How far is Gainesville, FL from Tampa, FL?
The driving distance from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL is about 130.1 miles (209.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 01m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 118 miles (189.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 03m 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 02h 01m.
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.
Census-designated place in Sumter County, Florida
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gainesville and Tampa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gainesville and Tampa.
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1
Start on South Main Street
2510 ft · 1 min · South Main Street
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2
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward South Main Street
45 m · 3 sec · South Main Street
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3
Exit the roundabout onto South Main Street
1332 ft · 33 sec · South Main Street
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4
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward South Main Street
18 m · 1 sec · South Main Street
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5
Exit the roundabout onto South Main Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · South Main Street
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6
Turn right onto Southwest Williston Road
2572 ft · 54 sec · Southwest Williston Road
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7
Turn left onto South Main Street
807 ft · 23 sec · South Main Street
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8
Turn straight
2000 ft · 34 sec
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9
Continue straight
7 mi · 8 min
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10
Continue straight
3212 ft · 47 sec
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11
Turn right onto Southeast County Road 234
1.4 mi · 3 min · Southeast County Road 234
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12
Take the ramp left toward I 75 South: Tampa
1148 ft · 28 sec
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13
Merge slight left
99.6 mi · 1 hr 47 min
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14
Keep slight right to continue on I 275 South: Tampa, Saint Petersburg
15.9 mi · 19 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown East-West
2767 ft · 49 sec
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16
Keep slight right
77 m · 6 sec
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17
Keep slight left to continue on Downtown East, Jefferson Street
856 ft · 23 sec
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18
Continue on North Orange Avenue
1531 ft · 47 sec · North Orange Avenue
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19
Turn straight onto Pierce Street
1364 ft · 41 sec · Pierce Street
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20
Turn right onto East Kennedy Boulevard
1336 ft · 46 sec · East Kennedy Boulevard
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Kennedy Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gainesville and Tampa.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 75 South
Merge slight left
99.6 mi · 01h 47m
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 Mostly Sunny near Tampa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gainesville to Tampa?
The road trip is about 130.1 miles (209.3 km) and usually takes 02h 01m 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?
Lake Panasoffkee is a useful midpoint, sitting about 64.9 miles from Gainesville and 65.1 miles from Tampa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 118 miles (189.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.1 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 2:26 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.04 one way or $38.08 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 40.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Gainesville and Mostly Sunny near Tampa.
Stop Ideas Near Lake Panasoffkee
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 Lake Panasoffkee.
Wildwood, Florida
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Ocala, Florida
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gainesville and Tampa. Straight-line distance: 118.02 mi (189.93 km).
#1 Gainesville
The third most populous city in Florida.
| Population | 135,004 |
| Coordinates | 29.6516300, -82.3248300 |
| Altitude | 54 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Tampa
The third most populous city in Florida and the center of the Tampa metropolitan area.
| Population | 407,599 |
| Coordinates | 27.9475200, -82.4584300 |
| Altitude | 1 |
| Country | United States |
End: Kennedy Boulevard (-82.458429, 27.947518)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 209 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 10m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 51m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.15 | $19.04 | $38.08 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $21.10 | $42.19 |
| Premium | $4.90 | $22.47 | $44.95 |
| Diesel | $4.35 | $19.97 | $39.93 |
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.