Traveling from Perry to Cape Coral covers 321.8 miles and typically takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes of driving time. Because this journey is manageable in a single day, you likely won't need an overnight stop unless you prefer a more leisurely pace. Budgeting approximately $54 for fuel will cover your transit across Florida. You will primarily utilize a mix of Byron Butler Parkway, US 19, and the major I-75 corridor to connect the two regions. It is a straightforward trip that moves you from the northern reaches of the state down toward the Gulf Coast, making it a functional route for those looking to reach their destination efficiently.
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
160.9 miles from Perry, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 20m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
117.5 mi
2h 5m
Byron Butler Parkway
57.3 mi
1h 12m
US 19
55.2 mi
1h 10m
Suncoast Parkway
48.5 mi
52m
Tamiami Trail
10.4 mi
12m
State Road 54
9.5 mi
13m
Del Prado Boulevard North
6.5 mi
10m
Del Prado Boulevard South
6.2 mi
12m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 117.5 mi, about 2h 5m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Perry, FL and Cape Coral, FL.
1
Start on South Quincy Street
103 ft·6 sec·South Quincy Street
2
Turn right onto West Main Street
300 ft·12 sec·West Main Street
3
Turn right onto CR 55
1.3 mi·3 min·Jefferson Street
4
Turn left onto US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate
57 mi·1 hr 12 min·Byron Butler Parkway
5
Keep slight right at fork onto US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate
55 mi·1 hr 10 min·US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate
Use the left lane.
6
Turn left onto FL 44
0.9 mi·1 min·Northeast 5th Street
Use the left lane.
7
Continue on FL 44
4.7 mi·7 min·Gulf to Lake Highway
8
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·50 sec
Toward FL 589 Toll: Suncoast Parkway
9
Merge onto FL 589 Toll
49 mi·52 min·Suncoast Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 19Toward FL 54: New Port Richey, ZephyrhillsUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Turn straight onto FL 54
9.5 mi·13 min·State Road 54
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on FL 56
0.4 mi·38 sec·State Road 56
Use the left / straight lanes.
13
Continue on FL 56
0.1 mi·8 sec·FL 56
Use the straight lane.
14
Turn slight right
0.2 mi·13 sec
Toward I 75 South: Tampa, Saint Petersburg
15
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward I 75 South: Tampa, Saint Petersburg
16
Merge onto I 75
1.0 mi·1 min·I 75
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
74 mi·1 hr 19 min·I 75
Toward South I 75: NaplesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
42 mi·45 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Exit 158Toward CR 762: North Fort Myers, Cape Coral
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward CR 762 West, to US 41
21
Turn straight onto CR 762
0.9 mi·1 min·Tuckers Grade
22
Turn left onto US 41
10 mi·12 min·Tamiami Trail
Use the right lane.
23
Turn right onto CR 867A
6.5 mi·10 min·Del Prado Boulevard North
Use the left lane.
24
Continue on CR 867A
6.2 mi·12 min·Del Prado Boulevard South
25
Turn right onto Cape Coral Parkway East
0.3 mi·41 sec·Cape Coral Parkway East
Use the right lane.
26
Turn right
200 ft·14 sec
27
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To keep your 6-hour and 30-minute trip smooth, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh. Since the route is heavily reliant on I-75, try to depart early in the morning to avoid peak congestion periods that can inflate your travel time. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the 117.5-mile interstate stretch, as service availability can fluctuate depending on your exact location along the corridor. With only one planned stop necessary, you have the flexibility to choose a location that fits your hunger or fatigue levels. Staying mindful of the heavy highway usage will help you maintain a steady pace throughout the entire 321.8-mile journey.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 160.9 miles from Perry, FL, or about 3h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 117.5 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 71 miles or 1h 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 160.9 miles or 3h 20m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cape Coral, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Perry, 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 Perry, FL
This is one driving day of about 321.8 miles and 6h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from Perry, 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 I 75 for about 117.5 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 58.7 and 297.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
58.7 mi into trip|~1h 15m in|US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate
Keep slight right at fork onto US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
168.4 mi into trip|~3h 28m in
Take the exit toward FL 54: New Port Richey, Zephyrhills
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.
Exit 19
Toward FL 54: New Port Richey, Zephyrhills
7
180.5 mi into trip|~3h 45m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward South I 75: Naples
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward South I 75: Naples
6
254.8 mi into trip|~5h 5m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
297.3 mi into trip|~5h 51m in
Keep slight right at fork toward CR 762 West, to US 41
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward CR 762 West, to US 41
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$51.22 one way
$102.44 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg113 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$55.72
$111.44
premium
$4.72
$59.84
$119.67
diesel
$5.61
$71.05
$142.10
Estimated Tolls: $2.91
Suncoast Parkway
(48.5 mi)$2.91
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
$51
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$79–$104
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 112.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
96.5
1
$33.79
$15.45
Efficient EV
80.5
0
$28.16
$12.87
EV Truck/SUV
128.7
1
$45.05
$20.60
Gas CO2
113 kg
EV CO2
38 kg (66% 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 14, 2026
Origin
Perry, FL
Late night
in Perry on Sunday
Local time
12:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Cape Coral, FL
Late night
in Cape Coral on Sunday
Local time
12:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Partly Cloudy
ENE 6 to 12 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 13 at 7:43PM EDT until April 14 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 13 at 2:00AM EDT until April 14 at 5:00AM 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
14 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
6h 30m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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.
De Soto National Memorial
National Memorial
In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting...
10 mi from route
~25 min detour
Free
near mile 233
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 87% of your time spent on high-speed roads. You will start by navigating local stretches like Byron Butler Parkway and US 19 before transitioning onto the interstate for the bulk of your journey. Expect a consistent rhythm, highlighted by a longest uninterrupted stretch of 117.5 miles on I-75. While the interstate provides a reliable, fast-paced experience, the transition from smaller local roads to the heavy traffic of the highway defines the character of this trip. Prepare for a steady, focused drive that prioritizes speed and direct connectivity over winding scenic detours.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 117.5 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Byron Butler Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 58.7 miles in near US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 321.8 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 58.7 miles (US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 168.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 180.5 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
91 ft4 ft
Total Climb
87 ft
Total Descent
123 ft
Highest Point
91 ft
~137.9 mi in
Elevation Range
87 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Perry, FL and Cape Coral, FL, road signs point toward Zephyrhills, Saint Petersburg, Cr 762: North Fort Myers, Cr 762 West and To Us 41.
Perry is a city in Florida's Big Bend Coast region with a population of 7,000 as of 2010. The county seat of Taylor County, it's named after former governor and Confederate colonel Madison Perry.
Cape Coral is a city in Southwest Florida. Visitors are drawn by its beaches, nature trails and sea kayaking opportunities on Black Island in Lovers Key State Park.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 30m. Total distance: 321.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 30m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 117.5 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.91 in tolls one way, starting with Suncoast Parkway. 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 Cape Coral, 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 58.7 miles (US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 168.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 180.5 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — De Soto National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.5 hours each way, a round trip means 13.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Cape Coral, FL before the return drive.
