Gainesville, FL → Tampa, FL
118 mi · 2h 21m (driving)
Current Risk
Medium Risk
Heat Advisory in effect along your route
Gainesville
73°
Tampa
82°
Trip Briefing
1 segment · 118 mi · 2h 21m
Weather
☀️ Clear sky
73°F, wind 4 mph
Rest Stops
18
Truck svc, Restrooms
Cameras
12 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Alachua County Rest Area (I-75 southbound) 🚻
- ● Petro Stopping Centers
- ● Love's Travel Stop
Weather May Slow Traffic
Active weather advisory — expect slower travel
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
Your Route
Via SR-20 → SR-331 → ... → I-75 South → I-275
Cameras shown are along this computed route
Need a custom route?
I-275 S at 58.9 SB
FL · SB
I-275 S at 55.9 SB
FL · SB
I-275 N at MM 54.1
FL · SB
I-275 N of Bearss Ave
FL · SB
I-275 at Bearss Ave
FL · SB
I-275 at Fowler Ave
FL · SB
I-275 at Busch Blvd
FL · SB
I-275 at Bird St
FL · SB
I-275 N of Sligh Ave
FL · SB
VCCTV
FL · SB
I-275 SB at MM 46.1 (between MLK and Hillsborough)
FL · SB
I-275 at M L K Jr Blvd
FL · SB
Rest Stops Along Your Route
18 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 18
Get Weather Alerts for This Route
We'll notify you when conditions change before your trip. Never drive into a surprise storm again.
⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Aug 11: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Aug 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Aug 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
The 118-mile half-day drive from Gainesville to Tampa stays within FL and takes about 2h 21m without stops. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 18 rest areas and 3 active weather alerts along this corridor so you can plan around them. A trip this short usually fits in a single morning or afternoon — check the live conditions just before you head out.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Aug 13
95° / 73°
No precip
Tomorrow
Aug 14
94° / 76°
No precip
Sat
Aug 15
94° / 74°
No precip
Sun
Aug 16
94° / 77°
No precip
Mon
Aug 17
94° / 77°
No precip
Tue
Aug 18
96° / 79°
No precip
Wed
Aug 19
96° / 81°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Use Caution⚠️ Hazardous conditions expected - Violent rain showers
Sunday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, ⛅ Partly cloudy at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Gainesville, FL
73°F
Wind: 4 mph
Tampa, FL
82°F
Wind: 3 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Gainesville, FL to Tampa, FL
The 118-mile drive from Gainesville, Florida to Tampa, Florida takes approximately 2h 21m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially along coastal regions where fog and marine weather can impact visibility. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This moderate route stays within Florida, connecting Gainesville and Tampa. A drive of 118 miles means you'll pass through multiple weather zones. Conditions at your starting point may bear little resemblance to what you'll encounter halfway through the trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding (spring and summer)
- Hurricane and tropical storm impacts (June through November)
Seasonal Driving Considerations
Coastal weather on this route can shift quickly. Marine fog is common during morning hours, especially in spring and fall, reducing visibility to near zero. Hurricane season (June through November) can bring extended road closures and dangerous conditions. During fair weather, coastal routes offer scenic driving — but always verify conditions with live traffic cameras before heading out.
Best Time to Drive Gainesville to Tampa
For shorter trips like this 118-mile drive, morning departures typically offer the best conditions with lighter traffic and better visibility. Avoid rush hour periods (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) if possible.
Driving Strategy
At 118 miles, the Gainesville to Tampa drive is short enough to complete in a single stretch. Still, check conditions along the route before you leave — a quick glance at live traffic cameras can confirm road visibility and surface conditions. If bad weather is forecasted for a narrow window, adjusting your departure by even an hour can make a significant difference in safety.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Gainesville to Tampa?
The drive is approximately 118 miles and takes about 2h 21m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Sunday, Aug 16 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Gainesville to Tampa today?
Current conditions show medium risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Gainesville to Tampa route?
Yes, there are 18 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses I-275. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly — this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.
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