Traveling from Belleair Beach to Tallahassee covers 259.5 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 34 minutes behind the wheel. Because this is a relatively straightforward journey, you can easily complete it in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Your route primarily utilizes Young Boulevard, the Suncoast Parkway, and Suncoast Boulevard to navigate through Florida. Budgeting approximately $43 for fuel should keep you covered for the duration of the trip. Whether you are heading north for business or a change of scenery, this mixed-profile drive offers a practical way to connect the Gulf Coast region with the state capital. It is an efficient trip that balances highway transit with local road navigation.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
129.7 miles from Belleair Beach, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 47m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Young Boulevard
89.3 mi
1h 53m
Suncoast Parkway
54.2 mi
59m
Suncoast Boulevard
47 mi
59m
Apalachee Parkway
16.1 mi
23m
US 19
13 mi
16m
Courtney Campbell Causeway
8.2 mi
10m
FL 589 Toll Express Lane
7.8 mi
9m
Gulf to Lake Highway
4.8 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
Young Boulevard
— 89.3 mi, about 1h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Belleair Beach, FL and Tallahassee, 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
13 mi·16 min·US 19; US 27
31
Continue on US 27
12 mi·15 min·Apalachee Parkway
Use the left lane.
32
Continue on US 27
0.2 mi·18 sec·Apalachee Parkway
33
Continue on US 27
4.2 mi·7 min·Apalachee Parkway
Use the left lane.
34
At end of road, turn right onto US 27; FL 61
31 ft·1 sec·South Monroe Street
35
Arrive at destination
US 27; FL 61
Trip Plan
Planning your departure is key to keeping this 5-hour and 34-minute drive stress-free. Since the trip is manageable in one day, aim to leave early to avoid potential traffic congestion as you navigate the transition between the Suncoast Parkway and local roads. You only have one planned stop on this route, so use that time efficiently to refuel and stretch your legs, especially after completing the long 89.3-mile stretch on Young Boulevard. Keep your $43 fuel budget in mind when selecting your pit stop to ensure you remain on track. Because the route is a mix of road types, stay alert for changing speed limits and traffic patterns when moving from the parkway onto secondary boulevards.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 129.7 miles from Belleair Beach, FL, or about 2h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 89.3 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 57 miles or 1h 18m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 129.7 miles or 2h 47m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tallahassee, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Belleair Beach, FL
This is one driving day of about 259.5 miles and 5h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Belleair Beach, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Young Boulevard for about 89.3 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 9.7 and 33.8 — 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
6
28.9 mi into trip|~46m in|FL 589 Toll / FL 589 Toll Express Lane
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll / FL 589 Toll Express Lane
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
33.8 mi into trip|~53m in|FL 589 Toll / Suncoast Parkway
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll / Suncoast Parkway toward Crystal River
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward Crystal River
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.31 one way
$82.61 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg91 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$44.93
$89.86
premium
$4.72
$48.25
$96.51
diesel
$5.61
$57.29
$114.59
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
$41
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 90.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
77.9
0
$27.25
$12.46
Efficient EV
64.9
0
$22.71
$10.38
EV Truck/SUV
103.8
1
$36.33
$16.61
Gas CO2
91 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 14, 2026
Origin
Belleair Beach, FL
Late night
in Belleair Beach on Sunday
Local time
12:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Sunny
NNW 6 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Tallahassee, FL
Late night
in Tallahassee on Sunday
Local time
12:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
81°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.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
1 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 34m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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.
De Soto National Memorial
National Memorial
In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting...
29 mi from route
~73 min detour
Free
near mile 8.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a varied experience as you transition through the different road types that make up this 259.5-mile journey. With about 38% of your time spent on highways, the drive offers a mix of faster, streamlined stretches and more localized navigation. You will encounter a longest uninterrupted segment of 89.3 miles on Young Boulevard, which provides a significant portion of your travel time. The road personality shifts from the coastal environment near Belleair Beach to the inland landscapes leading toward Tallahassee. This combination of infrastructure creates a balanced pace, preventing the monotony often found on purely interstate routes while still allowing for consistent progress toward your destination.
38% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 89.3 mi on Young Boulevard.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. 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 20 significant decision points across 259.5 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.
Between Belleair Beach, FL and Tallahassee, FL, road signs point toward Air Cargo, Cr 576, : Air Cargo and Crystal River.
Tallahassee is the capital city of Florida, in the Florida Panhandle region of the state. In addition to housing the state government, it is a university town home to Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee Community College. Tallahassee has a good selection of restaurants for a city of its size. The universities' theater, art, and music programs, in addition to an active Council of Culture and Arts, also make for an unusually vibrant arts scene.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 34m. Total distance: 259.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 89.3 miles on Young Boulevard. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Tallahassee, 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 1 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 — De Soto National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Tallahassee, FL before the return drive.
