Origin
Gainesville, FL
Afternoon in Gainesville on Sunday
Local time
3:56 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Gainesville, FL to DeFuniak Springs, FL
Drive Time
4h 56m
Distance
267.1 mi
430 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$45
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 43m
★
6 AM
4h 56m
8 AM
5h 23m
10 AM
5h 6m
12 PM
5h 3m
3 PM
5h 7m
5 PM
5h 22m
8 PM
4h 48m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
DeFuniak Springs, FL
DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ
Trip Overview
Traveling from Gainesville to DeFuniak Springs covers 267.1 miles and takes approximately 4 hours and 56 minutes, making it a manageable one-day trip. You will spend the vast majority of your journey on major thoroughfares, primarily using I-75 and I-10 to cross northern Florida. Budgeting around $45 for fuel is a safe estimate for most standard passenger vehicles. Because the drive is under five hours, it is best tackled in a single push, though you might consider a break to stretch your legs. This route transitions you from the central-northern region of the state toward the western Panhandle, keeping you on high-speed infrastructure for almost the entire duration.
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
133.6 miles from Gainesville, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 31m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a focused, highway-heavy experience, as 97% of your travel occurs on high-speed roads. You will start by navigating local traffic on West University Avenue before transitioning to the interstate system. The core of your trip involves a significant 211.3-mile stretch on I-10, which serves as the primary artery for the remainder of the journey. Because this is a highway-focused drive, the pace remains steady and consistent throughout the trip. Anticipate a straightforward, utilitarian ride that prioritizes speed and efficiency over winding backroads or scenic detours.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 13 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 211.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and I 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near FL 24; FL 26 / West University Avenue.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 9 significant decision points across 267.1 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: near the start (FL 24; FL 26 / West University Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 5.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 6 miles (I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 9 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
FL 24; FL 26 / West University Avenue
Turn left onto FL 24; FL 26 / West University Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
5.7 mi into trip
|
~13m in
Take the exit toward I 75 North: Lake City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 75 North: Lake City
5
6 mi into trip
|
~14m in
|
I 75
Merge onto I 75
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
52.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 4m in
Take the exit toward I 10: Jacksonville, Tallahassee
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 435
Toward I 10: Jacksonville, Tallahassee
8
52.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 4m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 10 West: Tallahassee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 10 West: Tallahassee
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Gainesville, FL to DeFuniak Springs, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Tallahassee along the way.
Tallahassee
52.8 mi in
|
~1h 4m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 10 | 211.3 mi | 3h 46m |
| I 75 | 46.7 mi | 50m |
| West University Avenue | 3.3 mi | 8m |
| Newberry Road | 2.3 mi | 4m |
| US Highway 331 South | 2 mi | 3m |
| US Highway 90 East | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| South 9th Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| South Main Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 211.3 mi, about 3h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gainesville, FL and DeFuniak Springs, FL.
1
Start on CR 329
115 ft
·
10 sec
·
South Main Street
2
Turn left onto FL 24; FL 26
3.3 mi
·
8 min
·
West University Avenue
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on FL 26
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Newberry Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Toward I 75 North: Lake City
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Merge onto I 75
47 mi
·
50 min
·
I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 435
Toward I 10: Jacksonville, Tallahassee
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
30 sec
Toward I 10 West: Tallahassee
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 10
211 mi
·
3 hr 46 min
·
I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward US 331: DeFuniak Springs, Freeport
10
Turn right onto US 331
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
US Highway 331 South
11
At end of road, turn right onto US 90
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
·
US Highway 90 East
12
Turn right onto South 9th Street
124 ft
·
5 sec
·
South 9th Street
13
Arrive at destination
South 9th Street
Trip Plan
To keep your drive smooth, aim to depart early in the morning to avoid potential traffic congestion near Gainesville before you hit the interstate. Since you have one planned stop, use that time to refuel and refresh, ensuring you stay alert for the long 211.3-mile segment on I-10. Given the high reliance on interstates, monitor local traffic reports for any accidents or construction delays that could impact your nearly five-hour travel time. Keep your $45 fuel budget in mind when selecting your rest stop, as prices can fluctuate between major interchanges. Ultimately, the simplicity of this route allows you plenty of flexibility to adjust your pace if you prefer a more relaxed schedule.
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 133.6 miles from Gainesville, FL, or about 2h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 211.3 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 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 133.6 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 2m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near DeFuniak Springs, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Gainesville, 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 Gainesville, FL
This is one driving day of about 267.1 miles and 4h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Gainesville, 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 10 for about 211.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 133.6 mi from Gainesville, FL · 2h 31m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
134 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 133.6 miles from Gainesville, 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 211.3 miles.
Arriving in DeFuniak Springs, FL
The final approach into DeFuniak Springs, 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 DeFuniak Springs, 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
$44.62 one way
$89.24 round trip
$4.24/gal
25.4 MPG avg
94 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $48.33 | $96.66 |
| premium | $4.90 | $51.49 | $102.97 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $59.34 | $118.68 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 80.1 | 0 | $28.05 | $12.82 |
| Efficient EV | 66.8 | 0 | $23.37 | $10.68 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 106.8 | 1 | $37.39 | $17.09 |
Gas CO2
93 kg
EV CO2
31 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
DeFuniak Springs, FL
Afternoon in DeFuniak Springs on Sunday
Local time
2:56 PM
CDT
Current temp
85°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 earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
25 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
4h 56m 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 Gainesville, FL to DeFuniak Springs, FL covers 267.1 miles and takes about 4h 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 10, I 75, West University Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 133.6 miles from Gainesville, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $44.62 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 9 significant decision points across 267.1 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: near the start (FL 24; FL 26 / West University Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 5.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 6 miles (I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Gainesville, FL to DeFuniak Springs, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Tallahassee along the way.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From DeFuniak Springs, FL
More trips to DeFuniak Springs, FL
Explore more options from Gainesville, FL or browse trips ending in DeFuniak Springs, FL.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse FL road trips.
Explore maps for Gainesville, FL or DeFuniak Springs, FL on MapSof.net.