway East

1.0 mi · 2 min · Cape Coral Parkway East
28

Turn right

200 ft · 14 sec
29

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 12-minute duration, starting your trip in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and allow for flexibility. While this route only officially recommends one stop, you might find yourself needing to pull over sooner than the 69.5-mile mark on FL 80, especially for a restroom break. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $22 for the 135.2 miles. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the advantage of not needing to rush, but be mindful of potential traffic as you enter the Cape Coral area.

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 67.6 miles from Lake Clarke Shores, FL, or about 1h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 69.5 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 30 miles or 44m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 67.6 miles or 1h 36m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 35m

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 Lake Clarke Shores, 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 Lake Clarke Shores, FL

This is one driving day of about 135.2 miles and 3h 12m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Lake Clarke Shores, 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 FL 80 for about 69.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

neighborhood in Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Harlem, FL

68 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

Pahokee, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Harlem, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 67.6 miles from Lake Clarke Shores, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before FL 80 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 69.5 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 125.5

Fort Myers, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 125.5

Fort Myers, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18555023851

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 125.5

Fort Myers, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 125.5

Fort Myers, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 125.5

Fort Myers, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.9 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 125.5

Fort Myers, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 125.5

Fort Myers, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 125.5

Fort Myers, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Cox Science Center and Aquarium

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

West Palm Beach, Florida

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+15618321988

Visit website

LaBelle Nature Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 96.6

LaBelle, Florida

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

Visit website

Peaceful Waters Sanctuary

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 9.7

Wellington, Florida

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+15617914005

Visit website

West Palm Beach Escape Rooms

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour

West Palm Beach, Florida

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15616605120

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 20

5 decision points cluster between mile 8.3 and 123.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
8.3 mi into trip | ~15m in | US 441; FL 7 / State Road 7

Turn right onto US 441; FL 7 / State Road 7

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
6
71.9 mi into trip | ~1h 42m in | FL 80

Turn left onto FL 80

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
118.4 mi into trip | ~2h 45m in

Take the exit toward I 75 South

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane. Toward I 75 South
8
123.3 mi into trip | ~2h 51m in

Take the exit toward FL 884: Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres

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 136 Toward FL 884: Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres
8
123.5 mi into trip | ~2h 52m in

Keep slight right at fork toward SR 884: Colonial Blvd

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward SR 884: Colonial Blvd

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.52 one way

$43.04 round trip

$4.04/gal 25.4 MPG avg 47 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.40 $23.41 $46.82
premium $4.72 $25.14 $50.28
diesel $5.61 $29.85 $59.70

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 47.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 40.6 0 $14.20 $6.49
Efficient EV 33.8 0 $11.83 $5.41
EV Truck/SUV 54.1 0 $18.93 $8.65

Gas CO2

47 kg

EV CO2

16 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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

Lake Clarke Shores, FL

Late night in Lake Clarke Shores on Sunday

Local time

12:46 AM

EDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cape Coral, FL

Late night in Cape Coral on Sunday

Local time

12:46 AM

EDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

79°F

Harlem, FL

68 mi in

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

1 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

3h 12m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a mixed drive on this 135.2-mile route, with 59% of it on highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 69.5 miles along FL 80, offering a significant period of consistent travel. As you progress, the road character will likely shift between faster highway sections and potentially more local road driving as you approach your destination. This blend means you'll experience different driving dynamics throughout the roughly 3-hour journey.

59% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 69.5 mi on FL 80.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.3 miles in near US 441; FL 7 / State Road 7.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 20 significant decision points across 135.2 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 8.3 miles (US 441; FL 7 / State Road 7): Lane positioning matters here; at 71.9 miles (FL 80): Lane positioning matters here; at 118.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Lake Clarke Shores, FL and Cape Coral, FL, road signs point toward Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres.

Fort Myers

71.4 mi in | ~1h 41m | via FL 80

Lehigh Acres

123.3 mi in | ~2h 51m

About the Cities

Arriving in Cape Coral, FL

Full guide →

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.

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 3h 12m. Total distance: 135.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 69.5 miles on FL 80. 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 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 8.3 miles (US 441; FL 7 / State Road 7): Lane positioning matters here; at 71.9 miles (FL 80): Lane positioning matters here; at 118.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Cape Coral, 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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