Origin
South Bay, FL
Late night in South Bay on Sunday
Local time
5:55 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from South Bay, FL to Cape Coral, 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 3m
Distance
88.3 mi
142 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$14
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 55m
★
6 AM
2h 4m
8 AM
2h 21m
10 AM
2h 10m
12 PM
2h 8m
3 PM
2h 11m
5 PM
2h 21m
8 PM
1h 58m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
South Bay, FL
Arian Fernandez
Cape Coral, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This straightforward 88.3-mile drive from South Bay to Cape Coral is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 3 minutes to complete. The journey is predominantly highway-focused, with about 90% of the route utilizing major roadways like FL 80, US 27, and I-75. Budget around $14 for fuel, making it an economical choice for a quick excursion. Given its relatively short distance and efficient path, this route offers a practical way to get from one Florida locale to another without significant time commitment.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
44.2 miles from South Bay, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 59m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| FL 80 | 47 mi | 1h 4m |
| US 27 | 24.6 mi | 32m |
| I 75 | 4.3 mi | 4m |
| Colonial Boulevard | 3.9 mi | 6m |
| College Parkway | 2.3 mi | 4m |
| Summerlin Road | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| Fowler Street | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| Cape Coral Parkway East | 1 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
FL 80
— 47 mi, about 1h 4m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between South Bay, FL and Cape Coral, FL.
1
Start on US 27
290 ft
·
7 sec
·
US 27
2
Take the exit
71 ft
·
9 sec
3
Turn sharp left onto US 27
23 mi
·
30 min
·
US 27
Use the left lane.
4
Continue on US 27; FL 80
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
US 27; FL 80
5
Take the exit onto FL 80
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
FL 80
Toward FL 80 West: La Belle, Fort Myers
6
Turn left onto FL 80
47 mi
·
1 hr 3 min
·
FL 80
Use the left lane.
7
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 75 South
Use the straight lane.
8
Merge onto I 75
4.3 mi
·
4 min
·
I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 136
Toward FL 884: Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork
510 ft
·
14 sec
Toward SR 884: Colonial Blvd
Use the right lane.
11
Merge onto FL 884
3.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Colonial Boulevard
Use the right lane.
12
Turn left onto Fowler Street
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Fowler Street
Use the left lane.
13
Continue on Boy Scout Drive
0.5 mi
·
50 sec
·
Boy Scout Drive
14
Turn straight onto CR 869
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Summerlin Road
15
Turn slight right
0.2 mi
·
45 sec
16
Keep slight right at fork
167 ft
·
6 sec
17
Keep slight right at fork
147 ft
·
5 sec
18
Turn straight onto College Parkway
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
College Parkway
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on Cape Coral Bridge Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Cape Coral Bridge Road
20
Continue on Cape Coral Parkway East
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Cape Coral Parkway East
21
Turn right
200 ft
·
14 sec
22
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
With a duration of just over 2 hours, this 88.3-mile trip offers plenty of flexibility. You can depart at your convenience, but an early start might help you avoid any potential traffic as you merge onto I-75. There are no specific recommended stops listed, so plan your own breaks as needed, perhaps utilizing service areas along I-75. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is around $14, and it’s always wise to top off before heading out on any drive.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 44.2 miles from South Bay, FL, or about 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 47 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 19 miles or 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 44.2 miles or 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 1h 41m
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 South Bay, 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 South Bay, FL
This is one driving day of about 88.3 miles and 2h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from South Bay, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on FL 80 for about 47 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
44 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 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 44.2 miles from South Bay, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 145 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 76.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 27
Turn sharp left onto US 27
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
25 mi into trip
|
~33m in
|
FL 80
Turn left onto FL 80
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
71.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 36m in
Take the exit toward I 75 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 75 South
8
76.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 42m in
Take the exit toward FL 884: Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres
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 136
Toward FL 884: Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres
8
76.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 43m in
Keep slight right at fork toward SR 884: Colonial Blvd
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward SR 884: Colonial Blvd
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.05 one way
$28.11 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
31 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $15.29 | $30.58 |
| premium | $4.72 | $16.42 | $32.84 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $19.50 | $38.99 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$14
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 30.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 26.5 | 0 | $9.27 | $4.24 |
| Efficient EV | 22.1 | 0 | $7.73 | $3.53 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 35.3 | 0 | $12.36 | $5.65 |
Gas CO2
31 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (68% 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.
Destination
Cape Coral, FL
Late night in Cape Coral on Sunday
Local time
5:55 AM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
63°F
Alva, FL
44 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
4 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 3m 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 highway-focused drive for the majority of this 88.3-mile trip, with 90% of the route on main roads. You'll experience the longest uninterrupted stretch of 47 miles on FL 80, providing a consistent pace. The transition onto US 27 and then I-75 will likely offer a faster, more direct experience. This route prioritizes efficient travel over scenic detours, so be prepared for a steady drive characterized by well-maintained highways.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 47 mi on FL 80.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on FL 80 and US 27. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near US 27.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 14 significant decision points across 88.3 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 0.1 miles (US 27): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 25 miles (FL 80): Lane positioning matters here; at 71.5 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between South Bay, FL and Cape Coral, FL, road signs point toward Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres.
Fort Myers
24.6 mi in
|
~32m
|
via FL 80
Lehigh Acres
76.4 mi in
|
~1h 42m
About the Cities
Arriving in Cape Coral, FL
Full guide →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.
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 3m. Total distance: 88.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 47 miles on FL 80. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (US 27): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 25 miles (FL 80): Lane positioning matters here; at 71.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Cape Coral, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Cape Coral, FL
More trips to Cape Coral, FL
Explore more options from South Bay, FL or browse trips ending in Cape Coral, FL.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse FL road trips.