How far is Gainesville, FL from Palatka, FL?
The driving distance from Gainesville, FL to Palatka, FL is about 44 miles (70.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 41.3 miles (66.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 08m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 04m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Putnam County, Florida, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gainesville and Palatka.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gainesville and Palatka.
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1
Start on South Main Street
35 m · 7 sec · South Main Street
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2
Turn right onto East University Avenue
1.1 mi · 3 min · East University Avenue
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3
Continue on Hawthorne Road
42.6 mi · 1 hr · Hawthorne Road
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4
Keep slight left to continue on 9th Street
1719 ft · 1 min · 9th Street
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5
Turn right onto Reid Street
4 m · 1 sec · Reid Street
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6
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Reid Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gainesville and Palatka.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Hawthorne Road
Continue on Hawthorne Road
42.6 mi · 01h 00m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny leaving Gainesville and Sunny near Palatka.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gainesville to Palatka?
The road trip is about 44 miles (70.8 km) and usually takes 01h 04m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Interlachen is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21.9 miles from Gainesville and 22 miles from Palatka.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 41.3 miles (66.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.7 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:22 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.43 one way or $12.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Gainesville and Sunny near Palatka.
Stop Ideas Near Interlachen
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Interlachen.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gainesville and Palatka. Straight-line distance: 41.27 mi (66.41 km).
#1 Gainesville
The third most populous city in Florida.
| Population | 135,004 |
| Coordinates | 29.6516300, -82.3248300 |
| Altitude | 54 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Palatka
County seat of Putnam County, Florida, United States
| Population | 10,457 |
| Coordinates | 29.6485800, -81.6375800 |
| Altitude | 6 |
| Country | United States |
End: Palatka (-81.63758, 29.64858)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 71 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.15 | $6.43 | $12.86 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $7.12 | $14.25 |
| Premium | $4.90 | $7.59 | $15.18 |
| Diesel | $4.35 | $6.74 | $13.49 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Florida · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.