Brent, FL to Ridge Wood Heights, FL is 518.9 miles and takes about 9h 23m via I 10 and I 75, with a fuel budget near $81 and best spread over two days. This is a long-haul drive that stays within Florida, connecting two points within the state. You'll spend most of your time on major interstate highways, making for efficient travel. With a recommended two-day pace, this route is designed for comfort rather than speed, allowing for rest and a more relaxed experience.
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
259.5 miles from Brent, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 40m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 10
282.9 mi
5h 3m
I 75
227.1 mi
4h 3m
Bee Ridge Road
4 mi
7m
Reubin O'Donovan Askew Parkway
0.9 mi
1m
Swift Road
0.8 mi
1m
Brent Lane
0.4 mi
1m
East Brent Lane
0.1 mi
<1m
Grand Cayman Street
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 282.9 mi, about 5h 3m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 61 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~3,521 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,339
Quietest
2 AM
~398 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Brent, FL and Ridge Wood Heights, FL.
1
Start on East Brent Lane
0.1 mi·26 sec·East Brent Lane
2
Continue on FL 296
0.4 mi·1 min·Brent Lane
3
Turn left
0.3 mi·36 sec
4
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·54 sec
Toward I 110 NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Merge onto I 110
0.9 mi·1 min·Reubin O'Donovan Askew Parkway
6
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·28 sec
Exit 6Toward I 10 East, FL 291: Tallahassee, Davis HighwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 10 East: Tallahassee
8
Merge onto I 10
283 mi·5 hr 3 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi·37 sec
Exit 296AToward I-75 South: Tampa
10
Merge onto I 75
161 mi·2 hr 52 min·I 75
Use the straight lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
67 mi·1 hr 11 min·I 75
Toward South I 75: NaplesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 207Toward FL 758: Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota
13
Keep slight right at fork
345 ft·10 sec
Use the right lane.
14
Turn straight onto FL 758
4.0 mi·7 min·Bee Ridge Road
15
Turn left onto Swift Road
0.8 mi·1 min·Swift Road
16
Turn left onto Grand Cayman Street
344 ft·15 sec·Grand Cayman Street
17
Arrive at destination
Grand Cayman Street
Trip Plan
Given the 9h 23m estimated duration, splitting this trip over two days is highly recommended. Aim to leave early on your first day to make significant progress, potentially covering around 280 miles on I 10. Plan your overnight stop strategically to break up the drive comfortably. Ensure you have enough fuel before embarking on the longest stretches, especially the 282.9-mile section on I 10, as services can be spaced out. Factor in your second day to cover the remaining miles, which will include transitioning to I 75 and then Bee Ridge Road.
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 259.5 miles from Brent, FL, or about 4h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 282.9 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 114 miles or 2h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 259.5 miles or 4h 40m 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 259.5 miles or 4h 40m
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 8h 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ridge Wood Heights, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Brent, 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 Brent, FL
Aim for roughly 259 miles and 4.7 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Ridge Wood Heights, FL
Aim for roughly 259 miles and 4.7 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 114 miles from Brent, 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 282.9 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 514 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0.9 mi into trip|~2m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 110 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 110 North
9
2.3 mi into trip|~4m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 10 East, FL 291: Tallahassee, Davis Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 6
Toward I 10 East, FL 291: Tallahassee, Davis Hi...
7
447.1 mi into trip|~8h 1m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward South I 75: Naples
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward South I 75: Naples
6
513.7 mi into trip|~9h 13m in
Take the exit toward FL 758: Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 207
Toward FL 758: Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota
7
514 mi into trip|~9h 13m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$82.59 one way
$165.19 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg182 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.41
$90.03
$180.06
premium
$4.74
$96.90
$193.79
diesel
$5.35
$109.30
$218.59
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$83
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$213–$323
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 181.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $54 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
155.7
1
$54.48
$24.91
Efficient EV
129.7
1
$45.40
$20.76
EV Truck/SUV
207.6
2
$72.65
$33.21
Gas CO2
182 kg
EV CO2
61 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 Jun 3, 2026
Origin
Brent, FL
Evening
in Brent on Wednesday
Local time
5:57 PM
CDT
Current temp
83°F
Mostly Cloudy
E 15 mph12% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued June 3 at 11:13AM EDT until June 5 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued June 3 at 11:13AM EDT until June 5 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Destination
Ridge Wood Heights, FL
Evening
in Ridge Wood Heights on Wednesday
Local time
6:57 PM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
ENE 14 mph54% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued June 3 at 11:13AM EDT until June 5 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued June 3 at 11:13AM EDT until June 5 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
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 later
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
3 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
9h 23m 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
Park Closure: Fort Pickens Campground Restroom A Loop Closure
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 501
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect to be on interstates for 98% of this drive, covering 518.9 miles. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 282.9 miles on I 10. You'll transition from I 10 to I 75, and finally to Bee Ridge Road for the last portion. The high highway share means you'll experience periods of steady cruising with frequent exits.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 282.9 mi on I 10.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 0.9 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 518.9 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 0.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 2.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 447.1 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The longest stretch is about 282.9 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 259 miles on day one.
Yes — we found about 59 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Ridge Wood Heights, 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. There are 59 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 2.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 447.1 miles (I 75): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Gulf Islands National Seashore and De Soto National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 9.4 hours each way, a round trip means 18.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Ridge Wood Heights, FL before the return drive.
