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Trip from Lake Worth Corridor, FL to Lakeland, FL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 37m

Distance

179.5 mi

289 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

Fair

3 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 25m ★
6 AM
3h 38m
8 AM
4h 3m
10 AM
3h 46m
12 PM
3h 44m
3 PM
3h 48m
5 PM
4h 1m
8 PM
3h 30m

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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census-designated place in Palm Beach County, Florida, United States

Lake Worth Corridor, FL

Wikimedia Commons

city in Polk County, Florida, United States

Lakeland, FL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 179.5-mile drive from Lake Worth Corridor, FL, to Lakeland, FL, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 37 minutes. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 90% of the journey on major roads like Florida's Turnpike and FL 60. You can expect to spend around $29 on fuel for this journey. Given its relatively short duration and highway-centric profile, this route offers a straightforward transit between two points within Florida. It's a practical option for getting from the Lake Worth area to Lakeland without needing an overnight stop.

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

89.7 miles from Lake Worth Corridor, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 40m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Florida's Turnpike 99.5 mi 1h 46m
FL 60 61.6 mi 1h 19m
Bartow Road 10.7 mi 16m
Lake Worth Road 4.6 mi 8m
Van Fleet Drive 0.6 mi 1m
Broadway Avenue 0.6 mi 1m
East Lime Street 0.4 mi 1m
Gulfstream Road <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Florida's Turnpike — 99.5 mi, about 1h 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lake Worth Corridor, FL and Lakeland, FL.

1

Start on Gulfstream Road

498 ft · 16 sec · Gulfstream Road
2

Turn right onto FL 802

490 ft · 10 sec · Lake Worth Road
3

Continue on FL 802

4.5 mi · 8 min · Lake Worth Road
Use the left / uturn lanes.
4

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll North, Orlando Use the right lane.
5

Merge onto Florida's Turnpike

100 mi · 1 hr 46 min · Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 193 Toward US 441, FL 60: Yeehaw Junction
7

Keep slight right at fork

245 ft · 6 sec
Use the slight right lane.
8

Merge onto FL 60

62 mi · 1 hr 19 min · FL 60
Use the left lane.
9

Turn left onto US 98; FL 60

0.6 mi · 1 min · Van Fleet Drive
Use the left lane.
10

Turn right onto US 98

0.6 mi · 1 min · Broadway Avenue
Use the right lane.
11

Continue on US 98

11 mi · 16 min · Bartow Road
Use the left lane.
12

Turn left onto East Lime Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · East Lime Street
Use the left lane.
13

Turn left onto South Lake Avenue

269 ft · 13 sec · South Lake Avenue
14

Turn right onto East Walnut Street

279 ft · 12 sec · East Walnut Street
15

Arrive at destination

East Walnut Street

Trip Plan

For this 3-hour and 37-minute drive, leaving in the morning will allow you to arrive in Lakeland with ample time for the rest of your day. With only one recommended stop, you can be flexible with when and where you choose to pull over. Budget around $29 for fuel, and keep an eye on your gauge, especially during the 99.5-mile stretch on Florida's Turnpike where services might be less frequent. Consider packing snacks and drinks to minimize the need for stops, maximizing your time at your destination.

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 89.7 miles from Lake Worth Corridor, FL, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.5 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 39 miles or 46m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 89.7 miles or 1h 40m 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 52m

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 Lake Worth Corridor, 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 Worth Corridor, FL

This is one driving day of about 179.5 miles and 3h 37m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Lake Worth Corridor, 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 Florida's Turnpike for about 99.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

human settlement in Polk County, Florida, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Frostproof, FL

90 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

Jensen Beach, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Gifford, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 89.7 miles from Lake Worth Corridor, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Florida's Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 99.5 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.

Top Coffee Stop

Black & Brew

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lakeland, Florida

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 179.5

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+18635009500

Visit website

Concord Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lakeland, Florida

0.8 mi

Pressed Books & Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lakeland, Florida

0.6 mi

Black & Brew

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 179.5

Lakeland, Florida

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+18635009500

Visit website

Concord Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 179.5

Lakeland, Florida

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Pressed Books & Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 179.5

Lakeland, Florida

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+18636033166

Visit website

Lake Wales Latte Lounge Coffee and Bookshop

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 153.9

Lake Wales, Florida

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+18632968827

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 166.7

Bartow, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 166.7

Bartow, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 102.6

Okeechobee, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Bonnet Springs Park

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 179.5

Lakeland, Florida

Hours: 6 am–7:30 pm

+18637327000

Visit website

Indian Creek Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 25.6

Jupiter, Florida

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15617412400

Visit website

Riverbend Park

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 25.6

Jupiter, Florida

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15617411359

Visit website

Escape Room PSL

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 51.3

Port St. Lucie, Florida

Hours: 4–10:30 pm

+17726266655

Visit website

Cox Science Center and Aquarium

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour

West Palm Beach, Florida

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+15618321988

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 4.7 and 105.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
4.7 mi into trip | ~8m in

Take the ramp toward Florida's Turnpike Toll North, Orlando

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Toward Florida's Turnpike Toll North, Orlando
5
5.2 mi into trip | ~9m in | Florida's Turnpike

Merge onto Florida's Turnpike

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
104.7 mi into trip | ~1h 56m in

Take the exit toward US 441, FL 60: Yeehaw Junction

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 193 Toward US 441, FL 60: Yeehaw Junction
6
105.4 mi into trip | ~1h 58m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane.
5
105.4 mi into trip | ~1h 58m in | FL 60

Merge onto FL 60

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.57 one way

$57.14 round trip

$4.04/gal 25.4 MPG avg 63 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.40 $31.08 $62.16
premium $4.72 $33.38 $66.75
diesel $5.61 $39.63 $79.26

Estimated Tolls: $6.97

Florida's Turnpike (99.5 mi) $6.97

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

$29

Tolls

$7

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$61–$86

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 62.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 53.9 0 $18.85 $8.62
Efficient EV 44.9 0 $15.71 $7.18
EV Truck/SUV 71.8 0 $25.13 $11.49

Gas CO2

63 kg

EV CO2

21 kg (67% 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 15, 2026

Origin

Lake Worth Corridor, FL

Night in Lake Worth Corridor on Saturday

Local time

10:52 PM

EDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lakeland, FL

Night in Lakeland on Saturday

Local time

10:52 PM

EDT

Current temp

62°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

6 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 37m 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 predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 90% of your travel occurring on major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 99.5 miles along Florida's Turnpike, offering a consistent pace. The main roads guiding you include Florida's Turnpike, FL 60, and Bartow Road. This highway-centric profile suggests a drive characterized by efficiency and steady progress, rather than winding scenic byways. You'll likely find the journey progresses smoothly as you transition from one main artery to the next.

90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 99.5 mi on Florida's Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Florida's Turnpike and FL 60. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 4.7 miles in.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 179.5 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 4.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.2 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 104.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Arriving in Lakeland, FL

Full guide →

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.

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 37m. Total distance: 179.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 99.5 miles on Florida's Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $6.97 in tolls one way, starting with Florida's Turnpike. 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 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 4.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.2 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 104.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.3 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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