How far is Tampa, FL from Lake City, FL?
The driving distance from Tampa, FL to Lake City, FL is about 171.6 miles (276.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 155.3 miles (249.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 21m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT.
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 03h 10m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tampa and Lake City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tampa and Lake City.
-
1
Start on East Kennedy Boulevard
122 m · 17 sec · East Kennedy Boulevard
-
2
Turn right onto North Ashley Drive
1748 ft · 49 sec · North Ashley Drive
-
3
Take the ramp straight toward I 275
1164 ft · 29 sec
-
4
Keep slight right to continue on I 275 North
843 ft · 21 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
17 mi · 21 min
-
6
Merge slight left
148.5 mi · 2 hr 39 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward FL 47: Fort White, Lake City
1114 ft · 29 sec
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8
Turn straight onto Southwest State Road 47
3.6 mi · 6 min · Southwest State Road 47
-
9
Turn straight onto Southwest Main Boulevard
1.5 mi · 3 min · Southwest Main Boulevard
-
10
Turn right
12 m · 3 sec
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tampa and Lake City.
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 275 North
Merge slight left
149 mi · 02h 39m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Tampa and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Lake City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tampa to Lake City?
The road trip is about 171.6 miles (276.1 km) and usually takes 03h 10m 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?
Belleview is a useful midpoint, sitting about 86 miles from Tampa and 85.6 miles from Lake City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 155.3 miles (249.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.3 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 EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:38 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.10 one way or $50.19 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 53.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Tampa and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Lake City.
Stop Ideas Near Belleview
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Belleview City Hall Park
Ocala Citizens' Circle
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Belleview.
Ocala, Florida
The Villages-Lady Lake, FL
Wildwood, Florida
DeLand
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tampa and Lake City. Straight-line distance: 155.31 mi (249.94 km).
#1 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 |
#2 Lake City
County seat of Columbia County, Florida, United States
| Population | 12,352 |
| Coordinates | 30.1896800, -82.6392900 |
| Altitude | 59 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lake City (-82.63929, 30.18968)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 276 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 25m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.15 | $25.10 | $50.19 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $27.81 | $55.61 |
| Premium | $4.90 | $29.62 | $59.24 |
| Diesel | $4.35 | $26.32 | $52.63 |
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 · May 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.