Trip from Lake Alfred, FL to Gainesville, FL

Drive Time

2h 38m

Distance

125.4 mi

202 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min

4 AM

2h 28m ★

6 AM

2h 39m

8 AM

3h 0m

10 AM

2h 46m

12 PM

2h 44m

3 PM

2h 47m

5 PM

2h 59m

8 PM

2h 33m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

Lake Alfred, FL

Matt Fitz Gibaud

Trip Overview

Traveling from Lake Alfred to Gainesville covers 125.4 miles of Florida terrain, a journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 38 minutes. Because this is a straightforward, highway-focused drive, it works perfectly as a single-day excursion, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. Expect to spend roughly $21 on fuel for the trip, making it an affordable option for a quick getaway. You will primarily utilize Florida’s Turnpike, Commonwealth Avenue North, and I-75 to reach your destination. Whether you are heading north for business or a visit, this route offers a predictable path across the state.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

62.7 miles from Lake Alfred, FL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 26m into the drive .

Drive Character

With 61% of the journey spent on highways, this trip is designed for efficiency rather than winding backroads. You will settle into a steady rhythm behind the wheel, particularly during the longest uninterrupted stretch of 46.1 miles along I-75. The transition from the local streets of Lake Alfred to these high-speed corridors defines the character of the drive. It is a functional, interstate-heavy experience that prioritizes speed and directness over technical maneuvers. Expect a consistent pace as you transition between the various main roads that connect these two Florida hubs.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 30 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 75 is the longest continuous segment at about 46.1 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Commonwealth Avenue North. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near CR 557 / Pomelo Street.

Route Complexity 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 125.4 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 0.5 miles (CR 557 / Pomelo Street): Navigation decision point; at 37.3 miles (FL 19 / Howey Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 66.5 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 22 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

0.5 mi into trip | ~1m in | CR 557 / Pomelo Street

Turn left onto CR 557 / Pomelo Street

Navigation decision point

37.3 mi into trip | ~53m in | FL 19 / Howey Road

Turn right onto FL 19 / Howey Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

66.5 mi into trip | ~1h 30m 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

112.8 mi into trip | ~2h 20m 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

123 mi into trip | ~2h 34m in | CR 329 / South Main Street

Turn left onto CR 329 / South Main Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

Towns Along This Route

Between Lake Alfred, FL and Gainesville, FL, road signs point toward Florida's Turnpike North: Ocala and Cr 234: Micanopy.

Florida's Turnpike North: Ocala

47.1 mi in | ~1h 9m

Cr 234: Micanopy

112.8 mi in | ~2h 20m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 75	46.1 mi	49m
Commonwealth Avenue North	26.5 mi	34m
Florida's Turnpike	19.1 mi	20m
US 441	8 mi	9m
Howey Road	5.2 mi	7m
CR 557A	4.6 mi	8m
North Buena Vista Drive	3.5 mi	5m
US 27	2.8 mi	3m

Longest stretch: I 75 — 46.1 mi, about 49m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lake Alfred, FL and Gainesville, FL.

Start on East Haines Boulevard

0.4 mi · 1 min · East Haines Boulevard

Turn right onto US 17; US 92

477 ft · 19 sec · Lake Shore Way

Turn left onto CR 557

0.1 mi · 13 sec · Pomelo Street

Continue on CR 557

3.5 mi · 5 min · North Buena Vista Drive

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto CR 557A

169 ft · 3 sec · CR 557A

Turn right onto CR 557A

4.6 mi · 8 min · CR 557A

Continue on FL 559

1.8 mi · 2 min · Broadway Boulevard Southeast

Turn right onto FL 33

5.3 mi · 7 min · Commonwealth Avenue North

Enter roundabout onto FL 33

131 ft · 2 sec · Commonwealth Avenue North

Continue on FL 33

21 mi · 27 min · Commonwealth Avenue North

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto FL 50; FL 33

0.3 mi · 54 sec · Broad Street

Turn right onto FL 19

5.2 mi · 7 min · Howey Road

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto Independence Boulevard

1.7 mi · 4 min · Independence Boulevard

At end of road, turn left onto US 27

2.8 mi · 3 min · US 27

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec

Toward Florida's Turnpike North: Ocala

Continue on this road

0.4 mi · 48 sec · this road

Toward Florida's Turnpike North: Ocala

Merge onto Florida's Turnpike

19 mi · 20 min · Florida's Turnpike

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

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.

Merge onto I 75

46 mi · 49 min · I 75

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec

Exit 374 Toward CR 234: Micanopy Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn right onto CR 234

1.3 mi · 2 min · Southeast County Road 234

Turn left

421 ft · 15 sec

Use the left lane.

Turn straight onto US 441

8.0 mi · 9 min · US 441

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto FL 331

0.5 mi · 1 min · Southwest Williston Road

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto CR 329

1.6 mi · 2 min · South Main Street

Use the none lane.

Enter roundabout onto CR 329

92 ft · 1 sec · South Main Street

Continue on CR 329

0.2 mi · 32 sec · South Main Street

Enter roundabout onto CR 329

177 ft · 3 sec · South Main Street

Continue on CR 329

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Main Street

Use the none lane.

Arrive at destination

CR 329

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 2-hour and 38-minute drive, plan to leave early to avoid potential peak-hour congestion on the major interstates. Since the itinerary includes one recommended stop, use that time strategically to stretch your legs and refresh before tackling the remaining distance. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the longer segments to ensure you stay within your $21 travel budget. Given the short duration, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure time based on your personal schedule rather than worrying about a rigid, multi-day itinerary. A helpful tip for this specific route is to monitor traffic patterns on I-75 before you depart Lake Alfred, as this segment represents the bulk of your time on the road.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 62.7 miles from Lake Alfred, FL, or about 1h 26m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 46.1 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 45m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 62.7 miles or 1h 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 2h 9m

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 Lake Alfred, 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 Lake Alfred, FL

This is one driving day of about 125.4 miles and 2h 38m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Lake Alfred, 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 46.1 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 62.7 mi from Lake Alfred, FL · 1h 26m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Orlando, FL

63 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.

Popular next leg

Orlando, FL to Gainesville, FL

111.6 mi · 1h 45m

Pacing Suggestions

Lockhart, FL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Orlando, FL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 62.7 miles from Lake Alfred, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.95 one way

$41.90 round trip

$4.24/gal 25.4 MPG avg 44 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.60	$22.69	$45.38
premium	$4.90	$24.17	$48.34
diesel	$5.64	$27.86	$55.72

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

$21

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 43.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	37.6	$13.17	$6.02
Efficient EV	31.4	$10.97	$5.02
EV Truck/SUV	50.2	$17.56	$8.03

Gas CO2

44 kg

EV CO2

15 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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 data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Lake Alfred, FL

Afternoon in Lake Alfred on Sunday

Local time

4:43 PM

EDT

Current temp

89°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Gainesville, FL

Afternoon in Gainesville on Sunday

Local time

4:43 PM

EDT

Current temp

60°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

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

29 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

2h 38m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Lake Alfred, FL to Gainesville, FL covers 125.4 miles and takes about 2h 38m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 75, Commonwealth Avenue North, 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 62.7 miles from Lake Alfred, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.95 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Between Lake Alfred, FL and Gainesville, FL, road signs point toward Florida's Turnpike North: Ocala and Cr 234: Micanopy.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Return Trip

Gainesville, FL to Lake Alfred, FL

Plan the drive back the other way.

126 mi 2h 38m

Explore more options from Lake Alfred, FL or browse trips ending in Gainesville, FL.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse FL road trips.

Explore maps for Lake Alfred, FL or Gainesville, FL on MapSof.net.

Trip from Lake Alfred, FL to Gainesville, FL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Gainesville, FL

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Lake Alfred, FL

Gainesville, FL

Same local time

29 degrees cooler at arrival

2h 38m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this route helpful?

Explore More

Continue From Gainesville, FL

More from Lake Alfred, FL

More trips to Gainesville, FL