Origin
Callaway, FL
Morning in Callaway on Wednesday
Local time
7:09 AM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Callaway, FL to Lakeland, FL
Data updated 4 hours ago
Drive Time
7h 12m
Distance
364.4 mi
586 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$58
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 2m
★
6 AM
7h 13m
8 AM
7h 34m
10 AM
7h 20m
12 PM
7h 18m
3 PM
7h 21m
5 PM
7h 33m
8 PM
7h 6m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Callaway, FL
DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ
Lakeland, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 364.4-mile journey from Callaway, Florida to Lakeland, Florida will take approximately 7 hours and 12 minutes of driving time. Designed as a single-day trip, it's primarily a highway-focused drive, with 96% of the route utilizing major interstates. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $58, making it a relatively budget-friendly option. You'll have about two planned stops along the way, breaking up the drive. This is a straightforward route that gets you from the Florida Panhandle region down into Central 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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
182.2 miles from Callaway, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 37m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a largely highway-focused experience on this 364.4-mile drive, with 96% of your travel on major roads like I-10 and I-75. The longest uninterrupted stretch you’ll encounter is 121.5 miles on I-10, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent speed. While the profile is highway-centric, the inclusion of FL-471 suggests a slight shift in scenery or road type as you approach your destination. This drive is about covering distance efficiently rather than seeking out winding backroads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 10 is the longest continuous segment at about 121.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and I 75. You will hit about 16 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near CR 2315 / North Star Avenue.
Route Complexity
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 364.4 miles you will encounter 16 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 0.2 miles (CR 2315 / North Star Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 72.8 miles (I 10): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 309.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
CR 2315 / North Star Avenue
Turn left onto CR 2315 / North Star Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
72.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 40m in
|
I 10
Merge onto I 10
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
309.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 53m in
Take the exit toward FL 470: Sumterville, Lake Panasoffkee
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 321
Toward FL 470: Sumterville, Lake Panasoffkee
6
309.5 mi into trip
|
~5h 54m in
|
CR 470
Turn sharp left onto CR 470
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
363.1 mi into trip
|
~7h 9m in
|
North Massachusetts Avenue
Turn right onto North Massachusetts Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Callaway, FL to Lakeland, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Lake Panasoffkee along the way.
Lake Panasoffkee
309.1 mi in
|
~5h 53m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 10 | 121.5 mi | 2h 10m |
| I 75 | 114.5 mi | 2h 2m |
| FL 471 | 34.9 mi | 46m |
| FL 20 | 28.4 mi | 39m |
| FL 12 | 18.1 mi | 24m |
| US 231 | 16.1 mi | 20m |
| US Highway 98 North | 13.9 mi | 19m |
| North Star Avenue | 6.7 mi | 10m |
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 121.5 mi, about 2h 10m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Callaway, FL and Lakeland, FL.
1
Start on FL 22
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
Wewa Highway
2
Turn left onto CR 2315
6.7 mi
·
10 min
·
North Star Avenue
Use the left lane.
3
Turn right onto US 231
16 mi
·
20 min
·
US 231
4
Turn right onto FL 20
28 mi
·
39 min
·
FL 20
5
Turn left onto FL 12
18 mi
·
24 min
·
FL 12
6
Turn right onto FL 12; CR 270
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Selman Street
7
Continue on FL 12
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Greensboro Highway
8
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 10 East: Tallahassee
9
Merge onto I 10
121 mi
·
2 hr 10 min
·
I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
37 sec
Exit 296A
Toward I-75 South: Tampa
11
Merge onto I 75
115 mi
·
2 hr 2 min
·
I 75
Use the straight lane.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
Exit 321
Toward FL 470: Sumterville, Lake Panasoffkee
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Turn sharp left onto CR 470
2.6 mi
·
4 min
·
CR 470
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
At end of road, turn left onto US 301; CR 470
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
·
US 301; CR 470
15
Turn right onto FL 471
35 mi
·
46 min
·
FL 471
16
Turn left onto US 98
14 mi
·
19 min
·
US Highway 98 North
Use the right lane.
17
Continue on US 98
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
North Florida Avenue
18
Turn left onto US 92
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
East Memorial Boulevard
Use the left lane.
19
Turn right onto North Massachusetts Avenue
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
North Massachusetts Avenue
Use the right lane.
20
At end of road, turn left onto Lake Morton Drive
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
Lake Morton Drive
21
Turn left onto East Walnut Street
422 ft
·
18 sec
·
East Walnut Street
22
Arrive at destination
East Walnut Street
Trip Plan
For this 7-hour, 12-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Callaway to maximize your daylight and arrive in Lakeland with time to spare. With only two stops recommended, plan them strategically for fuel and a break, perhaps around the halfway point. Given the substantial 121.5-mile stretch on I-10, ensure you have sufficient fuel before entering that segment. The $58 fuel estimate is helpful for budgeting, and the predominantly highway nature means you can maintain a steady pace.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 182.2 miles from Callaway, FL, or about 3h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 121.5 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 80 miles or 1h 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 182.2 miles or 3h 37m 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 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lakeland, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Callaway, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Callaway, FL
This is one driving day of about 364.4 miles and 7h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Callaway, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 10 for about 121.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 182.2 mi from Callaway, FL · 3h 37m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
182 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 182.2 miles from Callaway, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 10 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 121.5 miles.
Arriving in Lakeland, FL
The final approach into Lakeland, FL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Lakeland, FL.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$58.00 one way
$116.01 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
128 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $63.10 | $126.19 |
| premium | $4.72 | $67.76 | $135.52 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $80.45 | $160.91 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$58
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$83–$108
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 127.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 109.3 | 1 | $38.26 | $17.49 |
| Efficient EV | 91.1 | 1 | $31.88 | $14.58 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 145.8 | 1 | $51.02 | $23.32 |
Gas CO2
127 kg
EV CO2
43 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Lakeland, FL
Morning in Lakeland on Wednesday
Local time
8:09 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
1 hour later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
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
7h 12m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Callaway, FL to Lakeland, FL covers 364.4 miles and takes about 7h 12m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 10, I 75, FL 471. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 182.2 miles from Callaway, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $58.00 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 364.4 miles you will encounter 16 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (CR 2315 / North Star Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 72.8 miles (I 10): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 309.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Callaway, FL to Lakeland, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Lake Panasoffkee along the way.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Lakeland, FL
More from Callaway, FL
More trips to Lakeland, FL
Explore more options from Callaway, FL or browse trips ending in Lakeland, FL.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse FL road trips.
Explore maps for Callaway, FL or Lakeland, FL on MapSof.net.