Origin
Sunrise, FL
Late night in Sunrise on Sunday
Local time
3:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Sunrise, 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 50m
Distance
143.1 mi
230 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$23
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 39m
★
6 AM
2h 50m
8 AM
3h 12m
10 AM
2h 58m
12 PM
2h 56m
3 PM
2h 59m
5 PM
3h 11m
8 PM
2h 44m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Sunrise, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Cape Coral, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 143.1-mile drive from Sunrise, Florida, to Cape Coral, Florida, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes. With 94% of the journey on highways, it's a focused drive that should cost around $23 in fuel. The route primarily utilizes I-75, Port Everglades Expressway, and Daniels Parkway, making it a practical option for a day trip. Given the relatively short duration and highway focus, you won't need to worry about breaking this into an overnight stay. This trip stays within the state of Florida, offering a convenient regional excursion.
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
71.6 miles from Sunrise, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 25m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 112.3 mi | 2h |
| Port Everglades Expressway | 11.5 mi | 13m |
| Daniels Parkway | 4.8 mi | 8m |
| East Sunrise Boulevard | 3.4 mi | 7m |
| College Parkway | 3.2 mi | 5m |
| I 95 | 1.2 mi | 1m |
| Cape Coral Parkway East | 1 mi | 2m |
| South Cleveland Avenue | 0.7 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 112.3 mi, about 2h
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sunrise, FL and Cape Coral, FL.
1
Start on Northeast 7th Place
286 ft
·
15 sec
·
Northeast 7th Place
2
Turn left onto Northeast 25th Way
358 ft
·
13 sec
·
Northeast 25th Way
3
Turn right onto Northeast 8th Street
296 ft
·
15 sec
·
Northeast 8th Street
4
Turn left onto Northeast 26th Avenue
311 ft
·
15 sec
·
Northeast 26th Avenue
5
Turn left onto Northeast 9th Street
0.2 mi
·
43 sec
·
Northeast 9th Street
6
Continue on Northeast 24th Avenue
0.1 mi
·
25 sec
·
Northeast 24th Avenue
Use the left lane.
7
Turn left onto SR 838
3.4 mi
·
7 min
·
East Sunrise Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
8
Turn left
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Toward I 95 South: Miami
9
Merge onto I 95
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Exit 26
Toward SR 736, I 595: Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport, Davie Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork
1.7 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 595: Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
1.0 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 595 West
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 595
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Port Everglades Expressway
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 595
10 mi
·
11 min
·
Port Everglades Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 75
112 mi
·
2 hr
·
I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 131
Toward CR 876: Cape Coral
Use the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
524 ft
·
16 sec
Toward CR 876 West: Lee County Sports Complex, Florida SouthWestern State College, Cape Coral
Use the left lane.
18
Turn left
116 ft
·
5 sec
Toward CR 876 West
19
Turn left onto CR 876
4.8 mi
·
8 min
·
Daniels Parkway
Use the left lane.
20
Turn right onto US 41
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
South Cleveland Avenue
21
Turn left onto College Parkway
3.2 mi
·
5 min
·
College Parkway
Use the left lane.
22
Continue on Cape Coral Bridge Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Cape Coral Bridge Road
23
Continue on Cape Coral Parkway East
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Cape Coral Parkway East
24
Turn right
200 ft
·
14 sec
25
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 2-hour and 50-minute drive, leaving early in the morning can help you avoid potential traffic congestion, especially as you navigate out of the Sunrise area. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $23, planning is minimal. The longest stretch of 112.3 miles on I-75 means you can settle in for a good portion of the drive. Consider making your single stop around the halfway point or slightly after to break up the journey, ensuring you arrive in Cape Coral refreshed.
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 71.6 miles from Sunrise, FL, or about 1h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.3 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 31 miles or 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 71.6 miles or 1h 25m 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 14m
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 Sunrise, 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 Sunrise, FL
This is one driving day of about 143.1 miles and 2h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Sunrise, 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 112.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 71.6 miles from Sunrise, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 112.3 miles.
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 205 decision points cluster between mile 5.6 and 132.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
5.6 mi into trip
|
~11m in
Take the exit toward SR 736, I 595: Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport, Davie Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 26
Toward SR 736, I 595: Port Everglades, Fort Lau...
8
5.7 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 595: Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 595: Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale...
7
7.4 mi into trip
|
~14m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 595 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 595 West
7
132.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 30m in
Take the exit toward CR 876: Cape Coral
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 131
Toward CR 876: Cape Coral
8
132.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 31m in
Keep slight left at fork toward CR 876 West: Lee County Sports Complex, Florida SouthWestern State College, Cape Coral
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward CR 876 West: Lee County Sports Complex,...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.78 one way
$45.56 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
50 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $24.78 | $49.56 |
| premium | $4.72 | $26.61 | $53.22 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $31.59 | $63.19 |
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 | 42.9 | 0 | $15.03 | $6.87 |
| Efficient EV | 35.8 | 0 | $12.52 | $5.72 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 57.2 | 0 | $20.03 | $9.16 |
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.
Destination
Cape Coral, FL
Late night in Cape Coral on Sunday
Local time
3:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
68°F
Golden Gate, FL
72 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
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
2h 50m 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 your 143.1 miles, with 94% of the route on high-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 112.3 miles along I-75, meaning extended periods of consistent travel. You'll primarily be on major arteries like I-75, Port Everglades Expressway, and Daniels Parkway. This profile suggests a drive characterized by efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways, allowing you to cover ground quickly and directly between your starting and ending points.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 112.3 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Port Everglades Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.6 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 20 significant decision points across 143.1 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 5.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Sunrise, FL and Cape Coral, FL, road signs point toward Cr 876: Cape Coral, Cr 876 West: Lee County Sports Complex, Florida Southwestern State College and Cr 876 West.
Cr 876: Cape Coral
132.2 mi in
|
~2h 30m
Cr 876 West: Lee County Sports Complex
132.5 mi in
|
~2h 31m
Florida Southwestern State College
132.5 mi in
|
~2h 31m
Cr 876 West
132.6 mi in
|
~2h 31m
About the Cities
Starting in Sunrise, FL
Full guide →Sunrise is a city in Broward County, Florida.
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 50m. Total distance: 143.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 112.3 miles on I 75. 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. 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 5.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
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