Turkey Lake Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Scott Lake, FL to Gainesville, FL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 59m
Distance
324 mi
521 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$49
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 47m
★
6 AM
6h 0m
8 AM
6h 26m
10 AM
6h 9m
12 PM
6h 6m
3 PM
6h 10m
5 PM
6h 24m
8 PM
5h 52m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Scott Lake, FL
Matt Fitz Gibaud
Gainesville, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Scott Lake, FL to Gainesville, FL is 324 miles and takes about 5h 59m via Florida's Turnpike and I 75, with a fuel budget near $51 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays entirely within Florida, taking you from one part of the state to another on well-traveled highways. Given the relatively short drive time and highway-heavy profile, it's a straightforward trip for a single day. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates, making it an efficient way to cover the distance.
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
162 miles from Scott Lake, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 59m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Florida's Turnpike | 261.8 mi | 4h 44m |
| I 75 | 46.1 mi | 49m |
| US 441 | 8 mi | 9m |
| South Main Street | 2.4 mi | 4m |
| Southeast County Road 234 | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| Northwest 27th Avenue | 1 mi | 1m |
| Northwest 183rd Street | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Northwest 199th Street | 0.8 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Florida's Turnpike
— 261.8 mi, about 4h 44m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 12 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~2,482 veh/hr typical · worst 3,683
Quietest
2 AM
~405 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 51 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 Scott Lake, FL and Gainesville, FL.
1
Start on SR 860
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Northwest 183rd Street
2
Turn right onto SR 817
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Northwest 27th Avenue
Use the right lane.
3
Turn right onto Northwest 199th Street
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Northwest 199th Street
Use the right lane.
4
Take the ramp
0.9 mi
·
1 min
5
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
262 mi
·
4 hr 44 min
·
Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
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.
7
Merge onto I 75
46 mi
·
49 min
·
I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 374
Toward CR 234: Micanopy
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Turn right onto CR 234
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Southeast County Road 234
10
Turn left
421 ft
·
15 sec
Use the left lane.
11
Turn straight onto US 441
8.0 mi
·
9 min
·
US 441
Use the straight lane.
12
Turn right onto FL 331
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Southwest Williston Road
Use the right lane.
13
Turn left onto CR 329
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
South Main Street
14
Enter roundabout onto CR 329
92 ft
·
1 sec
·
South Main Street
15
Continue on CR 329
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
South Main Street
16
Enter roundabout onto CR 329
177 ft
·
3 sec
·
South Main Street
17
Continue on CR 329
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Arrive at destination
CR 329
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour drive, leaving in the morning will give you plenty of daylight to reach Gainesville. You'll only need about one stop, so plan for a quick break for gas or a stretch. The majority of the route is on Florida's Turnpike and I 75, so keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 261.8-mile stretch on the Turnpike. The fuel cost is estimated at $51, so budget accordingly. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility, but aim to be off the major highways before heavy evening traffic builds up in Gainesville.
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 162 miles from Scott Lake, FL, or about 2h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 261.8 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 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 162 miles or 2h 59m 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 51m
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 Scott Lake, 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 Scott Lake, FL
This is one driving day of about 324 miles and 5h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from Scott Lake, 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 261.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
162 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 71 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 162 miles from Scott Lake, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Florida's Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 261.8 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Fort Drum Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Pompano Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Marion County Rest Area Southbound
0.1 mi from route
Okahumpka Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Port Saint Lucie - Fort Pierce Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Marion County Rest Area Northbound
0.2 mi from route
Wildwood I-75 Weigh Station Southbound
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
West Palm Beach Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Canoe Creek Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
Wildwood I-75 Weigh Station Northbound
0.3 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.4 mi from route
40392
0.8 mi from route
40391
1 mi from route
Alachua County Rest Area (I-75 northbound)
1.4 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.5 mi from route
Alachua County Rest Area (I-75 southbound)
1.5 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
1.7 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 0.8 and 311.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.8 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
SR 817 / Northwest 27th Avenue
Turn right onto SR 817 / Northwest 27th Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
1.8 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
Northwest 199th Street
Turn right onto Northwest 199th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
3.5 mi into trip
|
~6m 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.
7
265 mi into trip
|
~4h 51m 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
7
311.4 mi into trip
|
~5h 40m 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
$49.05 one way
$98.09 round trip
$3.85/gal
25.4 MPG avg
113 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.22 | $53.82 | $107.63 |
| premium | $4.55 | $58.04 | $116.08 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $61.18 | $122.35 |
Estimated Tolls: $18.31
Florida's Turnpike
(261.6 mi)
$18.31
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
$49
Tolls
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$92–$117
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 113.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 97.2 | 1 | $34.02 | $15.55 |
| Efficient EV | 81 | 0 | $28.35 | $12.96 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 129.6 | 1 | $45.36 | $20.74 |
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.
Origin
Scott Lake, FL
Afternoon in Scott Lake on Monday
Local time
12:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
95°F
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
SW 5 to 10 mph
60% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 3:45AM EDT until July 18 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 2:50AM EDT until July 17 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Destination
Gainesville, FL
Afternoon in Gainesville on Monday
Local time
12:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
93°F
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
NW 8 mph
77% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 3:45AM EDT until July 18 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 2:50AM EDT until July 17 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Miami 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
2 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
5h 59m 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?
You'll be on highways for 98% of this 324-mile trip. The longest continuous stretch on a single road is 261.8 miles, primarily on Florida's Turnpike. Expect a mostly highway experience until the very end, where you'll transition to US 441. The high percentage of highway driving means you'll encounter numerous exits and potential merges, especially as you approach the Gainesville area.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 261.8 mi on Florida's Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Florida's Turnpike and I 75. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.8 miles in near SR 817 / Northwest 27th Avenue.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 324 miles you will encounter 15 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.8 miles (SR 817 / Northwest 27th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.8 miles (Northwest 199th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.5 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
178 ft
7 ft
Total Climb
206 ft
Total Descent
35 ft
Highest Point
178 ft
~324 mi in
Elevation Range
171 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Scott Lake, FL
Full guide →Arriving in Gainesville, FL
Full guide →Founded 1853
Gainesville is in North Central Florida. It is home to the University of Florida, and Santa Fe College.
Top landmarks
- • Hippodrome State Theatre — theater in Gainesville, Florida, United States
- • Anderson Hall — historic building on the campus of the University of Florida, USA
- • Buckman Hall — University of Florida campus
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 59m. Total distance: 324 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 261.8 miles on Florida's Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $18.31 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.
Yes — we found about 30 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 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. There are 30 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.8 miles (SR 817 / Northwest 27th Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.8 miles (Northwest 199th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.5 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 12.0 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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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