Trip from Lighthouse Point, 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 38m

Distance

303.2 mi

488 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$48

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

5h 25m ★

6 AM

5h 38m

8 AM

6h 5m

10 AM

5h 47m

12 PM

5h 45m

3 PM

5h 49m

5 PM

6h 3m

8 PM

5h 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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Lighthouse Point, FL

Blair Damson

Trip Overview

This 304.1-mile journey from Lighthouse Point to Gainesville, Florida, is designed as a single-day adventure, taking approximately 4 hours and 44 minutes to complete. You'll navigate primarily using Florida's Turnpike, with Orlando serving as a significant waypoint. Budget around $51 for fuel for this trip. The route is characterized by numerous turns, suggesting a more local driving experience rather than an open highway cruise. Given its manageable duration, it's well-suited for a day trip, offering flexibility in your departure time and pace.

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

151.6 miles from Lighthouse Point, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 49m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Florida's Turnpike	239.2 mi	4h 18m
I 75	46.1 mi	49m
US 441	8 mi	9m
East Sample Road	4.9 mi	10m
South Main Street	2.4 mi	4m
Southeast County Road 234	1.3 mi	2m
Southwest Williston Road	0.5 mi	1m

Longest stretch: Florida's Turnpike — 239.2 mi, about 4h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lighthouse Point, FL and Gainesville, FL.

Start on East Sample Road

4.9 mi · 10 min · East Sample Road

Use the left / straight lanes.

Turn left

456 ft · 13 sec

Toward Florida's Turnpike: Miami, Orlando Use the left lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 51 sec

Toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North Toll

Merge onto Florida's Turnpike

239 mi · 4 hr 18 min · Florida's Turnpike

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

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.

Merge onto I 75

46 mi · 49 min · I 75

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec

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

Turn right onto CR 234

1.3 mi · 2 min · Southeast County Road 234

Turn left

421 ft · 15 sec

Use the left lane.

Turn straight onto US 441

8.0 mi · 9 min · US 441

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto FL 331

0.5 mi · 1 min · Southwest Williston Road

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto CR 329

1.6 mi · 2 min · South Main Street

Enter roundabout onto CR 329

92 ft · 1 sec · South Main Street

Continue on CR 329

0.2 mi · 32 sec · South Main Street

Enter roundabout onto CR 329

177 ft · 3 sec · South Main Street

Continue on CR 329

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Main Street

Use the straight / right lanes.

Arrive at destination

CR 329

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 4-hour, 44-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Lighthouse Point to bypass potential traffic, especially around the Orlando area. With only one planned stop and a fuel cost estimated at $51, this route offers flexibility; you can adjust your pace as needed. Pay close attention to your GPS, as the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile means you'll be making frequent turns. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you approach Gainesville, to ensure you arrive with plenty of gas.

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 151.6 miles from Lighthouse Point, FL, or about 2h 49m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 239.2 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 67 miles or 1h 17m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 151.6 miles or 2h 49m 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 34m

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 Lighthouse Point, 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 Lighthouse Point, FL

This is one driving day of about 303.2 miles and 5h 38m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 67 miles from Lighthouse Point, 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 239.2 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

152 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 67 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Orlando, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 151.6 miles from Lighthouse Point, 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 239.2 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 Restaurant

Holy Grain Coffee Shop

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Orlando, Florida

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 194.9

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+14077045878

Visit website

Top Coffee Stop

Kava Gator Coffee Shop

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Gainesville, Florida

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 303.2

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

Holy Grain Coffee Shop

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 194.9

Orlando, Florida

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+14077045878

Visit website

Kava Gator Coffee Shop

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 303.2

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 303.2

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 303.2

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 303.2

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

Visit website

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 238.2

Wildwood, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 303.2

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

The Orlando Auto Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 194.9

Orlando, Florida

Hours: 12–9 pm

+13217541700

Visit website

Depot Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 303.2

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 303.2

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+13523718001

Visit website

Fun Spot America

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 194.9

Orlando, Florida

Hours: 2 pm–12 am

+14073633867

Visit website

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 194.9

Orlando, Florida

+14073638000

Visit website

Crayola Experience Orlando

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 194.9

Orlando, Florida

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+14077571700

Visit website

Discovery Cove

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour Very expen mile 194.9

Orlando, Florida

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+14075134600

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 4.9 and 290.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4.9 mi into trip | ~10m in

Turn left toward Florida's Turnpike: Miami, Orlando

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

Use the left lane. Toward Florida's Turnpike: Miami, Orlando

5 mi into trip | ~10m in

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

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward Orlando, Florida's Turnpike North Toll

5.4 mi into trip | ~11m 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.

244.3 mi into trip | ~4h 29m 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

290.7 mi into trip | ~5h 19m 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

$48.26 one way

$96.52 round trip

$4.04/gal 25.4 MPG avg 106 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.40	$52.50	$105.00
premium	$4.72	$56.38	$112.76
diesel	$5.61	$66.94	$133.89

Estimated Tolls: $16.72

Florida's Turnpike (238.9 mi) $16.72

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

$48

Tolls

$17

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$90–$115

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 106.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	91	1	$31.84	$14.55
Efficient EV	75.8	0	$26.53	$12.13
EV Truck/SUV	121.3	1	$42.45	$19.40

Gas CO2

106 kg

EV CO2

35 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 16, 2026

Origin

Lighthouse Point, FL

Late night in Lighthouse Point on Sunday

Local time

1:58 AM

EDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Gainesville, FL

Late night in Gainesville on Sunday

Local time

1:58 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

13 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 38m 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?

Expect a 'turn-heavy' local drive for this 304.1-mile segment. With a 0% highway share, this route emphasizes navigating through varied road types rather than long stretches of continuous high-speed travel. You'll likely encounter a dynamic driving experience, transitioning between different road conditions as you make your way north. The absence of a defined longest uninterrupted stretch further reinforces the idea of a route that requires constant engagement and attention to navigation, making it feel more like an exploration than a simple commute.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 239.2 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 4.9 miles in.

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 15 significant decision points across 303.2 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 4.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.4 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

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 38m. Total distance: 303.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 38m 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 239.2 miles on Florida's Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $16.72 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.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.3 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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Explore more options from Lighthouse Point, FL or browse trips ending in Gainesville, FL.

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Trip from Lighthouse Point, FL to Gainesville, FL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Holy Grain Coffee Shop

Kava Gator Coffee Shop

Holy Grain Coffee Shop

Kava Gator Coffee Shop

Cafe THCA

Brew & Root Kava Cafe

lowbar coffee + skateboarding

Daydreamer Cafe

Pascal's Coffeehouse

Coffee Culture

Opus Coffee - UF Health East Tower

EVmatch Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

The Orlando Auto Museum

Depot Park

Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention

Fun Spot America

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Crayola Experience Orlando

Discovery Cove

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Lighthouse Point, FL

Gainesville, FL

Same local time

13 degrees warmer at arrival

5h 38m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

About the Cities

Arriving in Gainesville, FL

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

How do I pay the tolls on this route?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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