Origin
Clewiston, FL
Night in Clewiston on Thursday
Local time
11:32 PM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Clewiston, FL to Gainesville, FL
Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026
Drive Time
5h 7m
Distance
242.7 mi
391 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 54m
★
6 AM
5h 7m
8 AM
5h 34m
10 AM
5h 17m
12 PM
5h 14m
3 PM
5h 18m
5 PM
5h 33m
8 PM
4h 59m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Clewiston, FL
DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ
Trip Overview
Traveling from Clewiston to Gainesville covers 242.7 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 7 minutes. This highway-focused journey utilizes a combination of US 27, Florida's Turnpike, and I-75 to move you efficiently across the state. Because the drive is manageable in a single day, you can easily complete the trip without needing an overnight stay. Expect to spend approximately $41 on fuel, making it a relatively affordable trek between these two Florida locations. While the route is straightforward, planning for a single stop will help keep you refreshed for the duration of the trip.
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
121.4 miles from Clewiston, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 36m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 7m. Total distance: 242.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 7m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This trip is heavily weighted toward high-speed travel, with 95% of the route consisting of highway driving. You will spend a significant portion of your time on US 27, which features the longest uninterrupted stretch of the journey at 157.7 miles. Transitioning from these stretches onto the Turnpike and I-75 creates a consistent, fast-paced experience behind the wheel. Expect a functional, direct drive that prioritizes speed and efficiency over winding backroads. It is a classic Florida transit route that keeps you moving steadily toward your destination in Gainesville.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 27 is the longest continuous segment at about 157.7 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
203 ft
16 ft
Total Climb
354 ft
Total Descent
193 ft
Highest Point
203 ft
~156.1 mi in
Elevation Range
187 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 27 and I 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 164.9 miles in near Florida's Turnpike.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 242.7 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 164.9 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 183.8 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 184.1 miles (I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
164.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 38m in
|
Florida's Turnpike
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
183.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 58m in
|
Florida's Turnpike
Keep slight left at fork onto Florida's Turnpike toward I 75 North: Ocala
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 75 North: Ocala
5
184.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 59m in
|
I 75
Merge onto I 75
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
230.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 48m in
Take the exit toward CR 234: Micanopy
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 374
Toward CR 234: Micanopy
5
231.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 51m in
Turn left
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Clewiston, FL and Gainesville, FL, road signs point toward Florida's Turnpike North: Ocala and Cr 234: Micanopy.
Florida's Turnpike North: Ocala
164.4 mi in
|
~3h 37m
Cr 234: Micanopy
230.2 mi in
|
~4h 48m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 27 | 157.7 mi | 3h 28m |
| I 75 | 46.1 mi | 49m |
| Florida's Turnpike | 19.1 mi | 20m |
| US 441 | 8 mi | 9m |
| Sugarland Highway | 6.7 mi | 9m |
| South Main Street | 2.4 mi | 4m |
| Southeast County Road 234 | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| Southwest Williston Road | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
US 27
— 157.7 mi, about 3h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clewiston, FL and Gainesville, FL.
1
Start on US 27; FL 80
6.7 mi
·
9 min
·
Sugarland Highway
2
Continue on US 27; FL 80
51 mi
·
1 hr 2 min
·
US 27; FL 80
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on US 27
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
US 27
Use the left lane.
4
Continue on US 27
10 mi
·
12 min
·
US 27
Use the left lane.
5
Continue on US 27
42 mi
·
55 min
·
US 27
Use the left / straight lanes.
6
Continue on US 27
28 mi
·
39 min
·
US 27
Use the left lane.
7
Continue on US 27
14 mi
·
19 min
·
US 27
Use the left lane.
8
Continue on US 27
10 mi
·
14 min
·
US 27
9
Continue on US 27
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
US 27
10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 27
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
US 27
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike North: Ocala
12
Continue on this road
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
·
this road
Toward Florida's Turnpike North: Ocala
13
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
19 mi
·
20 min
·
Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto Florida's Turnpike
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
Florida's Turnpike
Toward I 75 North: Ocala
Use the straight lane.
15
Merge onto I 75
46 mi
·
49 min
·
I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 374
Toward CR 234: Micanopy
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Turn right onto CR 234
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Southeast County Road 234
18
Turn left
421 ft
·
15 sec
Use the left lane.
19
Turn straight onto US 441
8.0 mi
·
9 min
·
US 441
Use the straight lane.
20
Turn right onto FL 331
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Southwest Williston Road
Use the right lane.
21
Turn left onto CR 329
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
South Main Street
22
Enter roundabout onto CR 329
92 ft
·
1 sec
·
South Main Street
23
Continue on CR 329
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
South Main Street
24
Enter roundabout onto CR 329
177 ft
·
3 sec
·
South Main Street
25
Continue on CR 329
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Arrive at destination
CR 329
Trip Plan
To ensure a smooth experience, plan your departure to avoid peak traffic hours on the major interstates involved in this 5-hour trek. Since you only have one recommended stop, choose a location near the transition from US 27 to the Turnpike to maximize your efficiency. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during that long 157.7-mile stretch, as consistent highway speeds can impact your consumption. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, so feel free to adjust your pace if you encounter congestion on the busier sections of I-75. Aim to complete the drive in one go to take full advantage of the direct highway connections.
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 121.4 miles from Clewiston, FL, or about 2h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 157.7 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 53 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 121.4 miles or 2h 36m 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 Gainesville, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Clewiston, 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 Clewiston, FL
This is one driving day of about 242.7 miles and 5h 7m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Clewiston, 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 US 27 for about 157.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 121.4 mi from Clewiston, FL · 2h 36m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
121 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 53 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 121.4 miles from Clewiston, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 27 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 157.7 miles.
Arriving in Gainesville, FL
The final approach into Gainesville, 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 Gainesville, 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
$38.63 one way
$77.26 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
85 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $42.02 | $84.05 |
| premium | $4.72 | $45.13 | $90.26 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $53.59 | $107.17 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.32
Florida's Turnpike
(18.9 mi)
$1.32
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
$39
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 72.8 | 0 | $25.48 | $11.65 |
| Efficient EV | 60.7 | 0 | $21.24 | $9.71 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 97.1 | 1 | $33.98 | $15.53 |
Gas CO2
85 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Gainesville, FL
Night in Gainesville on Thursday
Local time
11:32 PM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
62°F
Eagle Lake, FL
121 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
18 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 7m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Clewiston, FL to Gainesville, FL covers 242.7 miles and takes about 5h 7m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 27, I 75, Florida's Turnpike. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 121.4 miles from Clewiston, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $38.63 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 242.7 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 164.9 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 183.8 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 184.1 miles (I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Clewiston, FL and Gainesville, FL, road signs point toward Florida's Turnpike North: Ocala and Cr 234: Micanopy.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 16 ft to 203 ft elevation with about 354 ft of total climbing.
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