This 297.1-mile journey from Brent, FL to Watertown, FL is a solid day trip, estimated to take about 5 hours and 23 minutes of driving time. With 98% of the route on highways, you'll find it to be a predominantly freeway-focused experience. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $47, making it a relatively budget-friendly option for a single day's travel within Florida. You'll be covering a significant distance with only one recommended stop, so plan your breaks accordingly. This route offers a straightforward way to get from point A to point B with minimal fuss.
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
148.5 miles from Brent, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 41m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 10
288 mi
5h 8m
Northwest US Highway 41
2.6 mi
3m
Northeast Bascom Norris Drive
1.5 mi
2m
Reubin O'Donovan Askew Parkway
0.9 mi
1m
Northwest Main Boulevard
0.8 mi
1m
Brent Lane
0.4 mi
1m
Northwest Bascom Norris Drive
0.4 mi
<1m
Northeast Buddy Avenue
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 288 mi, about 5h 8m
Traffic on I-10
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 58 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,195 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,671
Quietest
2 AM
~147 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.1×
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 Watertown, 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
288 mi·5 hr 8 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Exit 301Toward US 41: Lake City, White SpringsUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Turn right onto US 41
2.6 mi·3 min·Northwest US Highway 41
11
Continue on US 41
0.5 mi·38 sec·Northwest Main Boulevard
12
Enter roundabout onto US 41
121 ft·2 sec·Northwest Main Boulevard
13
Continue on US 41
0.3 mi·31 sec·Northwest Main Boulevard
14
Turn left onto US 441; FL 100A
0.4 mi·38 sec·Northwest Bascom Norris Drive
15
Continue on CR 100A
1.5 mi·2 min·Northeast Bascom Norris Drive
16
Turn right onto Northeast Buddy Lane
0.1 mi·29 sec·Northeast Buddy Lane
17
Continue on Northeast Buddy Avenue
0.2 mi·44 sec·Northeast Buddy Avenue
18
Turn left onto Northeast Washington Street
58 ft·1 sec·Northeast Washington Street
19
Arrive at destination
Northeast Washington Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour 23-minute duration, starting your drive early in the morning from Brent, FL is advisable to maximize your daylight hours. While the route is manageable in one day, plan for at least one substantial stop to break up the 288-mile stretch on I 10. The estimated fuel cost of $47 means you'll want to ensure your tank is full before departing, as gas availability might be more spread out on the highway segments. Keep an eye out for signs as you transition off the main interstate onto Northwest US Highway 41 and then Northeast Bascom Norris Drive to ensure you stay on track for Watertown, FL.
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 148.5 miles from Brent, FL, or about 2h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 288 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 65 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 148.5 miles or 2h 41m 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 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Watertown, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Brent, FL
This is one driving day of about 297.1 miles and 5h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Brent, 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 I 10 for about 288 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 11
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 291.2 — 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
5
3.3 mi into trip|~5m in|I 10
Merge onto I 10
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
291.2 mi into trip|~5h 14m in
Take the exit toward US 41: Lake City, White Springs
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 301
Toward US 41: Lake City, White Springs
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.97 one way
$89.95 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg104 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$49.35
$98.70
premium
$4.55
$53.22
$106.44
diesel
$4.80
$56.10
$112.20
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 103.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
89.1
1
$31.20
$14.26
Efficient EV
74.3
0
$26.00
$11.88
EV Truck/SUV
118.8
1
$41.59
$19.01
Gas CO2
104 kg
EV CO2
35 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 17, 2026
Origin
Brent, FL
Morning
in Brent on Sunday
Local time
10:28 AM
CDT
Current temp
95°F
Sunny
NW 5 to 10 mph4% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 5:47PM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 5:42PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
Destination
Watertown, FL
Morning
in Watertown on Sunday
Local time
11:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
95°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 6 mph50% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 5:47PM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 5:42PM 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.
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
5h 23m 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.
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 B/D 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 drive for the vast majority of this trip, with 98% of the 297.1 miles utilizing major roadways like I 10 and Northwest US Highway 41. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a substantial 288 miles primarily on I 10, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent speed. While the focus is on efficient travel, the transition onto Northeast Bascom Norris Drive will offer a slight change of pace as you approach your destination. This route prioritizes getting you there quickly over extensive scenic detours.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 288 mi on I 10.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and Northwest US Highway 41. 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 Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 297.1 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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 23m. Total distance: 297.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 288 miles on I 10. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 26 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 Watertown, 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. There are 26 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 2.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Yes — Gulf Islands National Seashore. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Watertown, FL before the return drive.
