Traveling from Deltona to Tampa is a straightforward 113.8-mile journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 16 minutes behind the wheel. Because the route is compact and efficient, it works perfectly as a quick day trip rather than an overnight excursion. You will spend the vast majority of your time navigating I-4, with minor segments on Saxon Boulevard and the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway to finalize your arrival. Budget roughly $19 for fuel to complete this one-way trip. This drive connects two major hubs within Florida, offering a seamless transition between these central regions without the need for complex detours or multi-day planning.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
56.9 miles from Deltona, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 9m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 4
106.8 mi
2h 2m
Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
1.5 mi
2m
Saxon Boulevard
0.8 mi
1m
East Normandy Boulevard
0.8 mi
1m
East Kennedy Boulevard
0.4 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 4
— 106.8 mi, about 2h 2m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Deltona, FL and Tampa, FL.
1
Start on East Normandy Boulevard
0.8 mi·1 min·East Normandy Boulevard
2
Turn left onto CR 4146
0.8 mi·1 min·Saxon Boulevard
3
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 4 West: Orlando
4
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·59 sec
Toward I 4 West: Orlando
5
Merge onto I 4
15 mi·17 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 4
10 mi·13 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 84BToward Ivanhoe BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
8
Continue on this road
0.5 mi·1 min·this road
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
9
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·34 sec·this road
Toward I 4 West: Tampa
10
Merge onto I 4
81 mi·1 hr 31 min·I 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.7 mi·59 sec
Exit 2Toward FL 618 Toll: Port of Tampa, West Selmon Expressway TollUse the straight / slight left lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·33 sec
Toward Downtown, West Selmonm Expressway TollUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·43 sec
Toward Downtown, West Selmon Expressway Toll
14
Merge onto FL 618 Toll
1.5 mi·2 min·Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 8Toward FL 60: Kennedy Boulevard, Downtown - EastUse the slight right lane.
16
Turn straight onto US 41 Business; FL 60
0.4 mi·1 min·East Kennedy Boulevard
17
Arrive at destination
FL 60
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though you should keep an eye on I-4 traffic patterns to avoid peak congestion. There are no mandatory stops required for this 2-hour and 16-minute duration, allowing you to drive straight through if you prefer. Given that the longest stretch spans 106.8 miles, ensure your fuel tank is ready for the interstate haul before leaving Deltona. If you are prone to fatigue during long, monotonous highway sessions, consider a brief break mid-way to keep your focus sharp. Utilizing the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway at the end of your trip can help streamline your arrival into Tampa, so keep a little extra time in your schedule to navigate the final local connections.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 56.9 miles from Deltona, FL, or about 1h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106.8 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 25 miles or 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 56.9 miles or 1h 9m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tampa, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Deltona, 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 Deltona, FL
This is one driving day of about 113.8 miles and 2h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 miles from Deltona, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 4 for about 106.8 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 12
5 decision points cluster between mile 17.6 and 113.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
17.6 mi into trip|~22m in|I 4
Keep slight right at fork onto I 4
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
7
28 mi into trip|~36m 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
110.4 mi into trip|~2h 10m in
Take the exit toward FL 618 Toll: Port of Tampa, West Selmon Expressway Toll
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 2
Toward FL 618 Toll: Port of Tampa, West Selmon...
8
111 mi into trip|~2h 11m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Downtown, West Selmonm Expressway Toll
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Downtown, West Selmonm Expressway Toll
8
113.2 mi into trip|~2h 14m in
Take the exit toward FL 60: Kennedy Boulevard, Downtown - East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 8
Toward FL 60: Kennedy Boulevard, Downtown - Eas...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.11 one way
$36.23 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg40 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$19.70
$39.41
premium
$4.72
$21.16
$42.32
diesel
$5.61
$25.13
$50.25
Estimated Tolls: $0.15
Selmon Expressway
(1.5 mi)$0.15
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
$18
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 39.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
34.1
0
$11.95
$5.46
Efficient EV
28.5
0
$9.96
$4.55
EV Truck/SUV
45.5
0
$15.93
$7.28
Gas CO2
40 kg
EV CO2
13 kg (68% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Deltona, FL
Late night
in Deltona on Tuesday
Local time
4:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Tampa, FL
Late night
in Tampa on Tuesday
Local time
4:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Mostly Clear
ENE 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
88°F
Lake Butler, FL
57 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
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
2h 16m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highly efficient, highway-focused drive where 95% of your time is spent on high-speed roads. The experience is dominated by a long, 106.8-mile stretch on I-4, which acts as the primary artery for your entire trip. While the route begins with local navigation on Saxon Boulevard, you will quickly transition into a steady interstate pace. Because this is a high-traffic corridor, the road feels functional and direct rather than winding or scenic. You should prepare for a consistent, interstate-focused experience that prioritizes speed and connectivity over varied terrain.
95% 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: 106.8 mi on I 4.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 4 and Lee Roy Selmon Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 17.6 miles in near I 4.
Driving Effort10/10
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 12 significant decision points across 113.8 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 17.6 miles (I 4): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 28 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 110.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 16m. Total distance: 113.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 106.8 miles on I 4. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.15 in tolls one way, starting with Selmon Expressway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 16 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 Tampa, 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. There are 16 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 17.6 miles (I 4): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 28 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 110.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Tampa, FL before heading back.
