10202
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Butler Beach, FL to St. Petersburg, FL
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 2m
Distance
205.5 mi
331 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 49m
★
6 AM
4h 2m
8 AM
4h 28m
10 AM
4h 11m
12 PM
4h 9m
3 PM
4h 13m
5 PM
4h 27m
8 PM
3h 54m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Butler Beach, FL
Brent Singleton
St. Petersburg, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Butler Beach to St. Petersburg is 205.5 miles and takes about 4 hours 2 minutes via I-4 and I-95, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, taking you from the Atlantic coast to the Gulf coast. It's a straightforward, highway-focused drive, best suited for a single day. You’ll spend most of your time on major interstates, making it an efficient way to cover the distance.
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
102.8 miles from Butler Beach, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 1m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 4 | 130.2 mi | 2h 28m |
| I 95 | 35.3 mi | 38m |
| I 275 | 21.3 mi | 26m |
| US 1 | 6.7 mi | 8m |
| FL 206 | 3.9 mi | 5m |
| A1A | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| 5th Avenue North | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| 34th Street North | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 4
— 130.2 mi, about 2h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Butler Beach, FL and St. Petersburg, FL.
1
Start on Weff Road
0.2 mi
·
48 sec
·
Weff Road
2
At end of road, turn right onto SR A1A
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
SR A1A
3
Turn right onto FL 206
3.9 mi
·
5 min
·
FL 206
4
Turn left onto US 1
6.7 mi
·
8 min
·
US 1
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward I 95 South: Miami
6
Merge onto I 95
35 mi
·
38 min
·
I 95
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 260C-B-A
Toward I 4, US 92, FL 400: Daytona Beach, Orlando, International Airport, International Speedway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on this road
513 ft
·
12 sec
·
this road
Exit 260 C B A
Toward I 4, US 92, FL 400: Daytona Beach, Orlando
9
Keep slight left at fork
1.3 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 4, FL 400: Orlando, South Daytona
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 260B
Toward I 4 West: Orlando
Use the slight right lane.
11
Continue on I 4
37 mi
·
40 min
·
I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 4
10 mi
·
13 min
·
I 4
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 84B
Toward Ivanhoe Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
14
Continue on this road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
this road
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
15
Continue on this road
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
this road
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
16
Merge onto I 4
83 mi
·
1 hr 34 min
·
I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
40 sec
Toward I 275 South: Tampa International Airport, Saint Petersburg
Use the slight left lane.
18
Merge onto I 275
21 mi
·
26 min
·
I 275
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 23B
Toward FL 595: Treasure Island, Florida Orange Groves Winery
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn right onto FL 595
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
5th Avenue North
21
Turn left onto US 19
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
34th Street North
Use the left lane.
22
Continue on US 19
323 ft
·
14 sec
·
34th Street South
23
Arrive at destination
US 19
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour drive, leaving in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. Since it's a single-day trip, you have flexibility with stops. The longest stretch without exits is over 130 miles on I-4, so plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly before embarking on that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $33 budget suggests it's best to top off before you start.
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 102.8 miles from Butler Beach, FL, or about 2h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 130.2 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 45 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.8 miles or 2h 1m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near St. Petersburg, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Butler 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 Butler Beach, FL
This is one driving day of about 205.5 miles and 4h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Butler 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 I 4 for about 130.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
103 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 102.8 miles from Butler Beach, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 4 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 130.2 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Nearby Places
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
10201
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
50222
0.1 mi from route
I-4 Eastbound weighing station
0.1 mi from route
50221
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
I-4 Westbound weighing station
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.4 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.9 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.1 mi from route
20331
1.7 mi from route
Rest Area
1.7 mi from route
Rest Area
1.7 mi from route
Rest Area
1.7 mi from route
20332
1.8 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
2 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.3 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 145 decision points cluster between mile 48.4 and 203.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
48.4 mi into trip
|
~56m in
Take the exit toward I 4, US 92, FL 400: Daytona Beach, Orlando, International Airport, International Speedway
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 260C-B-A
Toward I 4, US 92, FL 400: Daytona Beach, Orlan...
8
50 mi into trip
|
~58m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 4 West: Orlando
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 260B
Toward I 4 West: Orlando
7
97.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 53m in
Take the exit toward Ivanhoe Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 84B
Toward Ivanhoe Boulevard
8
181.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 30m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 275 South: Tampa International Airport, Saint Petersburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 275 South: Tampa International Airport...
8
203.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 57m in
Take the exit toward FL 595: Treasure Island, Florida Orange Groves Winery
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 23B
Toward FL 595: Treasure Island, Florida Orange...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.71 one way
$65.42 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
72 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $35.58 | $71.16 |
| premium | $4.72 | $38.21 | $76.42 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $45.37 | $90.74 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 61.7 | 0 | $21.58 | $9.86 |
| Efficient EV | 51.4 | 0 | $17.98 | $8.22 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 82.2 | 1 | $28.77 | $13.15 |
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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.
Origin
Butler Beach, FL
Afternoon in Butler Beach on Sunday
Local time
2:09 PM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Partly Sunny
W 6 to 13 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued April 19 at 5:28AM EDT until April 19 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Fire Weather Watch
Fire Weather Watch issued April 19 at 3:35AM EDT until April 20 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
Destination
St. Petersburg, FL
Afternoon in St. Petersburg on Sunday
Local time
2:09 PM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
83°F
Lake Butler, FL
103 mi in
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
4 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
4h 2m 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.
Fort Matanzas National Monument
National Monument
Fort Matanzas National Monument preserves the fortified coquina watchtower, completed in 1742, which defended the southern approach to the Spanish military settlement of St. Augustine. It also protect...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 7.1
Park Closure: Beach Access Ramp Closure
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
National Monument
Built by the Spanish in St. Augustine to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United Stat...
7 mi from route
~19 min detour
$15
View on nps.gov
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...
17 mi from route
~43 min detour
Free
near mile 205.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 96% of the 205.5 miles on major interstates. You'll experience a long stretch of 130.2 miles on I-4, which likely means consistent cruising speeds and fewer exits for a significant portion of the trip. Expect to encounter frequent exits as you approach urban areas, particularly as you get closer to St. Petersburg.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 130.2 mi on I 4.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 4 and I 95. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 48.4 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 14 significant decision points across 205.5 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 48.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 50 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 97.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Butler Beach, FL and St. Petersburg, FL, road signs point toward Orlando, International Airport, International Speedway, Daytona and Saint Petersburg.
Orlando
48.4 mi in
|
~56m
International Airport
48.4 mi in
|
~56m
International Speedway
48.4 mi in
|
~56m
Daytona
48.7 mi in
|
~57m
Saint Petersburg
181.8 mi in
|
~3h 30m
About the Cities
Arriving in St. Petersburg, FL
Full guide →Saint Petersburg sits at the base of the Tampa Bay peninsula in Pinellas County, Florida, and enjoys a more subdued social atmosphere than its larger cousin, Tampa. The city has tried to characterize the downtown as an arts and entertainments destination and you will find no shortage of arts and crafts stores, galleries, and museums along with cafes and boutique food shops all within a couple blocks of the Tampa Bay waterfront. With water on three sides of the city, St. Pete is a superb location for fishing, sailing, and wandering beaches.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 2m. Total distance: 205.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 130.2 miles on I 4. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 23 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 St. Petersburg, 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 23 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 48.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 50 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 97.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Fort Matanzas National Monument, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and De Soto National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.1 hours — manageable with a long break at St. Petersburg, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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