Tallahassee to Haines City is 269.3 miles and takes about 5h 13m via I-75 and Florida's Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, moving from the state capital region to the central part of the peninsula. Given that it's a mostly highway route, expect a fairly direct trip with minimal detours. It's a manageable one-day drive, perfect if you're looking to get to your destination efficiently without needing an overnight stop.
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
134.7 miles from Tallahassee, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 31m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
107.2 mi
1h 54m
I 10
86.9 mi
1h 33m
Florida's Turnpike
29.2 mi
31m
US 27
27.4 mi
38m
Mahan Drive
6.5 mi
11m
Citrus Tower Boulevard
2.5 mi
4m
North Hancock Road
2.4 mi
3m
Bates Road
1.6 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 107.2 mi, about 1h 54m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 36 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
12a6anoon6p11p
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 Tallahassee, FL and Haines City, FL.
1
Start on US 27; FL 61
181 ft·8 sec·South Monroe Street
2
Turn right onto East Pensacola Street
0.3 mi·46 sec·East Pensacola Street
3
Turn left onto CR 1555
0.5 mi·1 min·South Franklin Boulevard
4
Turn right onto US 90
0.6 mi·1 min·East Tennessee Street
5
Continue on US 90
6.5 mi·11 min·Mahan Drive
Use the left lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 10 East: Lake CityUse the slight right lane.
7
Merge onto I 10
87 mi·1 hr 33 min·I 10
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi·37 sec
Exit 296AToward I-75 South: Tampa
9
Merge onto I 75
107 mi·1 hr 54 min·I 75
Use the straight lane.
10
Take the exit onto Florida's Turnpike
29 mi·31 min·Florida's Turnpike
Exit 328Toward Florida's Turnpike South, OrlandoUse the slight left / straight lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Exit 278Toward MinneolaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Turn right onto North Hancock Road
2.4 mi·3 min·North Hancock Road
Use the right lane.
13
Turn right onto North Ridge Boulevard
0.6 mi·1 min·North Ridge Boulevard
14
Turn left onto Citrus Tower Boulevard
2.5 mi·4 min·Citrus Tower Boulevard
Use the right lane.
15
Continue on Citrus Tower Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Citrus Tower Road
16
Turn left onto US 27
0.4 mi·45 sec·US 27
17
Continue on US 27
11 mi·14 min·US 27
Use the left lane.
18
Continue on US 27
13 mi·18 min·US 27
Use the right lane.
19
Continue on US 27
0.4 mi·36 sec·US 27
20
Continue on US 27
0.2 mi·18 sec·US 27
Use the left lane.
21
Continue on US 27
2.5 mi·3 min·US 27
22
Turn left onto Bates Road
1.6 mi·3 min·Bates Road
Use the left lane.
23
At end of road, turn right onto US 17; US 92
1.5 mi·2 min·US 17; US 92
24
Turn right onto East Johnson Avenue
0.1 mi·28 sec·East Johnson Avenue
25
Arrive at destination
East Johnson Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour drive, consider leaving Tallahassee in the morning to arrive in Haines City with plenty of afternoon time. With only one recommended stop and a 94% highway share, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. Keep an eye on your fuel; the estimated cost is around $42, so plan a fill-up before you leave or when you see prices are favorable along I-75. Since it's a relatively short, direct route, you have the flexibility to adjust your timing as needed.
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 134.7 miles from Tallahassee, FL, or about 2h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 107.2 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 59 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 134.7 miles or 2h 31m 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 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Haines City, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
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 269.3 miles and 5h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Tallahassee, 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 107.2 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 203 and 266.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
203 mi into trip|~3h 45m in|Florida's Turnpike
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
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 328
Toward Florida's Turnpike South, Orlando
7
232.2 mi into trip|~4h 16m in
Take the exit toward Minneola
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 278
Toward Minneola
6
232.7 mi into trip|~4h 17m in|North Hancock Road
Turn right onto North Hancock Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
235.6 mi into trip|~4h 22m in|Citrus Tower Boulevard
Turn left onto Citrus Tower Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
266.1 mi into trip|~5h 6m in|Bates Road
Turn left onto Bates Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.77 one way
$81.53 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg94 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$44.73
$89.46
premium
$4.55
$48.24
$96.48
diesel
$4.80
$50.85
$101.70
Estimated Tolls: $2.04
Florida's Turnpike
(29.2 mi)$2.04
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
$41
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 94.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
EV Charging Along Route
35 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: excellent
Gainesville, FL - West Newberry Road - Tesla Supercharger
Gainesville, FL
Tesla
23 DCFC
(Wawa) - Alachua, FL - Northwest US Highway 441 - Tesla Supercharger
Alachua, FL
Tesla
16 DCFC
Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee, FL
RIVIAN_ADVENTURE
14 DCFC
Tallahassee, FL - West Pensacola Street - Tesla Supercharger
Tallahassee, FL
Tesla
12 DCFC
Tallahassee, FL - Apalachee Parkway - Tesla Supercharger
Tallahassee, FL
Tesla
12 DCFC
Tallahassee, FL - Thomasville Road - Tesla Supercharger
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
80.8
0
$28.28
$12.93
Efficient EV
67.3
0
$23.56
$10.77
EV Truck/SUV
107.7
1
$37.70
$17.24
Gas CO2
94 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Jul 20, 2026
Origin
Tallahassee, FL
Morning
in Tallahassee on Monday
Local time
6:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
ENE 0 to 5 mph44% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 19 at 10:27PM CDT until July 23 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Tropical Cyclone Local Statement
Tropical Cyclone Local Statement issued July 19 at 10:21PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Destination
Haines City, FL
Morning
in Haines City on Monday
Local time
6:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Partly Cloudy
SE 8 mph4% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 19 at 10:27PM CDT until July 23 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Tropical Cyclone Local Statement
Tropical Cyclone Local Statement issued July 19 at 10:21PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 13m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway, with 94% of the drive on major roads like I-10, I-75, and Florida's Turnpike. You'll experience a significant stretch of 107.2 miles on I-75 without needing to exit. The transition to surface roads will likely occur closer to your destination in Haines City, where you'll encounter more local traffic and a denser network of exits.
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: 107.2 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and I 10. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 203 miles in near Florida's Turnpike.
Driving Effort6/10
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 269.3 miles you will encounter 14 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 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 232.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 232.7 miles (North Hancock Road): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
211 ft70 ft
Total Climb
303 ft
Total Descent
317 ft
Highest Point
211 ft
~230.9 mi in
Elevation Range
142 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Tallahassee, FL and Haines City, FL, road signs point toward Florida's Turnpike South, Orlando and Minneola.
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
•Florida State Capitol — state capitol building of the U.S. state of Florida
•Florida Governor's Mansion — official residence of the governor of Florida
•Tallahassee — railway station in Tallahassee, the United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 13m. Total distance: 269.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 13m 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 107.2 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.04 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 31 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 Haines City, 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 31 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 232.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 232.7 miles (North Hancock Road): Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Haines City, FL before the return drive.
