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Trip from Pinecrest, 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

2h 49m

Distance

143.3 mi

231 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 38m ★
6 AM
2h 49m
8 AM
3h 11m
10 AM
2h 57m
12 PM
2h 55m
3 PM
2h 58m
5 PM
3h 10m
8 PM
2h 43m

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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Downtown Pinecrest, FL, FL

Pinecrest, FL

DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ

Trip Overview

This 143.3-mile drive from Pinecrest, Florida, to Gainesville, Florida, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in about 2 hours and 49 minutes. It's a perfect candidate for a day trip, so you won't need to worry about finding overnight accommodations. The majority of your journey, 86%, will be on highways, primarily I-75, with some stretches on Lithia Pinecrest Road and US 441. Expect to spend around $24 on fuel for this route. This highway-focused drive offers a practical way to travel between two points within Florida, making it a convenient option for many travelers.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

71.7 miles from Pinecrest, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 27m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 75 115.9 mi 2h 4m
Lithia Pinecrest Road 10.9 mi 18m
US 441 8 mi 9m
East Brandon Boulevard 2.8 mi 4m
South Main Street 2.4 mi 4m
Southeast County Road 234 1.3 mi 2m
Southwest Williston Road 0.5 mi 1m
South County Road 39 <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 75 — 115.9 mi, about 2h 4m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on CR 39

128 ft · 10 sec · South County Road 39
2

Turn left onto Lithia Pinecrest Road

11 mi · 18 min · Lithia Pinecrest Road
Use the straight lane.
3

Turn left onto FL 60

2.8 mi · 4 min · East Brandon Boulevard
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
4

Take the exit

1.2 mi · 2 min
Toward I 75 North: Ocala Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Merge onto I 75

116 mi · 2 hr 4 min · I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Exit 374 Toward CR 234: Micanopy Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Turn right onto CR 234

1.3 mi · 2 min · Southeast County Road 234
8

Turn left

421 ft · 15 sec
Use the left lane.
9

Turn straight onto US 441

8.0 mi · 9 min · US 441
Use the straight lane.
10

Turn right onto FL 331

0.5 mi · 1 min · Southwest Williston Road
Use the right lane.
11

Turn left onto CR 329

1.6 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
12

Enter roundabout onto CR 329

92 ft · 1 sec · South Main Street
13

Continue on CR 329

0.2 mi · 32 sec · South Main Street
14

Enter roundabout onto CR 329

177 ft · 3 sec · South Main Street
15

Continue on CR 329

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
16

Arrive at destination

CR 329

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of under 3 hours, you have the flexibility to leave Pinecrest at your convenience. A morning departure will allow you to arrive in Gainesville with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop and a manageable fuel cost of $24, you can easily complete this trip without extensive planning. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 115.9-mile stretch on I-75, to ensure you don't need to make an unplanned stop. You should be able to reach Gainesville comfortably in one go.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 71.7 miles from Pinecrest, FL, or about 1h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 115.9 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 32 miles or 44m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 71.7 miles or 1h 27m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 16m

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 Pinecrest, 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 Pinecrest, FL

This is one driving day of about 143.3 miles and 2h 49m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Pinecrest, 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 115.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown South Brooksville, FL, FL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

South Brooksville, FL

72 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

Mango, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

South Brooksville, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 71.7 miles from Pinecrest, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 115.9 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

Raining Berries - Lutz / Wesley Chapel

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lutz, Florida

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 30.7

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+18139498299

Visit website

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Lutz, Florida

1.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Kava Gator Coffee Shop

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Gainesville, Florida

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 143.3

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

Raining Berries - Lutz / Wesley Chapel

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 30.7

Lutz, Florida

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+18139498299

Visit website

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 30.7

Lutz, Florida

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+18139492428

Visit website

Kava Gator Coffee Shop

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 143.3

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 143.3

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 143.3

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 143.3

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

Visit website

Daydreamer Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 143.3

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

Visit website

Pascal's Coffeehouse

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 143.3

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+13523775480

Visit website

Coffee Culture

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 143.3

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+13523771700

Visit website

Opus Coffee - UF Health East Tower

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 143.3

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: 6:20 am–8 pm

Visit website

EVmatch Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 143.3

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16508228157

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 71.7

Bushnell, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 143.3

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Pilot EV Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 112.6

Ocala, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13524029081

Visit website

EvGateway Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 122.8

Reddick, Florida

Hours: 5 am–1 pm

+19499452000

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 143.3

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 143.3

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Flying J EV Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 40.9

San Antonio, Florida

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13525885444

Visit website

Depot Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 143.3

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 143.3

Gainesville, Florida

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+13523718001

Visit website

Cracker Country

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 20.5

Tampa, Florida

+18136274225

Visit website

New Tampa Recreational Center

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 30.7

Tampa, Florida

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+18139752794

Visit website

Scott Springs Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 102.4

Ocala, Florida

Hours: 9 am–7 pm

+13523685517

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 132.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Lithia Pinecrest Road

Turn left onto Lithia Pinecrest Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
6
13.7 mi into trip | ~23m in

Take the exit toward I 75 North: Ocala

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 75 North: Ocala
5
14.9 mi into trip | ~26m in | I 75

Merge onto I 75

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
130.7 mi into trip | ~2h 30m 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
5
132.3 mi into trip | ~2h 33m in

Turn left

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.81 one way

$45.62 round trip

$4.04/gal 25.4 MPG avg 50 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.40 $24.81 $49.62
premium $4.72 $26.65 $53.29
diesel $5.61 $31.64 $63.28

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 50.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 43 0 $15.05 $6.88
Efficient EV 35.8 0 $12.54 $5.73
EV Truck/SUV 57.3 0 $20.06 $9.17

Gas CO2

50 kg

EV CO2

17 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 Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Pinecrest, FL

Afternoon in Pinecrest on Sunday

Local time

12:12 PM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Gainesville, FL

Afternoon in Gainesville on Sunday

Local time

12:12 PM

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

20 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

2h 49m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 86% of the drive taking place on major roads. You'll spend a significant amount of time on I-75, including the longest uninterrupted stretch of 115.9 miles. While I-75 offers efficiency, the sections on Lithia Pinecrest Road and US 441 might offer a slight change of pace before you merge back onto faster highways. This drive is characterized by its focus on covering distance quickly rather than extensive scenic detours.

86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 115.9 mi on I 75.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Lithia Pinecrest Road. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Lithia Pinecrest Road.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 49m drive. You will face about 13 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Lithia Pinecrest Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 13.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 14.9 miles (I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

178 ft 33 ft

Total Climb

273 ft

Total Descent

204 ft

Highest Point

178 ft

~143.3 mi in

Elevation Range

144 ft

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 Pinecrest, FL to Gainesville, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Cr 234: Micanopy along the way.

Cr 234: Micanopy

130.7 mi in | ~2h 30m

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 2h 49m. Total distance: 143.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (86%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 115.9 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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: near the start (Lithia Pinecrest Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 13.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 14.9 miles (I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Gainesville, FL before heading back.

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, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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