How far is Lake Wales, FL from Tampa, FL?
The driving distance from Lake Wales, FL to Tampa, FL is about 62.4 miles (100.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 53.4 miles (85.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 20m 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 10m.
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 Polk County, Florida
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lake Wales and Tampa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Wales and Tampa.
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1
Start on the route
18 m · 7 sec
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2
Turn right onto East Central Avenue
1.4 mi · 4 min · East Central Avenue
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3
Turn right
13.4 mi · 17 min
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4
Take the exit left toward Flamingo Drive
2543 ft · 54 sec · Flamingo Drive
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5
Continue on Main Street
1.7 mi · 3 min · Main Street
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6
Turn left
25.8 mi · 34 min
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7
Continue straight
4.5 mi · 8 min
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8
Turn straight onto Adamo Drive
1875 ft · 36 sec · Adamo Drive
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9
Continue on East Adamo Drive
2.1 mi · 3 min · East Adamo Drive
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10
Take the ramp left toward FL 618 Toll West
1502 ft · 41 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
5.2 mi · 6 min · Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward FL 60: Kennedy Boulevard, Downtown - East
1212 ft · 31 sec
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13
Turn straight onto East Kennedy Boulevard
1885 ft · 1 min · East Kennedy Boulevard
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Kennedy Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lake Wales and Tampa.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Longest stretch
Turn left
25.8 mi · 00h 34m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Lake Wales and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Tampa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lake Wales to Tampa?
The road trip is about 62.4 miles (100.5 km) and usually takes 01h 10m 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?
Willow Oak is a useful midpoint, sitting about 27.9 miles from Lake Wales and 34.5 miles from Tampa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 53.4 miles (85.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 9 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 4:10 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.13 one way or $18.25 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 19.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Lake Wales and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Tampa.
Stop Ideas Near Willow Oak
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 Willow Oak.
Lakeland
Lakeland
Winter Haven
Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lake Wales and Tampa. Straight-line distance: 53.36 mi (85.88 km).
#1 Lake Wales
City in Polk County, Florida, United States
| Population | 17,693 |
| Coordinates | 27.9014100, -81.5859100 |
| Altitude | 45 |
| 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: 101 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 46m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.15 | $9.13 | $18.25 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $10.11 | $20.22 |
| Premium | $4.90 | $10.77 | $21.54 |
| Diesel | $4.35 | $9.57 | $19.14 |
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 · Jun 01, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.