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Trip from Lakeland, FL to Avon Park, FL

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 18m

Distance

216.5 mi

348 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$34

one way

EV Charging

Fair

3 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 5m ★
6 AM
4h 19m
8 AM
4h 45m
10 AM
4h 28m
12 PM
4h 25m
3 PM
4h 29m
5 PM
4h 44m
8 PM
4h 11m

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 Polk County, Florida, United States

Lakeland, FL

Wikimedia Commons

town in Highlands County, Florida, United States

Avon Park, FL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

If you are planning a trip from Lakeland to Avon Park, expect a journey covering 216.5 miles. While the direct distance is shorter, this specific route takes you on a circuitous path with a total travel time of 4 hours and 18 minutes. Budget approximately $36 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Because the drive is under five hours, it is perfectly manageable as a one-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. The route is highly efficient, utilizing a mix of Florida's Turnpike, FL 60, and Bartow Road to navigate through the heart of the state.

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

108.2 miles from Lakeland, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 16m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Florida's Turnpike 137.8 mi 2h 30m
FL 60 61.7 mi 1h 19m
Bartow Road 10.7 mi 16m
Griffin Road 2.5 mi 4m
Broadway Avenue 0.6 mi 1m
Van Fleet Drive 0.5 mi 1m
East Lime Street 0.4 mi <1m
Southwest 27th Avenue 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Florida's Turnpike — 137.8 mi, about 2h 30m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lakeland, FL and Avon Park, FL.

1

Start on East Walnut Street

279 ft · 16 sec · East Walnut Street
2

Turn left onto South Lake Avenue

269 ft · 15 sec · South Lake Avenue
3

Turn right onto East Lime Street

0.4 mi · 55 sec · East Lime Street
4

Turn right onto US 98

11 mi · 16 min · Bartow Road
Use the right lane.
5

Continue on US 98

0.6 mi · 1 min · Broadway Avenue
6

Turn left onto US 98; FL 60

0.5 mi · 1 min · Van Fleet Drive
Use the left lane.
7

Continue on FL 60

0.3 mi · 26 sec · FL 60
8

Continue on FL 60

11 mi · 13 min · FL 60
Use the straight lane.
9

Continue on FL 60

4.3 mi · 5 min · FL 60
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on FL 60

46 mi · 59 min · FL 60
Use the left lane.
11

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 19 sec
Use the left lane.
12

Continue on this road

295 ft · 7 sec · this road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike South: Miami Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Merge onto Florida's Turnpike

138 mi · 2 hr 30 min · Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

1.4 mi · 2 min
Exit 53 Toward SR 818: Griffin Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Turn left onto SR 818

2.5 mi · 4 min · Griffin Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
17

Turn slight left

107 ft · 4 sec
Use the left lane.
18

Turn left onto Southwest 27th Avenue

0.2 mi · 49 sec · Southwest 27th Avenue
19

Arrive at destination

Southwest 27th Avenue

Trip Plan

Since the drive is a single day, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule. With only one planned stop necessary, you can easily pace yourself to avoid fatigue during the long 137.8-mile stretch on the turnpike. Try to keep an eye on your fuel gauge before merging onto the interstate to ensure you stay within your $36 budget. Because this route relies so heavily on major highways, check traffic reports for Florida's Turnpike before you head out to ensure there are no unexpected delays. Taking your break mid-way through the drive will help you stay alert for the final leg of the journey into Avon Park.

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 108.2 miles from Lakeland, FL, or about 2h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 137.8 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 48 miles or 1h 5m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 108.2 miles or 2h 16m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 32m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Lakeland, 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 Lakeland, FL

This is one driving day of about 216.5 miles and 4h 18m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Lakeland, 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 137.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Palm Bay, FL, FL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Palm Bay, FL

108 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.

Popular next leg

Palm Bay, FL to Avon Park, FL

152.3 mi · 2h 56m

Pacing Suggestions

Eagle Lake, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Vero Beach, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 108.2 miles from Lakeland, 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 137.8 miles.

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

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best coffee break

Black & Brew

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lakeland, Florida

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20

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 start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20

Lakeland, Florida

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+18635009500

Visit website

Concord Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Lakeland, Florida

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Pressed Books & Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Lakeland, Florida

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+18636033166

Visit website

Lake Wales Latte Lounge Coffee and Bookshop

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Lake Wales, Florida

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+18632968827

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

First break 4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour

Bartow, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Okeechobee, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

Near the start, ~9 min detour

First break 3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour

Bartow, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

West Palm Beach Service Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Fort Drum Service Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Pompano Service Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.1 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.1 mi from route

Port Saint Lucie - Fort Pierce Service Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.3 mi from route

40392

0.8 mi from route

40391

1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

1.5 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

1.6 mi from route

Flying J Travel Center

1.7 mi from route

Bonnet Springs Park

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Lakeland, Florida

Hours: 6 am–7:30 pm

+18637327000

Visit website

Indian Creek Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Jupiter, Florida

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15617412400

Visit website

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately

Delray Beach, Florida

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15614950233

Visit website

Escape Room PSL

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Port St. Lucie, Florida

Hours: 4–10:30 pm

+17726266655

Visit website

Riverbend Park

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

Final third 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Jupiter, Florida

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15617411359

Visit website

Anne Kolb Nature Center

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Hollywood, Florida

Hours: 8 am–7:30 pm

+19543575161

Visit website

Joseph C. Carter Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 5 mi from route ~12 min detour

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+19548285411

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.5 and 212.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.5 mi into trip | ~1m in | US 98 / Bartow Road

Turn right onto US 98 / Bartow Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
6
74.1 mi into trip | ~1h 39m in

Take the exit

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

Use the left lane.
8
74.3 mi into trip | ~1h 39m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Florida's Turnpike South: Miami

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Florida's Turnpike South: Miami
5
74.4 mi into trip | ~1h 39m 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.
7
212.3 mi into trip | ~4h 10m in

Take the exit toward SR 818: Griffin Road

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 53 Toward SR 818: Griffin Road

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$34.46 one way

$68.92 round trip

$4.04/gal 25.4 MPG avg 76 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.40 $37.49 $74.97
premium $4.72 $40.26 $80.51
diesel $5.61 $47.80 $95.60

Estimated Tolls: $9.65

Florida's Turnpike (137.8 mi) $9.65

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

$34

Tolls

$10

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$69–$94

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 75.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 65 0 $22.73 $10.39
Efficient EV 54.1 0 $18.94 $8.66
EV Truck/SUV 86.6 1 $30.31 $13.86

Gas CO2

76 kg

EV CO2

25 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 20, 2026

Origin

Lakeland, FL

Late night in Lakeland on Tuesday

Local time

5:25 AM

EDT

Current temp

91°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Avon Park, FL

Late night in Avon Park on Tuesday

Local time

5:25 AM

EDT

Current temp

84°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

7 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

4h 18m 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 journey is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 92% of your time spent on major roads. You will settle into a steady rhythm on Florida's Turnpike, which accounts for the longest stretch of your trip at 137.8 miles. The transition from the urban feel of Lakeland onto these high-speed corridors creates a consistent pace, though you will eventually navigate off the turnpike onto FL 60 and Bartow Road. Expect a straightforward experience behind the wheel that favors speed and directness over winding scenic detours. It is a functional, efficient path that prioritizes getting you to Avon Park with minimal navigation stress.

92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 137.8 mi on Florida's Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Florida's Turnpike and FL 60. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near US 98 / Bartow Road.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 216.5 miles you will encounter 12 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 0.5 miles (US 98 / Bartow Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 74.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 74.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

On the drive from Lakeland, FL to Avon Park, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Florida's Turnpike South: Miami along the way.

Florida's Turnpike South: Miami

74.3 mi in | ~1h 39m

About the Cities

Starting in Lakeland, FL

Full guide →

Founded 1875

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.

Top landmarks

  • • Child of the Sun — Florida
  • • Polk Theatre — movie theater and theater in Lakeland, Florida
  • • Beacon Hill-Alta Vista Residential District — historic district in Florida, United States

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 4h 18m. Total distance: 216.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 137.8 miles on Florida's Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $9.65 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.

Yes — we found about 13 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (US 98 / Bartow Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 74.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 74.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Avon Park, 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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