Embarking on this 212.1-mile journey from Pine Ridge to Cape Coral in Florida is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that can comfortably be completed in about 4 hours and 14 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-75 and the Suncoast Parkway, with a section of Tamiami Trail, this route is well-suited for a single-day trip, saving you the need for an overnight stay. With an estimated fuel cost of $34, it's an economical option for exploring the Sunshine State. The drive offers a predominantly high-speed experience, making it an efficient way to travel between these two Florida locations.
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
106.1 miles from Pine Ridge, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 7m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
117.5 mi
2h 5m
Suncoast Parkway
50.7 mi
54m
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
North Lecanto Highway
3.2 mi
5m
West Norvell Bryant Highway
2.1 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 117.5 mi, about 2h 5m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 43 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~4,468 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~393 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pine Ridge, FL and Cape Coral, FL.
1
Start on North Mallows Circle
0.2 mi·45 sec·North Mallows Circle
2
Turn left onto North Cliff Drive
0.4 mi·1 min·North Cliff Drive
3
At end of road, turn left onto West Pine Ridge Boulevard
1.6 mi·3 min·West Pine Ridge Boulevard
4
Turn right onto CR 491
3.2 mi·5 min·North Lecanto Highway
5
Turn right onto CR 486
2.1 mi·3 min·West Norvell Bryant Highway
6
Turn left
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward FL 589 Toll: Suncoast Parkway
7
Continue on FL 589 Toll
51 mi·54 min·Suncoast Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 19Toward FL 54: New Port Richey, ZephyrhillsUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Turn straight onto FL 54
9.5 mi·13 min·State Road 54
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on FL 56
0.4 mi·38 sec·State Road 56
Use the left / straight lanes.
11
Continue on FL 56
0.1 mi·8 sec·FL 56
Use the straight lane.
12
Turn slight right
0.2 mi·13 sec
Toward I 75 South: Tampa, Saint Petersburg
13
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward I 75 South: Tampa, Saint Petersburg
14
Merge onto I 75
1.0 mi·1 min·I 75
15
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.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
42 mi·45 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Exit 158Toward CR 762: North Fort Myers, Cape Coral
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward CR 762 West, to US 41
19
Turn straight onto CR 762
0.9 mi·1 min·Tuckers Grade
20
Turn left onto US 41
10 mi·12 min·Tamiami Trail
Use the right lane.
21
Turn right onto CR 867A
6.5 mi·10 min·Del Prado Boulevard North
Use the left lane.
22
Continue on CR 867A
6.2 mi·12 min·Del Prado Boulevard South
23
Turn right onto Cape Coral Parkway East
0.3 mi·41 sec·Cape Coral Parkway East
Use the right lane.
24
Turn right
200 ft·14 sec
25
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 4-hour duration and 212.1-mile distance, this trip is best tackled in a single day, allowing for flexibility. Consider departing in the morning to maximize daylight hours and avoid potential afternoon traffic, especially on I-75. With only one recommended stop, plan your break strategically to coincide with your longest stretch of driving, which is 117.5 miles on I-75. Keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is wise, as the estimated $34 cost suggests a need for at least one refueling along the way.
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 106.1 miles from Pine Ridge, FL, or about 2h 7m 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 47 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106.1 miles or 2h 7m 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 20m
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 Pine Ridge, 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 Pine Ridge, FL
This is one driving day of about 212.1 miles and 4h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Pine Ridge, 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 58.8 and 187.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
58.8 mi into trip|~1h 11m 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
70.9 mi into trip|~1h 29m 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
145.2 mi into trip|~2h 49m 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.
6
187.4 mi into trip|~3h 34m in
Take the exit toward CR 762: North Fort Myers, Cape Coral
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 158
Toward CR 762: North Fort Myers, Cape Coral
7
187.7 mi into trip|~3h 35m 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
$32.11 one way
$64.21 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$35.23
$70.46
premium
$4.55
$37.99
$75.99
diesel
$4.80
$40.05
$80.10
Estimated Tolls: $3.04
Suncoast Parkway
(50.7 mi)$3.04
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
$32
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.6
0
$22.27
$10.18
Efficient EV
53
0
$18.56
$8.48
EV Truck/SUV
84.8
1
$29.69
$13.57
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (66% 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Pine Ridge, FL
Late night
in Pine Ridge on Sunday
Local time
5:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
SE 2 to 6 mph26% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 6:13PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:52PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Destination
Cape Coral, FL
Late night
in Cape Coral on Sunday
Local time
5:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
SSE 6 to 12 mph28% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 6:13PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:52PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
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
6 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 14m 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.
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
The character of this drive is overwhelmingly highway-focused, with 80% of the route consisting of high-speed roads. You'll experience a significant stretch of 117.5 miles on I-75, offering a consistent, fast-paced journey. While the Suncoast Parkway and Tamiami Trail offer some variation, the overall feel is one of efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways. Expect to maintain higher speeds for the majority of the 4 hours and 14 minutes it takes to cover the 212.1 miles.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 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?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Suncoast Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 58.8 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 212.1 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 58.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.9 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.2 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
102 ft-1 ft
Total Climb
104 ft
Total Descent
201 ft
Highest Point
102 ft
Elevation Range
104 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Pine Ridge, FL and Cape Coral, FL, road signs point toward Zephyrhills, Saint Petersburg, Cr 762: North Fort Myers, Cr 762 West and To Us 41.
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 4h 14m. Total distance: 212.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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 $3.04 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.
Yes — we found about 11 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.
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. There are 11 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 58.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.9 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.2 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Cape Coral, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
