Gandy, FL to Tallahassee, FL is 251.1 miles and takes about 5h 16m via Young Boulevard and Suncoast Parkway, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Florida, beginning in the Gandy area and ending in the state capital. The route offers a mixed driving experience, with a significant portion on highways but also includes time on surface roads. It's a manageable drive for a single day, making it a convenient option for getting from the Tampa Bay area to North Florida without needing an overnight stay.
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
125.6 miles from Gandy, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 34m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Young Boulevard
89.3 mi
1h 53m
Suncoast Parkway
54.2 mi
59m
Suncoast Boulevard
47 mi
59m
Apalachee Parkway
16.1 mi
23m
US 19
13 mi
16m
FL 589 Toll Express Lane
7.8 mi
9m
I 275
6 mi
7m
Veterans Expressway
5.5 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
Young Boulevard
— 89.3 mi, about 1h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gandy, FL and Tallahassee, FL.
1
Start on San Fernando Drive Northeast
523 ft·17 sec·San Fernando Drive Northeast
2
Turn left onto US 92
0.8 mi·1 min·Gandy Boulevard
3
Keep slight right at fork onto US 92
0.3 mi·27 sec·Gandy Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
4
Take the exit onto US 92
0.3 mi·36 sec·US 92
Toward US 92 West, FL 687, FL 686 West: 4th Street North, Roosevelt BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Turn right onto FL 687
2.8 mi·4 min·4th Street North
Use the right lane.
6
Merge onto I 275
6.0 mi·7 min·I 275
7
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 39Toward FL 60: Clearwater, Tampa International Airport, Kennedy Boulevard, West Shore BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward FL 60 East: Kennedy Boulevard, West Shore BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
9
Continue on West Kennedy Boulevard
0.3 mi·31 sec·West Kennedy Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
10
Turn left onto FL 60
0.7 mi·1 min·Memorial Highway
Toward FL 589 Toll: Tampa International Airport, ClearwaterUse the left / straight lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll
4.5 mi·6 min·Veterans Expressway
Toward FL 589 TollUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll
3.2 mi·4 min·FL 589 Toll Express Lane
13
Merge onto FL 589 Toll
0.6 mi·48 sec·Veterans Expressway
14
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll
4.6 mi·5 min·FL 589 Toll Express Lane
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto FL 589 Toll
0.4 mi·27 sec·Veterans Expressway
16
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll
54 mi·59 min·Suncoast Parkway
Toward Crystal RiverUse the straight lane.
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi·43 sec
Toward FL 44: Gulf to Lake Highway
18
Turn left onto FL 44
4.8 mi·7 min·Gulf to Lake Highway
19
Continue on FL 44
0.9 mi·1 min·Northeast 5th Street
20
Turn right onto US 19; US 98
47 mi·59 min·Suncoast Boulevard
Use the right lane.
21
Continue on US 19; US 98; US 27 Alternate
89 mi·1 hr 53 min·Young Boulevard
22
Continue on US 19; US 27
13 mi·16 min·US 19; US 27
23
Continue on US 27
12 mi·15 min·Apalachee Parkway
Use the left lane.
24
Continue on US 27
0.2 mi·18 sec·Apalachee Parkway
25
Continue on US 27
4.2 mi·7 min·Apalachee Parkway
Use the left lane.
26
At end of road, turn right onto US 27; FL 61
31 ft·1 sec·South Monroe Street
27
Arrive at destination
US 27; FL 61
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 16m estimated drive time, leaving Gandy in the morning should allow you to reach Tallahassee with plenty of daylight to spare. With only one recommended stop, you can choose to make it brief or more leisurely. The fuel cost is estimated at $40, so be sure to factor that into your budget. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before heading onto the 89.3-mile stretch on Young Boulevard, as services might be spaced out. This is a solid day trip; if you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider breaking it up, though it's easily manageable in one go.
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 125.6 miles from Gandy, FL, or about 2h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 89.3 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 55 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 125.6 miles or 2h 34m 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 16m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tallahassee, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Gandy, 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 Gandy, FL
This is one driving day of about 251.1 miles and 5h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Gandy, 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 Young Boulevard for about 89.3 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.2 and 25.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
1.2 mi into trip|~2m in|US 92
Take the exit onto US 92 toward US 92 West, FL 687, FL 686 West: 4th Street North, Roosevelt Boulevard
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.
Toward US 92 West, FL 687, FL 686 West: 4th Str...
8
10.3 mi into trip|~14m in
Take the exit toward FL 60: Clearwater, Tampa International Airport, Kennedy Boulevard, West Shore Boulevard
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 39
Toward FL 60: Clearwater, Tampa International A...
8
10.8 mi into trip|~15m in
Keep slight right at fork toward FL 60 East: Kennedy Boulevard, West Shore Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward FL 60 East: Kennedy Boulevard, West Shor...
7
12.1 mi into trip|~17m in|FL 589 Toll / Veterans Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll / Veterans Expressway toward FL 589 Toll
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward FL 589 Toll
7
25.4 mi into trip|~35m in|FL 589 Toll / Suncoast Parkway
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 589 Toll / Suncoast Parkway toward Crystal River
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward Crystal River
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.37 one way
$80.75 round trip
$4.08/gal25.4 MPG avg88 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$44.04
$88.08
premium
$4.78
$47.27
$94.55
diesel
$6.28
$62.04
$124.09
Estimated Tolls: $3.69
Suncoast Parkway
(54.2 mi)$3.25
Veterans Expressway
(5.5 mi)$0.44
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
$40
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
75.3
0
$26.37
$12.05
Efficient EV
62.8
0
$21.97
$10.04
EV Truck/SUV
100.4
1
$35.15
$16.07
Gas CO2
88 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Gandy, FL
Morning
in Gandy on Thursday
Local time
7:06 AM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Sunny
NE 14 to 17 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:26AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Destination
Tallahassee, FL
Morning
in Tallahassee on Thursday
Local time
7:06 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Sunny
NNE 10 to 15 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:34AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
Rip Current Statement
Rip Current Statement issued October 19 at 2:26AM EDT until October 22 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville 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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
7 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 16m 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.
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll encounter a blend of highway and surface roads on this 251.1-mile drive. About 41% of the route is on highways, meaning you'll have stretches of faster cruising. The longest continuous section without a major change in road type is 89.3 miles on Young Boulevard. Expect to transition between the higher speeds of the Suncoast Parkway and the more varied conditions of surface roads like Suncoast Boulevard.
41% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 89.3 mi on Young Boulevard.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.2 miles in near US 92.
Driving Effort9/10
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 17 significant decision points across 251.1 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 1.2 miles (US 92): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
204 ft4 ft
Total Climb
293 ft
Total Descent
93 ft
Highest Point
204 ft
~251.1 mi in
Elevation Range
201 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Gandy, FL to Tallahassee, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Crystal River along the way.
Tallahassee is the capital city of Florida, in the Florida Panhandle region of the state. In addition to housing the state government, it is a university town home to Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee Community College. Tallahassee has a good selection of restaurants for a city of its size. The universities' theater, art, and music programs, in addition to an active Council of Culture and Arts, also make for an unusually vibrant arts scene.
Top landmarks
•Florida State Capitol — state capitol building of the U.S. state of Florida
•Florida Governor's Mansion — official residence of the governor of Florida
•Tallahassee — railway station in Tallahassee, the United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 16m. Total distance: 251.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 89.3 miles on Young Boulevard. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $3.69 in tolls one way, starting with Suncoast Parkway. 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 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 Tallahassee, 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 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.2 miles (US 92): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — De Soto National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Tallahassee, FL before the return drive.
