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Trip from Lake Worth, FL to Gainesville, FL

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

Drive Time

5h 7m

Distance

276.5 mi

445 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$44

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 54m ★
6 AM
5h 8m
8 AM
5h 34m
10 AM
5h 17m
12 PM
5h 14m
3 PM
5h 18m
5 PM
5h 33m
8 PM
4h 59m

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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city in Palm Beach County, Florida, United States

Lake Worth, FL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

If you are planning to travel the 276.5 miles from Lake Worth to Gainesville, expect a straightforward journey that typically takes about 5 hours and 7 minutes. This route is designed as a single-day trip, making it an efficient way to transit between South Florida and the northern part of the state. You will primarily utilize Florida’s Turnpike, I-75, and I-95 to complete the trek. With an estimated fuel cost of $46, it is a manageable expense for most travelers. Because the drive is highly highway-focused, you can expect a consistent pace that minimizes the need for multiple overnight stops. Whether you are heading up for a weekend visit or a longer stay, this route offers a practical, no-nonsense connection between these two Florida regions.

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

138.2 miles from Lake Worth, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 34m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Florida's Turnpike 192.2 mi 3h 26m
I 75 46.1 mi 49m
I 95 22.2 mi 25m
US 441 8 mi 9m
South Main Street 2.4 mi 4m
Southeast County Road 234 1.3 mi 2m
Boutwell Road 0.6 mi 1m
Southwest Williston Road 0.5 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Florida's Turnpike — 192.2 mi, about 3h 26m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on this road

38 ft · 5 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto FL 802

0.2 mi · 22 sec · Lake Worth Road
3

Turn right onto Arcano Drive

0.1 mi · 19 sec · Arcano Drive
4

Continue on Boutwell Road

0.6 mi · 1 min · Boutwell Road
5

Turn right onto 10th Avenue North

0.5 mi · 1 min · 10th Avenue North
Use the straight lane.
6

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 54 sec
Toward I 95 North: West Palm Beach Use the left lane.
7

Merge onto I 95

22 mi · 25 min · I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min
Exit 87B Toward FL 706 West: Okeechobee Use the right lane.
9

Turn straight onto FL 706

0.5 mi · 54 sec · Indiantown Road
10

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 14 sec
Use the right lane.
11

Continue on this road

482 ft · 11 sec · this road
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Merge onto Florida's Turnpike

192 mi · 3 hr 25 min · Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight left at fork onto Florida's Turnpike

0.2 mi · 15 sec · Florida's Turnpike
Toward I 75 North: Ocala Use the straight lane.
15

Merge onto I 75

46 mi · 49 min · I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Exit 374 Toward CR 234: Micanopy Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Turn right onto CR 234

1.3 mi · 2 min · Southeast County Road 234
18

Turn left

421 ft · 15 sec
Use the left lane.
19

Turn straight onto US 441

8.0 mi · 9 min · US 441
Use the straight lane.
20

Turn right onto FL 331

0.5 mi · 1 min · Southwest Williston Road
Use the right lane.
21

Turn left onto CR 329

1.6 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
22

Enter roundabout onto CR 329

92 ft · 1 sec · South Main Street
23

Continue on CR 329

0.2 mi · 32 sec · South Main Street
24

Enter roundabout onto CR 329

177 ft · 3 sec · South Main Street
25

Continue on CR 329

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
26

Arrive at destination

CR 329

Trip Plan

To keep your drive smooth, aim for at least one planned stop to break up the 5-hour duration and stay alert. Since the route is efficient enough to complete in a single day, you have the flexibility to leave whenever suits your schedule, though departing early helps you avoid potential congestion on the major interstates. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, especially during that primary 192.2-mile stretch on the Turnpike, to ensure you can reach your next refueling point without stress. Given the heavy highway percentage, utilize cruise control where traffic allows to maintain a steady speed and manage your fuel efficiency. Planning for a single, well-timed break will make the 276.5-mile journey significantly more comfortable.

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 138.2 miles from Lake Worth, FL, or about 2h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 192.2 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 61 miles or 1h 11m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 138.2 miles or 2h 34m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 8m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gainesville, FL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Lake Worth, 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, FL

This is one driving day of about 276.5 miles and 5h 7m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 miles from Lake Worth, 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 192.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in and county seat of Orange County, Florida, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Orlando, FL

138 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

Port Saint Lucie, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 61 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Orlando, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 138.2 miles from Lake Worth, 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 192.2 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

Kava Gator Coffee Shop

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Gainesville, Florida

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 276.5

Hours: 7 am–11 pm

+13522449942

Visit website

Cafe THCA

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Gainesville, Florida

0.3 mi

Brew & Root Kava Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Gainesville, Florida

0.4 mi

Susana's Cafe - Kissimmee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 158

Kissimmee, Florida

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+14072012627

Visit website

Café Barista - Kissimmee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 158

Kissimmee, Florida

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+14079351384

Visit website

Kava Gator Coffee Shop

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 276.5

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: 7 am–11 pm

+13522449942

Visit website

Cafe THCA

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 276.5

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: 9 am–10 pm

+13522348090

Visit website

Brew & Root Kava Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 276.5

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: 9 am–1 pm

+13527741308

Visit website

lowbar coffee + skateboarding

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 276.5

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

Visit website

Daydreamer Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 276.5

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

Visit website

Pascal's Coffeehouse

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 276.5

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+13523775480

Visit website

Coffee Culture

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 276.5

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+13523771700

Visit website

Opus Coffee - UF Health East Tower

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 276.5

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: 6:20 am–8 pm

Visit website

EVmatch Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 276.5

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16508228157

Visit website

EvGateway Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 256.7

Reddick, Florida

Hours: 5 am–1 pm

+19499452000

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 276.5

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 217.2

Wildwood, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13523523155

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 276.5

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 276.5

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 276.5

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 276.5

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Depot Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 276.5

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: 6:30 am–11:30 pm

+13523938510

Visit website

Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 276.5

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+13523718001

Visit website

White Gator Swamp

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 158

Orlando, Florida

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+14078555496

Visit website

Scott Springs Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 237

Ocala, Florida

Hours: 9 am–7 pm

+13523685517

Visit website

Indian Creek Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 19.7

Jupiter, Florida

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15617412400

Visit website

Nehrling Gardens

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 177.7

Gotha, Florida

Hours: 10 am–2 pm

+14074459977

Visit website

Cox Science Center and Aquarium

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 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 20

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 263.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0.9 mi into trip | ~2m in | 10th Avenue North

Turn right onto 10th Avenue North

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
7
24.1 mi into trip | ~29m in

Take the exit toward FL 706 West: Okeechobee

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

Use the right lane. Exit 87B Toward FL 706 West: Okeechobee
8
25.1 mi into trip | ~32m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North
7
217.6 mi into trip | ~3h 59m in | Florida's Turnpike

Keep slight left at fork onto Florida's Turnpike toward I 75 North: Ocala

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane. Toward I 75 North: Ocala
7
263.9 mi into trip | ~4h 48m in

Take the exit toward CR 234: Micanopy

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 374 Toward CR 234: Micanopy

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$44.01 one way

$88.02 round trip

$4.04/gal 25.4 MPG avg 97 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.40 $47.88 $95.75
premium $4.72 $51.41 $102.83
diesel $5.61 $61.05 $122.10

Estimated Tolls: $13.43

Florida's Turnpike (191.9 mi) $13.43

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

$44

Tolls

$13

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$82–$107

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 96.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 83 1 $29.03 $13.27
Efficient EV 69.1 0 $24.19 $11.06
EV Truck/SUV 110.6 1 $38.71 $17.70

Gas CO2

97 kg

EV CO2

32 kg (67% 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 15, 2026

Origin

Lake Worth, FL

Late night in Lake Worth on Sunday

Local time

1:59 AM

EDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Gainesville, FL

Late night in Gainesville on Sunday

Local time

1:59 AM

EDT

Current temp

81°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

4 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

5h 7m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

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

What kind of drive is this?

This trip is defined by its reliance on major thoroughfares, with 97% of the journey taking place on highways. You will spend the vast majority of your time behind the wheel on Florida’s Turnpike, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 192.2 miles. Because the route is so heavily focused on high-speed interstate driving, you should be prepared for a consistent, high-intensity experience rather than a winding, scenic backroad tour. As you transition between the Turnpike and the interstate system, the road remains efficient and direct. Expect a steady, predictable rhythm that allows you to cover significant ground quickly as you move north.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 192.2 mi on Florida's Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

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 0.9 miles in near 10th Avenue North.

Driving Effort 7/10

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 276.5 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 0.9 miles (10th Avenue North): Lane positioning matters here; at 24.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 25.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

Between Lake Worth, FL and Gainesville, FL, road signs point toward Orlando and Florida's Turnpike North.

Orlando

25.1 mi in | ~32m

Florida's Turnpike North

25.1 mi in | ~32m

About the Cities

Arriving in Gainesville, FL

Full guide →

Gainesville is in North Central Florida. It is home to the University of Florida, and Santa Fe College.

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 5h 7m. Total distance: 276.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 7m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 192.2 miles on Florida's Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $13.43 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 Gainesville, 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 0.9 miles (10th Avenue North): Lane positioning matters here; at 24.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 25.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Gainesville, FL before the return drive.

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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