Brent, FL to Ruskin, FL is 484.4 miles and takes about 8h 44m via I 10 and I 75, with a fuel budget near $72 and an overnight stay recommended. This trip stays within Florida, taking you from the western part of the state down towards the Tampa Bay area. With a 99% highway share, expect mostly freeway driving with minimal time on surface streets. This route is best suited for those who want to cover distance efficiently, as it's designed for straightforward travel. Planning for an overnight stop will make the 8-hour drive much more manageable and enjoyable.
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
242.2 miles from Brent, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 21m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 10
282.9 mi
5h 3m
I 75
193.9 mi
3h 27m
College Avenue
2.7 mi
4m
Reubin O'Donovan Askew Parkway
0.9 mi
1m
Tamiami Trail
0.5 mi
1m
Brent Lane
0.4 mi
1m
East Brent Lane
0.1 mi
<1m
Shell Point Road East
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 282.9 mi, about 5h 3m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 55 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 Ruskin, 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
33 mi·35 min·I 75
Toward South I 75: NaplesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 240BToward FL 674 West: RuskinUse the slight right lane.
13
Turn straight onto FL 674
2.7 mi·4 min·College Avenue
14
Turn right onto US 41
0.5 mi·1 min·Tamiami Trail
15
Turn right onto Shell Point Road East
207 ft·11 sec·Shell Point Road East
16
Turn left
53 ft·3 sec
17
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 8-hour 44-minute estimated drive time, splitting this trip over two days is highly recommended. Aim to leave Brent, FL in the morning, covering roughly half the distance to allow for a relaxed overnight stop. The longest stretch of driving, 282.9 miles on I 10, is best tackled with a full tank of gas before you begin. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during that long interstate segment, as services can be spread out. The $72 fuel cost is a good estimate, but check current prices. Planning your overnight stop around the halfway point will break up the drive nicely.
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 242.2 miles from Brent, FL, or about 4h 21m 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 107 miles or 1h 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 242.2 miles or 4h 21m 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 242.2 miles or 4h 21m
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 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ruskin, 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 242 miles and 4.4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Ruskin, FL
Aim for roughly 242 miles and 4.4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 107 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 480.5 — 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...
5
2.6 mi into trip|~4m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 10 East: Tallahassee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 10 East: Tallahassee
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
7
480.5 mi into trip|~8h 37m in
Take the exit toward FL 674 West: Ruskin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 240B
Toward FL 674 West: Ruskin
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$73.33 one way
$146.65 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg170 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$80.46
$160.92
premium
$4.55
$86.77
$173.54
diesel
$4.80
$91.46
$182.93
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$73
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$203–$313
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 169.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $51 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
145.3
1
$50.86
$23.25
Efficient EV
121.1
1
$42.39
$19.38
EV Truck/SUV
193.8
2
$67.82
$31.00
Gas CO2
169 kg
EV CO2
57 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 Jul 12, 2026
Origin
Brent, FL
Morning
in Brent on Sunday
Local time
10:18 AM
CDT
Current temp
90°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 10 mph52% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 12 at 4:22PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 12 at 4:13PM EDT until July 12 at 4:45PM EDT by NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
Destination
Ruskin, FL
Morning
in Ruskin on Sunday
Local time
11:18 AM
EDT
Current temp
95°F
Mostly Sunny
W 9 mph10% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 12 at 4:22PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 12 at 4:13PM EDT until July 12 at 4:45PM EDT by NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin 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
5 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
8h 44m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is almost entirely highway, with 99% of the drive on major interstates like I 10 and I 75. You'll experience your longest stretch of uninterrupted driving for 282.9 miles on I 10. The transition to surface roads like College Avenue will occur near your destination, but the vast majority of your time will be spent on the interstate. Expect a steady flow of traffic and numerous exits along the interstate segments.
99% 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 484.4 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 2.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
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 242 miles on day one.
Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza 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 Ruskin, 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 1 rest area 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 2.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Not recommended in a single day. At 8.7 hours each way, a round trip means 17.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Ruskin, FL before the return drive.
