Traveling from Auburndale to Brent spans 459.6 miles across Florida, a journey that typically takes 8 hours and 33 minutes of pure driving time. Because of the length, I recommend splitting this trip over two days to avoid driver fatigue. Your route relies heavily on major arteries like I-75 and I-10, keeping the pace brisk for the majority of the drive. Budgeting around $77 for fuel is a solid starting point for your planning. While it is technically possible to power through in a single day, breaking it up allows for a more relaxed pace as you transition between these two Florida regions.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
229.8 miles from Auburndale, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 25m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 10
283.4 mi
5h 3m
I 75
106.9 mi
1h 54m
Commonwealth Avenue North
26.5 mi
34m
Florida's Turnpike
19.1 mi
20m
Howey Road
5.2 mi
7m
Polk City Road
4.8 mi
7m
US 27
2.8 mi
3m
Broadway Boulevard Southeast
1.8 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 283.4 mi, about 5h 3m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Auburndale, FL and Brent, FL.
1
Start on North Bartow Avenue
483 ft·20 sec·North Bartow Avenue
2
At end of road, turn left onto North Bartow Avenue
0.2 mi·27 sec·North Bartow Avenue
3
Enter roundabout
0.1 mi·24 sec
4
Continue
131 ft·3 sec
5
Turn straight onto North Main Street
0.1 mi·15 sec·North Main Street
6
Continue on Lake Ariana Boulevard
1.4 mi·2 min·Lake Ariana Boulevard
7
Turn straight onto Polk City Road
4.8 mi·7 min·Polk City Road
Use the left lane.
8
Continue on FL 559
1.0 mi·1 min·FL 559
9
Turn left onto FL 559
1.8 mi·2 min·Broadway Boulevard Southeast
10
Turn right onto FL 33
5.3 mi·7 min·Commonwealth Avenue North
11
Enter roundabout onto FL 33
131 ft·2 sec·Commonwealth Avenue North
12
Continue on FL 33
21 mi·27 min·Commonwealth Avenue North
13
Turn left onto FL 50; FL 33
0.3 mi·54 sec·Broad Street
14
Turn right onto FL 19
5.2 mi·7 min·Howey Road
Use the left lane.
15
Turn left onto Independence Boulevard
1.7 mi·4 min·Independence Boulevard
16
At end of road, turn left onto US 27
2.8 mi·3 min·US 27
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward Florida's Turnpike North: Ocala
18
Continue on this road
0.4 mi·48 sec·this road
Toward Florida's Turnpike North: Ocala
19
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
19 mi·20 min·Florida's Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto Florida's Turnpike
0.2 mi·15 sec·Florida's Turnpike
Toward I 75 North: OcalaUse the straight lane.
21
Merge onto I 75
107 mi·1 hr 54 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·15 sec
Exit 435Toward I 10: Jacksonville, TallahasseeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·30 sec
Toward I 10 West: TallahasseeUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto I 10
283 mi·5 hr 3 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 12Toward I 110 South: Pensacola, Pensacola BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Merge onto I 110
0.4 mi·29 sec·Reubin O'Donovan Askew Parkway
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Exit 5Toward FL 750, FL 296: Airport Boulevard, Brent LaneUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Toward FL 296: Brent LaneUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Turn right onto FL 296
0.3 mi·52 sec·Brent Lane
30
Continue on East Brent Lane
0.1 mi·29 sec·East Brent Lane
31
Turn left onto Sycamore Drive
218 ft·12 sec·Sycamore Drive
32
Turn left onto East Brent Lane
34 ft·1 sec·East Brent Lane
33
Arrive at destination
East Brent Lane
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 459.6-mile trek, plan for at least two deliberate stops to break up the monotony of the interstate. Leaving early in the morning helps you avoid potential congestion on the busier sections of I-75 and I-10. Since the longest stretch is 283.4 miles, ensure your fuel tank is topped off before entering this segment to avoid unnecessary pit stops in more remote areas. If you choose to split the drive into two days, look for lodging options near the halfway point to keep your daily mileage balanced. Staying mindful of your fatigue levels is key, especially during the final hours of the drive toward Brent.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 229.8 miles from Auburndale, FL, or about 4h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 283.4 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 101 miles or 2h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 229.8 miles or 4h 25m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 229.8 miles or 4h 25m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 7h 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brent, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Auburndale, FL so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Auburndale, FL
Aim for roughly 230 miles and 4.3 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Brent, FL
Aim for roughly 230 miles and 4.3 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 101 miles from Auburndale, FL.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 10 for about 283.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 65.5 and 457.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
65.5 mi into trip|~1h 28m in|Florida's Turnpike
Keep slight left at fork onto Florida's Turnpike toward I 75 North: Ocala
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 75 North: Ocala
8
172.7 mi into trip|~3h 23m in
Take the exit toward I 10: Jacksonville, Tallahassee
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 435
Toward I 10: Jacksonville, Tallahassee
8
172.8 mi into trip|~3h 23m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 10 West: Tallahassee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 10 West: Tallahassee
8
456.6 mi into trip|~8h 28m in
Take the exit toward I 110 South: Pensacola, Pensacola Beach
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 12
Toward I 110 South: Pensacola, Pensacola Beach
8
457.9 mi into trip|~8h 29m in
Take the exit toward FL 750, FL 296: Airport Boulevard, Brent Lane
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 5
Toward FL 750, FL 296: Airport Boulevard, Brent...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$73.16 one way
$146.31 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg161 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$79.58
$159.16
premium
$4.72
$85.46
$170.92
diesel
$5.61
$101.47
$202.95
Estimated Tolls: $1.32
Florida's Turnpike
(18.9 mi)$1.32
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$73
Tolls
$1
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$204–$314
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 160.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $48 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
137.9
1
$48.26
$22.06
Efficient EV
114.9
1
$40.21
$18.38
EV Truck/SUV
183.8
2
$64.34
$29.41
Gas CO2
161 kg
EV CO2
54 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Auburndale, FL
Late night
in Auburndale on Sunday
Local time
3:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Brent, FL
Late night
in Brent on Sunday
Local time
2:49 AM
CDT
Current temp
59°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
Time zone
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
3 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
8h 33m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
National Seashore
Millions of visitors are drawn to the Gulf of America for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. Come explore with...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
$25
near mile 459.6
Park Closure: Fort Pickens Campground Restroom A Loop Closure
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 90% of this drive is spent on high-speed roads. You will spend a significant portion of your time on I-10, which features a long, uninterrupted stretch of 283.4 miles. The journey begins with local navigation via Commonwealth Avenue North before merging into the interstate system. This is largely a functional, efficient drive designed to cover ground quickly rather than a winding scenic byway. Prepare for a consistent, steady pace behind the wheel as you navigate the primary interstate corridors that connect the state.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 283.4 mi on I 10.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and I 75. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 65.5 miles in near Florida's Turnpike.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 459.6 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 65.5 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 172.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 172.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Auburndale, FL and Brent, FL, road signs point toward Florida's Turnpike North: Ocala and Tallahassee.
The longest stretch is about 283.4 miles on I 10. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 230 miles on day one.
Expect about $1.32 in tolls one way, starting with Florida's Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Brent, FL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 65.5 miles (Florida's Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 172.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 172.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Gulf Islands National Seashore. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 8.6 hours each way, a round trip means 17.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Brent, FL before the return drive.
