This 198.2-mile drive from Sharpes, Florida, to Cape Coral, Florida, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 27 minutes. It's a highway-focused journey with about 71% of the route on major roads like US 17, the Beachline Expressway, and the Central Florida GreeneWay. With an estimated fuel cost of $32, this trip is quite budget-friendly for a road trip of this length. You'll encounter one suggested stop along the way. This route offers a straightforward path across Florida, making it an efficient option for getting from the east coast to the west coast.
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
99.1 miles from Sharpes, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 6m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 17
84.7 mi
1h 59m
Beachline Expressway
28.7 mi
30m
Central Florida GreeneWay
18.3 mi
20m
I 4
12.5 mi
13m
Tamiami Trail
10.4 mi
12m
Southern Connector Extension
8.2 mi
9m
Del Prado Boulevard North
6.5 mi
10m
CR 557
6.4 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
US 17
— 84.7 mi, about 1h 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sharpes, FL and Cape Coral, FL.
1
Start on Canaveral Groves Boulevard
46 ft·9 sec·Canaveral Groves Boulevard
2
Turn left onto US 1
1.5 mi·2 min·US Highway 1
3
Turn right onto Cidco Road
0.5 mi·1 min·Cidco Road
4
Turn left onto East Industry Road
0.4 mi·55 sec·East Industry Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward FL 528Use the right lane.
6
Merge onto FL 528
29 mi·30 min·Beachline Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 16Toward FL 417: Orlando, Tampa, Disney World, SanfordUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
1.3 mi·2 min
Toward FL 417 Toll South: Tampa, Disney WorldUse the slight left lane.
9
Merge onto FL 417 Toll
18 mi·20 min·Central Florida GreeneWay
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 417 Toll
8.2 mi·9 min·Southern Connector Extension
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 4
12 mi·13 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 48Toward CR 557: Lake Alfred, Winter HavenUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Turn slight left onto CR 557
6.4 mi·9 min·CR 557
14
Turn right onto US 17; US 92
0.6 mi·1 min·Shinn Boulevard
15
Continue on US 17; US 92
0.6 mi·1 min·Lake Shore Way
16
Turn straight onto US 17
3.7 mi·6 min·US 17
Use the left / straight lanes.
17
Continue on US 17
2.2 mi·4 min·6th Street Southwest
18
Continue on US 17
39 mi·55 min·US 17
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on US 17
1.1 mi·1 min·US 17
20
Continue on US 17
2.5 mi·2 min·US 17
21
Continue on US 17
39 mi·52 min·US 17
Use the right lane.
22
Turn left
0.4 mi·58 sec
Toward I 75 South: Naples
23
Merge onto I 75
5.8 mi·6 min·I 75
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Exit 158Toward CR 762: North Fort Myers, Cape Coral
25
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward CR 762 West, to US 41
26
Turn straight onto CR 762
0.9 mi·1 min·Tuckers Grade
27
Turn left onto US 41
10 mi·12 min·Tamiami Trail
Use the right lane.
28
Turn right onto CR 867A
6.5 mi·10 min·Del Prado Boulevard North
Use the left lane.
29
Continue on CR 867A
6.2 mi·12 min·Del Prado Boulevard South
30
Turn right onto Cape Coral Parkway East
0.3 mi·41 sec·Cape Coral Parkway East
Use the right lane.
31
Turn right
200 ft·14 sec
32
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour and 27-minute duration, this route is comfortably manageable as a single-day trip. Consider leaving in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace, especially since there's only one recommended stop. The longest stretch without a break is 84.7 miles on US 17, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly before embarking on that segment. With a fuel cost estimated at $32, keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is a good idea, but significant refueling worries are unlikely on this relatively short drive. Having flexibility with your departure time is an advantage for this trip.
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 99.1 miles from Sharpes, FL, or about 2h 6m 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 44 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 99.1 miles or 2h 6m 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 33m
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 Sharpes, 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 Sharpes, FL
This is one driving day of about 198.2 miles and 4h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 miles from Sharpes, 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 2 and 173.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
2 mi into trip|~3m in|East Industry Road
Turn left onto East Industry Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
8
31.6 mi into trip|~36m in
Take the exit toward FL 417: Orlando, Tampa, Disney World, Sanford
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 16
Toward FL 417: Orlando, Tampa, Disney World, Sa...
8
31.8 mi into trip|~36m in
Keep slight left at fork toward FL 417 Toll South: Tampa, Disney World
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward FL 417 Toll South: Tampa, Disney World
8
72.1 mi into trip|~1h 23m 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
173.7 mi into trip|~3h 47m 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
$31.55 one way
$63.10 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg69 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$34.32
$68.64
premium
$4.72
$36.85
$73.71
diesel
$5.61
$43.76
$87.52
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 69.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
59.5
0
$20.81
$9.51
Efficient EV
49.6
0
$17.34
$7.93
EV Truck/SUV
79.3
0
$27.75
$12.68
Gas CO2
69 kg
EV CO2
23 kg (67% 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 19, 2026
Origin
Sharpes, FL
Late night
in Sharpes on Tuesday
Local time
5:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
87°F
Partly Sunny
NW 5 to 10 mph8% chanceLive forecast
Fire Weather Watch
Fire Weather Watch issued April 19 at 8:20AM EDT until April 20 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 19 at 5:28AM EDT until April 19 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Cape Coral, FL
Late night
in Cape Coral on Tuesday
Local time
5:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Mostly Sunny
WNW 2 to 12 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Fire Weather Watch
Fire Weather Watch issued April 19 at 8:20AM EDT until April 20 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 19 at 5:28AM EDT until April 19 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
66°F
Eagle Lake, FL
99 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
1 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
4h 27m 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.
Canaveral National Seashore
National Seashore
Discover a dynamic barrier island shaped by dunes, coastal hammocks, and Mosquito Lagoon. Walk among ancient Timucua shell mounds and connect with thousands of years of human history. Immerse yourself...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive for this trip, with 71% of your miles spent on major roadways. You'll experience a significant stretch of 84.7 miles on US 17, which will likely offer a more consistent, less interrupted driving experience compared to city streets. While the specifics of the scenery aren't detailed, the profile suggests a route that prioritizes efficient travel over winding backroads. The combination of expressways and highways means you'll be moving at a good pace for most of the journey, with opportunities to cover ground quickly.
71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 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?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 17 and Beachline Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2 miles in near East Industry Road.
Driving Effort10/10
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 198.2 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 2 miles (East Industry Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 31.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Sharpes, FL and Cape Coral, FL, road signs point toward Tampa, Disney World, Sanford, Cr 557: Lake Alfred, Winter Haven and Cr 762: North Fort Myers - 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 4h 27m. Total distance: 198.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (71%). 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.
Yes — we found about 10 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 10 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2 miles (East Industry Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 31.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Canaveral National Seashore. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Cape Coral, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
