Yulee, FL to Cape Coral, FL is 344.9 miles and takes about 6h 44m via I 75 and US 301, with a fuel budget near $54 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, moving from the northern part of the state down toward the Gulf Coast. With 75% of the route on highways, expect a relatively straightforward drive, mostly on interstates. This is a solid one-day trip for most drivers, especially if you leave early. It’s a good option for getting from Northeast Florida to Southwest Florida efficiently.
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
172.4 miles from Yulee, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 26m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
199.2 mi
3h 33m
Sid Martin Highway
39 mi
48m
US 301
37.5 mi
47m
West Beltway
13.9 mi
16m
I 10
11.9 mi
12m
I 95
10.6 mi
11m
Tamiami Trail
10.4 mi
12m
Del Prado Boulevard North
6.5 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 199.2 mi, about 3h 33m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 55 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,859 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,470
Quietest
2 AM
~371 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Yulee, FL and Cape Coral, FL.
1
Start on this road
160 ft·14 sec·this road
2
At end of road, turn right onto SR A1A; FL 200
2.8 mi·4 min·SR A1A; FL 200
3
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward I 95 South: JacksonvilleUse the left lane.
4
Merge onto I 95
11 mi·11 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 362BToward I 295: West BeltwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 295
14 mi·16 min·West Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.4 mi·53 sec
Exit 21BToward I 10 West: Lake CityUse the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto I 10
12 mi·12 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.5 mi·58 sec
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·37 sec
11
Merge onto US 301
0.1 mi·11 sec·US 301
12
Continue on US 301
37 mi·47 min·US 301
Use the left / straight lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto US 301
39 mi·48 min·Sid Martin Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
14
Turn right onto FL 326
1.5 mi·2 min·Northwest 70th Street
Use the right lane.
15
Continue on FL 326
1.2 mi·2 min·Northwest 77th Street
Use the straight lane.
16
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 75 South: Tampa
17
Merge onto I 75
83 mi·1 hr 28 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
74 mi·1 hr 19 min·I 75
Toward South I 75: NaplesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
42 mi·45 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Exit 158Toward CR 762: North Fort Myers, Cape Coral
21
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward CR 762 West, to US 41
22
Turn straight onto CR 762
0.9 mi·1 min·Tuckers Grade
23
Turn left onto US 41
10 mi·12 min·Tamiami Trail
Use the right lane.
24
Turn right onto CR 867A
6.5 mi·10 min·Del Prado Boulevard North
Use the left lane.
25
Continue on CR 867A
6.2 mi·12 min·Del Prado Boulevard South
26
Turn right onto Cape Coral Parkway East
0.3 mi·41 sec·Cape Coral Parkway East
Use the right lane.
27
Turn right
200 ft·14 sec
28
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 6-hour, 44-minute drive, consider departing Yulee early in the morning to maximize daylight. The longest stretch without a major road change is 199.2 miles on I 75, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly before you hit that segment. Given the one-day duration, you can be flexible with your timing. However, with a fuel cost estimated at $54, it’s wise to fill up before you begin or at a major exit along I 75 to potentially find better prices than in more rural areas.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 172.4 miles from Yulee, FL, or about 3h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 199.2 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 76 miles or 1h 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 172.4 miles or 3h 26m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 26m
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 Yulee, 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 Yulee, FL
This is one driving day of about 344.9 miles and 6h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 76 miles from Yulee, 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 199.2 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.8 and 320.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
2.8 mi into trip|~4m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South: Jacksonville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I 95 South: Jacksonville
7
13.8 mi into trip|~16m in
Take the exit toward I 295: West Beltway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 362B
Toward I 295: West Beltway
7
28.2 mi into trip|~33m in
Take the exit toward I 10 West: Lake City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 21B
Toward I 10 West: Lake City
7
203.6 mi into trip|~3h 59m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward South I 75: Naples
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward South I 75: Naples
7
320.4 mi into trip|~6h 4m 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
$52.21 one way
$104.42 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg121 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$57.29
$114.58
premium
$4.55
$61.78
$123.57
diesel
$4.80
$65.12
$130.25
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$52
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$77–$102
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 120.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
103.5
1
$36.21
$16.56
Efficient EV
86.2
0
$30.18
$13.80
EV Truck/SUV
138
1
$48.29
$22.07
Gas CO2
121 kg
EV CO2
40 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.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Yulee, FL
Afternoon
in Yulee on Sunday
Local time
1:18 PM
EDT
Current temp
93°F
Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
N 3 to 9 mph29% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 3:45AM EDT until July 18 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 2:50AM EDT until July 17 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Destination
Cape Coral, FL
Afternoon
in Cape Coral on Sunday
Local time
1:18 PM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
WNW 3 to 12 mph57% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued July 17 at 3:45AM EDT until July 18 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 17 at 2:50AM EDT until July 17 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Miami 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
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
6h 44m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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.
De Soto National Memorial
National Memorial
In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 249.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 75% of your time on highways, meaning a good portion of this drive is on high-speed interstates. The longest continuous stretch on a single road is 199.2 miles, primarily on I 75. The route transitions to surface roads, including US 301 and Sid Martin Highway, after these highway segments. Be prepared for a change in pace and potentially more frequent exits as you move off the interstate.
75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 199.2 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Sid Martin Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.8 miles in.
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 22 significant decision points across 344.9 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 2.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 28.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
146 ft5 ft
Total Climb
165 ft
Total Descent
195 ft
Highest Point
146 ft
~73.9 mi in
Elevation Range
141 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Yulee, FL and Cape Coral, FL, road signs point toward Cr 762: North Fort Myers, Cr 762 West and To Us 41.
Cr 762: North Fort Myers
320.1 mi in|~6h 4m
Cr 762 West
320.4 mi in|~6h 4m
To Us 41
320.4 mi in|~6h 4m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
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 6h 44m. Total distance: 344.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 44m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 199.2 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza 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 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 28.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — De Soto National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.7 hours each way, a round trip means 13.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Cape Coral, FL before the return drive.
