Traveling from Saint Augustine Beach to Cape Coral covers 263.4 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 47 minutes behind the wheel. Because this journey is manageable in a single day, you can easily complete it without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily utilize a combination of I-95, I-4, and US 17 to navigate across Florida. Budgeting approximately $44 for fuel is a safe estimate for the trip. This highway-focused route is straightforward, making it an efficient choice if you are looking to reach the Gulf Coast from the Atlantic side without unnecessary detours.
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
131.7 miles from Saint Augustine Beach, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 37m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 17
84.7 mi
1h 59m
I 4
82 mi
1h 35m
I 95
35.3 mi
38m
Tamiami Trail
10.4 mi
12m
US 1
6.7 mi
8m
Del Prado Boulevard North
6.5 mi
10m
CR 557
6.4 mi
9m
Del Prado Boulevard South
6.2 mi
12m
Longest stretch:
US 17
— 84.7 mi, about 1h 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Augustine Beach, FL and Cape Coral, FL.
1
Start on 9th Street
482 ft·26 sec·9th Street
2
Turn left onto A1A Beach Boulevard
1.8 mi·3 min·A1A Beach Boulevard
3
Turn left onto SR A1A
3.9 mi·6 min·SR A1A
4
Turn right onto FL 206
3.9 mi·5 min·FL 206
5
Turn left onto US 1
6.7 mi·8 min·US 1
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward I 95 South: Miami
7
Merge onto I 95
35 mi·38 min·I 95
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Exit 260C-B-A Toward I 4, US 92, FL 400: Daytona Beach, Orlando, International Airport, International SpeedwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on this road
513 ft·12 sec·this road
Exit 260 C B AToward I 4, US 92, FL 400: Daytona Beach, Orlando
10
Keep slight left at fork
1.3 mi·1 min
Toward I 4, FL 400: Orlando, South Daytona
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 260BToward I 4 West: OrlandoUse the slight right lane.
12
Continue on I 4
37 mi·40 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 4
10 mi·13 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 84BToward Ivanhoe BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
15
Continue on this road
0.5 mi·1 min·this road
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
16
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·34 sec·this road
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
17
Merge onto I 4
35 mi·41 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 48Toward CR 557: Lake Alfred, Winter HavenUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn slight left onto CR 557
6.4 mi·9 min·CR 557
20
Turn right onto US 17; US 92
0.6 mi·1 min·Shinn Boulevard
21
Continue on US 17; US 92
0.6 mi·1 min·Lake Shore Way
22
Turn straight onto US 17
3.7 mi·6 min·US 17
Use the left / straight lanes.
23
Continue on US 17
2.2 mi·4 min·6th Street Southwest
24
Continue on US 17
39 mi·55 min·US 17
Use the left lane.
25
Continue on US 17
1.1 mi·1 min·US 17
26
Continue on US 17
2.5 mi·2 min·US 17
27
Continue on US 17
39 mi·52 min·US 17
Use the right lane.
28
Turn left
0.4 mi·58 sec
Toward I 75 South: Naples
29
Merge onto I 75
5.8 mi·6 min·I 75
30
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Exit 158Toward CR 762: North Fort Myers, Cape Coral
31
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward CR 762 West, to US 41
32
Turn straight onto CR 762
0.9 mi·1 min·Tuckers Grade
33
Turn left onto US 41
10 mi·12 min·Tamiami Trail
Use the right lane.
34
Turn right onto CR 867A
6.5 mi·10 min·Del Prado Boulevard North
Use the left lane.
35
Continue on CR 867A
6.2 mi·12 min·Del Prado Boulevard South
36
Turn right onto Cape Coral Parkway East
0.3 mi·41 sec·Cape Coral Parkway East
Use the right lane.
37
Turn right
200 ft·14 sec
38
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 5-hour and 47-minute drive, plan to depart early in the day to avoid peak congestion on the interstate portions. Since the route includes one recommended stop, use that time strategically to refuel and stretch your legs before tackling the final leg of the trip. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the longer stretches on US 17, where service options may be less frequent than on the major interstates. Flexibility is your best asset on this route; because it is a single-day drive, you can adjust your pace based on traffic flow or your own energy levels to ensure a comfortable arrival in Cape Coral.
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 131.7 miles from Saint Augustine Beach, FL, or about 2h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 84.7 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 58 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 131.7 miles or 2h 37m 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 38m
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 Saint Augustine Beach, 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 Saint Augustine Beach, FL
This is one driving day of about 263.4 miles and 5h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Saint Augustine Beach, 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 17 for about 84.7 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 52 and 238.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
52 mi into trip|~1h 2m in
Take the exit toward I 4, US 92, FL 400: Daytona Beach, Orlando, International Airport, International Speedway
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 260C-B-A
Toward I 4, US 92, FL 400: Daytona Beach, Orlan...
8
53.6 mi into trip|~1h 5m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 4 West: Orlando
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 260B
Toward I 4 West: Orlando
7
101.2 mi into trip|~2h in
Take the exit toward Ivanhoe Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 84B
Toward Ivanhoe Boulevard
8
137.3 mi into trip|~2h 44m in
Take the exit toward CR 557: Lake Alfred, Winter Haven
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 48
Toward CR 557: Lake Alfred, Winter Haven
7
238.9 mi into trip|~5h 8m 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
$41.93 one way
$83.85 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg92 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$45.61
$91.22
premium
$4.72
$48.98
$97.96
diesel
$5.61
$58.16
$116.31
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$42
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 92.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
79
0
$27.66
$12.64
Efficient EV
65.9
0
$23.05
$10.54
EV Truck/SUV
105.4
1
$36.88
$16.86
Gas CO2
92 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Saint Augustine Beach, FL
Morning
in Saint Augustine Beach on Sunday
Local time
7:53 AM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Partly Cloudy
SW 6 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued April 18 at 2:27AM EDT until April 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Fire Weather Watch
Fire Weather Watch issued April 18 at 2:27AM EDT until April 20 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Cape Coral, FL
Morning
in Cape Coral on Sunday
Local time
7:53 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Partly Cloudy
E 3 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued April 18 at 2:27AM EDT until April 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Fire Weather Watch
Fire Weather Watch issued April 18 at 2:27AM EDT until April 20 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
62°F
Eagle Lake, FL
132 mi in
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
5 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 47m 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.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
National Monument
Built by the Spanish in St. Augustine to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United Stat...
Fort Matanzas National Monument preserves the fortified coquina watchtower, completed in 1742, which defended the southern approach to the Spanish military settlement of St. Augustine. It also protect...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive defined by speed and efficiency, as 86% of your journey takes place on highways. The road's personality shifts significantly as you transition between major interstates and the 84.7-mile stretch on US 17, which serves as your longest uninterrupted segment. While the interstates offer a fast-paced environment, the US 17 portion provides a slightly different rhythm that breaks up the monotony of the heavy highway travel. You will encounter a mix of high-speed transit and standard road conditions, so remain alert as the character of the road changes from wide-open lanes to more localized corridors.
86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 84.7 mi on US 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 17 and I 4. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 52 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 21 significant decision points across 263.4 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 52 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 53.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 101.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Saint Augustine Beach, FL and Cape Coral, FL, road signs point toward Orlando, International Airport, International Speedway, Daytona, Cr 557: Lake Alfred and Winter Haven - among others.
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 5h 47m. Total distance: 263.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (86%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 84.7 miles on US 17. 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 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 52 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 53.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 101.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and Fort Matanzas National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.6 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.
