Origin
Sunshine Ranches, FL
Late night in Sunshine Ranches on Saturday
Local time
3:01 AM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Sunshine Ranches, FL to Cape Coral, FL
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 33m
Distance
131 mi
211 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 23m
★
6 AM
2h 33m
8 AM
2h 54m
10 AM
2h 40m
12 PM
2h 38m
3 PM
2h 41m
5 PM
2h 53m
8 PM
2h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Sunshine Ranches, FL
Gerzon Piñata
Cape Coral, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Sunshine Ranches, FL to Cape Coral, FL is 131 miles and takes about 2h 33m via I 75, with a fuel budget near $21 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip keeps you within the state of Florida, moving from one distinct region to another without crossing state lines. It's a fairly straightforward drive, primarily on major highways, making it an accessible option for a single-day journey. Expect a practical, no-frills experience focused on getting you to your destination efficiently. This route is ideal if you're looking for a quick and easy transition between points in southern Florida.
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
65.5 miles from Sunshine Ranches, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 14m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 33m. Total distance: 131 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a highway-focused drive, with 96% of the journey taking place on major roads. You'll spend the majority of your time on I 75, including the longest uninterrupted stretch of 116.9 miles. The route predominantly utilizes interstate driving, suggesting a consistent speed and minimal traffic delays for most of the trip. While Daniels Parkway and College Parkway are part of the main roads, they likely serve as connectors to and from the interstate rather than significant deviations from the highway feel. Prepare for a driving experience that prioritizes speed and directness.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 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 116.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Daniels Parkway. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2.4 miles in near Griffin Road.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 131 miles you will encounter 12 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 2.4 miles (Griffin Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.2 miles (I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.1 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
2.4 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
Griffin Road
At end of road, turn left onto Griffin Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
3.2 mi into trip
|
~8m in
|
I 75
Merge onto I 75
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
6.1 mi into trip
|
~11m in
|
I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward Alligator Alley, Naples
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward Alligator Alley, Naples
7
120.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 13m in
Take the exit toward CR 876: Cape Coral
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 131
Toward CR 876: Cape Coral
8
120.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 13m in
Keep slight left at fork toward CR 876 West: Lee County Sports Complex, Florida SouthWestern State College, Cape Coral
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward CR 876 West: Lee County Sports Complex,...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Sunshine Ranches, FL and Cape Coral, FL, road signs point toward Cr 876: Cape Coral, Cr 876 West: Lee County Sports Complex, Florida Southwestern State College and Cr 876 West.
Cr 876: Cape Coral
120.1 mi in
|
~2h 13m
Cr 876 West: Lee County Sports Complex
120.4 mi in
|
~2h 13m
Florida Southwestern State College
120.4 mi in
|
~2h 13m
Cr 876 West
120.5 mi in
|
~2h 14m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 116.9 mi | 2h 5m |
| Daniels Parkway | 4.8 mi | 8m |
| College Parkway | 3.2 mi | 5m |
| Southwest 148th Avenue | 1.3 mi | 3m |
| Cape Coral Parkway East | 1 mi | 2m |
| Stirling Road | 1 mi | 2m |
| South Cleveland Avenue | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Cape Coral Bridge Road | 0.7 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 116.9 mi, about 2h 5m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sunshine Ranches, FL and Cape Coral, FL.
1
Start on Southwest 136th Avenue
0.1 mi
·
34 sec
·
Southwest 136th Avenue
2
Turn right onto Stirling Road
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Stirling Road
3
Turn right onto Southwest 148th Avenue
1.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Southwest 148th Avenue
4
At end of road, turn left onto Griffin Road
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
Griffin Road
Use the left lane.
5
Take the ramp
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 75 North: Naples
6
Merge onto I 75
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
114 mi
·
2 hr 2 min
·
I 75
Toward Alligator Alley, Naples
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 131
Toward CR 876: Cape Coral
Use the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork
524 ft
·
16 sec
Toward CR 876 West: Lee County Sports Complex, Florida SouthWestern State College, Cape Coral
Use the left lane.
10
Turn left
116 ft
·
5 sec
Toward CR 876 West
11
Turn left onto CR 876
4.8 mi
·
8 min
·
Daniels Parkway
Use the left lane.
12
Turn right onto US 41
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
South Cleveland Avenue
13
Turn left onto College Parkway
3.2 mi
·
5 min
·
College Parkway
Use the left lane.
14
Continue on Cape Coral Bridge Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Cape Coral Bridge Road
15
Continue on Cape Coral Parkway East
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Cape Coral Parkway East
16
Turn right
200 ft
·
14 sec
17
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 33 minutes, this trip is easily manageable in a single day, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Aim to leave mid-morning to avoid the earliest rush and allow ample time for any brief stops. With a fuel cost estimated at $21, be sure to fill up before you depart or at a convenient point along I 75. Since the longest stretch on the interstate is substantial, plan for a fuel and rest stop around the halfway mark if needed, though the overall drive is not overly demanding. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach the final leg into Cape Coral.
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 65.5 miles from Sunshine Ranches, FL, or about 1h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 116.9 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 29 miles or 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 65.5 miles or 1h 14m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 59m
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 Sunshine Ranches, 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 Sunshine Ranches, FL
This is one driving day of about 131 miles and 2h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Sunshine Ranches, 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 116.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 65.5 mi from Sunshine Ranches, FL · 1h 14m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
66 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 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 65.5 miles from Sunshine Ranches, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 116.9 miles.
Arriving in Cape Coral, FL
The final approach into Cape Coral, 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 Cape Coral, 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
$20.85 one way
$41.70 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
46 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $22.68 | $45.37 |
| premium | $4.72 | $24.36 | $48.72 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $28.92 | $57.85 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 45.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 39.3 | 0 | $13.75 | $6.29 |
| Efficient EV | 32.8 | 0 | $11.46 | $5.24 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 52.4 | 0 | $18.34 | $8.38 |
Gas CO2
46 kg
EV CO2
15 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Cape Coral, FL
Late night in Cape Coral on Saturday
Local time
3:01 AM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
68°F
Golden Gate, FL
66 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
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
2h 33m 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 Sunshine Ranches, FL to Cape Coral, FL covers 131 miles and takes about 2h 33m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 75, Daniels Parkway, College Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 65.5 miles from Sunshine Ranches, FL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.85 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.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 131 miles you will encounter 12 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 2.4 miles (Griffin Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.2 miles (I 75): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.1 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Sunshine Ranches, FL and Cape Coral, FL, road signs point toward Cr 876: Cape Coral, Cr 876 West: Lee County Sports Complex, Florida Southwestern State College and Cr 876 West.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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