M&M Old Hickory Smokehouse BBQ
Later in the drive, right off the route
Wildwood, Florida
Hours: 11 AM–6 PM
+13523996597
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 22m
Distance
282.3 mi
454 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$43
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Tallahassee, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Geneva, FL
DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ
This 282.3-mile journey from Tallahassee, FL to Geneva, FL is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that can comfortably be completed in about 5 hours and 22 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-75, I-10, and Florida's Turnpike, this route is well-suited for a single-day trip, especially with only one recommended stop. You'll find the estimated fuel cost to be around $45, making it an economical option for traversing the state. The drive maintains a high highway share of 91%, indicating a consistent pace for most of the trip. This route offers a practical and efficient way to get from the Florida Panhandle region to Central Florida.
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
141.2 miles from Tallahassee, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 38m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 107.2 mi | 1h 54m |
| I 10 | 86.9 mi | 1h 33m |
| Florida's Turnpike | 42.3 mi | 45m |
| East-West Expressway | 15.2 mi | 17m |
| Geneva Drive | 7.7 mi | 13m |
| Mahan Drive | 6.5 mi | 11m |
| Central Florida GreeneWay | 4.5 mi | 4m |
| Seminole Expressway | 3.4 mi | 3m |
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 18 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~2,481 veh/hr typical · worst 3,558
Quietest
2 AM
~399 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
Averaged across 51 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Step-by-step road directions between Tallahassee, FL and Geneva, FL.
Start on US 27; FL 61
Turn right onto East Pensacola Street
Turn left onto CR 1555
Turn right onto US 90
Continue on US 90
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 10
Take the exit
Merge onto I 75
Take the exit onto Florida's Turnpike
Take the exit onto FL 408 Toll
Continue on FL 408 Toll
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto FL 417 Toll
Continue on FL 417 Toll
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Turn straight onto Red Bug Lake Road
Continue on West Mitchell Hammock Road
Turn left onto FL 434
Turn right onto Garden Street
Turn right onto CR 419
Turn left onto CR 426
Enter roundabout onto CR 426
Continue on CR 426
Continue on 1st Street
Turn right onto East Main Street
Arrive at destination
Given the 5-hour, 22-minute duration, departing from Tallahassee in the morning will allow you to reach Geneva with ample daylight. With a fuel cost of approximately $45, plan your refueling stops accordingly, especially considering the 107.2-mile stretch on I-75 where services might be less frequent. Since this is a single-day trip, flexibility is key; you can choose when and where to take your single recommended stop. Keep an eye on your GPS for the transition onto Florida's Turnpike, as this segment often has tolls.
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.
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 62 miles or 1h 13m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 141.2 miles or 2h 38m 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 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Geneva, FL than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Tallahassee, 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 Tallahassee, FL
This is one driving day of about 282.3 miles and 5h 22m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
141 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.
A short stop after about 62 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 141.2 miles from Tallahassee, 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 107.2 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Best meal stop · final third
Wildwood, Florida
Later in the drive, right off the route
Hours: 11 AM–6 PM
+13523996597
IHOP
Wildwood, Florida
Dani’s Sports Bar & Grill
Wildwood, Florida
Best coffee break
Tallahassee, Florida
Near the start, right off the route
Hours: 7 am–6 pm
+18505979737
La Florida Coffee & Wine
Tallahassee, Florida
Argonaut Coffee
Tallahassee, Florida
Later in the drive, right off the route
Wildwood, Florida
Hours: 11 AM–6 PM
+13523996597
Visit websiteLater in the drive, right off the route
Wildwood, Florida
Hours: Closed
+13527486074
Visit websiteLater in the drive, right off the route
Wildwood, Florida
Hours: 12 PM–12 AM
+13523992973
Visit websiteLater in the drive, right off the route
Wildwood, FL
+13527482501
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: Closed
+18507393129
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: 7 am–2 pm
+18503919512
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Lake City, Florida
Hours: 11 am–6 pm
+13057755055
Near the start, short detour
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: 7 am–2 pm
+18505622326
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: 7 am–6 pm
+18505979737
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: 7:30 am–7 pm
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: 7 am–7 pm
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: 7 am–5 pm
+18509991559
Near the start, right off the route
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: 8 am–4 pm
+18505366821
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: 7 am–7 pm
+14482302356
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm
+18507278517
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: 6 am–7 pm
+18506885292
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Gainesville, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteLater in the drive, right off the route
Wildwood, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+13523523155
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Live Oak, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Lake City, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Ocala, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Ocala, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Live Oak, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Gainesville, Florida
Hours: 9 am–3 pm
+13523955633
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18508913866
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: 7:30 am–4 pm
+18506813888
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Gainesville, Florida
Hours: Closed
+13523955381
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18508913866
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+18502962809
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Ocala, Florida
Hours: 9 am–7 pm
+13523685517
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Tallahassee, Florida
Hours: 8 am–5 pm
+18502246755
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 203 and 271.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Take the exit onto Florida's Turnpike toward Florida's Turnpike South, Orlando
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit onto FL 408 Toll / Spessard L. Holland East-West Expressway toward FL 408 Toll East: Orlando, Titusville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit toward FL 417 Toll: Tampa, Daytona Beach
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight left at fork toward FL 417 Toll North: Sanford, Daytona Beach
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork toward Seminole State College, Red Bug Lake Road East, Oviedo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Regular Gas
$42.73 one way
$85.47 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.22 | $46.89 | $93.78 |
| premium | $4.55 | $50.57 | $101.14 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $53.30 | $106.61 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.96
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
$43
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 98.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 84.7 | 1 | $29.64 | $13.55 |
| Efficient EV | 70.6 | 0 | $24.70 | $11.29 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 112.9 | 1 | $39.52 | $18.07 |
Gas CO2
99 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (67% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Afternoon in Tallahassee on Sunday
Local time
3:50 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 9:53PM EDT until July 17 at 11:15PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 8:54PM EDT until July 17 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Destination
Afternoon in Geneva on Sunday
Local time
3:50 PM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 9:53PM EDT until July 17 at 11:15PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 8:54PM EDT until July 17 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee 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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
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.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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.
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this 282.3-mile drive, with 91% of the route being on major interstates like I-75 and I-10. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 107.2 miles on I-75, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent speed. This highway-centric profile means you'll experience minimal delays from traffic lights or slower local roads. While not designed for scenic vistas, the efficiency of this route allows you to cover ground quickly and directly between your two Florida destinations.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and I 10. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 203 miles in near Florida's Turnpike.
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 282.3 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 203 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 245.4 miles (FL 408 Toll / Spessard L. Holland East-West Expressway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 262.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Mostly flat terrain
Total Climb
192 ft
Total Descent
334 ft
Highest Point
204 ft
Elevation Range
142 ft
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Tallahassee, FL and Geneva, FL, road signs point toward Florida's Turnpike South, Orlando, Titusville and Daytona Beach.
Florida's Turnpike South
Orlando
Titusville
Daytona Beach
Founded 1824
Tallahassee is the capital city of Florida, in the Florida Panhandle region of the state. In addition to housing the state government, it is a university town home to Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee Community College. Tallahassee has a good selection of restaurants for a city of its size. The universities' theater, art, and music programs, in addition to an active Council of Culture and Arts, also make for an unusually vibrant arts scene.
Top landmarks
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 22m. Total distance: 282.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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