Gulfport to Pembroke Pines is 246.4 miles and takes about 4h 33m via I 75 and Sunshine Skyway Bridge, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip keeps you within Florida the entire way, primarily on major highways. Expect a straightforward drive with minimal complexity, making it a practical choice for a single-day transit. It’s a good option if you need to cover ground efficiently between the Gulf Coast and South Florida.
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
123.2 miles from Gulfport, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 16m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
209.3 mi
3h 44m
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
13.4 mi
15m
Port Everglades Expressway
9 mi
10m
I 275
5.1 mi
7m
Florida's Turnpike
4.2 mi
4m
22nd Avenue South
1.2 mi
2m
Southwest 64th Way
0.5 mi
1m
SR 84
0.4 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 209.3 mi, about 3h 44m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 92 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~2,831 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,554
Quietest
2 AM
~187 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 104 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 Gulfport, FL and Pembroke Pines, FL.
1
Start on CR 138
0.2 mi·31 sec·Gulfport Boulevard South
2
Continue on CR 138
1.2 mi·2 min·22nd Avenue South
3
Turn right onto US 19
0.2 mi·31 sec·34th Street South
4
Turn left onto 26th Avenue South
289 ft·7 sec·26th Avenue South
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward Bradenton
6
Merge onto I 275
4.0 mi·4 min·I 275
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·17 sec
8
Merge onto I 275; US 19
13 mi·15 min·Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 275
1.1 mi·2 min·I 275
Toward I 75 South: Naples
10
Merge onto I 75
28 mi·30 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
181 mi·3 hr 14 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 595
9.0 mi·10 min·Port Everglades Expressway
Exit 19Toward SR 869 Toll North, I 595 East: Coral Springs, Fort LauderdaleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Exit 8; 9A-BToward US 441: Orlando, Miami, Florida's TurnpikeUse the slight right lane.
14
Turn straight onto SR 84
0.4 mi·37 sec·SR 84
Toward SR 84 East, I 595 East, US 441: Florida's Turnpike, North Orlando, South Miami
15
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·46 sec
Exit 8Toward Florida's Turnpike, Miami South, Orlando NorthUse the straight / right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·56 sec
Toward Miami, Florida's TurnpikeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike South
18
Merge onto Florida's Turnpike
4.2 mi·4 min·Florida's Turnpike
19
Take the exit
0.4 mi·43 sec
Exit 49BToward SR 820 West: Pines BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto SR 820
0.2 mi·36 sec·Hollywood Boulevard
21
Turn left onto Southwest 64th Way
0.5 mi·1 min·Southwest 64th Way
Use the left lane.
22
Continue on Southwest 8th Street
0.2 mi·56 sec·Southwest 8th Street
23
Arrive at destination
Southwest 8th Street
Trip Plan
Consider an early morning departure from Gulfport to maximize daylight and avoid afternoon traffic in the South Florida region. With a driving time of just over 4.5 hours, this is easily a one-day trip, so you have flexibility with stops. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the long 209.3-mile stretch on I 75, as services can be more spread out on interstates. The $39 fuel cost is an estimate, so check current prices before you leave.
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 123.2 miles from Gulfport, FL, or about 2h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 209.3 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 54 miles or 1h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 123.2 miles or 2h 16m 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 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pembroke Pines, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Gulfport, 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 Gulfport, FL
This is one driving day of about 246.4 miles and 4h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Gulfport, 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 75 for about 209.3 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 230.1 and 245 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
230.1 mi into trip|~4h 11m in|I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway
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
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 19
Toward SR 869 Toll North, I 595 East: Coral Spr...
8
239.2 mi into trip|~4h 21m in
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
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 8; 9A-B
Toward US 441: Orlando, Miami, Florida's Turnpi...
7
239.8 mi into trip|~4h 22m in
Take the ramp toward Florida's Turnpike, Miami South, Orlando North
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 8
Toward Florida's Turnpike, Miami South, Orlando...
8
240.1 mi into trip|~4h 23m in
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
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Miami, Florida's Turnpike
7
245 mi into trip|~4h 30m in
Take the exit toward SR 820 West: Pines Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 49B
Toward SR 820 West: Pines Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.62 one way
$79.24 round trip
$4.08/gal25.4 MPG avg86 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$43.22
$86.43
premium
$4.78
$46.39
$92.78
diesel
$6.28
$60.88
$121.76
Estimated Tolls: $1.24
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
(13.4 mi)$0.94
Florida's Turnpike
(4.2 mi)$0.30
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
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73.9
0
$25.87
$11.83
Efficient EV
61.6
0
$21.56
$9.86
EV Truck/SUV
98.6
1
$34.50
$15.77
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% 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
Gulfport, FL
Morning
in Gulfport on Friday
Local time
7:12 AM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Sunny
NE 12 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
Pembroke Pines, FL
Morning
in Pembroke Pines on Friday
Local time
7:12 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
NE 16 to 21 mph17% 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
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
4h 33m 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?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 93% of the 246.4 miles on major roadways like I 75. You'll experience a long stretch of 209.3 miles on I 75, indicating continuous highway cruising for the bulk of your trip. Expect to transition to surface roads closer to your destination in Pembroke Pines, likely after the Port Everglades Expressway.
93% 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: 209.3 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and Sunshine Skyway Bridge. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 230.1 miles in near I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway.
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 19 significant decision points across 246.4 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 230.1 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 239.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 239.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
46 ft-2 ft
Total Climb
82 ft
Total Descent
94 ft
Highest Point
46 ft
~35.2 mi in
Elevation Range
48 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 Gulfport, FL to Pembroke Pines, FL, road signs begin pointing toward Fort Lauderdale along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 33m. Total distance: 246.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 209.3 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.24 in tolls one way, starting with Sunshine Skyway Bridge. 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 15 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 Pembroke Pines, 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 15 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 230.1 miles (I 595 / Port Everglades Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 239.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 239.8 miles: 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Pembroke Pines, FL, but most travelers stay overnight.
