Ford's Garage - Brandon
Near the start, right off the route
Brandon, Florida
Hours: 11 AM–10 PM
+18136613673
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 28m
Distance
290.7 mi
468 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$44
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Carrollwood Village, FL
DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ
Miami, FL
Wikimedia Commons
Carrollwood Village to Miami is 290.7 miles and takes about 5h 28m via I 75 and Florida's Turnpike, with a fuel budget near $46 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip primarily stays within Florida, covering a substantial distance on major interstates. Given its highway-heavy nature and a single recommended day, this route is best suited for travelers looking to get from point A to point B efficiently. Plan for a straightforward drive with minimal detours off the main highways.
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
145.3 miles from Carrollwood Village, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 44m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 247.3 mi | 4h 25m |
| Florida's Turnpike | 10.4 mi | 12m |
| Port Everglades Expressway | 9 mi | 10m |
| I 95 | 9 mi | 11m |
| East Fletcher Avenue | 6.1 mi | 10m |
| West Fletcher Avenue | 2.9 mi | 5m |
| South Village Drive | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| North Miami Avenue | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 138 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,435 veh/hr typical · worst 4,023
Quietest
2 AM
~262 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
13.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Step-by-step road directions between Carrollwood Village, FL and Miami, FL.
Start on Glenside Circle
Continue on Glenside Circle
Turn left onto Lowell Road
Turn right onto South Village Drive
Continue on West Fletcher Avenue
Continue on FL 579
Continue on CR 582A
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
Keep slight right at fork onto I 595
Take the exit
Turn straight onto SR 84
Take the ramp
Keep slight left at fork
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 95
Take the exit
Turn left onto Northwest 8th Street
Turn right onto North Miami Avenue
Arrive at destination
To make the most of this 5h 28m drive, aim for an early morning departure from Carrollwood Village to avoid the worst of potential traffic, especially as you near Miami. With only one recommended day and a 247.3-mile longest stretch, you can comfortably complete this in one go without needing an overnight stop. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as services can be spaced out on the Turnpike, and budget around $46 for gas. A good strategy is to fill up before you get on the Turnpike to potentially find better prices.
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.
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 64 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 145.3 miles or 2h 44m 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 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Miami, FL than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Carrollwood Village, 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 Carrollwood Village, FL
This is one driving day of about 290.7 miles and 5h 28m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
145 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.
A short stop after about 64 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 145.3 miles from Carrollwood Village, FL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 247.3 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Best meal stop · first break window
Brandon, Florida
Near the start, right off the route
Hours: 11 AM–10 PM
+18136613673
Fred's Market Restaurant
Riverview, Florida
Kiki's Restaurant & Lounge
Tampa, Florida
Best coffee break · home stretch
Miami, Florida
Near the end, right off the route
Hours: 9 AM–9 PM
+17864384286
Bistro Café
Miami, Florida
El Jefe Cafe
Tampa, Florida
Near the start, right off the route
Brandon, Florida
Hours: 11 AM–10 PM
+18136613673
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Riverview, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–9 PM
+18137419101
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Brandon, Florida
Hours: 12–10 PM
+18136554786
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Tampa, Florida
Hours: 5 AM–9 PM
+18134502176
Visit websiteNear the start, ~9 min detour
Brandon, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–2 PM
+18134093583
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Venice, Florida
Hours: 11 AM–9 PM
+19412186418
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Riverview, Florida
Hours: 6–10 PM
+18134471057
Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Port Charlotte, Florida
Hours: 6:30 AM–8 PM
+19416295898
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Miami, Florida
Hours: 9 AM–9 PM
+17864384286
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Miami, Florida
Hours: 8 AM–4 PM
+17865333876
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Tampa, Florida
Hours: 6:30 AM–3 PM
+18135155289
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Brandon, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–4 PM
+18133814395
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Brandon, Florida
Hours: 11 AM–8:30 PM
+18136899531
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Venice, Florida
Hours: 9 AM–4 PM
+19413036621
Near the start, short detour
Brandon, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–2:30 PM
+18136550565
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Miami, Florida
Hours: 8 AM–4 PM
+17867725615
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, right off the route
Venice, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Fort Myers, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18555023851
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Venice, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18336224743
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, right off the route
Venice, Florida
+18555675853
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Venice, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Punta Gorda, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18336322778
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Fort Myers, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18889982546
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~11 min detour
Fort Myers, Florida
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18336322778
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Miami, Florida
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+13053587550
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Naples, Florida
Hours: Closed
+12392524021
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Miami, Florida
Hours: Closed
+13054007000
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Miami, Florida
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Miami, Florida
Hours: 12–7 pm
+13056143808
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Miami, Florida
Hours: 10 am–11 pm
+17863601766
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Miami, Florida
Hours: 10:30 am–6:30 pm
+13055763334
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Brandon, Florida
Hours: 7 AM–9 PM
+18133248924
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 257.9 and 289.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Keep slight right at fork onto I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway toward SR 869 Toll North, I 595 East: Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit toward US 441: Orlando, Miami, Florida's Turnpike
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the ramp toward Florida's Turnpike, Miami South, Orlando North
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight left at fork toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit toward Northwest 8th Street, Port of Miami
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Regular Gas
$44.01 one way
$88.01 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.22 | $48.29 | $96.57 |
| premium | $4.55 | $52.07 | $104.15 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $54.89 | $109.78 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.73
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
$44
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 101.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 87.2 | 1 | $30.52 | $13.95 |
| Efficient EV | 72.7 | 0 | $25.44 | $11.63 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 116.3 | 1 | $40.70 | $18.60 |
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (67% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Late night in Carrollwood Village on Monday
Local time
5:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 7:40PM EDT until July 17 at 8:45PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 6:19PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
Destination
Late night in Miami on Monday
Local time
5:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 7:40PM EDT until July 17 at 8:45PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 6:19PM CDT by NWS Mobile AL
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
National Park
Within sight of Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Evidence of 10,000 years of human history is here to...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
You'll spend 95% of this 290.7-mile trip on highways, experiencing primarily high-speed cruising. The longest continuous stretch on a single highway is 247.3 miles, mainly on I 75. Expect a very urban feel with frequent exits and merging traffic as you approach and pass through populated areas.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Florida's Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 257.9 miles in near I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway.
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 19 significant decision points across 290.7 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 257.9 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 267 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 267.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Mostly flat terrain
Total Climb
16 ft
Total Descent
56 ft
Highest Point
46 ft
Elevation Range
40 ft
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Carrollwood Village, FL and Miami, FL, road signs point toward Fort Lauderdale, Florida's Turnpike, Orlando, Miami South, Orlando North and Florida's Turnpike South.
Fort Lauderdale
Florida's Turnpike
Orlando
Miami South
Orlando North
Florida's Turnpike South
“The Magic City” · Founded 1825
Miami is a major city in the southeastern United States and the second most populous city in Florida. The Greater Miami metropolitan area is the largest in the state with an estimated population just under 6.1 million (2021), which makes it the 9th most populous metro area in the United States. Although tourists generally consider Miami Beach to be part of Miami, it is its own municipality. Miami Beach sits on a barrier island east of Miami and Biscayne Bay. It is home to lots of beach resorts, and is one of the most popular spring break party destinations in the world. This article only covers the city of Miami, not Miami Beach.
Top landmarks
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 28m. Total distance: 290.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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