How far is Panama City, FL from Gainesville, FL?
The driving distance from Panama City, FL to Gainesville, FL is about 254.3 miles (409.2 km), with a travel time of about 04h 05m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 202.8 miles (326.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 11m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 04h 05m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Jefferson County, Florida, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Areas Of Fog then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Panama City and Gainesville.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Panama City and Gainesville.
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1
Start on Luverne Avenue
131 m · 26 sec · Luverne Avenue
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2
Turn left onto East 7th Street
69 m · 14 sec · East 7th Street
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3
Turn right onto Harrison Avenue
1 mi · 3 min · Harrison Avenue
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4
Continue straight
1.6 mi · 3 min
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5
Continue straight
1.3 mi · 2 min
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6
Continue straight
21.2 mi · 27 min
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7
Turn right
28.4 mi · 39 min
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8
Turn left
18.1 mi · 24 min
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9
Turn right onto Selman Street
3018 ft · 1 min · Selman Street
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10
Continue on Greensboro Highway
2.2 mi · 3 min · Greensboro Highway
-
11
Take the ramp slight right toward I 10 East: Tallahassee
2453 ft · 1 min
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12
Merge slight left
121.5 mi · 2 hr 10 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward I-75 South: Tampa
1959 ft · 37 sec
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14
Merge slight left
47.2 mi · 51 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward FL 26: Gainesville, Newberry, Newberry Road
1141 ft · 28 sec
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16
Turn right onto West Newberry Road
2.4 mi · 5 min · West Newberry Road
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17
Continue on West University Avenue
3.4 mi · 9 min · West University Avenue
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18
Turn right onto South Main Street
35 m · 3 sec · South Main Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Panama City and Gainesville.
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 10 East
Merge slight left
121 mi · 02h 10m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Panama City and Areas Of Fog then Sunny near Gainesville.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Panama City to Gainesville?
The road trip is about 254.3 miles (409.2 km) and usually takes 04h 05m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Monticello is a useful midpoint, sitting about 125 miles from Panama City and 129.3 miles from Gainesville.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 202.8 miles (326.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 51.5 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:48 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $37.21 one way or $74.42 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 79.7 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Panama City and Gainesville, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Panama City and Areas Of Fog then Sunny near Gainesville.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Panama City and Gainesville. Straight-line distance: 202.8 mi (326.37 km).
#1 Panama City
County seat of Bay County, Florida, United States
| Population | 34,667 |
| Coordinates | 30.1594600, -85.6598300 |
| Altitude | 8 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Gainesville
The third most populous city in Florida.
| Population | 135,004 |
| Coordinates | 29.6516300, -82.3248300 |
| Altitude | 54 |
| Country | United States |
End: South Main Street (-82.32501, 29.65163)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 409 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.15 | $37.21 | $74.42 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $41.23 | $82.45 |
| Premium | $4.90 | $43.92 | $87.83 |
| Diesel | $4.35 | $39.02 | $78.04 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.