Lakeland Highlands, FL to Hialeah, FL is 215 miles and takes about 4h 34m via US 27 and I-75, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a primarily highway-focused drive that keeps you moving across Florida. You'll experience a significant portion of the journey on major interstates and US highways, making it a straightforward trip. Given the 4.5-hour estimated duration, it's an ideal choice for a single-day excursion, allowing for a relaxed departure and arrival without needing an overnight stay.
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
107.5 miles from Lakeland Highlands, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 19m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 27
160.8 mi
3h 21m
I 75
18.8 mi
20m
FL 60
14.8 mi
18m
Boy Scout Ranch Road
4.8 mi
8m
Bartow Road
3.2 mi
4m
Express Lanes
3 mi
3m
Gratigny Parkway
2.1 mi
2m
Palm Avenue
1.5 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
US 27
— 160.8 mi, about 3h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lakeland Highlands, FL and Hialeah, FL.
1
Start on CR 37A
0.5 mi·1 min·Scott Lake Road
2
Turn left onto CR 540A
4.8 mi·8 min·Boy Scout Ranch Road
Use the left lane.
3
Turn right onto US 98
3.2 mi·4 min·Bartow Road
4
Continue on US 98
0.6 mi·1 min·Broadway Avenue
5
Turn left onto US 98; FL 60
0.5 mi·1 min·Van Fleet Drive
Use the left lane.
6
Continue on FL 60
0.3 mi·26 sec·FL 60
7
Continue on FL 60
11 mi·13 min·FL 60
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on FL 60
3.7 mi·4 min·FL 60
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward US 27: Haines City, Avon ParkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork
272 ft·7 sec
11
Merge onto US 27
23 mi·28 min·US 27
Use the left lane.
12
Continue on US 27; US 98
10 mi·14 min·US 27; US 98
Use the left lane.
13
Continue on US 27; US 98
55 mi·1 hr 7 min·US 27; US 98
Use the left lane.
14
Merge onto US 27; FL 78
0.2 mi·18 sec·US 27; FL 78
15
Turn slight right
338 ft·4 sec
16
Continue on US 27
32 mi·42 min·US 27
Use the left lane.
17
Continue on US 27; FL 80
40 mi·48 min·US 27; FL 80
18
Continue on US 27
0.5 mi·33 sec·US 27
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·31 sec
Toward I 75: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, NaplesUse the straight / right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 75 South: Miami, Fort Lauderdale
21
Merge onto I 75
4.6 mi·4 min·I 75
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
3.3 mi·3 min·I 75
Toward MiamiUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto I 75
7.2 mi·7 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.4 mi·28 sec
Toward Express LanesUse the slight left lane.
25
Merge onto Express Lanes
3.0 mi·3 min·Express Lanes
26
Take the exit
0.5 mi·31 sec
Toward Northwest 138th StreetUse the slight right lane.
27
Merge onto I 75
3.7 mi·4 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on SR 924 Toll
2.1 mi·2 min·Gratigny Parkway
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward SR 823: Northwest 57th Avenue, Red RoadUse the slight right lane.
30
Turn right onto SR 823
0.7 mi·1 min·West 4th Avenue/Red Road
Use the right lane.
31
Turn left onto West 68th Street
510 ft·19 sec·West 68th Street
Use the left lane.
32
Continue on West 2nd Court
0.2 mi·26 sec·West 2nd Court
33
Continue on West 65th Street
0.3 mi·31 sec·West 65th Street
34
Turn right onto Palm Avenue
1.5 mi·2 min·Palm Avenue
35
Turn left onto East 41st Street
0.3 mi·38 sec·East 41st Street
36
Turn right onto East 2nd Avenue
504 ft·27 sec·East 2nd Avenue
37
Turn left onto East 39th Place
445 ft·21 sec·East 39th Place
38
Turn right onto East 2nd Court
182 ft·10 sec·East 2nd Court
39
Turn right onto East 39th Street
257 ft·11 sec·East 39th Street
40
Arrive at destination
East 39th Street
Trip Plan
For this 215-mile trip, leaving in the morning will give you ample time to reach Hialeah before evening. With a driving time of just under 4.5 hours, you won't need to plan for multiple overnight stops, offering flexibility. Consider grabbing fuel before you leave Lakeland Highlands, as the longest uninterrupted stretch is 160.8 miles on US 27. While there's only one recommended stop, be aware of potential traffic as you approach the Miami metropolitan 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 107.5 miles from Lakeland Highlands, FL, or about 2h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 160.8 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 47 miles or 1h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 107.5 miles or 2h 19m 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 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hialeah, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lakeland Highlands, 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 Highlands, FL
This is one driving day of about 215 miles and 4h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Lakeland Highlands, 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 US 27 for about 160.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 24.4 and 211.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
24.4 mi into trip|~34m in
Take the exit toward US 27: Haines City, Avon Park
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.
Toward US 27: Haines City, Avon Park
7
185.5 mi into trip|~3h 57m in
Take the exit toward I 75: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 75: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples
6
185.8 mi into trip|~3h 57m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 75 South: Miami, Fort Lauderdale
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 75 South: Miami, Fort Lauderdale
7
191.2 mi into trip|~4h 4m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward Miami
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Miami
7
211.4 mi into trip|~4h 26m in
Take the exit toward SR 823: Northwest 57th Avenue, Red Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward SR 823: Northwest 57th Avenue, Red Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.22 one way
$68.44 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg75 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$37.23
$74.45
premium
$4.72
$39.98
$79.96
diesel
$5.61
$47.47
$94.94
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 75.2 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
64.5
0
$22.58
$10.32
Efficient EV
53.8
0
$18.81
$8.60
EV Truck/SUV
86
1
$30.10
$13.76
Gas CO2
75 kg
EV CO2
25 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 18, 2026
Origin
Lakeland Highlands, FL
Morning
in Lakeland Highlands on Sunday
Local time
7:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hialeah, FL
Morning
in Hialeah on Sunday
Local time
7:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Mostly Sunny
E 3 to 10 mph7% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 18 at 6:56AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued April 18 at 2:27AM EDT until April 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
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
23 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
4h 34m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Biscayne National Park
National Park
Within sight of Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Evidence of 10,000 years of human history is here to...
26 mi from route
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 215
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for this route, with 91% of the travel occurring on major roads. The initial part of your journey will involve covering 160.8 miles on US 27, offering a substantial stretch of consistent driving. Following this, you'll transition to I-75, which provides a faster-paced travel experience for the remainder of the trip. The profile suggests a drive where maintaining speed is generally possible, with limited deviations into slower, local road networks.
91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
40 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 160.8 mi on US 27.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 27 and I 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 24.4 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 25 significant decision points across 215 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 24.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 185.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 185.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Lakeland Highlands, FL and Hialeah, FL, road signs point toward Avon Park, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, Miami and Express Lanes.
Avon Park
24.4 mi in|~34m
Fort Lauderdale
185.5 mi in|~3h 57m
Naples
185.5 mi in|~3h 57m
Miami
191.2 mi in|~4h 4m|via I 75
Express Lanes
201.7 mi in|~4h 15m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 34m. Total distance: 215 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 160.8 miles on US 27. 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 Hialeah, 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 24.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 185.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 185.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Biscayne National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Hialeah, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
