Spanning 456.8 miles across Florida, this drive from Belleair Beach to Brent typically takes about 9 hours and 2 minutes of travel time. Because of the length, you should plan for a two-day trip to avoid fatigue, especially since the route requires a significant time commitment. You will navigate a combination of I-10, the Suncoast Parkway, and Young Boulevard to complete your journey. Budgeting approximately $76 for fuel will cover your transit costs for this highway-focused route. Whether you are traveling for business or a change of scenery, splitting the trip into two days ensures a much more manageable experience than attempting the full distance in one go.
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
228.4 miles from Belleair Beach, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 52m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 10
211.8 mi
3h 47m
Young Boulevard
89.3 mi
1h 53m
Suncoast Parkway
54.2 mi
59m
Suncoast Boulevard
47 mi
59m
Courtney Campbell Causeway
8.2 mi
10m
FL 589 Toll Express Lane
7.8 mi
9m
US 19
6.3 mi
7m
Gulf to Lake Highway
4.8 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 211.8 mi, about 3h 47m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Belleair Beach, FL and Brent, FL.
1
Start on Gulf Boulevard
0.4 mi·53 sec·Gulf Boulevard
2
Turn left onto CR 416
0.5 mi·1 min·Causeway Boulevard
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on CR 416
0.6 mi·1 min·South Belleair Causeway
4
Continue on CR 416
2.3 mi·5 min·West Bay Drive
5
Continue on FL 686
3.6 mi·6 min·East Bay Drive
Use the left lane.
6
Turn left onto US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
0.1 mi·17 sec·US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward US 19 North
8
Merge onto US 19
1.9 mi·2 min·US Highway 19 North
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Toward FL 60: Seville Boulevard, Gulf To BayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
0.4 mi·53 sec·US 19 Northbound Frontage Road
11
Continue on Northbound Frontage Road
0.2 mi·25 sec·Northbound Frontage Road
12
Take the exit
0.1 mi·16 sec
13
Merge onto FL 60
1.9 mi·3 min·Gulf to Bay Boulevard
Use the right lane.
14
Continue on FL 60
8.2 mi·10 min·Courtney Campbell Causeway
Use the straight lane.
15
Continue on FL 60
0.7 mi·1 min·FL 60
16
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward FL 589 North Toll: Veterans Expressway, Air CargoUse the slight left lane.
17
Merge onto Memorial Highway
0.3 mi·29 sec·Memorial Highway
Toward FL 589 Toll, CR 576, : Air Cargo
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·34 sec
Toward FL 589 Toll NorthUse the slight left lane.
19
Merge onto FL 589 Toll
2.3 mi·2 min·Veterans Expressway
Use the straight lane.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll
3.2 mi·4 min·FL 589 Toll Express Lane
21
Merge onto FL 589 Toll
0.6 mi·48 sec·Veterans Expressway
22
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll
4.6 mi·5 min·FL 589 Toll Express Lane
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Merge onto FL 589 Toll
0.4 mi·27 sec·Veterans Expressway
24
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll
54 mi·59 min·Suncoast Parkway
Toward Crystal RiverUse the straight lane.
25
Take the exit
0.4 mi·43 sec
Toward FL 44: Gulf to Lake Highway
26
Turn left onto FL 44
4.8 mi·7 min·Gulf to Lake Highway
27
Continue on FL 44
0.9 mi·1 min·Northeast 5th Street
28
Turn right onto US 19; US 98
47 mi·59 min·Suncoast Boulevard
Use the right lane.
29
Continue on US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate
89 mi·1 hr 53 min·Young Boulevard
30
Continue on US 19; US 27
6.3 mi·7 min·US 19; US 27
31
Continue on US 19
4.8 mi·6 min·Florida Georgia Parkway
32
Take the exit
0.4 mi·57 sec
Toward I 10 West: Tallahassee
33
Merge onto I 10
212 mi·3 hr 47 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 12Toward I 110 South: Pensacola, Pensacola BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Merge onto I 110
0.4 mi·29 sec·Reubin O'Donovan Askew Parkway
36
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Exit 5Toward FL 750, FL 296: Airport Boulevard, Brent LaneUse the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Toward FL 296: Brent LaneUse the straight / slight right lanes.
38
Turn right onto FL 296
0.3 mi·52 sec·Brent Lane
39
Continue on East Brent Lane
0.1 mi·29 sec·East Brent Lane
40
Turn left onto Sycamore Drive
218 ft·12 sec·Sycamore Drive
41
Turn left onto East Brent Lane
34 ft·1 sec·East Brent Lane
42
Arrive at destination
East Brent Lane
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 456.8-mile trek, prioritize a morning departure to maximize daylight and beat potential highway congestion. Plan for at least two stops along the way to stretch your legs and refuel, keeping your $76 fuel budget in mind as you map out service stations. Since you are facing a 9-hour drive, splitting the journey into two days is the smartest way to maintain your energy levels. Pay close attention to the transition points between the Suncoast Parkway and I-10, as these junctions are critical for staying on track during the longest legs of your trip.
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 228.4 miles from Belleair Beach, FL, or about 4h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 211.8 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 100 miles or 2h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 228.4 miles or 4h 52m 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 228.4 miles or 4h 52m
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 55m
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 Belleair Beach, 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 Belleair Beach, FL
Aim for roughly 228 miles and 4.5 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Brent, FL
Aim for roughly 228 miles and 4.5 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 100 miles from Belleair Beach, 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 211.8 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 28
5 decision points cluster between mile 9.7 and 455.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
9.7 mi into trip|~19m in
Take the exit toward FL 60: Seville Boulevard, Gulf To Bay
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.
Toward FL 60: Seville Boulevard, Gulf To Bay
7
21.3 mi into trip|~36m in
Take the exit toward FL 589 North Toll: Veterans Expressway, Air Cargo
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward FL 589 North Toll: Veterans Expressway,...
7
22.4 mi into trip|~38m in
Keep slight left at fork toward FL 589 Toll North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward FL 589 Toll North
8
453.7 mi into trip|~8h 56m 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
455.1 mi into trip|~8h 58m 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
$72.71 one way
$145.42 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg160 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$79.09
$158.19
premium
$4.72
$84.94
$169.88
diesel
$5.61
$100.86
$201.71
Estimated Tolls: $3.52
Suncoast Parkway
(54.2 mi)$3.25
Veterans Expressway
(3.3 mi)$0.27
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
$4
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$206–$316
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 159.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $48 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
137
1
$47.96
$21.93
Efficient EV
114.2
1
$39.97
$18.27
EV Truck/SUV
182.7
2
$63.95
$29.24
Gas CO2
160 kg
EV CO2
53 kg (67% 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
Belleair Beach, FL
Late night
in Belleair Beach on Sunday
Local time
12:24 AM
EDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
Destination
Brent, FL
Night
in Brent on Saturday
Local time
11:24 PM
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.
Road read
9h 2m 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 456.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is heavily weighted toward high-speed travel, with 64% of your journey occurring on major highways. You will settle into a rhythmic, interstate-heavy pace, highlighted by a 211.8-mile stretch on I-10 that serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of the drive. Expect a transition from the coastal environments near Belleair Beach to the distinct landscape of Brent as you move across the state. While the Suncoast Parkway and Young Boulevard provide necessary local connectivity, the core of the experience remains a focused, efficient drive designed for making steady progress toward your destination.
64% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 211.8 mi on I 10.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and Young Boulevard. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 9.7 miles in.
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 28 significant decision points across 456.8 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 9.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22.4 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.
On the drive from Belleair Beach, FL to Brent, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Crystal River along the way.
Crystal River
33.8 mi in|~53m|via FL 589 Toll
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 211.8 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 228 miles on day one.
Expect about $3.52 in tolls one way, starting with Suncoast Parkway. 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 9.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22.4 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 9.0 hours each way, a round trip means 18.1 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.
